Organic waste separator for under the sink

Abstract

A garbage separator for attachment to a sink drain is provided. The garbage separator includes: a lateral tube, a motor-driven non-cutting auger, a cylindrical filter, a water collector, a sink wastewater inlet, a normally closed butterfly valve, a hinge actuator, and a microprocessor. The lateral tube includes a proximal end, a distal end, a side wall between the proximal end and the distal end, a solid waste outlet at the distal end, and a flange on the side wall. The lateral tube defines a lateral hole. The motor-driven non-cutting auger is received in the lateral hole. The cylindrical filter surrounds the motor-driven non-cutting auger. The water collector is located below the cylindrical filter and terminates at a wastewater outlet. The sink wastewater inlet is near the proximal end. The sink wastewater inlet is perpendicular to the lateral hole and is in fluid communication with the lateral hole. The normally closed butterfly valve is hingedly attached to the lateral tube near the distal end. The hinge actuator is for the normally closed butterfly valve. The microprocessor is in electrical communication with the hinge actuator.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present technology relates to a household device for separating wastewater into solid waste and liquid waste. More specifically, the present technology relates to an on-line microprocessor-controlled organic waste separator for a sink drain pipe. Background Art

[0002] Over the years, the disposal of kitchen waste has changed. Waste disposal is considered an acceptable method for disposing of solid waste. These devices use a lot of water and add an unnecessary load to the sewage treatment system. In addition, these devices process materials that can be used for composting or anaerobic digestion. Currently, more methods focus on retaining solid waste. For example, U.S. Patent No. 9,694,362 discloses a compost waste disposal device for use under a kitchen sink that separates food waste items into a liquid component and a solid component. The liquid component is directed to a standard sewage pipe or septic tank system. The solid component is directed to a removable storage bin. The food waste items are separated by a motor-driven auger member that is very close to the inner wall of the filter cup such that the liquid exits through the filter portion of the cup and the solid exits through holes in the bottom of the cup. A microprocessor circuit senses the stress on the drive motor and if the stress becomes excessive, the motor automatically reverses the direction of the shaft and the auger thus releases an excessive amount of food waste that caused the excessive stress. The solid waste remains in an open storage bin, so the odor cannot be controlled. In addition, due to the odor, bugs are attracted to the waste. In addition, if the storage bin is not emptied regularly, the solid waste may be contaminated with mold and other fungi, resulting in the release of fungal spores into the environment. The waste disposal device is not a closed system. The placement and design of the outlet pipe for the solid waste will be problematic because the auger will direct the solid waste downward into the bottom of the cup, resulting in clogging the opening of the outlet pipe, where the diameter of the opening of the outlet pipe is much smaller than the diameter of the bottom of the cup. The placement of the outlet pipe and the liquid waste pipe will be problematic because the liquid will preferentially drain through the outlet pipe for the solid waste.

[0003] U.S. Patent No. 8,464,970 discloses a garbage disposal device under a sink that includes a garbage separator. The garbage separator extracts liquid from organic waste and transfers the extracted liquid to a residential drainage pipe. The remaining solids in the form of an organic slurry are dried in a dryer and stored in a removable collection receiver. A cutter, which can be an auger, cuts the organic waste before it is dried. The cutter is mounted horizontally in the garbage separator. The slurry outlet and the liquid outlet are located at opposite sides of the garbage separator. Thus, the power of the cutter pushes the organic slurry to the slurry outlet, but there is no force to direct the liquid to the liquid outlet. As a result, the separation of the liquid from the solids is very poor. Therefore, this is a very inefficient system. No measures are taken to seal the system against the environment, so odors can be released. Drying consumes a lot of energy and causes odor release. In addition, the resulting dried garbage must be rehydrated to be used as compost.

