SYSTEMS AND METHODS RELATED TO FLUID SPLASH CONTAINMENT

Abstract

Systems and methods for containing fluid splashes include the use of a fluid stream separate from a container and / or fluid surface to effectively trap materials from a fluid stream flowing through the fluid stream. The fluid stream creates a spray envelope in connection with the fluid surface and / or container and substantially prevents droplets from the fluid stream from leaving the container. The fluid stream is created by allowing a fluid supply to flow through a nozzle oriented to project a spray pattern onto the container and / or in contact with the fluid surface. The fluid stream can be selectively activated and deactivated and / or automatically activated and deactivated (e.g., by light or motion).

Description

SYSTEMS AND METHODS RELATED TO SPLASH CONTAINMENT OF FLUID nccann / zznz / E / YiAi RELATED APPLICATIONS This application claims priority and benefit from U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 941,504, filed November 27, 2019, entitled Fluid Splash Containment Systems and Methods, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Containing fluid splashes within a defined area or volume can be difficult. Such containment may be necessary or desirable in manufacturing operations, cleaning operations, or even in domestic situations, such as containing waste fluids. When a fluid stream is introduced onto or into a substantially hydrostatic (usually stationary) fluid surface, or onto a solid surface, and the stream continues to flow for some time, albeit at various locations, speeds, and / or pressures, splashing tends to occur. It is believed that there are multiple causes for splashing in this situation (e.g., a stream of urine initially entering the substantially hydrostatic water of a toilet bowl or other receptacle or container). A primary cause of splashing is thought to be the reflection or deflection of the stream away from the hydrostatic surface or surface of the receptacle (e.g., toilet bowl or urinal). A secondary cause of splashing may involve the receiving fluid (e.g., toilet water) reacting to the introduction of the stream and splashing outward from the point of intersection of the stream. A third cause of splashing may be a combination of the first two causes, which can be precipitated by a change in the direction, flow rate, or pressure of the stream. Previous methods have been developed in an effort to contain fluid splashing. One method is to treat the receiving fluid itself, such as with a surfactant, to reduce its surface tension. This allows the exposed or inactive surface of the receiving fluid to form an insulating surface against bubble splashing after the flow enters and continues. While this method has proven partially successful, it requires constant chemical treatment of the receiving water (e.g., after flushing the toilet) and may not adequately protect against splashing caused at the time of flow entry (i.e., reflection or deflection) and before the bubble layer forms. Another earlier method has been to increase the amount of physical structure of a fluid receptacle to create a physical barrier or shield to capture splashing droplets. There are several problems with this attempted solution. First, the added structure can be bulky and unsightly, and may even prevent the receptacle from being used by individual users. Second, the physical structure or shield requires frequent and thorough cleaning to remain hygienic. Third, a physical structural barrier is not always effective at capturing water droplets that may be moving substantially in the opposite direction to the flow of the stream. Consequently, the fluid splash containment technique would benefit from improved systems and methods to address at least some of the problems associated with previous methods. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION The system and method modalities according to the present invention relate in general to the containment of fluid splashes, and more particularly to spray sleeves for receiving a fluid stream. According to one aspect of a method according to the present invention, the method includes the step of establishing a first fluid stream (e.g., water) separate from a container. The fluid stream has an open side and an opposite side of the container. A first fluid stream (e.g., urine) is directed through the fluid stream from the open side. Furthermore, the travel of fluid droplets comprising fluid from the first fluid stream on the side of the container is interrupted or completely prevented from reaching the open side by means of the first fluid stream. The first fluid stream can be a laminar or spray flow. According to another aspect of a method according to the present invention, the first fluid flow may have a fan-shaped spray pattern (e.g., substantially V-shaped, which may be relatively flat, curviplanar, or even conical). The fan-shaped spray pattern may include a dispersion angle of between 45 degrees and 135 