Valve system for vacuum sewage collection system

Claim 1

In a vacuum-type sewage collection system having a holding tank with top and bottom and at least one intake port, a discharge port and discharge line connected with a vacuum main, and means for controlling discharge of sewage through said discharge port, the improvement comprising: the discharge port being at the bottom of the holding tank, the means for controlling comprising a float with a part thereof proportioned for fitting against said discharge port, said float porportion including a generally rounded lower portion, means for orienting said float, said orienting means being permanent ballast in said float generally rounded lower portion; means for adjusting buoyancy of said float, including means for holding liquid within said float; said generally rounded lower portion being part of a spherical overall shape of the float, means for causing the float to center gravitationally on the discharge port including the holding tank bottom having a generally rounded shape; the generally rounded shape of the holding tank bottom being faired into the overall shape of the holding tank, means for preserving sewage portage in said discharge line comprising a plurality of leakage-producing contours at said part of the float proportioned for fitting against said discharge port, said holding tank having an access port therein above the discharge port, and a cover for said access port, and the access port being large enough for removal of the float therethrough.