Abstract: A passive water-and-energy saving washing unit is provided having a first shower sub-assembly and a second shower sub-assembly. The first shower sub-assembly comprises a first water reservoir, for holding a predetermined volume of water for washing at least part of a body, a water heater, for heating water for the first water reservoir, and a shower head, in fluid communication with the first water reservoir for receiving water from the reservoir and providing water spray on the body part. The second shower sub-assembly comprises a second, grey water reservoir, for collecting the sprayed water from the first shower head and running off the body part, a shower head, in fluid communication with the second water reservoir for receiving the water from the reservoir and providing water spray on the body part, and a water pump, for pumping the water from the second water reservoir to the second shower head. A corresponding kit and a method for washing at least part of body with a washing unit are also provided.

Abstract: Dry solids of anionically modified cellulose nanofibers with good redispersion are provided by incorporating 5 to 300% by mass of a water-soluble polymer relative to the anionically modified cellulose nanofibers during the preparation of the dry solids of anionically modified cellulose nanofibers.

Abstract: A fryer includes a cooking chamber for holding a cooking medium, at least one heating element positioned within the cooking chamber, and a chain conveyor for selectively advancing food product through the cooking chamber along a movement path. The chain conveyor includes first and second chains coupled together by a plurality of baskets extending therebetween. The movement path includes a series of legs, including a first leg wherein the food product moves substantially vertically from above the cooking medium to a greatest depth within the cooking medium and including a second leg subsequent to the first leg wherein the food product moves substantially horizontally at the greatest depth within the cooking medium. Automated filtering systems and methods for removing debris from cooking medium are also provided.

Abstract: The invention relates to a water-saving device which is fully automated and comprises a complete electronic control system, the possibility of connection to the aqueduct supply network and a hydraulic generator for saving energy. The device according to the invention communicates with a modular system that optionally reduces the water flow of the shower to 50% and diverts the other 50% to the storage tank, by means of the electronic interface. The device according to the invention is applicable in the construction industry.

Abstract: A system and method for extracting essential oils from organic material is provided. One embodiment places organic material into an extraction chamber that is a cylindrical wall of rigid material, wherein a diameter and a height of the extraction chamber is sized to define an interior that accommodates a desired amount of an organic material having essential oils; fills the extraction chamber with a solvent after the organic matter has been placed into the extraction chamber; and moves a vortex plunger disposed over the surface of the organic material in a repeated upward and downward motion during an agitation process so that the vortex vanes generate a fluid vortex in the solvent, wherein the fluid vortex causes the solvent to be drawn upward into the organic material and then to be pushed downward through the organic material so that the solvent extracts essential oils from the organic material.

Abstract: A method for disinfecting water by UV irradiation in water supply systems in buildings, ships or the like with a water tapping point connected flexibly to a hose (1), in particular hand shower (1?), and a water tapping point mount (2) for receiving (21) the water tapping point (1) when not in use, wherein the UV radiation takes place at the water tapping point (1). The UV-irradiation is directed from the water tapping point mount (2) to the water tapping point (1) when the water tapping point (1) is deposited in the water tapping point mount (2). Furthermore, the invention relates to a water tapping point. Means are provided for UV irradiation (3) of the water guided in the water tapping point (1). The means for UV irradiation (3) are arranged in the water tapping point mount (2), and a UV radiation transmissive window is provided in the water tapping point (1) opposite to the means for UV irradiation (3) when deposited (21) in the water tapping point mount (2).

Abstract: Systems and methods for separating a flowback mixture received from a wellbore. Employing a vessel with internal chambers to receive the mixture and employing eductors and a shaker to manage the separation of the mixture to produce a supply of solids-free liquid ready for reuse.

Abstract: A method for moving fluid through a pipe in a wellbore includes placing at least two different fluids in the pipe and in an annular space between the pipe and the wellbore. Fluid is pumped into the pipe at a rate to achieve a desired set of conditions. Using a predetermined volume distribution of the annular space, an axial position of each of the at least two fluids in the annular space during the pumping the displacement fluid is calculated.

