Abstract: A filtering device includes a head intended to be permanently installed in a fluid dispensing machine and a disposable canister therefor. A central chamber is formed in the head which chamber is in communication with an inlet port and an outlet port for receiving an unfiltered liquid and supplying a filtered liquid, respectively. The disposable canister has a flask shaped main body with a flat top and a neck of substantially uniform diameter on the top. The neck fits in the central chamber. A tube extending through the neck defines an annular clearance between the tube and the interior of the neck which annular clearance is in fluid communication with the inlet port. The opening into the tube located at the top of the neck is in fluid communication with the outlet port in the head. A pair of tab receptacle on the head and a complementary pair of tabs on the canister are engageable with one another by 1/4 rotation of the canister to lock the canister to the head.

Abstract: An universal coupling is described which can be connected to the outlet of a variety of water faucets regardless of the design or cross-sectional shape of the faucet outlet. In one embodiment the universal coupling can be connected a smaller faucet outlet having a maximum outlet width of about 60% of the maximum outlet width of the largest faucet outlet to which the universal coupling can be connected. The capability of the universal coupling of this invention to be connected to such a large variety of faucet outlets regardless of the cross-sectional shape thereof enables, for example, the installer of water filters to kitchen faucets to stock just the universal coupling of this invention since it will fit most all faucets commonly found in kitchens.

Abstract: The invention is related to water vending systems for the automatic dispensing of purified water from a machine which is preferably activated by coin or other form of payment. Reverse osmosis filtration of local water together with other water treatment operations is used to improve the quality of the vended water. Stagnation of stored permeate is automatically prevented to assure the freshness of dispensed water. The system is designed to reduce the frequency of servicing and the life of components without decreasing the quality of the vended water. In one embodiment the vending system comprises control means for automatically dumping the filtered water stored in a tank in the system if there has not been at least a predetermined number of vends of water within a predetermined period of time. After the storage tank has been dumped the drain is automatically closed and fresh filtered water is produced to refill the storage tank.

Abstract: A filtering device includes a head intended to be permanently installed in a fluid dispensing machine and a disposable canister therefor. A central chamber is formed in the head which chamber is in communication with an inlet port and an outlet port for receiving an unfiltered liquid and supplying a filtered liquid, respectively. The disposable canister has a flask shaped main body with a flat top and a neck of substantially uniform diameter on the top. The neck fits in the central chamber. A tube extending through the neck defines an annular clearance between the tube and the interior of the neck which annular clearance is in fluid communication with the inlet port. The opening into the tube located at the top of the neck is in fluid communication with the outlet port in the head. A pair of tab receptacle on the head and a complementary pair of tabs on the canister are engageable with one another by 1/4 rotation of the canister to lock the canister to the head.

Abstract: A combination quick-disconnect female fitting adaptable for snap coupling to a corresponding male fitting connected to a tap water faucet, is provided which permits all the required attachments to a reverse osmosis (RO) water purifier to be made with the single snap coupling of the female fitting to the male fitting. Installation of the entire RO water purification system can be reduced to mere screwing of the male fitting to a tap water faucet and snap coupling the combination female coupling thereto. Separate lines for concentrate and overflow purified water from the water purifier to the combination female fitting and tap water therefrom to the water purifier can be conveniently manifolded into a sidearm section of the female fitting. The fitting is particularly useful for small RO water purifiers. There is also provided a single mechanism for simultaneously securely fastening three pieces of tubing to a fitting containing three nipples adapted to receive tubing.