Abstract: A paint strainer dimensioned to fit in a vertical position in a paint bucket, in a vertical plane passing through the center of the paint bucket, dividing the paint bucket into a receiving side and a strained paint side. The paint strainer has a strainer frame around the perimeter of the paint strainer which defines the bottom sides and top of the paint strainer, and has a paint screen which is secured and sealed to the strainer frame. A pair of bucket top brackets, one affixed to the top of each side of the strainer frame, secures the paint strainer to the paint bucket.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a personal water purification system providing a watertight polymeric container 12 having a removable, threaded unfiltered water fill cap 18 that provides access through port 28 to an upper unfiltered water receiving chamber 20. At the lowest integral portion 24 of the receiving chamber 20, a threaded port 30 is provided for the attachment of a disposable filter cartridge 26 that is vertically threaded into the port 30. This allows for gravity induced filtering through cartridge 26 as opposed to pressure induced filtering. A plurality of filtered water ports 32 are also located in the lower integral portion of the unfiltered water chamber 20, one or more opposite the other and/or juxtapositioned, which allow filtered water to be dispensed from the lower filtered water chamber 16 to a drinking spout 22 provided at the top most portion of the container and to flow by gravity through a plurality of channels/conduits 34 when the container is tipped to its side.

Abstract: A filter cartridge having a unitary construction with a pleat pack filter formed securely about an interior screen for installation in the tube sheet of a baghouse. Opposite ends of the pleat pack are integrally received within a bottom end cap and an upper fitting. The bottom end cap may be molded to follow the contour of the pleat pack, or may be molded as a disk with an inwardly projecting groove to centrally align the pleat pack therein. The upper fitting is formed of a resiliently flexible material and includes an upper flange to overlie and seal with the upper surface of the tube sheet, a tube sheet mouth insert to seal with a circular opening in the tube sheet, a contoured transition to seal with the lower surface of the tube sheet, and a lower cylindrical collar which permanently secures the upper end of the filter. The contoured transition of the fitting is alternatively molded with either an exterior bulge or an interior bulge.

Abstract: A filter device for coffee or the like which includes an open frame 2 formed of sheet material having predetermined rigidity, such as thick paper, and which is smaller in diameter than a blind-end frame 3. Both the frames are connected by a tubular body part 5 formed of deformable sheet material provided with shape retaining ability having predetermined rigidity and flexibility such as thin paper, non-woven fabric, etc. to compose a cup-like container body 1 having a wider bottom in a shape of substantially truncated cone. The filter device can be placed on a coffee cup for use. When the filter device is not in use, the open frame 2 is folded and pushed into the blind-end frame 3 by means of flexibility of the body part 5 and contracted. For use, the open frame 2 is pulled up to expand the body part 5, and the container body is restored into the cup-like shape and prepared to be poured with hot water.

Abstract: A filter device for coffee or the like which includes a container body consisting of an open frame and a blind-end frame including an annular bottom member, and a filter chamber for enclosing substance to be extracted and received in the annular bottom member via a filter, wherein the blind-end frame is adapted to be folded inside the open frame together with the filter chamber. The open frame is formed of sheet material having predetermined rigidity, such as thick paper, non-woven fabric, etc., while the blind-end frame is formed of deformable sheet material provided with shape retaining characteristic having predetermined rigidity and flexibility such as thin paper, non-woven fabric, etc. These open frame and the blind-end frame are connected so as to be folded. When the filter device is not in use, the blind-end frame is folded and pushed into the open frame while turned back to be stored inside the open frame together with the filter device.

Abstract: The new design has three primary features: (1) a rectangular collar having a centrally located circular cutout with sewn loops formed on the outer edges of the collar; (2) a filter bag having top edges attached to the rectangular collar along the periphery of the circular cutout so that the bag is inserted within the cutout and drops below the level of the collar; and (3) a heavy gauge steel wire inserted within the sewn loops of the rectangular collar forming a structural frame along the periphery of the rectangular collar. The structural frame is preferably formed with overlapping portions coupled together with a retaining means. The overlapping portions are slidably moved relative to one another to change the first and/or second dimension of the frame so that the filter can fit within catch basins openings of various measurements.

Abstract: A paint strainer dimensioned to fit in a vertical position in a paint bucket, in a vertical plane passing through the center of the paint bucket, dividing the paint bucket into a receiving side and a strained paint side. The paint strainer has a strainer frame around the perimeter of the paint strainer which defines the bottom sides and top of the paint strainer, and has a paint screen which is secured and sealed to the strainer frame. A pair of bucket top brackets, one affixed to the top of each side of the strainer frame, secures the paint strainer to the paint bucket.