[0004] U.S. Patent No. 7,954,739 discloses a garbage disposal device that includes a shredding device, a lateral conveying device, a dehydration device, a drying device, and a garbage receiver. The shredding device is used to shred the garbage that is input through the drain opening of the sink and a connecting member. The lateral conveying device is used to convey the shredded garbage by the shredding device in the lateral direction. The shredded garbage conveyed by the lateral conveying device is introduced into the dehydration device, and when the shredded garbage is conveyed upward, the dehydration device is used to dehydrate the shredded garbage. The shredded garbage discharged from the dehydration device is supplied to the drying device via a chute, and the drying device is used to dry the shredded garbage when it rotates. The garbage receiver is arranged below the drying device so that it can be pulled out, and the shredded garbage that is dried by the drying device and has a reduced volume falls from the rotating drying device and is collected in the garbage receiver. Drying consumes a lot of energy and causes odor release. In addition, the resulting dried garbage must be rehydrated to be used as compost. The garbage disposal device is not a closed system because it includes an exhaust fan and a removable receiver, and thus there does not seem to be a mechanism to isolate the garbage disposal device from the environment.

[0005] Canadian Patent No. 3011856 discloses a garbage separator for attachment to a sink drain pipe and a collection bin. The garbage separator includes: a lateral pipe having a proximal end, a distal end, a side wall between the proximal end and the distal end, a solid waste outlet at the distal end, and a magnetic flange on the side wall, the lateral pipe defining a lateral bore that houses a motor-driven auger and a cylindrical filter located between the motor-driven auger and the side wall of the lateral pipe; a sink waste water inlet located near the proximal end, the sink waste water inlet being perpendicular to the lateral bore and in fluid communication with the lateral bore; a normally closed solenoid valve located near the distal end of the lateral pipe; and a bottom container having a waste water outlet, the bottom container defining an interior that is in fluid communication with the lateral bore near the proximal end. The collection bin has a defined volume, and when the collection bin is attached to the garbage separator, gas is then restricted within the unit and escapes once the collection bin is separated from the garbage separator or when the sink stopper is removed.

[0006] There is a need for a safe and easy-to-use garbage separator for under the sink that reduces or eliminates odor release. The garbage separator is preferably compact and allows the use of a larger bin. The garbage separator is more preferably energy-efficient. The garbage separator is still more preferably having a small number of moving parts. The garbage separator preferably reduces or eliminates accidental water leakage. The garbage separator is also preferably controlled by a microprocessor. The garbage separator is preferably a closed system when the butterfly valve is closed. Summary of the Invention

[0007] The present technology relates to a safe and easy-to-use garbage separator for under the sink that reduces or eliminates odor release. The garbage separator is compact, energy-efficient and has a small number of moving parts. The garbage separator reduces or eliminates accidental water leakage. The garbage separator is controlled by a microprocessor. The garbage separator allows the use of a larger bin. The garbage separator is a closed system when the butterfly valve is closed. The system has low power requirements as the system neither cuts nor dries solid waste.

[0008] In one embodiment, a garbage separator and collector system for use under a sink is provided. The garbage separator includes: a lateral tube, a motor-driven non-cutting auger, a cylindrical filter, a water collector, a sink wastewater inlet, a normally closed butterfly valve, a hinge actuator, and a microprocessor. The lateral tube includes a proximal end, a distal end, a sidewall between the proximal end and the distal end, a solid waste outlet at the distal end, and a flange on the sidewall. The lateral tube defines a lateral hole. The motor-driven non-cutting auger is received in the lateral hole. The cylindrical filter surrounds the motor-driven non-cutting auger. The water collector is located below the cylindrical filter and terminates at a wastewater outlet. The sink wastewater inlet is near the proximal end. The sink wastewater inlet is perpendicular to the lateral hole and is in fluid communication with the lateral hole. The normally closed butterfly valve is hingedly attached to the lateral tube near the distal end. The hinge actuator is for the normally closed butterfly valve. The microprocessor is in electrical communication with the hinge actuator. And the collector includes: a telescoping box that defines an interior and includes an inner member, an outer member, and a drawer. The inner member includes a wall, a top, a push pin on the wall, and a garbage hole in the wall. The outer member includes a wall, a bottom, and a plurality of holes vertically arranged in the wall to releasably engage with the push pin. The drawer slidably engages with the front portions of the inner member and the outer member. Wherein, at least the distal end of the lateral tube extends through the garbage hole into the interior such that the flange abuts against the back of the collector and releasably seals the lateral tube to the back.