Abstract: [Problem] The object of the invention is to provide the filter device disposed in the moist fluid passage of the fuel cell system in that, water is not adhered and never remains in the filter and when leaving it under the low temperature after the system stops, blockage by freezing the filter can surely be prevented, and the complex control and the heat source such as heaters for the decompression as conventional is unnecessary, and the filter device is cheap and compact.

Abstract: The device for producing ultrapure water according to the reverse osmosis principle with a reverse osmosis filter which is subdivided by the RO membrane into a primary chamber and a secondary chamber, with a primary circuit through which raw water is supplied to the primary chamber and concentrate is discharged therefrom, and with a secondary circuit for supplying permeate to at least one consumer, preferably to a dialysis device, is characterized in that a means for detecting organic and/or inorganic deposits is arranged in or on the primary circuit and/or the secondary circuit and is connected to an evaluation means.

Abstract: An affordable, low-power, low-profile water contamination detection and/or filtration device that can be installed directly onto a home faucet or other water line. The contamination detection part uses photometric and other sensors to collect data pertaining to levels of Total Organic Carbon, Total Dissolved Solids, heavy metals, turbidity, harmful bacteria, and other contaminants. The device uses efficient circuit design so that parts of the sensor, LED, and calculation circuit are only activated when the faucet is turned on and water fills a measurement chamber. The filtration part of the device can be switched on and off using simple twist interface, such that filtered water can flow directly into the contamination detection part for testing.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a filter with an automatic control of flow, which contains a housing having a water inlet and a water outlet on one end, a bottom cover connecting to the other end of the housing and a filter material provided in the housing, comprising an outlet end fluidly connecting with the water outlet through a flow control unit. Based on the structure design of the flow control unit, the filter of the present invention can remind users to replace the filter materials in an easy and visible way at the time when the filter materials reach the end of working period.

Abstract: A pH-buffer measurement system that has at least one source for modifying the pH of a fluid entering the system, the source selected from an acid source and a base source. The acid source adds an acid equivalent to provide an acid reacted fluid and the base source adds a base equivalent to provide a base reacted fluid. The source is in fluid communication with a flow path and a component for determining a fluid characteristic of the acid reacted fluid or the base reacted fluid. The fluid characteristic that is measured is any one of a gas phase pressure, an electrical conductivity, or thermal conductivity.

Abstract: System and method of recycling grey water, and more particularly a system and method to utilize grey water resulting from a cleaning activity such as a laundry or shower as an environmentally safe form of irrigation. In accordance with one embodiment of said system, pressure sensors and transmitters in various zones may be communicatively coupled to a system controller capable of regulating the use of at least one variable frequency drive with said system.

Abstract: A communication system comprises: (A) a first transmitter that is acoustically coupled to a column of fluid located within a wellbore of an oil, gas, or water well, wherein the first transmitter transmits sound waves wirelessly through the column of fluid located within the wellbore, and wherein the sound waves are encoded with data; and (B) a first receiver that is acoustically coupled to the column of fluid located within the wellbore, wherein the first receiver receives the data-encoded sound waves, wherein the data-encoded sound waves communicate information about the well or a component of the wellbore. A method of communicating information wirelessly in a wellbore of an oil, gas, or water well comprises: providing the communication system; and causing or allowing the first transmitter to communicate information about the well or a component of the wellbore to the first receiver via the data-encoded sound waves.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a method and apparatus for approximating a static head of a fluid transfer system including a fluid transfer device. The method can include determining a rotational speed and a power consumption of the fluid transfer device, determining a first set of data points, calculating a second set of data points on the basis of the first set of data points, determining a minimum rotational speed producing flow through the fluid transfer device on the basis of the second set of data points, and determining the static head on the basis of the minimum rotational speed.