Abstract: An apparatus for use with an array of liquid specimen containers having open upper ends includes a panel structure having an array of openings corresponding to the array of liquid specimen containers such that the open upper ends of the containers will be aligned with the openings upon placement of the panel structure over the containers in an upright engagement with the containers. The apparatus further includes filter material stretched across the openings so as to extend across the open upper ends of the containers in overlying abutment with the open upper ends of the containers when the panel structure is in the upright engagement. In this arrangement, liquid contents of the containers can flow downward through the filter material when the panel structure and the containers are together moved from their upright engagement to an overturned engagement inverted from their upright engagement.

Abstract: The pitcher body takes a standard form to hold a beverage for storage. Mounted within the pitcher body is a filter assembly including a reservoir section, an outlet, and a filter element located operatively prior to the outlet. Additionally, a water-tight sealing cap is provided to seal the outlet. With the sealing cap removed, the filter assembly operates as normal, filtering water from the reservoir section to the pitcher body. With the sealing cap blocking the outlet, the reservoir section may be used as an ice hopper to cool the filtered water without contamination. The filter element may also be removed if the sealing cap blocks the outlet to provide increased capacity for holding ice.

Abstract: A filter cartridge end-of-life mechanism and a filter cartridge assembly for a water treatment device. The end-of-life mechanism comprises a float which is moved along an escapement path each time the device is filled. A counting mechanism connected to the float provides a continuous visual indication of the amount of useful life remaining in the filter cartridge. The cartridge assembly includes a tray detachably connected to a filter cartridge. The tray is positioned beneath the outlet end of the cartridge to remove water treatment particles from the treated water.

Abstract: A filter cartridge assembly intended for replaceable installation in a demountable cartridge housing includes in one embodiment, a retaining ring that is attached to the product water tube of the filter cartridge, is inserted with the cartridge into the housing, and is locked to the housing such that, upon subsequent removal of the housing to change the cartridge, the cartridge will be forced from sealing engagement with the end cap header and caused to remain in the housing until the housing has been removed. The integral retaining ring and cartridge are then simply unlocked and removed from the housing for replacement. Brine ring embodiments that are welded to the housing or attached to the housing with a snap-in connection are also disclosed.

Abstract: A filtration station for capturing small to medium sized tissue fragments in fluid for histological processing. The filtration station allows tissue to be filtered onto foam in a cassette or into a biopsy bag with speed, excellent tissue recovery and convenient fixative collection for recycling or disposal. The present invention combines two normally separate filtration stations into one station for more convenient filtration of tissue into two widely used filter media while also reducing exposure to harmful vapors.

Abstract: A pitcher or carafe housing is provided that has a raw water reservoir. A high performance filter receives raw water from a lower portion of the reservoir. The water is preferably received at or travels through a water entry tube to the back and bottom of the filter. In about 1-3 minutes the water percolates through the filter element, until it reaches a water exit port. A pouring chamber may be provided at the side of the pitcher for receiving the water from the water exit port, so that the water will continue to be treated and flow up into the pouring chamber until the water level equalizes in height in the reservoir and the pouring chamber. The filter and its housing may be placed into and removed from the inside of the raw water reservoir, or the filer housing may be side loaded. The filter media may be a polyester non-woven mat with a weight of 4-7 oz./yd.2 impregnated with carbon or zeolite and subject to compression between about 25-75% (e.g. about 50%).

Abstract: A beverage filter cartridge includes an outer container with a bottom, and front, back and side walls extending upwardly from the bottom to a peripheral rim surrounding an upper opening. The side wall is contoured to define interior ledges located above the bottom and extending between the front and back walls. A planar filter element having front, back and side edge regions is configured, dimensioned and positioned to subdivide the interior of the container into first and second chambers, with the front and back edge regions of the filter element secured respectively to the front and back walls of the container, and with side edge regions of the filter element secured to respective interior ledges of the container side walls. A beverage medium is stored in the first chamber. A cover is joined to the container rim to close the upper opening. The cover is yieldably piercable to accommodate an inflow of liquid into the first chamber for combination with the beverage medium to produce a beverage.

