Abstract: A filter assembly for fluid filtration having a push-activated lock and release mechanism. The filter housing has a sump for enclosing the filter media, a filter head, and at least one standoff protruding outwards for use in securing the filter head to a filter manifold. The filter manifold supports the filter housing with a filter locator. A filter guide having a rotator actuating mechanism secures and holds the filter head in place when the filter head is axially inserted. The rotator actuating mechanism has tabs and slots that rotate upon a transverse axial force from the standoff and from tabs on an internal shutoff. The internal shutoff has an inlet extension and an outlet extension with apertures for fluid ingress and egress. The internal shutoff tabs slidably contact and align the rotator actuating mechanism to secure and remove the filter head.

Abstract: A brew basket of the present invention useful in drip-style beverage brewing systems comprises a brewing chamber and a filter having replaceable filter medium pivotably attached to and in fluid communication with the brewing chamber, wherein the replaceable filter medium is sealably supported on an annular flange of the filter. The brewing chamber and the filter are two separate components mated together to provide a substantially leak-proof seal. By integrating the filter in the brew basket in an open and obvious position with a replaceable filter medium disk, a user has convenient access to the filter medium for improved compliance in regularly replacing the filter medium.

Abstract: A brew basket of the present invention useful in drip-style beverage brewing systems comprises a brewing chamber and a filter having replaceable filter medium pivotably attached to and in fluid communication with the brewing chamber, wherein the replaceable filter medium is sealably supported on an annular flange of the filter. The brewing chamber and the filter are two separate components mated together to provide a substantially leak-proof seal. By integrating the filter in the brew basket in an open and obvious position with a replaceable filter medium disk, a user has convenient access to the filter medium for improved compliance in regularly replacing the filter medium.

Abstract: There is provided a beverage maker having a device that removes contaminants from a liquid, which is removably supported within a compartment for ingredients. The device is preferably a filter that is surrounded by a supporting member, which supports the device within the compartment. The supporting member around the device may have a plurality of outwardly-protruding extensions that support the device by fitting against the sidewall of the compartment. A method and a system for such a device are also provided.

Abstract: A collapsible fluid filter is disclosed. The filter comprises, in part, a filter medium for filtering impurities from a fluid and a lower rim sealably disposed around the filter medium. The filter further includes an upper rim and a fluid impervious collapsible wall connected between the upper and lower rims. The filter medium, the lower rim, the collapsible wall and the upper rim define a fluid containing reservoir. The collapsible wall of the filter can be collapsed between the upper and lower rims so as to minimize the volume occupied by the fluid containing reservoir and by the filter for storage purposes and can be expanded between the upper and lower rims so as to maximize the volume occupied by the fluid containing reservoir and by the filter generally during use.