Abstract: The printing fluid supply apparatus comprises the printing fluid cartridge and a cartridge accommodating portion. The cartridge accommodating portion comprises a casing, and an engage member. The printing fluid cartridge comprises a main body including a chamber, an ink outlet portion, an engage portion, a contact portion, and a biasing member. The contact portion allows the engage member to rotate toward the first position by contacting with the engage member and allows the biasing member to make elastic deformation while the printing fluid cartridge installing to the casing. The engage member in the first position engages the engage portion, and the printing fluid cartridge is held in an accommodated position against the biasing portion when the printing fluid cartridge is achieved to the accommodated position in the casing. The biasing portion allows the printing fluid cartridge being held in the casing to move opposite to the insertion direction when the engage member rotates to the second position.

Abstract: A water filter assembly for a beverage dispenser having a reservoir is provided. The water filter assembly includes a filter medium extending along an axial direction and a housing enclosing the filter medium also extending along the axial direction. The housing includes a channel having an inlet proximate to a second end of housing for receipt of unfiltered water from the reservoir and extending to a position proximate a first end of housing. The channel is configured to provide unfiltered water to a location proximate the first end of housing such that an entire surface area of filter medium is utilized in filtering the water in reservoir to minimize a pressure drop across the water filter assembly during operation.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to early detection of low bicarbonate level. In certain aspects, a method includes receiving a first signal from a conductivity detector connected to a line through which a solution of salt concentrate and fluid flows and determining a first conductivity of the solution based on the first signal. The method also includes receiving a second signal from the conductivity detector at a time after receiving the first signal, determining a second conductivity of the solution based on the second signal, and determining whether the second conductivity is less than the first conductivity by at least a threshold amount.

Abstract: A filter unit comprising an inlet (12) and an outlet (13) for a flow medium to be filtered, a first filter cartridge (14) having a first filter element, a second filter cartridge (15) having a second filter element, and a switching device (16) which allows alternating filter operation of the first or the second filter cartridge (14, 15). It is proposed that the first filter cartridge be a main cartridge (14) with a fine first filter element and the second filter cartridge be an auxiliary cartridge (15) with a coarse second filter element. The pressure loss in the auxiliary cartridge (15) is set to the same threshold value as a contaminated main cartridge (14), at which the differential pressure switch triggers an alarm such that during changing of the main filter, the alarm continuously sounds and is only switched off after changing the filtering back to a fine filtering operation.

Abstract: Provided are filtration systems that can be referred to as Pneumatic Alternating Cell Separator (PACS), useful components thereof in the form of assemblies or kits of parts that can be used to build the system, and use of the system for filtering fluids, for instance, in cell culture perfusion systems comprising a filter-containing chamber, an expansion chamber and a gas flow controller.

Abstract: An automatic filtering system for filtering a cooking medium in a fryer, includes a frypot; a filter manifold having removable filter; a pump, that supplies cooking medium from the filter manifold to the frypot; a pressure sensor that senses a pressure of the cooking medium supplied by the pump; and a controlling mechanism that controls an operation of the pump in response to the sensed pressure data. The control mechanism halts the operation of the pump after sensing a drop in the pressure of the cooking medium pressure that is greater than or equal to a predetermined pressure drop threshold. The systems and methods of the invention provide automatic filtering that may reduce or eliminate an incorrect refilling operation after the filtering of cooking medium, so that the filtering process may be performed correctly each time.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a filter may comprise a housing, a filter medium positioned within the housing, the filter medium having an operational life related to an amount of fluid passed through the filter medium, and a one-bit memory element coupled to the housing, the one-bit memory having a first state that indicates that the operational life of the filter medium has not expired and having a second state that indicates that the operational life of the filter medium has expired. The one-bit memory element may be illustratively embodied as a fusible link.

