Abstract: A filter cartridge is capable of at least one-way communication with the base of a filtration system so as to confirm that the filter cartridge is properly configured for installation and use in the filtration system. Transmission and receipt of a filter presence confirmation signal can enhance the effectiveness of the filtration system, e.g., by disabling one or more operational characteristics of the system in the absence of a confirmation signal, and/or by automatically resetting one or more counters of a capacity indicator of the system upon receipt of the confirmation signal. The filter cartridge is particularly well-adapted for use in a filtration system having a flow meter which monitors the flow of liquid through the system.

Abstract: A liquid flow meter is designed to monitor the flow of a liquid through an enclosed stream such as through the tubes or internal passageways of a device such as a filtration system. The liquid flow meter includes an axial-flow magnetic turbine and a detector such as a reed switch that monitors turbine rotation by counting pulses. The counted pulses are then used to determine the aggregate volume of liquid that has flowed through the flow meter. When the liquid flow meter is used in a domestic potable water filtration system or in a similar application, the counted pulses can also be used in conjunction with a timer to determine liquid flow rate as well as the remaining useful life of a filter cartridge of the filtration system and/or of the remaining volumetric filtration capacity of the filter cartridge. The liquid flow meter exhibits high linearity or consistency of flow measurement over a wide range of liquid flow rates--even at very low pressures and low flow rates.

Abstract: A filter assembly is provided for a manifolded water filtration system and includes a filter element, a brine seal located at the top of the filter element and engaging a boss depending from the system manifold. The brine seal isolates a rinse water discharge port, communicating with a an outlet of the filter element, from an untreated water inlet port formed in the boss so as to ensure that the water to be treated passes through the filter membrane as opposed to directly out of the rinse water discharge port. This configuration eliminates the need for an exterior feed line, thus simplifying the system and preventing vibration during system start-up. The brine seal also structurally reenforces the filter element, facilitates assembly of the filter, increases the capacity of the assembly, and reduces the chances of failure and leakage.

Abstract: New and improved filtration purification or water treatment systems for providing improved purified drinking water at a point of use are provided in a substantially leak-free fluid flow control device to which the other filtration purification system elements may be matedly engaged. Other system elements may include various filters or filter modules, as well as, system leads for conveying incoming tap water in, outgoing waste water out to drain and purified water from the filter section to a storage tank until desired for use. The fluid flow control device is preferably a unitary thermoplastic body having a number of discrete fluid flow passages extending therein. In a preferred embodiment, the fluid flow control device includes integrally formed input/output connector features, filter-receiving socket portions and an automatic shut off valve disposed in fluid flow communication with certain ones of the passages.

Abstract: Provided in a reverse osmosis system (R.O.

Abstract: New and improved filtration purification or water treatment systems for providing improved purified drinking water at a point of use are provided in a substantially leak-free fluid flow control device to which the other filtration purification system elements may be matedly engaged. Other system elements may include various filters or filter modules, as well as.[.,.]. system leads for conveying incoming tap water in, outgoing waste water out to drain and purified water from the filter section to a storage tank until desired for use. The fluid flow control device is preferably a unitary thermoplastic body having a number of discrete fluid flow passages extending therein. In a preferred embodiment, the fluid flow control device includes integrally formed input/output connector features, filter-receiving socket portions and an automatic shut off valve disposed in fluid flow communication with certain ones of the passages.