Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
CA 02878535 2015-01-16
APPARATUS FOR DISPOSAL FROM A RECREATIONAL VEHICLE
Technical Field
[0001] The present disclosure relates to methods and apparatus for
emptying
sewage or other storage tanks of recreational vehicles and other mobile units
having
sewage or other storage tanks.
Background
[0002] Many recreational vehicles, such as mobile homes, include toilets
having
on-board sewage storage. In order to drain sewage from sewage storage tanks of
the
prior art, an operator performs a series of steps. First, the operator removes
a sewage
hose from its storage position and manually attaches one end of the sewage
hose to a
drain valve of the recreational vehicle. The sewage hose is then manually
extended
toward the sewage disposal unit at the park or campsite, for example, and the
sewage
hose is manually coupled to the inlet of the sewage disposal unit. The
operator then
opens the valve of the recreational vehicle tank in order for the sewage to
drain into the
sewage disposal unit inlet. Once all of the sewage has drained, the operator
removes
the dirty sewage hose from the sewage disposal unit inlet, removes the hose
from the
recreational vehicle drain valve and closes the drain valve. The operator then
manually
returns the sewage hose to its storage position.
[0003] These steps are quite onerous and often result in the operator
coming into
contact with the sewage.
Summary
[0004] In an aspect there is provided an apparatus for emptying a storage
tank of
a vehicle, the apparatus comprising: a reel coupled to a base, the base
received in a
recess of a vehicle; and a self-supporting chain mounted on the reel, the self-
supporting
chain comprising a channel receiving a fluid-receiving conduit, a first end of
the self-
supporting chain coupled to the chain reel and the self-supporting chain being
unwindable from the chain reel to move a second end of the self-supporting
chain from
a retracted position to an extended position, the self-supporting chain being
maintained
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in a generally linear position when in the extended position, the self-
supporting chain for
moving an outlet of the fluid-receiving conduit into communication with an
inlet of a
collection unit prior to opening a valve of the storage tank; wherein the
apparatus is
sized to be received in a recess of the vehicle when the self-supporting chain
is in the
retracted position.
[0005] In another aspect there is provided a conduit assembly for emptying
a
storage tank of a vehicle, comprising: a self-supporting chain comprising
inner and outer
links coupled to one another and conduit supporting structures extending from
ones of
the inner and outer links; and a conduit received in a channel of the self-
supporting
chain, the channel delimited by the inner and outer links and the conduit
supporting
structures, the conduit in fluid communication with the storage tank for
emptying
contents of the tank into a collection unit; wherein the self-supporting chain
is wound
around a reel receivable in the vehicle and is unwindable to an extended
position in
which the self-supporting chain is generally linear.
Drawings
[0006] The following figures set forth embodiments in which like reference
numerals denote like parts. Embodiments are illustrated by way of example and
not by
way of limitation in the accompanying figures.
[0007] Figure 1 is a side view of an example recreational vehicle
including an
apparatus for emptying sewage according to an embodiment;
[0008] Figure 2 is an enlarged view of a portion of Figure 1;
[0009] Figure 3 is a top view of the example recreational vehicle of
Figure 1;
[0010] Figure 4 is an enlarged view of a portion of Figure 3;
[0011] Figure 5 is a rear view of the example recreational vehicle of
Figure 1;
[0012] Figure 6 is an enlarged view of a portion of Figure 5;
[0013] Figure 7 is a rear view of another example recreational vehicle
including
an apparatus for emptying sewage according another embodiment in which the
apparatus in an extended position;
[0014] Figure 8 is an enlarged view of a self-supporting chain of the
apparatus for
emptying sewage of Figure 7; and
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[0015] Figure 9 is a rear view of the example recreational vehicle of
Figure 7 in
which the apparatus for emptying sewage is in a retracted position;
[0016] Figure 10 is a rear view of yet another example recreational
vehicle
including an apparatus for emptying sewage according another embodiment in
which
the apparatus in an extended position;
[0017] Figure 11 is a top perspective view of a self-supporting chain
assembly of
Figure 10 in a retracted position;
[0018] Figure 12 is a top view of a portion of the self-supporting chain
assembly
of Figure 10;
[0019] Figure 13 is a side perspective view of the self-supporting chain
assembly
of Figure 10; and
[0020] Figure 14 is a rear view of still another example recreational
vehicle
including an apparatus for emptying sewage according another embodiment in
which
the apparatus in an extended position.