Abstract: An automatic filtering system for filtering a cooking medium in a fryer, includes a frypot; a filter manifold having removable filter; a pump, that supplies cooking medium from the filter manifold to the frypot; a pressure sensor that senses a pressure of the cooking medium supplied by the pump; and a controlling mechanism that controls an operation of the pump in response to the sensed pressure data. The control mechanism halts the operation of the pump after sensing a drop in the pressure of the cooking medium pressure that is greater than or equal to a predetermined pressure drop threshold. The systems and methods of the invention provide automatic filtering that may reduce or eliminate an incorrect refilling operation after the filtering of cooking medium, so that the filtering process may be performed correctly each time.

Abstract: A control device for a filtration unit for filtering a fluid, the control device comprising an integrity test unit for performing an integrity test for checking the functional integrity of the filtration unit, and a reaction unit for determining a reaction based on a result of the integrity test.

Abstract: A valve assembly for reducing water loss from a leak from a water device. The valve assembly includes a first passage through which water flows from a water source to the water device and a second passage through which water flows from the water device. A first valve is in fluid communication with the first passage and the second passage. The first valve is operable for obstructing the first passage in response to a change in pressure differential between water in the first passage and water in the second passage resulting from a leak of water from the water device. The valve assembly also includes a second valve in fluid communication with the first passage. The second valve is responsive to the obstruction of the first passage to close the first passage and thereby stop water from flowing from the water source to the water device.

Abstract: A filter with installation integrity permits fluid flow only in a first installation condition and not in a second undesired or mis-installation condition, including improper alignment or mounting of a filter element in a housing, an incorrect replacement filter element, absence of a filter element, and an incorrect housing cover. A magnetically actuated valve has a piston controlling fluid flow according to installation condition.

Abstract: An automatic filtering system for filtering a cooking medium in a a fryer, includes a frypot; a filter manifold having removable filter; a pump, that supplies cooking medium from the filter manifold to the frypot; a pressure sensor that senses a pressure of the cooking medium supplied by the pump; and a controlling mechanism that controls an operation of the pump in response to the sensed pressure data. The control mechanism halts the operation of the pump after sensing a drop in the pressure of the cooking medium pressure that is greater than or equal to a predetermined pressure drop threshold. The systems and methods of the invention provide automatic filtering that may reduce or eliminate an incorrect refilling operation after the filtering of cooking medium, so that the filtering process may be performed correctly each time.

Abstract: The invention provides extraction columns for the purification of an analyte (e.g., a biological macromolecule, such as a peptide, protein or nucleic acid) from a sample solution, as well as methods for making and using such columns. The columns typically include a bed of extraction media positioned in the column between two frits. In some embodiments, the extraction columns employ modified pipette tips as column bodies. In some embodiments, the invention provides columns characterized by low backpressure.

Abstract: A fluid treatment system is provided, the system including a fluid treatment cartridge for treating fluid passing therethrough. The cartridge has an inlet through which untreated fluid enters the cartridge and an outlet from which treated fluid exits the cartridge. The cartridge also has a radio frequency identification (RFID) tag for storing data. The fluid treatment system also includes a connection manifold configured to detachably support the fluid treatment cartridge. The connection manifold has an inlet flow path for directing untreated fluid to the inlet of the cartridge and an outlet flow path for directing treated fluid from the outlet of the cartridge, and a data sensor for reading data stored on the RFID tag. Data stored on the RFID tag can be read by the data sensor and evaluated. Use of the fluid treatment system can be deterred based upon the evaluated data.

Abstract: A wastewater treatment system 20 including carbon dioxide gas injection means 3 for injecting a carbon dioxide gas into wastewater which takes place during silicon processing to obtain raw wastewater to be treated; a wastewater tank 2; a filter membrane 11 through which the raw wastewater is filtered; a liquid forwarding pump 9 which forwards the raw wastewater to the filter membrane 11; and circulation/forwarding control means 30 which can forward concentrated water and/or filtered water to the wastewater tank 2 and which can regulate the pH of the raw wastewater to 4.0 to 6.5 to forward this wastewater to the filter membrane 11, when the amount of the raw wastewater present in the wastewater tank 2 is below a reference amount.