[0009] In the system, the garbage separator may further include a pressure sensor that is located in the water collector near the proximal end of the lateral hole. The pressure sensor is in electrical communication with the microprocessor.

[0010] In the system, the garbage separator may further include a locking arm and a locking arm actuator. The locking arm is hingedly attached to the lateral tube near the distal end. The locking arm actuator is in electrical communication with the microprocessor.

[0011] In the system, the garbage separator may further include a pair of gaskets located between the distal end and the normally closed butterfly valve.

[0012] The system may include an alarm, and the collector may include a sensor for sensing when the collector is full. The alarm and the sensor may be in electrical communication with the microprocessor.

[0013] In the system, the collector may further include a collection box that is received in the drawer within the interior.

[0014] In the system, the outer member of the telescoping box may further include a plurality of air intake holes in the wall near the bottom, and the top includes a plurality of exhaust portions.

[0015] In the system, the top of the telescoping box may include a filter housing on the lower side.

[0016] The system may further include an activated carbon filter in the filter housing.

[0017] In the system, the motor-driven auger can be a non-cutting, motor-driven auger.

[0018] In another embodiment, a method of separating organic solid waste from liquid waste in wastewater using the system as described above and collecting the organic solid waste is provided, wherein the waste separator is vertically installed in the drain pipe of the sink, and the method includes: the user actuates the waste separator when wastewater flows into the system; the system opens the normally closed butterfly valve; the waste separator causes the organic solid waste to enter the telescopic box; and the liquid waste leaves the system and enters the drain pipe.

[0019] The method may further include the user deactivating the waste separator and the system closing the normally closed butterfly valve.

[0020] The method may further include the system automatically closing the normally closed butterfly valve.

[0021] In the method, the user can remotely actuate the system.

[0022] In another embodiment, a waste separator for attachment to a sink drain pipe is provided, the waste separator including: a lateral tube, a motor-driven non-cutting auger, a cylindrical filter, a water collector, a sink wastewater inlet, a normally closed butterfly valve, a hinge actuator, and a microprocessor, the lateral tube including a proximal end, a distal end, a side wall between the proximal end and the distal end, a solid waste outlet at the distal end, and a flange on the side wall, the lateral tube defining a lateral hole; the motor-driven non-cutting auger being received in the lateral hole; the cylindrical filter surrounding the motor-driven non-cutting auger; the water collector being located below the cylindrical filter and terminating at a wastewater outlet; the sink wastewater inlet being near the proximal end, the sink wastewater inlet being perpendicular to the lateral hole and in fluid communication with the lateral hole; the normally closed butterfly valve being hingedly attached to the lateral tube near the distal end; the hinge actuator for the normally closed butterfly valve; the microprocessor being in electrical communication with the hinge actuator

[0023] The waste separator may further include an upper tube disposed between the sink wastewater inlet and the lateral tube, the upper tube defining an upper hole, the upper hole being in fluid communication with the sink wastewater inlet and the lateral hole.

[0024] In the waste separator, the upper tube may include a dishwasher waste inlet.

[0025] The waste separator may further include a pressure sensor located in the water collector near the proximal end of the lateral hole, the pressure sensor being in electrical communication with the microprocessor.

[0026] The waste separator may further include a locking arm and a locking arm actuator, the locking arm being hingedly attached to the lateral tube near the distal end, and the locking arm actuator being in electrical communication with the microprocessor.

[0027] The garbage separator may further include a pair of gaskets located between the distal end and the normally closed butterfly valve.

[0028] The garbage separator may further include a motor attached to the proximal end of the lateral tube and driving a non-cutting auger to provide a motor-driven non-cutting auger.