Detailed Description
[0021] Referring to Figures 1 and 2, an apparatus 12 for moving a sewage
conduit of a vehicle toward a sewage disposal unit (not shown) is coupled to a
recreational vehicle 10, which is shown by way of example. The apparatus 12
may be
installed on any vehicle having an on-board sewage storage tank including:
recreational
vehicles, trailers or boats, for example. The apparatus 12 may also be used
for
emptying other fluids from onboard storage tanks of vehicles including: grey
water,
hazardous liquid material or clean drinking water, for example.
[0022] The apparatus 12 is located in a recess 14 that is provided near a
sewage
storage tank (not shown) of the vehicle 10. The recess 14 is sized to include
an outlet
16 of the sewage storage tank, the apparatus 12 and a sewage conduit 18, which
is
coupled to the outlet 16. A cover (not shown) is removable to allow the
operator to
access the recess 14. The cover may be a hinged door that is openable to allow
the
operator to access the recess 14.
[0023] The sewage conduit 18 is generally a hose that is coupled to the
outlet 16
of the sewage storage tank. The sewage conduit 18 is collapsible and is stored
within
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the recess 14 when not in use. In the embodiment of Figures 1 and 2, the
sewage
conduit 18 is a collapsible corrugated pipe having an outlet 20. The sewage
conduit
may alternatively be a telescopic pipe or another retractable or collapsible
pipe, for
example.
[0024] Referring also to Figures 3 and 4, the apparatus 12 includes a base
22, a
link arm 24 and an upper arm assembly 26, which includes an upper arm 28 and
an
extendible arm 30. The apparatus 12 further includes a motor driven hydraulic
pump
and valve assembly 32 and a control panel 34 for controlling movement of the
link arm
24 and upper arm assembly 26.
[0025] The base 22 includes a fixed portion 36 and a rotatable portion 38.
The
fixed portion 36 is coupled to a lower surface 40 of the recess 14 and the
rotatable
portion 38 rotates relative thereto.
[0026] A first end 42 of the link arm 24 is hinged to the base 22 and a
first end 46
of the upper arm 28 is hinged to a second end 44 of the link arm 24. The
extendible
arm 30 of the upper arm assembly 26 is movable relative to the upper arm 28
along an
axis of the upper arm 28. Movement of the extendible arm 30 may be powered by
hydraulics (water or oil), electric motor or movement of the extendible arm
may be
manually achieved using a cable system, for example. In one embodiment, the
movement of the extendible arm 30 may be achieved manually by including a
handle
(not shown) on the extendible arm 30 so that the operator may manually move
the
sewage conduit 18.
[0027] A second end 48 of the extendible arm 30 includes a clamp 52 that
is
continuously coupled to the outlet 20 of the sewage conduit 18. The clamp 52
is
generally an elbow-shaped fitting that redirects sewage exiting the sewage
conduit 18
into the sewage disposal unit. Although the sewage conduit 18 is continuously
coupled
to the outlet of the sewage storage tank at one end and the clamp 52 at the
opposite
end, it will be appreciated by a person skilled in the art that the sewage
conduit may be
de-coupled to allow for cleaning, replacement or repair, for example.
[0028] The apparatus 12 is rotatable to swing the link arm 24 and upper
arm
assembly 26 in the direction indicated by arrow 54 of Figure 4. The maximum
range of
rotation of the rotatable portion 38 is at least 180 degrees, however, the
range may be
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reduced based on how far the base 22 is located into the recess 14. When
extended,
the link arm 24 and the upper arm assembly 26 cover a distance of
approximately 20ft
from the base 22. In other embodiments this distance may be increased or
reduced by
adjusting the length of one or more of the link arm 24, the upper arm 28 and
the
extendible arm 30.
[0029] A first sensor 56 is coupled to the second end 48 of the extendible
arm 30.
The first sensor 56 is for communicating with a second sensor (not shown). The
second
sensor is stored in the vehicle 10 and is movable by the operator to a
location adjacent
the inlet of the sewage disposal unit. In general, the first sensor 56 is a
receiver and a
transmitter and the second sensor is at least a transmitter. The first sensor
56 receives
location information from the second sensor and sends its own location
information and
the location information of the second sensor to the control panel 34, which
controls
movement of the apparatus 12. In one embodiment, both sensors send their
respective
location information to the control panel 34. In another embodiment, both
sensors are
provided with both receiving and transmitting capabilities.