degrees, and more preferably may be about 80 degrees. According to another aspect of a method according to the present invention, a hydrostatic fluid surface (e.g., toilet water) can be disposed within the container. The first fluid flow can be set at a predetermined spray angle with respect to the hydrostatic fluid surface, said spray angle being between approximately 15 degrees and approximately 90 degrees, more preferably greater than 30 degrees and even more preferably approximately 65 degrees. According to one aspect of a system according to the present invention, the system includes a liquid receptacle, which can contain a liquid (e.g., water) and has an exposed surface. A first nozzle is configured to direct a first spray pattern toward or into the receptacle to define a first spray sleeve. The first spray pattern is configured to prevent liquid droplets from entering the first spray sleeve and passing through the first spray pattern. According to another aspect of a system according to the present invention, the exposed surface of the liquid is at least substantially hydrostatic. According to another aspect of a system according to the present invention, the first spray pattern comes from a supply line and the liquid retained by the liquid receptacle comes from a temporary holding tank. According to another aspect of a system according to the present invention, the system may include a second nozzle configured to direct a second spray pattern into the receptacle to define a second spray sleeve, wherein the second spray pattern is configured to prevent liquid droplets within the second spray sleeve from passing through the second spray pattern. The first spray pattern may intersect with the second spray pattern at a location in the receptacle and separate from the liquid, if liquid is present. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES Figure 1 is a partial cross-section view of a first modality of a fluid splash containment system according to the present invention. Figure 2 is a schematic representation of a fluid splash containment system according to the present invention. Figure 3 is a top plan view of the system according to Figure 1. Figure 4 is a partial top plan view of a second modality of a fluid splash containment system according to the present invention. Figure 5 is a partial cross-sectional view taken along line 5-5 of Figure 4. Figure 6 is a top plan view of a third modality of a fluid splash containment system according to the present invention. Figure 7 is a partial top plan view of a fourth modality of a fluid splash containment system according to the present invention. Figure 8 is a front elevation view of a fifth embodiment of a fluid splash containment system according to the present invention. Figure 9 is a partial cross-sectional view taken along line 9-9 in Figure 8. Figure 10 is a partial cross-sectional view of a laminar flow dome nozzle. nccann / zznz / E / YiAi DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED MODALITY Although the description in this document is detailed and accurate to enable those skilled in the art to implement the invention, the physical embodiments described herein merely exemplify the invention, which may be incorporated into other specific structures. While the preferred embodiment has been described, the details may be changed without departing from the invention, as defined in the claims. Returning now to Figures 1 to 3, a first embodiment 100 of a fluid splash containment system according to the present invention can be described. The system 100 generally includes an electrical circuit 120 that at least partially controls a liquid circuit 140. Although variations of the system 100 are described throughout this document, it should be understood that many of the elements of circuits 120 and 140 can be interchanged and used in alternative embodiments. The electrical circuit 120 preferably includes a power supply 122, such as a 9-volt DC battery or a converted DC power supply received from a converter that can be connected to the mains electricity supply.Power supply 122 is used to selectively activate (or deactivate) a solenoid-controlled valve 124 to control the flow of liquid from a liquid supply line 142 to a feed line 144 to a nozzle 146 to create a desired fluid flow (e.g., spray pattern 150). Although discussed throughout the following description as a spray pattern 150, the flow could also be less turbulent or even substantially non-turbulent (flow with a lower Reynolds number), such as that provided in a laminar sheet flow established by a relatively flat laminar nozzle or even a full or partial laminar flow dome. A laminar flow dome nozzle can be seen in Schnuckle's U.S. Patent 7,775,457, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety and is described in more detail below in relation to Figure 10.Although the figures show a substantially flat flow, it should be understood that the flow may not be completely flat. That is, the flow may be a predetermined