[0029] In the garbage separator, the flange may be a magnetic flange.

[0030] In the garbage separator, the hinge actuator may be a servo mechanism.

[0031] In the garbage separator, the locking arm actuator may be a servo mechanism. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0032] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the garbage separator and collection system of the present technology.

[0033] Figure 2 is Figure 1 a schematic diagram of the garbage separator of the system of.

[0034] Figure 3A is Figure 2 a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the garbage separator of along line 3A; and Figure 3B is Figure 2 a transverse cross-sectional view of the garbage separator of along line 3B.

[0035] Figure 4 is a left side view of the garbage separator.

[0036] Figure 5 is Figure 1 a schematic diagram of the box of the system of.

[0037] Figure 6 is an isometric view of the collection box.

[0038] Figure 7 is a rear view of the box.

[0039] Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view of the box showing the airflow through the box.

[0040] Figure 9 is a side view of the box located on the garbage separator in the cabinet.

[0041] Figure 10 is a schematic diagram of the electronic components of the system.

[0042] Figure 11A is a schematic diagram of the microprocessor and the switch; Figure 11B is a schematic diagram of the microprocessor and the Bluetooth radio; and Figure 11C is a schematic diagram of the Bluetooth radio for further communication with the application software on the mobile device. Detailed implementation manners

[0043] Unless otherwise expressly provided, the following rules of interpretation apply to this specification (written description and claims): (a) all words used herein shall be construed to be of such part of speech or number (singular or plural) as may be required in the context; (b) the singular terms “a”, “an” and “the” used in the specification and the appended claims shall include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise; (c) the antecedent term “about” applied to a recited range or value means an approximation within the deviation of the range or value known or expected in the art according to the measurement method, unless otherwise stated; (d) the words “herein”, “hereby”, “hereof”, “hereto”, “above” and “below”, and words of similar import, refer to the entire content of this specification and not to any particular paragraph, claim or other subdivision; (e) descriptive headings are for convenience only and shall not control or affect the meaning or construction of any part of the specification; and (f) “or” and “any” are not exclusive, and “include” and “including” are not restrictive. In addition, unless otherwise stated, the terms “comprising”, “having”, “including” and “containing” shall be construed as open terms (i.e., meaning “including but not limited to”).

[0044] Unless otherwise indicated herein, the recitation of a numerical range herein is merely intended to be a shorthand method of referring individually to each separate value falling within the range, and each separate value is incorporated into the specification as if it were individually recited herein. In the case of a range of values being provided, it is to be understood that, unless the context clearly dictates otherwise, each intermediate value between the upper and lower limits of the range and any other stated value or intermediate value within the range is included to the tenth of a unit of the lower limit. All smaller subranges are also included. The upper and lower limits of these smaller ranges are also included therein, subject to any explicit exclusions stated within the range.

[0045] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the relevant art. Although any methods and materials similar or equivalent to those described herein may also be used, the acceptable methods and materials are now described.

[0046] Definition:

[0047] Computing device - In the context of the present technology, a computing device refers to a mobile phone, a tablet computer, a laptop computer, a desktop computer or a dedicated computing device. A computing device has a memory and a processor.

[0048] Handheld mobile device - In the context of this technology, a handheld mobile device refers to a mobile phone, a tablet computer, or a laptop computer.

[0049] Dishwasher wastewater - In the context of this technology, dishwasher wastewater refers to a mixture of liquid waste and organic solids that is pumped out of a dishwasher and into a drainage channel.

[0050] Sink wastewater - In the context of this technology, sink wastewater refers to a mixture of liquid waste and organic solids that is released from a sink into a drainage channel.

[0051] Filtered wastewater - In the context of this technology, filtered wastewater refers to water that has passed through a filter in a waste separator and has a significantly reduced content of solid organic waste.

