Provo, Utah Patent of the Year – 2024/2025

Hall Labs LLC has been awarded the 2024/2025 Patent of the Year for its innovative waste processing system. Their invention, detailed in U.S. Patent No. 11873240, titled ‘Methods and systems for sizing waste solids’, introduces a compact solution that grinds and recirculates blackwater waste until solids reach a fine particle size suitable for incineration or further treatment.

Designed for small-scale applications like RVs, remote cabins, and off-grid sites, the system uses a vessel with a one-way inlet to prevent backflow. Inside, a shredding device breaks down waste solids, while a recirculating pump cycles the mixture under pressure. The process continues until sensors detect that the particle size has fallen below a set threshold, ensuring efficient downstream processing.

A key feature is the use of an amp meter to monitor the pump’s current draw. A drop in power consumption signals that the solids have been sufficiently reduced, triggering the next phase – incineration or dewatering. This automation minimizes user intervention and enhances safety.

By simplifying waste management in environments lacking traditional infrastructure, Hall Labs’ system offers a practical alternative to chemical toilets and manual disposal methods. Its scalable design could also benefit developing communities and disaster relief operations, where sanitation solutions are urgently needed.

This patent underscores Hall Labs’ commitment to sustainable innovation, providing effective waste treatment options for modern mobile and remote lifestyles.