[0030] The control panel 34 is generally a computer that is in
communication with
the motor driven hydraulic pump and valve assembly 32, which forces fluid
through
hydraulic lines 64 that actuate first and second hydraulic cylinders, 58 and
60. The
hydraulic cylinders 58 and 60 are coupled between the base 22 and the link arm
24 and
the link arm 24 and the upper arm 28, respectively. The control panel 34
further
controls opening and closing of the valve (not shown) at the outlet of the
sewage control
tank. Alternatively, opening and closing of the valve may be performed
manually.
[0031] Movement of the apparatus 12 may be controlled automatically based
on
feedback from the first sensor 56 and second sensor or may be controlled
manually by
using a joystick 62, which is coupled to the control panel 34.
[0032] In operation, in order to empty the on-board sewage storage tank,
the
operator parks the vehicle 10 near a sewage disposal unit at a campsite or
recreational
vehicle park, for example, and removes the cover to expose the sewage conduit
18 and
the apparatus 12. Using the control panel 34, the operator then initiates
movement of
the apparatus 12 to move the outlet 20 of the sewage conduit 18 into
communication
with the sewage disposal unit, as shown in Figures 5 and 6. Once the outlet 20
is
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positioned so that sewage exiting the sewage conduit 18 will be deposited into
the
sewage disposal unit, the operator then opens the valve at the outlet of the
sewage
storage tank to allow sewage to empty from the on-board sewage storage tank.
Once
sewage disposal is complete, the operator operates the control panel 34 to
close the
valve and retract the apparatus 12 into the recess 14.
[0033] In another embodiment, the base 22, link arm 24 and upper arm
assembly
26 are manually operable to move the outlet 20 of the sewage conduit 18 into
communication with the sewage disposal unit. In this embodiment, the motor,
control
panel and hydraulic cylinders are omitted and a handle is coupled to the
extendible arm
30 adjacent the second end 48. In operation, the operator would manually
locate the
outlet 20 of the sewage conduit 18 using the handle and manually open the
valve at the
outlet of the sewage storage tank using a lever or other externally accessible
valve-
opening mechanism. Once sewage disposal has completed, the operator would
manually close the valve and stow the sewage conduit and apparatus.
[0034] In yet another embodiment, rather than being hydraulically powered,
the
apparatus 12 is electro-mechanically powered. In this embodiment, the
hydraulic
cylinders are replaced by electric servo motors.
[0035] In another embodiment, a video camera is provided in communication
with
the control panel 34. In this embodiment, the video camera is mounted to the
recreational vehicle 10 and is able to view the inlet of the sewage disposal
unit. An
object may be placed beside the inlet of the sewage disposal unit and the
camera
provided with software having object recognition capability, which identifies
the object
and provides location information to the control panel 34. The control panel
34 would
then direct the apparatus 12 to the inlet of the sewage disposal unit. The
video camera
may be used with hydraulic powered apparatus 12 or an electro-mechanically
powered
apparatus 12.
[0036] In still another embodiment, the software of the video camera is
capable of
identifying at least one feature of the inlet of the sewage disposal unit and
providing
location information to the control panel 34.
[0037] Referring now to Figure 7, according to another embodiment, an
apparatus 112 for moving a sewage conduit 118 toward a sewage disposal unit
(not
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shown) is coupled to a recreational vehicle 110. Similar to the apparatus 12
of Figures
1 to 6, the apparatus 112 may be installed on any vehicle having an on-board
sewage
storage tank including: recreational vehicles, trailers or boats, for example.
[0038] The apparatus 112 is located in a recess 114 of the vehicle 110,
near a
sewage storage tank 66. The recess 114 is sized to include an outlet 116 of
the
sewage storage tank 66, the apparatus 112 and the sewage conduit 118. A cover
(not
shown) is removable to allow the operator to access the recess 114. The cover
may be
a hinged door that is openable to allow the operator to access the recess 114.
In the
recreational vehicle 110 of FIG. 7, the recess 114 is located on the back of
the
recreational vehicle 110, however, the recess 114 may alternatively be located
on a
side or other location near the sewage storage tank 66.