Abstract: A filter cartridge includes a fuse element (500) that closes an exit door (502) when an inlet-outlet pressure differential rises to a range corresponding to a clogged filter media. The fuse element (500) comprises a plastic poppet (540) that remains staged on a podium (520) during normal operation. An increase in inlet pressure and/or a decrease in outlet pressure pushes the poppet (540) away from the podium (520) and positions it to seal the exit door (502).

Abstract: A liquid droplet ejecting apparatus comprises a liquid cartridge including a first unit having a liquid storing chamber and a liquid outlet, a second unit movable relative to the first unit between a close position where the second unit is close to the first unit and a distant position where the second unit is distant from the first unit; and a biasing member which applies a force to cause the second unit in the close position to move toward the distant position. The locking device is configured to lock the second unit in the close position in a state where the liquid cartridge is mounted to the cartridge mounting portion. When the second unit moves from the close position to the distant position under the force applied from the biasing member, in an unlocking state, the liquid inlet and the liquid outlet are maintained to be coupled to each other.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a microstructure arrangement for the bubble-free filling with a liquid of at least one system for draining off liquids. The arrangement has an inlet for the arrangement to be connected to a system for the supply of liquids and at least one outlet for the arrangement to be connected to the at least one liquid-discharging system. The arrangement has a transition region, through which the liquid can be transported from the inlet to the at least one outlet. At a start of the transition region, at least one first microstructure element for producing a point with increased capillary force is provided, in order to achieve gap-free wetting of the areas bounding this point with increased capillary force, in particular side walls, a cover and/or a bottom.

Abstract: An upstream conduit extends from a container containing reusable waste water to a junction and a downstream conduit extends from the junction to a destination for the waste water. There is a third conduit through which fresh water, under pressure, flows to the junction. The flow in the third conduit is controlled by a valve which is normally open but shuts when a flow switch in the downstream conduit detects the demand for the waste water at the destination. At that time the demand is satisfied by waste water from the container. However, should there be insufficient waste water in the container to satisfy the demand, a level switch in the container deactivates or overrides the operation of flow switch thereby causing the valve in the third conduit to open When the valve opens, fresh water from the third conduit satisfies the demand.

Abstract: A filter device has a filter housing part (10) with a filter element (12) and can be detachably connected to another filter housing part (20). A valve (24) clears a fluid path in the interconnected state of the housing parts (10, 20) with the filter element, and in the separated state of the housing parts (10, 20) from one another or without the filter element at least partially blocks it. Instead of known quarter-turn fastener and stopper solutions, a blocking is devised which can be economically implemented and which requires decidedly less installation space. A process for operation of a filter device is also provided.

Abstract: A stormwater drainage system capable of collecting, pretreating and disposing of the stormwater runoff into a dry well. Further capable of stopping the flow of stormwater into the dry well in the event hydrocarbons or other contaminants are present in the stormwater. The system is also capable of isolating stagnant water in the system to prevent the infestation of mosquito larvae.

Abstract: The present invention is a filter apparatus with methods to capture a desired amount of material suspended in a liquid or gas for monolayer deposition, analysis or other uses. Novel filter devices are employed to capture material which may be used for the purification or enrichment of various sample constituents or captured material may be observed or analyzed. Alternatively, particulate material may be used as a transport mechanism for proteins or chemicals which in turn may be assessed or used. The filter device employs sensors to sense pressure and adjust, halt or otherwise control sample flow. The pressure sensor essentially monitors the flow rate of sample suspension through a filter, typically responding at a predetermined pressure associated with capture of a desired amount of material on the filter. A separate valve or valve integrated with pressure sensing provides a means to adjust sample flow.