flow, which can be flat, substantially flat, or even curved (for example, affected by gravity and / or other forces or design considerations). Selective activation or deactivation of valve 124 can be achieved with a single-pole, single-throw switch 126, which can be a normally open momentary switch. Alternatively, the electrical circuit can include motion sensor control (not shown) or a complement to switch 126. The motion sensor can be contactless (e.g., infrared, light, etc.) or triggered by the movement of an object, such as the position or movement (e.g., limit switches or capacitive detection) of a toilet seat (not shown). Alternatively, the electrical circuit can include a timer in combination with a sensor / switch to allow activation for a predetermined time after initial activation (detection or switching).Alternatively, valve 124 may not be electrical at all and may be a manually operated fluid control valve that is operated by a momentary diaphragm valve or a twist valve. Figure 1 shows the system 100 installed in a conventional porcelain toilet 20, generally establishing a splash control system 10. As is known, the toilet 20 includes a flush supply tank 22 (fed by a tank supply line 22a) to supply water to the toilet cavity 24. Generally, when a toilet 20 is ready for use, a hydrostatic water surface 26 will generally be arranged horizontally (and at least substantially parallel) with respect to a supporting surface 30, such as a floor, and an upper rim 28 of the toilet bowl 29 surrounding the cavity 24. The installation of System 100 in a receptacle (e.g., toilet 20) can be accomplished in several ways, and System 100, or parts thereof, can even be integrally constructed as part of a toilet 20. Generally, a nozzle 146 is secured to the toilet bowl 29 (or otherwise incorporated into the toilet structure 20) and directed toward an opposite side of the bowl 29, at a desired spray angle 152 with respect to the hydrostatic surface 26. While shown in discrete positions for the purpose of describing representative modalities, it should be understood that the nozzle(s) X46 can be positioned in one or more positions around the periphery of the inner surface of the receptacle. A preferred spray angle 152 is between 15 degrees and approximately 90 degrees, with greater than approximately 30 degrees being more preferred, and approximately 65 degrees being most preferred.The solenoid-controlled valve 124 is placed in fluid communication with the supply line 142 and is electrically coupled to the power supply 122 and the switch 126 (and / or other sensor or actuating switch). If desired, an additional manual or electrically controlled flow valve 124 can be connected in series as part of the supply line 142 to help adjust the spray pattern of the nozzle 150. The supply line 142 can be an extension of, or coupled to (such as via a valve 32) a standard toilet supply line 34, which is connected to a main water pipe, such as a building's water main. Alternatively, the supply line 142 can be gravity-fed from a holding tank or even from a pump to provide the desired pressure. Thus, when activated, the spray pattern 150 generally creates a spray sleeve 154, which may also be defined or at least partially enclosed by the surface 26 and / or a portion of the receptacle, such as the toilet bowl 29. A preferred spray pattern is a flat fan pattern having a preferred spread angle 156. A preferred spread angle 156 is between approximately 45 degrees and approximately 135 degrees, with 80 degrees being the most preferred. The spray pattern 150 makes contact with the water surface 26 along a confluence intersection 158, which may be a substantially linear splash of droplets from the spray pattern 150 (e.g., water) or from the fluid (e.g., water or a water / urine mixture) forming the hydrostatic surface 26.Surface 26 extends along a length of surface 162 that runs parallel to the support surface 30 and is measured from a first point on the hydrostatic surface 26 nearest to the nozzle 146 to a second point on surface 26 diametrically opposite, across the vessel 20 from the first point. Parameters such as the spray angle 152, the dispersion angle 156, the pressure supplied through the supply line 142, etc., can be adjusted to position the confluence intersection 158 along the length of surface 162 at a predetermined distance 164, such as less than or equal to half the length of surface 162. Adjustments can be made to achieve a desired spray pattern 150 and to minimize overspray outside the vessel 20 that may be caused by excessive supply pressure. In use, once adjusted to the desired flow rate and spray pattern 150, a fluid stream (e.g., a urine stream) may pass from one side of the spray pattern 150 outside the spray sleeve 154 (e.g., from outside the cavity 24) through the spray pattern 150 and into the spray sleeve 154 to make contact with the fluid surface 26 and / or the vessel surface 29. To the extent that any splashing occurs within the spray sleeve 154 due to the