[0039] The sewage conduit 118 is generally a hose that is coupled, at a
first end,
to the outlet 116 of the sewage storage tank 66. The sewage conduit 118 is
wound
around a sewage conduit reel 68 that is mounted on a platform 70 and is
rotatable to
extend and retract the sewage conduit 118. The sewage conduit 118 is stored in
a
retracted position, as shown in Figure 9, when not in use, and movable toward
an
extended position, which is shown in Figure 7, for sewage disposal. A second
end of
the sewage conduit 118 is coupled to a pipe elbow 75, which is inserted into
an inlet of
a sewage disposal unit during sewage disposal.
[0040] The sewage conduit 118 is movable between the retracted position
and
the extended position by a self-supporting chain 72. The self-supporting chain
72 is
wound around a chain reel 74 when retracted and is movable between the
retracted and
extended positions by a chain motor 84. The motor 84 includes a rotatable gear
86
having teeth 88 for engaging the self-supporting chain 72. The chain reel 74
is mounted
on the platform 70 adjacent to the sewage conduit reel 68. A clamp 76 is
located at a
second end of the self-supporting chain 72 to couple the self-supporting chain
72 to the
pipe elbow 72. Because the second end of the self-supporting chain 72 is
coupled to
the second end of the sewage conduit 118, the sewage conduit 118 extends when
the
self-supporting chain 72 extends. Similarly, the sewage conduit 118 retracts
when the
self-supporting chain 72 retracts.
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[0041] Referring also to Figure 8, the self-supporting chain 72 includes a
plurality
of stops 78 that are coupled to a lower side of a roller chain 80 including a
plurality of
links 82. The roller chain 80 may be any industrial chain that is limited to
bending in a
single plane to wind and unwind the roller chain 80. In the example of Figure
8, the
stops 78 are plates that are located on an underside of the self-supporting
chain 72
when the apparatus 112 is installed in the vehicle 110. The plates are coupled
between
adjacent ends of the links 82 and support the links 82 when the self-
supporting chain 72
is extended in order to maintain the self-supporting chain 72 in a generally
linear
position. The plates restrict rotation of the roller chain 80 in one direction
only,
therefore, the self-supporting chain 72 may be wound around the chain reel 74
when
the self-supporting chain 72 is in the retracted position.
[0042] It will be appreciated by a person skilled in the art that the
stops 78 are not
limited to being plates, the stops 78 may be any component capable of limiting
movement of adjacent links 82 relative to one another. Further, one or both of
the
sewage conduit reel 68 and the chain reel 74 may be spring loaded to
automatically
retract the sewage conduit 118 and the self-supporting chain 72.
[0043] The apparatus 112 includes a base 122 that is rotatably coupled to
the
recreational vehicle 110. The base 122 includes a rotation unit 90 having a
chain 98
that is movable by a worm gear and sprocket arrangement (not shown) that is
driven by
a first motor 92. A tilting unit 94 is coupled between the base 122 and a
platform 70. A
worm gear 100, which is driven by a second motor 96, engages a mating
component
102 that extends from an underside 104 of the platform 70 to tilt the platform
70 about a
tilting axis 95. It will be appreciated by a person skilled in the art that
the base 122 and
platform 70 may alternatively be hydraulically, electrically or manually
driven.
[0044] Together, the base 122 and the platform 70 facilitate pivoting of
the
platform 70 relative to the vehicle 110. The amount that the base 122 is able
to rotate
relative to the vehicle 110 may be dependent on the location of the base 122
within the
recess 114 as well as a starting position of the base 122. In one example, the
base 122
is rotatable 180 degrees. The amount that the tilting unit 94 is able to tilt
may be
dependent on the location of the base 122 within the recess 114, the distance
between
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the base 122 and the platform 70 and the length of the worm gear 100, for
example. In
one example, the tilting unit 94 is able to tilt the platform 70 45 degrees.
[0045] Referring back to Figure 7, a first sensor 156 is coupled to the
second end
of the self-supporting chain 72. A second sensor 155 is for locating next to
the sewage
disposal unit during sewage disposal. The sensors operate in a similar manner
as has
been described with respect to the first and second sensors of the embodiment
of
Figures 1 to 6. The first sensor 156 and the second sensor 155 are coupled to
sensor
cables, which are wound on sensor cable spools 165, 167, respectively, when
not in
use. The sensor cable spools 165, 167 may be spring loaded to automatically
retract
the cables following use. In one embodiment, the sensor cables are eliminated
and the
sensors 156, 155 communicate wirelessly.