Abstract: A novel filtration media employing polymeric absorbents comprising a material selected from the group consisting of styrene, pentadiene, cyclopentadiene, butylene, ethylene, isoprene, butadiene, propylene and mixtures thereof; and a filtration enabler intimately mixed with the polymeric absorbent. Upon contact with a hydrocarbon containing liquid, the liquid partially dissolves the polymeric absorbent forming a partial filtration barrier prior to the filtration media substantially absorbing the hydrocarbons, and allowing hydrocarbon-free liquid to flow through the filtration media. In situations of a leak or spill wherein an excess of hydrocarbons are present, the filtration media forms a plug to seal and prevent further discharge of the hydrocarbons. The filtration media may be placed inside a portable container for insertion into an existing drain such that hydrocarbon containing liquid is filtered through the device allowing hydrocarbon-free liquid to flow from the device.

Abstract: An absolute measurement scale 18 comprises an incremental scale 10 with light reflecting lines 12 alternating with non-light reflecting lines 14 in which absolute data, in the form of discrete codewords, is embedded in the incremental scale by removing light reflecting lines 22. The codewords are arranged such that the scale is palindromic and cyclic. A look-up table is used to determine a coarse absolute position by comparing absolute position data extracted from the scale with absolute codewords in the look-up table. The absolute position is determined by combining the coarse absolute position with the position of the start of the first codeword in the data extracted. The absolute position may be determined to within a scale pitch by combining the absolute position with the incremental position.

Abstract: The apparatuses for improving the permeability of a fluid containment basin having a plurality of ridges and furrows in the bottom of the basin are configured to disturb sediment that has settled on the ridges so as to place the sediment back into suspension. In one configuration, the apparatus comprises a tool support frame adapted to support one or more ridge cleaning tools on top of the ridges. The tools include dragging, discing and grinding tools. The discing tool is configured with a flexible axle to allow the tool to move in response to changes in the contour of the ridge. In another configuration, a boat or other device is moved across the basin above the ridges to cause wave energy from the boat's propellor to disturb the sediment on the ridges. The tool support frame with one or more ridge cleaning tools can be pulled behind the boat.

Abstract: A full-flow mechanical failsafe is composed of a cylindrical shell having a movable sealing plug therein, for attachment to a reaction tube of a fluid treatment system, such as a gas clean up system in a power plant. The sealing plug rests on locking spheres within the shell during normal operation. Upon reaction tube failure or breakage, the flow of fluid will be substantially increased, causing an increase in upward pressure against the sealing plug, forcing it upward off the spheres and into a sealing contact with a flow aperture, shutting off fluid flow. The spheres move downward into a locking position upon movement of the sealing plug, to secure the sealing plug in its upward sealing position. The failsafe can be used in fluid flow control systems other than fluid filtering systems, such as oil or gas pipelines, and can be used to prevent improper reverse fluid flow.

Abstract: A full-flow mechanical failsafe (100) is composed of a cylindrical shell (101) having a movable sealing plug (105) therein, for attachment to a filter element (110) of a fluid filtering system, such as a gas clean up system in a power plant. The sealing plug (105) rests on locking spheres (107) within the shell (101) during normal operation. Upon filter failure or breakage, the flow fluid will be substantially increased, causing an increase in upward pressure against the sealing plug (105), forcing it upward off the spheres (107) and into sealing contact with a flow aperture (102, 103), shutting off fluid flow. The spheres (107) move downward into a locking position upon movement of the sealing plug (105), to secure the sealing plug (105) in its upward sealing position. The failsafe (100) can be used in fluid flow control systems other than fluid filtering systems, such as oil or gas pipelines, and can be used to prevent improper reverse fluid flow.