fluid stream coming into contact with the fluid surface 26 and / or the vessel 29, such splashing is substantially contained within the spray sleeve 154 or at least substantially prevented from escaping from the cavity 24. Figures 4 and 5 represent another embodiment 11 of a splash control system according to the present invention, wherein a similar numbering indicates a structure or description identical or substantially similar to that of the first embodiment 10. In this embodiment 11, a plurality of spray patterns is provided by a plurality of nozzles. As with the first modality, the installation can be carried out in several ways, and the system can even be integrated as part of a toilet 20. Generally, the nozzles 246, 346 are secured to the toilet bowl 29, and each points towards an opposite side of the bowl 29, at a desired spray angle 252, 352 with respect to the hydrostatic surface 26. Both nozzles 246, 346 can be arranged in a parallel relationship in the liquid circuit, both being fed by means of the supply line 144 from the solenoid-controlled valve 124.The solenoid-controlled valve 124 is placed in fluid communication with the supply line 142 and is electrically coupled to the power supply 122 and switch 126. If desired, an additional manual or electrically controlled flow valve 124 can be connected in series as part of the supply line 142 to assist in adjusting the spray patterns of nozzles 250 and 350. The supply line 142 can be an extension of, or coupled to (such as via a valve 32) a standard toilet supply line 34, which is connected to a main water pipe, such as a building's water main. Alternatively, the supply line 142 can be gravity-fed from a holding tank or even from a pump to provide the desired pressure. Thus, when activated, the spray patterns 250,350 generally create multiple spray sleeves 254,354, which may also be defined or at least partially enclosed by the surface 26 and / or a portion of the receptacle, such as the toilet bowl 29. A preferred spray pattern is a flat fan pattern having a preferred spread angle 156. A preferred spread angle 256,356 is between approximately 45 degrees and approximately 135 degrees, with 80 degrees being the most preferred. The multiple spread angles 256,356 may be substantially similar or identical, or they may be substantially different but still within the preferred range.The spray patterns 250,350 come into contact with the water surface 26 along respective confluence intersections 258,358, which may be a substantially linear splash of droplets from the respective spray pattern 250,350 (e.g., water) or from the fluid (e.g., water or a water / urine mixture) that forms the hydrostatic surface 26. The surface 26 extends along a surface length 162 that runs parallel to the support surface 30 and is measured from a first point on the hydrostatic surface 26 nearest the first nozzle 246 to a second point on the hydrostatic surface 26 nearest the second nozzle 346. Parameters such as spray angles 252,352, dispersion angles 256,356, pressure supplied through the supply line 142, etc.The confluence intersections 258, 358 can be adjusted to position them along the length of the surface 162 at respective predetermined distances 264, 364, such as less than or equal to half the length of the surface 162. Adjustments can be made to achieve desired spray patterns 250, 350 and to minimize overspray outside the vessel 20 that may be caused by excessive supply pressure. In this mode 11, if the confluence intersections 258, 358 are separated, they can be positioned at a predetermined distance to create a turbulent channel 159 between them. This turbulent channel 159, together with the spray sleeves 254, 354, can help prevent splashing. Alternatively, parameters such as spray angles 252, 352, dispersion angles 256, 356, pressure supplied through the supply line 142, etc., can be adjusted so that the 250, 350 spray patterns overlap, thus creating overlapping 254, 354 spray sleeves. In use, once adjusted to the desired flow rate and spray patterns 250, 350, a fluid stream (e.g., a urine stream) may pass from one side of spray pattern 250 or 350 outside spray sleeve 254 or 354 (e.g., out of cavity 24) through spray pattern 250 or 350 and into the respective spray sleeve 254 or 354 to make contact with the fluid surface 26 and / or the cup 29. To the extent that any splashing occurs within spray sleeve 254 or 354 due to the fluid stream coming into contact with the fluid surface 26 and / or the bowl 29, such splashing is substantially contained within spray sleeve 254 or 354 or at least substantially prevented from escaping cavity 24. Alternatively or additionally, a fluid stream (e.g., a stream) may be introduced. of urine) in the turbulent channel 159 and contain it in this way. Figure 6 represents another embodiment 12 of a splash control system according to the present invention, wherein similar numbering indicates a structure or description identical or substantially similar to that of the first embodiment 