Abstract: A liquid filter or cartridge is disclosed, in which the filter bed is divided into multiple, parallel filter beds in a single filter housing. The divided bed system is preferably used for granular media such as activated carbon that is slightly hydrophobic. This compartmentalization of media into separate beds improves media utilization, which results in higher efficiency filtration/treatment and longer filter life, compared to a conventional single-compartment filter in the same outer housing. Preferably, many compartment walls are disposed axially in a gravity-flow or other low-pressure-condition filter, and media is loaded in-between all the walls. Water flows into and through each separate bed before exiting the filter, and each bed has a small diameter, and low bed diameter to bed length ratio, compared to the overall filter housing diameter and ratio, thus, providing a plurality of beds that encourage a high percentage of the media in each separate bed to be wet and to perform filtration.

Abstract: Colander apparatus for straining and rinsing including a first rim portion and a second rim portion hingedly movable about an axis between a generally coplanar position and a collapsed or folded position wherein the rim portions are generally parallel or oriented at a small acute angle one to the other, the first and second rim portions when in the generally coplanar position defining a bowl opening. The colander apparatus further includes a bowl portion integrally formed with, attached to or otherwise supported by the first and second rim portions around the bowl opening in spanning relation thereto, the bowl portion including a plurality of openings therethrough.

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: The present invention includes methods for the production of a continuous differential permeable membrane and for devices that use such a membrane. One form of the present invention is a filtration apparatus having fluid permeable and fluid impermeable regions. The apparatus may be used allows for high throughout processes such as chemical synthesis and biological separations.

Abstract: The present invention 10 discloses a plastic two-piece filter restraint housing 38 having a spring 32 within each two post portion of the device which spring is held therein when the portions of the restraint are joined together. The housing 38 utilizes four pivotal end tabs 16 that are removable, pivotal, circular wedge angled supports 16 or optional straight wedge shaped supports 40 that will accommodate the standard circular or square coffee filter holder assembly 20. The filter device of the present invention keeps a coffee filter from collapsing while brewing automatic drip coffee by compressing the tabs 16 on the device, inserting them inside the coffee filter 18 and holder assembly 20 and then releasing the tabs 16 of the device so that they will retain the filter 18 firmly in position. The interchangeable tabs 16, 40 will accommodate a circular or square type filter assembly.

Abstract: A support-equipped extraction bag which comprises a bag main body containing or capable of containing an extraction-subject material and produced by using a sheet complex having a support disposed along the centerline of a water-permeable filtering sheet member and bonded thereto, and using a bag making machine (and a filling machine, if necessary) while folding it in two, and a support member, wherein extraction can be safely effected by tearing the head of the support-equipped extraction bag, bending the right and left ends inwardly downward or upward so as to spread the head, simultaneously downwardly bending the leg continuous with the head to place it on an extraction vessel, and pouring an extraction liquid (boiling water) over an extraction-subject material which is filled through the tear in the head or which has been filled in advance.

Abstract: A new Invention, Filter Rite, would provide an innovative alternative to conventional coffee filters in the form of a reusable coffee filter designed for use in a percolator coffee pot. It would be ideal for owners of percolator coffee pots and would allow coffee drinks to save time, money and effort. In addition Filter Rite would be produced from high-quality, durable materials and could be easily stored when not in use. Filter Rite would be marketed to virtually all households. Possible secondary markets would be hotels, motels and restaurants.

Abstract: The Strainer Drainer/Colander Caddy is a means of elevating strainers/colanders (either in the form of removable/detachable/foldable/collapsible legs or base or as a separate universal fitting device) in a stable fashion, built using either food grade or non-food grade materials, while providing drainage for strainers/colanders in order to minimize the risk of food stuffs becoming contaminated by the backup of waters in a sink/basin.

Abstract: A filtration apparatus having a plurality of sample wells comprises an upper plate comprising a plurality of upper wells, a lower plate comprising a plurality of lower wells disposed in flexible communication with each other, and a ratcheting mechanism disposed at interfaces of the upper wells and the lower wells. A method for assembling the filtration apparatus comprises supporting the lower plate, disposing a filter medium in the lower well, disposing the upper plate at the lower plate such that the lower wells substantially register with the upper wells, and compressing the upper plate onto the lower plate to form an interference fit between the lower well and the upper well.

Abstract: This relates to filter columns for isolating nucleic acids. The filter column is adapted for stable placement within the upper portion of standard plastic collection tubes of various sizes. The body of the filter column has a number of surfaces to accommodate placement within variously sized collection tubes. The filter column contains nucleic acid-specific filter which can be located at alternate regions within the filter column, providing different filter surface areas and loading volume capacities using the same column body. The filter column has an opening on an upper end adapted to be sealed by a cap. A method for recovering nucleic acids using such filter column is also provided.