Abstract: A water purification system for purifying water flowing through a water flow path. The system includes a water purification device having an inlet and an outlet in the water flow path and at least one interior volume communicating with the inlet and outlet. A purification medium is disposed within the interior volume of the water purification device. A flow control system is provided controlling a volume of purified water dispensed from the outlet. The flow control system includes an input device configured to allow a user to input a desired volume of purified water to be dispensed from the outlet and a sensing device coupled with the electronic input device and operative to determine the volume of purified water being dispensed from the outlet. A flow regulation device is coupled with the flow control system and operative to stop the discharge of purified water at the outlet upon reaching the desired volume of purified water.

Abstract: A water filter cartridge including an outer shell, an inlet opening proximate a first end, an outlet opening and a cam extending axially from the first end. Cam is constructed and arranged so as to reset a mechanical flow totalization mechanism in a water treatment device. A channel and notch in the first end of the cartridge provide fluid communication to a chamber of a water treatment device.

Abstract: A household apparatus for treating water has a water treatment reactor; a dispense water path extending from the water treatment reactor to a dispenser whereby treated water produced in the water treatment reactor exits the apparatus by the dispenser; a filter removably mounted in the dispense water path; and, a sensor, (which may be a timer, a flow rate sensor and/or a back pressure sensor) for monitoring the flow of a treated water through the filter, the apparatus issuing a signal advising a user to change the filter when the time for the treated water to flow through the filter exceeds a predetermined value.

Abstract: A novel filtration media employing polymeric absorbents comprising a material selected from the group consisting of styrene, pentadiene, cyclopentadiene, butylene, ethylene, isoprene, butadiene, propylene and mixtures thereof; and a filtration enabler intimately mixed with the polymeric absorbent. Preferably, the filtration enabler comprises clay, ground glass, talc, mica, recycled rubber, sand, gravel, vermiculite, recycled plastic chips, an inert, non-absorbent material, or mixtures thereof. Preferably, the polymeric absorbent may be further compounded to incorporate about 10 to 50% recycled or waste plastic scrap, scrap polyolefins, inorganic fillers, or other inexpensive, relatively inert solids. Other compounding materials may include clay, talc, mica, ground glass, silica, and mixtures thereof.

Abstract: A water purifier is composed of a valve main body and a filtration portion, which are coupled to each other in an attachable and detachable manner at the main body side coupling portion and the filtration portion side coupling portion. Consequently, the water purifier filtration portion can be connected to the water purifier main body in a single step with ease in a secure manner, and at the same time, the water purifier filtration portion will not fall off easily even when water with a high water pressure flows in. Also, the water purifier is provided with a concave portion and a sensor packing formed as an integral portion of the concave portion and protruding toward an indicator portion on a wall surface of a cartridge. The indicator portion is provided with a conductive member at a position where it is brought into contact with a first input portion by a water pressure and thereby closes an electric circuit on a circuit board.

Abstract: A water treatment method uses a removable, disposable cartridge having an internal mesh structure. A permanent heater heats water fed to the cartridge. Precipitated solids collect on the mesh surface provided temperature and residence time are appropriately maintained. The heat breaks down the bicarbonate hardness of the water thereby depositing carbonates on the mesh surface and heavy metals will be codeposited due to the resultant change in pH. The cartridge has a head-space for collecting entrained gasses such as volatile organic compounds, chlorine and air. Water sterility is achieved by heating the water over an appropriate period of time. Turbidity is removed within the cartridge due to settling induced by the low fluid velocity controlled by a controller and by a filter provided at the outlet of the cartridge. The filter will become blocked when bicarbonate hardness is carried over forcing a user to replace a spent cartridge.

Abstract: A filtering apparatus and replaceable filter assembly including an electronic filter identification system having an electronic label on the filter and a read-out mechanism on the filtering apparatus. The read-out mechanism is connected to a control unit of the filtering apparatus and the control unit is influenced by the read-out mechanism. The control unit may be actuable only upon disposing a filter in the filtering apparatus having a proper or predetermined electronic label. The filter identification system may also be interactive. The electronic label on the filter includes a read/write memory which can store the number of operating hours of the filter.