[0046] The apparatus 112 further includes a control panel (not shown),
which is
generally a computer that is in communication with the first motor 92, the
second motor
96 and the chain motor 84. Movement of the apparatus 112 may be controlled
automatically based on feedback from the first sensor 56 and second sensor 155
or
may be controlled manually by using a joystick (not shown) or other input
device in
communication with control panel. The control panel operates in a similar
manner as
has been described in relation to the embodiment of Figures 1 to 6 and,
therefore, will
not be described further here.
[0047] In operation, in order to empty the on-board sewage storage tank
66, the
operator parks the vehicle 110 near a sewage disposal unit at a campsite or
recreational vehicle park, for example, and removes the cover to expose the
apparatus
112. Using the control panel, the operator then initiates movement of the
apparatus 112
to move an outlet of the pipe elbow 75 of the sewage conduit 118 into
communication
with the sewage disposal unit, as shown in Figure 7. Movement of the apparatus
112
may include rotation by the rotation unit 90, tilting by the tilting unit 94,
and extension of
the self-supporting chain 72. Once the outlet is positioned so that sewage
exiting the
sewage conduit 118 will be deposited into the sewage disposal unit, the
operator then
opens the valve at the outlet of the sewage storage tank 66 and turns on a
sewage
pump 105 to pump sewage from the on-board sewage storage tank 66 through the
sewage conduit 118. Once sewage disposal is complete, the operator operates
the
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control panel to close the valve and stop the sewage pump and to retract the
extendable arm into the recess 114.
[0048] It will be appreciated by a person skilled in the art that pivoting
of the
apparatus 112 and extension and retraction of the sewage conduit 118 and
sensor
cables may be performed manually.
[0049] The embodiment of Figures 7 and 9 is not limited to including a
self-
supporting chain 72. As will be appreciated by a person skilled in the art,
the apparatus
112 may include other types of extendible members. Any extendible member
capable
of positioning the outlet of the pipe elbow 75 relative to a sewage disposal
unit may be
used, such as an extendible arm similar to the extendible arm 30 described in
relation to
Figures 1 to 6, for example.
[0050] Referring now to Figure 10, according to yet another embodiment, an
apparatus 212 for moving a conduit toward a collection unit (not shown) is
coupled to a
recreational vehicle 110. Similar to the apparatus 12 and 112 of Figures 1 to
9, the
apparatus 212 may be installed on any vehicle having a tank for fluid storage
including:
recreational vehicles, trailers or boats, for example. The tank may contain
sewage, grey
water, hazardous liquid material or clean drinking water, for example. The
apparatus
212 is used to facilitate emptying of the storage tank while avoiding operator
contact
with the storage tank contents.
[0051] The apparatus 212 includes a conduit support assembly 214 that is
wound
around a reel 216. Referring also to Figure 11, the conduit support assembly
214
includes a conduit 218 that is received in a channel 220 of a self-supporting
chain 222
to facilitate extension and retraction of the conduit 218 and the self-
supporting chain
222 as a unit. As shown in Figure 11, the conduit support assembly 214 is
stored in a
retracted position when not in use. From the retracted position, the conduit
support
assembly 214 is movable toward an extended position for fluid transfer. The
extended
position is shown in Figures 10 and 12. Similar to the other embodiments
described
herein, a first end of the conduit 218 is coupled to the on-board storage tank
66 to
receive fluid therefrom and a second end of the conduit support assembly 214
is
coupled to the pipe elbow 75, which is inserted into an inlet of a collection
unit during
disposal. The collection unit may be a sewage disposal unit, a hazardous
material
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collection unit or clean water collection unit, for example. The storage tank
may also
include solid material that flows out of the storage tank 66 along with
liquids in the
storage tank.
[0052] In one example, the self-supporting chain 222 includes first and second
chain
members 224 and 226, respectively, which are spaced apart and coupled to one
another by cross-members 232, which are shown in Figures 12 and 13. The chain
members 224, 226 include a plurality of inner links 228 and outer links 230
that are
coupled to one another, as shown in Figure 13. The inner and outer links 228
and 230
of the chain members are shaped to facilitate winding of the self-supporting
chain 222 in
one direction and restrict unwinding beyond a generally linear position in the
opposite
direction to maintain the self-supporting chain 222 in a generally linear
position. As will
be understood by a person skilled in the art, stops that restrict unwinding of
the self-
supporting chain 222 beyond generally linear may be located on an underside of
the
self-supporting chain 222, such as stops 78 of Figure 8, for example, or may
be located
between connecting portions of the outer links 228 and 230. In one example,
the self-
supporting chain is manufactured by Igus0 of Germany.