[0052] Detailed description:

[0053] Figure 1 A waste separator and collector system generally designated 10 is shown. A waste separator generally designated 12 is disposed in-line on a drain pipe 14 between a sink 16 and a bend 18. As Figure 2 shown, the waste separator has two waste inlets: a dishwasher wastewater inlet generally designated 20 and a sink wastewater inlet generally designated 22; and the waste separator has two outlets: a solid waste outlet generally designated 24 and a filtered water outlet generally designated 26. Returning to Figure 1 , the waste separator 12 is attached to a closed box 30.

[0054] As Figure 2 and Figure 3A shown, a housing generally designated 32 includes an upper tube 34, a lateral tube 36, and a wastewater collector 38 (see Figure 3A ). The upper tube 34 has an upper hole 40 that terminates at the sink waste inlet 22. The sink waste inlet 22 is sized to receive an upper portion of the sink drain pipe 14 (shown in Figure 1 ). A flange 42 surrounds the upper tube 34 at the sink waste inlet 22. The dishwasher wastewater inlet 20 passes through a sidewall 44 into the upper hole 40. The dishwasher wastewater inlet 20 has a male end 46 for mating with the female end of a dishwasher drain hose. An electric motor housing 50 is attached to the lateral tube 36. As Figure 3AAs shown, the horizontal tube 36 has a horizontal hole 52, the distal end of which terminates at the solid waste outlet 24 and the proximal end of which is connected to the electric motor housing 50. The wastewater collector 38 is located below the cylindrical filter 66 and has a bottom surface 54 that is inclined at an acute angle with respect to the horizontal hole 38 such that the volume increases from the distal end 56 of the wastewater collector to the proximal end 58 of the wastewater collector (which proximal end 58 is located at the filtered water outlet 26). Without being limited by theory, this promotes the flow of filtered water towards the filtered water outlet 26. The filtered water outlet 26 has a drain hole 60 that has a diameter that is approximately the same as the diameter of the wastewater collector 38 at the proximal end 58 of the wastewater collector 38. The drain hole 60 is sized to receive a standard 1.5-inch diameter treated drain elbow of the drain pipe 14. The upper hole 40 and the area near the proximal end 58 of the wastewater collector 38 are vertically aligned to form a flow-through hole generally designated 55. The flow-through hole 55 allows for the conveyance under gravity towards the filtered water outlet 26 and reduces the entrapment of liquid waste in the organic solids separated by the separator. The sensor housing 61 houses a pressure sensor 63. The pressure sensor 63 determines the water level in the event of an overflow such that the system can close the butterfly valve 76 before water begins to overflow into the tank 30. The horizontal hole 52 houses an auger 62 that is attached to a motor 64 at the proximal end 65 of the horizontal tube 36. The auger 62 has a diameter of 3 inches, where the pitch is approximately 3 inches, which pitch decreases towards the distal end 67 and the length of the auger 62 is 8 inches. The auger 62 is a non-cutting auger and, as Figure 3B shown has a rounded edge 63 to ensure that the auger 62 does not cut food waste. This allows the auger to push food scraps towards the solid waste outlet 24 without generating small particles that could clog the cylindrical filter 66. The cylindrical filter 66 is attached at the proximal end 65 and the distal end 67 of the horizontal tube 36 and is located between the inner surface 68 of the horizontal tube 36 and the auger 62 and between the auger 62 and the water collector 38. The cylindrical filter 66 has a plurality of chamfered holes 70. Without being limited by theory, the chamfer results in sharp edges on each hole 70, which reduces the chance of food particles getting stuck.

[0055] As Figure 2 and Figure 3A shown, a magnetic flange 72 surrounds the horizontal tube sidewall 74. As Figure 3A shown, the distal end 67 of the horizontal tube 36 has a butterfly valve 76, which is a normally closed butterfly valve 76. An outer gasket 78 is located on the butterfly valve and an inner gasket 79 is located on the distal end 67 to ensure that when the butterfly valve 76 is in the closed position, no water can escape from the separator 12 and no odor can escape from the tank 30. The double gaskets 78, 79 reduce or eliminate the escape of water and odor, even if there is food residue in the area.