Abstract: A water dispenser supports a bottle having a neck closed with a holder accommodating a water filter. The cap member has an inwardly converging sleeve complementary to and engageable with the outer surface of the filter to retain the filter on the bottle neck. An air bleed hole in the bottle is located at a selected height relative to the exit openings of the filter to control maximum flow rate of fluid through the filter.

Abstract: The valved filter assembly of the present invention utilizes a bi-directional pressure differential valve in fluid communication with a filter body housed within a container, such as a bottle. This unique structure allows the user to dispense filtered fluid from a bottle only when the bottle is inverted and squeezed. Squeezing the bottle causes the pressure to increase on the inside of the bottle thereby causing water to traverse the filter body thus contacting and opening the bi-directional pressure differential valve thereby allowing liquid to exit; however, when no pressure is applied to the bottle the bi-directional pressure differential valve remains in the closed position sealing the bottle.

Abstract: A portable water treatment unit is provided for purifying contaminated water, especially in the aftermath of a natural disaster that compromises a region's water supply. The treatment unit is configured to treat water drawn into the unit. The treatment unit comprises an inlet connected to a pump. The pump outlet is connected to a solid separator for removing larger particles such as sand and silt. A series of filters is connected to the pump outlet, the filters being arranged from coarsest to finest. The filters remove smaller particles from the water. The water from the filters eventually flows into an ultraviolet light disinfection unit configured to purify water by emitting ultraviolet light thereon. An outlet of the UV light disinfection unit is configured to expel purified water for drinking and other uses. Pressure gages are provided for monitoring the pressure drops across the filters.

Abstract: A filter cartridge end-of-life mechanism and a filter cartridge assembly for a water treatment device. The end-of-life mechanism comprises a float which is moved along an escapement path each time the device is filled. A counting mechanism connected to the float provides a continuous visual indication of the amount of useful life remaining in the filter cartridge. The cartridge assembly includes a tray detachably connected to a filter cartridge. The tray is positioned beneath the outlet end of the cartridge to remove water treatment particles from the treated water.

Abstract: An improved portable water purifier of a type having a pitcher with a lower terminal wall and being divided vertically by a lateral partition into an upper compartment for holding raw water and a lower compartment for holding purified water, and a filter depending from the lateral partition into the lower compartment for purifying the raw water into the purified water. The improvement includes a base having a weight and replaceably supporting the pitcher thereon and acting as a coaster therefore, and a permanent magnet having a weight and encased throughout the base for delivering a concentrated and polarized magnetic charge through the lower terminal wall of the pitcher and into the purified water so as to polarize the purified water until its molecules are gradually rearranged from a normal agglomerated state into a more linear, organized, and substantially more permeable state that increases a body's ability to absorb and assimilate the purified water.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a water purification system for use in a water dispensing apparatus. The water purification system comprises an adapter adapted to mount to a top opening of the dispensing unit of the water dispensing apparatus, the adapter including a dispensing unit locking mechanism that is adapted to secure the adapter to the dispensing unit, and a filter connected to the adapter, the filter being adapted to filter impurities from the water that passes through the adapter from the container.

Abstract: A device which can be used for filtering samples is described. The device is comprised of a plurality of filter wells, each having a wide region and a narrow region. The device is fitted with a filter element and then filled with a gel filtration matrix which is selected so that molecules of a particular molecular size will diffuse into the matrix. The device is centrifuged to remove water from the interstitial regions of the gel filtration matrix, and a sample is then added to the device containing the dried gel filtration matrix. The device is again centrifuged, causing smaller molecules to diffuse into the matrix and allowing larger molecules to exit the device, wherein they are collected and analyzed. The device is capable of filtering sample sizes as low as 1 &mgr;L and can be used in a variety of existing laboratory equipment, including bench-top centrifuges and microcentrifuges. A process for using the device is also disclosed.

Abstract: Embodiments of a portable water filter are described and shown, each embodiment being adapted to fit and seal into a bottle neck without modification of, or attachment to, the bottle or its cap or other closure. The filter has a flange system that rests on the lip of the bottle neck and that has slanted or curved surfaces to seal with the neck and the bottle cap when the cap is screwed onto the bottle. The filter further includes a connector for attachment to a straw for an alternative use of the filter in a cup or mug. The filter water inlets are preferably in the lower region of the filter housing, to facilitate suctioning of the liquid from the bottom of the cup or mug even when the liquid level is low.