[0053] Referring still to Figures 11 to 13, the cross-members 232 are coupled
to
projections 234 that extend from upper and lower ends of opposing links 228,
230 of the
chain members 224, 226 to form the channel 220 that receives the conduit 218.
In the
example shown, alternating projections 234 along the length of the chain
members are
joined by cross-members 232. In order for the conduit 218 to be maintained
within the
self-supporting chain of the conduit support assembly 214, the conduit 218 is
coupled to
the reel 216 and fed through the channel 220 of the self-supporting chain 220.
[0054] The chain members 224, 226 may be generally identical and oriented as
shown
in Figures 11 to 13. Alternatively, in another example, one of the chain
members 224,
226 may be replaced by conduit supporting structures that extend from the
links 228,
230 and move therewith but are not connected to one another.
[0055] Referring back to Figure 10, the conduit support assembly 214 is
movable
between the retracted position and the extended position by a chain motor 236.
The
motor 236 includes a rotatable gear 238 having teeth 240 for engaging the self-
supporting chain 222. The conduit support assembly 214 may alternatively be
movable
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between the retracted position and the extended position by a motor 242 that
drives the
reel 216, as shown in the embodiment of Figure 14.
[0056] Similar to the embodiment of Figures 7 to 9, first and second
sensors 155,
156 may be provided to allow for automatic location of the conduit outlet
relative to the
inlet of the collection unit. The apparatus 212 further includes a control
panel (not
shown), which is generally a computer that is in communication with the first
motor 92
and the chain motor 284. Movement of the apparatus 212 may be controlled
automatically based on feedback from the first sensor 156 and second sensor
155 or
may be controlled manually by using a joystick (not shown) or other input
device in
communication with control panel. The control panel operates in a similar
manner as
has been described in relation to the embodiments of Figures 1 to 9 and,
therefore, will
not be described further here.
[0057] In operation, the operator may dispose of any fluid that is
contained in an
onboard storage tank. The following example relates to sewage disposal,
however, as
will be understood by a person skilled in the art, the apparatus 212 may
alternatively
transfer other fluids from a storage tank including grey water, hazardous
liquid material
or clean drinking water, for example. When disposing of grey water, a grey
water valve
is opened to allow the grey water to flow into the sewage conduit.
[0058] In order to empty sewage from the on-board storage tank 66, the
operator
parks the vehicle 110 near a sewage disposal unit at a campsite or
recreational vehicle
park, for example, and removes the cover to expose the apparatus 212. Using
the
control panel, the operator then initiates movement of the apparatus 212 to
move an
outlet of the pipe elbow 75 of the conduit 218 into communication with the
sewage
disposal unit, as shown in Figure 10. Movement of the apparatus 212 may
include
rotation by the rotation unit 90, tilting by the tilting unit 94, and
extension of the sewage
conduit support assembly 214. Once the outlet is positioned so that sewage
exiting the
conduit 218 will be deposited into the sewage disposal unit, the operator then
opens the
valve at the outlet of the sewage storage tank 66 and turns on a sewage pump
105 to
pump sewage from the on-board sewage storage tank 66 through the conduit 218.
Once sewage disposal is complete, the operator operates the control panel to
close the
valve and stop the sewage pump and to retract the extendable arm into the
recess 114.
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[0059] An advantage of the embodiments described herein is that the
operator
does not contact the conduit so that the fluid transfer process is safe and
sanitary and
does not result in the operator coming into contact with sewage, grey water,
hazardous
liquids or clean drinking water.
[0060] A further advantage of the embodiments described herein is that the
recess provides space so that the conduit may be continuously coupled to the
outlet of
the storage tank. Re-connection of the conduit to the outlet each time sewage
is
disposed of or fluid is transferred out of the vehicle is therefore avoided.
[0061] Specific embodiments have been shown and described herein. However,
modifications and variations may occur to those skilled in the art. All such
modifications
and variations are believed to be within the scope and sphere of the present
embodiments.
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