[0056] Liquid waste and solid organic waste enter the waste separator 12 through the dishwasher waste inlet 20 and the sink waste inlet 22. When this waste reaches the lateral tube 36, the auger 62 drives the organic solid waste towards the solid waste outlet 24, and the liquid waste continues to flow by gravity through the filter 66 and into the waste water collector 38 as filtered waste water. The efficiency of this process is demonstrated in Example 1.

[0057] Details of the butterfly valve 76 are as Figure 2 and Figure 4 shown. The butterfly valve is a normally closed butterfly valve 76. As Figure 2 shown, the locking arm 80 is hingedly attached to the arm servo mechanism 82, which actuates the locking arm 80 to push the locking arm 80 from the open position to the closed position. In the closed position, the locking arm 80 presses against the butterfly valve 76. As Figure 2 and Figure 4 shown, the hinge 84 is attached to the butterfly valve 76. As Figure 4 shown, the hinge 84 is hingedly attached to the hinge servo mechanism 86 and the butterfly valve 76, which actuates the hinge 84 to open and close the butterfly valve 76.

[0058] As Figure 5 shown, the box 30 has a bottom 90, sides 92, a front 94, a rear 96, and a top 98. The front 94 includes a handle 100 on the drawer front 102. The collection box 104 is located in the drawer 106. The drawer 106 has sides 108 sized to receive the collection box 104.

[0059] As Figure 6 shown, the collection box 104 has a handle 110 and a lid 112. All corners of the collection box 104 are rounded to reduce food residue from getting stuck.

[0060] As Figure 7 shown, the box 30 has a telescoping body defined by an inner member 120 and an outer member 122. A plurality of holes 124 in the outer member 122 of the back 96 are sized to receive the push button 126 on the inner member 120 of the back 96. In this way, the height of the box 30 can be adjusted higher or lower according to the height of the cabinet. Once the height is adjusted, the members 120, 122 are held in place using clips. The waste hole 130 in the inner member 120 of the back 96 is sized to receive the distal end 67 of the lateral tube 36. The air inlet hole 132 is also located in the outer member 122 of the back 96.

[0061] As Figure 8As shown, the exhaust portion 134 is located in the top 98. Below the top 98 is a holder 136 for releasably holding the activated carbon filter 138. The airflow through the box 30 is shown by the arrows. The airflow is convective, and thus, the heated gas from the box 30 is removed passively. Without being limited by theory, this reduces the odor because heat is required to generate the odor.

[0062] As Figure 9 shown, when the box 30 is in the collection position, the distal end 67 of the lateral tube 36 is within the interior 204 of the box, and the magnetic flange 72 abuts against the back 96, thereby forming a magnetic seal between the back 86 and the flange 72. This magnetic seal further reduces or eliminates the escape of odor. The box 30 is screwed onto the base 224 of the cabinet 226.

[0063] In an alternative embodiment, the flange 72 is bolted to the back 96 of the box 30 and has a washer that presses against the back 96.

[0064] As Figure 10 shown, the microprocessor 250 is housed within the motor housing 50. The motor 64, the pressure sensor 63, the arm servo mechanism 82, the hinge servo mechanism 86, the sensor 240 which is preferably an ultrasonic sensor, and the alarm 254 are controlled by the microprocessor 250, and thus they are in electrical communication with the microprocessor 250. The microprocessor 250 guides the motor 64 through different cycles in addition to the main cycle that indicates the entry of organic waste into the box 30, such as running backward to remove blockages, running at different speeds, and stopping. Returning to Figure 9 , the sensor 240 is located within the box 30 and reports when the box 30 is full. The sensor can be, for example but not limited to, an ultrasonic ranging sensor, a downwardly inclined optical sensor 240 which will include a light source 242 in the case where the sensor is an optical sensor 240, or the sensor can be a pressure sensor that senses the increased pressure caused by the organic waste squeezing against the sensor or a mechanical switch. This causes the microprocessor 250 to instruct the alarm 254 to sound.