10. In this embodiment 12, a plurality of spray patterns are provided by a plurality of nozzles. For example, the two nozzles 246, 346 of the second embodiment 11 may be combined with the nozzle 146 of the first embodiment, such that three (or more) spray patterns overlap to form a splash prevention area 454, which includes multiple spray sleeves 154, 254, 354 and may include a turbulent channel 159. The splash prevention area 454 preferably covers most of the fluid surface 26.The three nozzles 146, 246, 346 are preferably arranged in a parallel relationship in the liquid circuit, all fed by means of the feed line 144 from the solenoid-controlled valve 124. Figure 7 represents a fourth embodiment 13 of a splash control system according to the present invention, wherein similar numbering indicates a structure or description identical or substantially similar to that of the first embodiment 10. In this embodiment, a nozzle is positioned to spray from the front of a toilet 20 into the tank 22. This arrangement may be beneficial in helping to contain splashing that might otherwise be caused by users of toilet 20 who sit on the toilet 20 instead of standing. This arrangement may be used alone or in conjunction with any of the preceding embodiments. Figures 8 and 9 represent a fifth embodiment 14 of a splash control system according to the present invention, wherein similar numbering indicates a structure or description identical or substantially similar to that of the first embodiment 10. In this embodiment 14, a nozzle 646 is secured or integrally formed with a wall 49 of a urinal 40 and directed toward an opposite side of the cavity 44 at a desired spray angle 652 with respect to the wall 49. As with the fluid circuit of prior embodiments, a solenoid-controlled valve 124 is placed in fluid communication with the supply line 142 and is electrically coupled to the power supply 122 and the switch 126. If desired, an additional manually or electrically controlled flow valve 124 may be placed in series as part of the supply line 142 to assist in adjusting the spray pattern of the nozzle 650.The 142 supply line can be an extension of, or connected to (such as via a 32 valve) a standard urinal supply line, which is connected to a main water pipe, such as a building's water main. Alternatively, the 142 supply line can be gravity-fed from a holding tank or even from a pump to provide the desired pressure. Thus, when activated, the spray pattern 650 generally creates a spray sheath 654, which may also be defined or at least partially enclosed by a portion of the receptacle, such as the urinal wall 49. A preferred spray pattern is a flat fan (or partial conical) pattern having a preferred spread angle 656. A preferred spread angle 656 is between approximately 45 degrees and approximately 135 degrees, with 80 degrees being the most preferred. The spray pattern 650 makes contact with the urinal wall 49, preferably within the cavity 44 and beneath a flange or front edge 47 of the cavity 44. Parameters such as the spray angle 652, the spread angle 656, the pressure supplied through the supply line 142, etc., can be adjusted to position the pattern 650 accordingly.Adjustments can be made to achieve a desired spray pattern 650 and to minimize overspray outside the container 40 that may be caused by excessive supply pressure. In use, once adjusted to the desired flow rate and spray pattern 650, a fluid stream (e.g., a stream of urine) may pass from one side of the spray pattern 650 outside the spray sleeve 654 (e.g., the outside of cavity 44) through the spray pattern 650 and into the spray sleeve 654 to make contact with wall 49. To the extent that any splashing occurs inside the spray sleeve 654 due to the fluid stream coming into contact with the vessel 40, such splashing is substantially contained within the spray sleeve 654 or at least substantially prevented from escaping from cavity 44. Figure 10 represents a laminar flow dome nozzle 746, which is similar to that shown and described in Schnuckle (U.S. patent 7,775,457), Figures 3 and 4. As shown, the nozzle 746 receives water from a supply line 144. The body of the nozzle 746 is generally a hollow cylinder that directs the flow of water from the supply line 142 to an opening at the outlet end 770. In use, the nozzle 746 is fixed in position with a portion extending above the water surface 26 or away from the wall of a vessel, with its outlet 770 at a particular height, such as up to approximately 76.2 to 152.4 mm (3 to 6 in.) or more. The height of the nozzle outlet 770 above surface 26 is selected to correspond (at least in general) to a height of the bell or dome that will be formed with the nozzle 746. A diverter or spray head component 772 moves from a closed or retracted position, supported or resting on the outlet 770, to a flowing position as shown in Figure 10. The diverter 772 has a distal end 774 attached to the nozzle body 746, and this rigidly attached end 774 is connected to the diverter 772 by a