Abstract: A treatment carafe for an apparatus for treating ozone with water is disclosed. A treatment carafe has a water inlet which is automatically sealed when the user places the carafe on a base member. There is also provided a gas conduit so that off gases which accumulate in the carafe may be vented during the treatment cycle. The gas conduit is automatically connected in air flow communication with an off gas conduit when the carafe is placed on the base member.

Abstract: The present invention provides a water filtration apparatus for mounting on the exposed exterior surfaces of a refrigerator to provide filtered water to the interior of a refrigerator cabinet. The apparatus may be mounted on the exposed or visible surfaces of the refrigerator for ease of installation, monitoring, and filter replacement. A readily replaceable filter cartridge is also provided.

Abstract: The present invention provides for a multiple well filter plate and method of producing same, the multiple well filter plate comprising a molded plate and a filter sealed via an adhesive, the method particularly adapted for producing multiple well filter plate having substantial well densities and small volume sample wells.

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 filtering apparatus for cooking oil includes an open top reservoir 11 mounted to a portable stand 17 having wheels. The reservoir includes a bridge portion 14 supporting a filter housing 30 therein. A pump 31 is mounted to the stand below the reservoir. A flexible conduit 39 is provided for extracting cooking oil from a deep fryer and for discharging cooking oil from the reservoir back to the fryer. The flexible conduit is in fluid communication with the pump 31 via a first rigid conduit 37 and the pump is in fluid communication with the filter housing via a second rigid conduit 42. Advantageously, the rigid conduits are located within the reservoir so that there is little danger of an operator making contact with the conduits and being burned in the normal course of operation. Furthermore any leaks which develop in the conduits will discharge directly into the reservoir. Preferably, a deflector plate 49 is provided above the oil outlet 45 in order to deflect blow-back oil downwardly.

Abstract: Liquid components are separated from a liquid using separation devices, such as filters and membranes, in which capillary forces, which retain the liquid component to be separated in the separation device, are effective. If the amount of liquid is very small, it can be very difficult to remove the liquid component to be separated in the separation device in a free and unchanged form. This process step is simplified or facilitated by a wedge-shaped cut-out at an exit end of the capillary or in a columnar body which is in contact with an exit end of the capillary. A radius of curvature of a wedge edge is smaller than a radius of the capillary. A base side of the wedge-shaped cut-out is adjacent to a collecting chamber in which the separated-off liquid component is collected, and in which the capillary forces are smaller than interfering forces in the capillary itself.

Abstract: An ultrafiltration device has a filter membrane sealed inside a reservoir body that has one or more ports and a closed portion distal to the port(s), and the filter membrane is sealed to the body along a closed contour widely surrounding the port(s) to provide a large area filtered outflow path. The method is effective to rapidly isolate a predetermined amount of a desired retentate in the distal portion and is also useful for quantitative transfer of smaller molecules and for multi-step processing of sample arrays. A frusto-conical peripheral filter provides high ratio of effective filter area, and may be configured for hydrostatic deadstopping and little or no wicking, greatly enhancing recovery time and efficiency. Novel constructions and methods of manufacture enhance filtration or separation vessels of various sizes.

Abstract: A water filtration system which utilizes steam pressure to provide energy for the pumping process, has a boiler (1) which shall be used to develop steam (19) and shall be heated by a stove (27). The steam produced shall flow through a steam tube (7) and into a water bottle (9) which contains contaminated water (21) to be filtered and wherein floating insulation (17) exists to thermally isolate the steam from the water. The steam pressure in the water bottle shall force the water out through a water tube (25) and then through a water filter (23) at which point potable water will be available to the user.

Abstract: A water filtering carafe comprising a raw water reservoir, a filtered water reservoir, and a gravity-flow cyst reduction water filter cartridge for filtering raw water passing from the raw into the filtered water reservoir, the carafe including a mounting receptacle for the filter cartridge which forms a cyst-blocking water seal as the filter is mounted therein, such that the combination of the water seal and water filter cartridge provides at least a 99.95% reduction in particles of 3-4 microns diameter in a charge of raw water passing from the raw water reservoir into the filtered water reservoir.