[0065] As Figure 11A shown, in one embodiment, the waste separator and collector system 10 is wired to the switch 300. In Figure 11B another embodiment shown, the microprocessor 250 is hardwired, and the Wi-Fi receiver 302 is in electrical communication with the microprocessor 250. The microprocessor 250 can automatically control the opening and closing of the butterfly valve 76. The Wi-Fi transceiver 304 in the mobile device 306 communicates radioactively with the Wi-Fi receiver 302 and sends instructions to the microprocessor 250, and the mobile device 306 is, for example but not limited to: a mobile phone, a tablet computer, or a laptop computer. In Figure 11CIn another embodiment shown, there is a Wi-Fi transceiver 308 in electrical communication with the microprocessor 250. The transceiver 308 sends data of the organic waste weight to the application 310 on the mobile device 306 via the Wi-Fi transceiver 304. This allows the application 310 to track the amount of waste generated over time.

[0066] Example 1

[0067] Run the waste separator and collector system 10 and obtain the following data:

[0068] - Average extracted food waste: 95%.

[0069] - Average removed free liquid: 100%.

[0070] - Longest dimension of solids that can be processed (excluding soft organic matter such as banana peels which may be larger): 3 inches.

[0071] - Filter size (minimum food waste size): 5 / 32 inches (note that smaller food particles may be trapped inside larger particles).

[0072] - Running time: at least 6 seconds.

[0073] - Maximum power: 60W.

[0074] Although the example embodiments have been described in connection with examples of the presently considered most practical and / or suitable embodiments, it should be understood that these descriptions are not limited to the disclosed embodiments, but on the contrary, are intended to cover various modifications and equivalent arrangements included within the spirit and scope of the example embodiments. Those skilled in the art will recognize or be able to ascertain using no more than routine experimentation many equivalents to the specific example embodiments specifically described herein. Such equivalents are intended to be included within the scope of the claims if appended hereto or subsequently filed.

Claims

1. A garbage separator and collector system for use under a sink, the garbage separator comprising: A horizontal tube, a motor-driven non-cutting auger, a cylindrical filter, a water collector, a sink wastewater inlet, a normally-closed butterfly valve, a hinge actuator, a locking arm, a locking arm actuator, and a microprocessor. The horizontal tube includes a proximal end, a distal end, a sidewall between the proximal end and the distal end, a solid waste outlet at the distal end, and a flange on the sidewall. The horizontal tube defines a horizontal hole. The motor-driven non-cutting auger is received in the horizontal hole. The cylindrical filter surrounds the motor-driven non-cutting auger. The water collector is located below the cylindrical filter and terminates at a wastewater outlet. The sink wastewater inlet is near the proximal end, perpendicular to the horizontal hole and in fluid communication with the horizontal hole. Wherein, the normally-closed butterfly valve is hingedly attached to the horizontal tube near the distal end. The hinge actuator is hingedly attached to the hinge and the normally-closed butterfly valve. The locking arm is hingedly attached to the horizontal tube near the distal end and at least partially extends over the normally-closed butterfly valve. The microprocessor is in electrical communication with the hinge actuator and the locking arm actuator. And the collector includes: a telescopic box that defines an interior and includes an inner member, an outer member, and a drawer. The inner member includes a wall, a top, a push pin on the wall, and a waste hole in the wall. The outer member includes a wall that includes an adjustment wall. The adjustment wall includes a bottom, a top, a plurality of vertically arranged holes for releasably engaging with the push pin, and a recess. The recess extends downward from the top. Wherein, the recess is sized to receive the waste hole and the distal end of the horizontal tube. The drawer slidably engages with the front portions of the inner member and the outer member. Wherein, at least the distal end of the horizontal tube extends through the waste hole into the interior such that the flange abuts the back of the collector and releasably seals the horizontal tube to the back.