spring, coil, or other elastic member 776 that acts to retract the diverter 772 when there is little or no water flow, but to allow the diverter to telescopically extend into an open or spraying position, as shown, under a certain level of water flow / pressure. The diverter 772 is generally shaped to direct water outward, usually transverse to the longitudinal axis of the nozzle body 746, or substantially perpendicular (or somewhat above or below a plane perpendicular to the nozzle axis).In addition, the diverter 772 is configured in some embodiments to direct the flow of water in a substantially equal amount or volume around the periphery of the nozzle outlet 770 to form a continuous wall of water to form a dome or bell (but in some embodiments, part of the dome is formed by overlapping adjacent domes that couple together to provide an enclosed chamber for mist and / or a flow path for flammable / explosive gas). Water is discharged from the nozzle between outlet 770 and diverter 772 (for example, it is directed outward by the spray head or diverter 772). As shown, the discharged water forms a bell or dome 750 with a water wall extending from the nozzle outlet 770 to the water surface 26. The water wall 412 has a thickness that can vary (for example, from approximately 2.54 mm (0.1 in.) to approximately 12.7 mm (0.5 in.) or more), but preferably with little or no gap, as can be achieved when the water flow is tailored to the nozzle 746 to achieve relatively laminar or non-turbulent flow (for example, the wall 750 is made of a substantially continuous water flow or a volume of water in laminar flow).Furthermore, although in some modes the 750 wall extends about 360 degrees around the 746 nozzle (e.g., at a substantially constant radius from the central axis of the 746 nozzle body), it may be desirable to limit the 750 wall to less than 360 degrees over the nccann / zznz / E / YiAi nozzle. 746. To limit or control the shape of the wall 750, a flow switch 780 can be inserted into or integrally formed with the nozzle 746. The switch 780 can cover and prevent water flow through a desired portion or angle of the outlet 770. As shown, approximately 180 degrees of flow have been interrupted to substantially provide a half-dome 750. The switch 780 provides a guide surface 782 and a travel limit surface for the diverter 784 to cooperate with the diverter 772. The guide surface 782 preferably maintains the rotational alignment of the diverter 772 within the nozzle 746. The travel limit surface for the diverter 784 preferably provides a seat to which a portion of the diverter can be attached to prevent overextension of the diverter 772 under high water pressure conditions. The wall of dome 750 (or its inner surface) defines an internal void or hollow chamber 764. The size of dome 750 and its internal chamber 764 are defined by a height (e.g., the height or amount that the nozzle 770 extends above the water surface 26) and by a radius Rd that varies with the height and angle at which the nozzle 746 is positioned relative to the water surface 26, the nozzle / diverter design 772, and the water flow rate. The radius Rd of dome 750 can be intentionally varied or set during the assembly operation, for example, by changing the water flow rate (e.g., by operating a valve 32, 148 in line 142, 144 to control the flow, or similarly). In addition, the position angle of the nozzle 146 can be chosen to achieve the desired laminar flow dome shape / pattern.For a relatively vertical relationship with the water surface, 26 can be selected to provide the dome 750 as shown. If rotated clockwise, gravity will act on the dome 750 along a pattern Gi with respect to the nozzle 746, the radius Rd will shorten, and the dome 750 will become flatter, creating a substantially vertical wall of laminar flow if the nozzle 746 is rotated to a position substantially parallel to the water surface 26. If the nozzle 146 is rotated more than 90 degrees clockwise, then the wall 750' will begin to fall off the nozzle body 746 following a gravity pattern G2 with respect to the nozzle 746.Regardless of the position of the nozzle 746 with respect to the water surface 26 (or with respect to the surface of a container), a preferred laminar flow shape can be achieved by variations of the nozzle outlet 770, the diverter Π2, the switch 780 and the water pressure. Systems according to the present invention can be assembled from readily available electrical and plumbing components, or customized components can be specially designed to be attached to a vessel or incorporated within the vessel. The foregoing is considered solely as illustrative of the principles of the invention. ncconn / zznz / E / YiAi Furthermore, because those skilled in the art will readily devise numerous modifications and changes, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described. Although the preferred embodiment has been described, the details may be changed without departing from the invention, which is defined in the claims.