Abstract: A water treatment device for purifying small quantities of non-potable water for drinking purposes. The device includes: a primary container, a secondary product container, and a cylindrical filter cartridge. The primary container is filled with untreated water, and brought into contact with a disinfecting agent. The filter cartridge is then attached to the primary container and the secondary container is attached to an outlet port of the filter cartridge, the entire arrangement is then inverted to allow water to flow from the primary container into the inlet port of the filter cartridge. A physicochemical time switch is installed near the inlet port of the filter cartridge and blocks the flow of water from the primary container into the filtering elements until an appropriate amount of time has lapsed for the disinfecting agent to effectively disinfect the water. The physicochemical time switch is either a water dissolvable barrier or an expandable compartment filled with hydrophilic polymeric crystals.

Abstract: A universal filter insert apparatus 10 for a water purifier includes a container insert 12 having substantially cylindrical or conical side walls 11 and an annular lip 17 at an upper portion thereof. A plurality of resilient sealing members 36 are stacked about the upper portion of the container. Each of the resilient sealing members includes (i) an internal sealing diameter 50 adapted to engage the container annular lip and (ii) a uniquely-shaped annular sealing flange 38 for engaging a filter receiving aperture 54 of a particular water purifier 52. At least one guide slot 22 extends along a portion of the bottom of the container insert. A granular filter medium is placed within the container insert and sealed therein with a container lid 30. The container lid has a plurality of apertures 34 sized to let water pass through and also includes a raised handle 32 for ease of insertion and removal of the universal filter insert.

Abstract: A cyst reduction water filter and a method and carafe system for using it, wherein the filter incorporates a cellular ceramic honeycomb filter element of a selectively plugged channel configuration wherein all water filtration paths traverse porous channel walls, the walls exhibiting open porosity characterized by a median pore diameter in the range of about 2-8 micrometers and with pores over 10 microns in diameter comprising not more than 10% of the open pore volume, and wherein the filter element has a primed water flux of at least 0.3 ml/min/cm3 under a water pressure of 0.3 psig.

Abstract: This invention provides a blood filter unit capable of obtaining a necessary volume of a plasma or serum sample from blood to be assayed easily at any place, which comprises a blood filtering material and a holder accommodating the blood filtering material and having a nozzle for sucking blood and a filtrate outlet, and the inside of the holder being kept reduced pressure conditions.

Abstract: A filter cartridge having a flexurally rigid frame with a filter element inserted therein is formed of a frame composed of a blank in a single piece, and is folded inward forming a double-walled box profile.

Abstract: A gravity-flow water filter cartridge for use in a drinking water carafe or the like includes a high-surface area cyst reduction filter element disposed in a water-retaining reservoir within the cartridge; the reservoir retains sufficient water between filtering and during dispensing cycles to maintain the filter element in a fully immersed state, whereby the primed (air-free) condition of the filter necessary for fast gravity flow at high cyst reduction efficiency is maintained.

Abstract: A device is described for indicating the depletion of a purifying agent contained in an insert of a water purifying apparatus (7). In order to produce such a device better, to improve it technically, to construct it so as to be user-friendly and also more moderate in price, provision is made according to the invention that an indicator apparatus (1) is arranged in order to indicate to the user the depletion of the purifying agent as a function of the quantity of water which has run through the purifying agent; or alternatively to indicate to the user the depletion as a function of the quantity of water which has run through the purifying agent and as a function of time; in which preferably the indicator apparatus is connected with an arrangement which is arranged on a part (3) movable relative to the insert and which on this movement triggers a switching process.

Abstract: An apparatus for straining or rinsing is constructed with a bowl portion having an upper rim, the bowl portion being provided with a plurality of perforations through the wall thereof. The bowl portion provided with an engagement portion, which may be integrally formed therewith, for engaging with a predeterminable portion of a kitchen sink. Various embodiments of the invention engage with sink wall intermediate of a dual sink arrangement, or a standardsink faucet or valve. The employment of the engagement portion obviates the need to occupy the bottom surface of the sink during such straining or rinsing. In addition, the invention includes a method of employing a colander.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a filter cartridge that provides for a secure dust tight seal and is easily inserted and removed from a filtration unit. The filter cartridge includes a cartridge unit having a filter element, a bottom cap and a top boot and a sealing sleeve for insertion into the interior of the top boot. The top boot has an outside diameter which is slightly smaller than the inside diameter of the opening in a tube sheet into which the filter cartridge is to be inserted so that the cartridge may be easily inserted into and removed from the opening in a tube sheet. The top boot is also provided with a sealing ridge, which is located in the inside of the boot at the sealing point. The inside diameter of the sealing ridge is smaller than the cartridge boot and the sealing sleeve. When the sealing sleeve is inserted into the cartridge boot, the sealing sleeve contacts the sealing ridge and causes an increase in diameter of the sealing ridge.