2. The system according to claim 1, wherein, The waste separator further includes a pressure sensor located in the water collector near the proximal end of the horizontal hole. The pressure sensor is in electrical communication with the microprocessor.

3. The system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein The waste separator further includes a pair of gaskets located between the distal end and the normally-closed butterfly valve.

4. The system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, The system includes an alarm, and the collector includes a sensor for sensing when the collector is full. Both the alarm and the sensor are in electrical communication with the microprocessor.

5. The system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein The collector further includes a collection box received in the drawer within the interior.

6. The system according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein The outer member of the telescopic box further includes a plurality of air intake holes in the wall near the bottom, and the top of the telescopic box includes a plurality of exhaust portions.

7. The system according to claim 6, wherein, The top includes a filter housing therebelow.

8. The system according to claim 7, the system further includes an activated carbon filter in the filter housing.

9. A method for separating organic solid waste from liquid waste in wastewater using the system according to claim 1 and collecting the organic solid waste, wherein, The garbage separator is vertically installed in the drain pipe of the sink. The method includes: the user actuates the garbage separator when wastewater flows into the system; the locking arm actuator actuates the locking arm, and the hinge actuator opens the normally closed butterfly valve; the garbage separator urges the organic solid waste into the telescopic box; and the liquid waste leaves the system and enters the drain pipe.

10. The method according to claim 9, further comprising the user deactivating the garbage separator and the system closing the normally closed butterfly valve.

11. The method according to claim 9, further comprising the system automatically closing the normally closed butterfly valve.

12. The method according to any one of claims 9 to 11, wherein, The user remotely actuates the system.

13. A garbage separator for attachment to a sink drain pipe, the garbage separator comprising: A lateral tube, a motor-driven non-cutting auger, a cylindrical filter, a water collector, a sink wastewater inlet, a normally closed butterfly valve, a hinge actuator, a locking arm, a locking arm actuator, and a microprocessor. The lateral tube includes a proximal end, a distal end, a sidewall between the proximal end and the distal end, a solid waste outlet at the distal end, and a flange on the sidewall. The lateral tube defines a lateral hole; the motor-driven non-cutting auger is received in the lateral hole; the cylindrical filter surrounds the motor-driven non-cutting auger; the water collector is located below the cylindrical filter and terminates at a wastewater outlet; the sink wastewater inlet is near the proximal end, the sink wastewater inlet is perpendicular to the lateral hole and is in fluid communication with the lateral hole; wherein, the normally closed butterfly valve is hingedly attached to the lateral tube near the distal end; the hinge actuator is hingedly attached to the hinge and the normally closed butterfly valve; the locking arm is hingedly attached to the lateral tube near the distal end and at least partially extends over the normally closed butterfly valve; the microprocessor is in electrical communication with the hinge actuator and the locking arm actuator.

14. The garbage separator according to claim 13, further comprising an upper tube disposed between the sink wastewater inlet and the lateral tube. The upper tube defines an upper hole that is in fluid communication with both the sink wastewater inlet and the lateral hole.

15. The garbage separator according to claim 14, wherein, The upper tube includes a dishwasher garbage inlet.

16. The garbage separator according to claim 14 or 15, further comprising a pressure sensor located in the water collector near the proximal end of the lateral hole. The pressure sensor is in electrical communication with the microprocessor.

17. The garbage separator according to any one of claims 13 to 16, further comprising a pair of gaskets located between the distal end and the normally closed butterfly valve.

18. The garbage separator according to any one of claims 13 to 17, further comprising a motor attached to the proximal end of the lateral tube and driving the non-cutting auger to provide the motor-driven non-cutting auger.

19. The garbage separator according to any one of claims 13 to 18, wherein, The flange is a magnetic flange.

20. The garbage separator according to any one of claims 13 to 19, wherein, The hinge actuator is a servo mechanism.

21. The garbage separator according to claim 20, wherein, The locking arm actuator is a servo mechanism.

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