Claims

NOVELTY OF THE INVENTION Having described the present invention as above, the following is considered novel and is therefore claimed as property: CLAIMS ncconn / zznz / E / YiAi 1. A method characterized in that it comprises the steps of: establishing a first laminar fluid flow separate from the vessel, the fluid flow having an open side and an opposite side; directing a first fluid stream through the fluid flow from the open side; utilizing the fluid flow, altering the travel of the fluid droplets comprising fluid from the first fluid stream on the open side of the vessel.

2. A method according to claim 1, characterized in that the laminar fluid flow comprises a fan-shaped pattern.

3. A method according to claim 2, characterized in that the fan-shaped pattern comprises a dispersion angle of between 45 degrees and 135 degrees.

4. A method according to claim 3, characterized in that the dispersion angle is approximately 80 degrees.

5. A method according to claim 1, characterized in that it further comprises a hydrostatic fluid surface disposed within the container.

6. A method according to claim 5, characterized in that the first laminar fluid flow is established at a predetermined relative angle to the hydrostatic fluid surface, said approximately 90 degrees.

7. An angle method is found between approximately 15 in accordance with claim 6, characterized in that the angle is greater than 30 degrees.

8. A method according to claim 7, characterized in that the angle is approximately 65 degrees.

9. A method according to claim 1, characterized in that the first laminar fluid flow consists essentially of water and the first fluid stream comprises urine.

10. A system, characterized in that it comprises: a liquid receptacle holding a liquid; and a first nozzle configured to direct a first laminar fluid flow pattern onto an exposed surface of the liquid at an acute angle to define a first spray sleeve, wherein the first spray pattern is configured to prevent liquid droplets from entering the first spray sleeve and passing through the first pattern.

11. A system according to claim 10, characterized in that the exposed liquid surface is at least substantially hydrostatic.

12. A system according to claim 10, characterized in that the liquid is water.

13. A system according to claim 10, characterized in that the first pattern comes from a supply line and the liquid retained by the liquid receptacle comes from a temporary holding tank.

14. A system according to claim 10, further comprising: a second nozzle configured to direct a second spray pattern into the receptacle at an acute angle to the exposed liquid surface to define a second spray sleeve, wherein the second spray pattern is configured to prevent liquid droplets from entering the second spray sleeve and passing through the second spray pattern.

15. A system according to claim 14, characterized in that the first pattern intersects the second spray pattern at a location in the receptacle and separate from the liquid.

16. A system, characterized in that it comprises: a liquid waste receptacle having a fluid receiving cavity; and a first nozzle configured, after operational connection to the liquid supply, to direct a first laminar fluid flow pattern in the cavity.

17. A system according to claim 16, characterized in that the nozzle is placed inside the cavity.

18. A system according to claim 17, characterized in that the liquid waste receptacle is a toilet.

19. A system according to claim 17, characterized in that the liquid waste receptacle is urine.

20. A system according to claim 16, characterized in that it further comprises a second nozzle configured, after operational connection to a liquid supply, to direct a second spray pattern into the cavity.

21. A system according to claim 20, characterized in that the first spray pattern and the second spray pattern are directed at least substantially simultaneously.

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