Abstract: A funnel for filtering particulate from a liquid with improved filtration flow rate using flow paths through a filtering interface defined by a filter element and orifices predominantly on the wall of a conical inner funnel member. Particulate accumulates at the vertex of the inner funnel member. Filtered liquid passes through a collecting chamber between the inner funnel member and an outer funnel member and discharges through a spout. Filtration through the funnel may be assisted by application of a vacuum suction on the filtered liquid side of the filter element or application of a positive pressure on the unfiltered liquid side of the filter element. The inner and outer funnel members can be easily disassembled for cleaning.

Abstract: An anti-clogging device for drain pipe includes: a cap member linked with an open-topped cylindrical container, whereby upon insertion of the cylindrical container into the drain pipe and upon covering of the cap member on a top opening of the drain pipe, the drain pipe can be well protected for preventing clogging by waste materials or scraps in a building construction site by means of the anti-clogging device.

Abstract: The invention provides for filter apparatus comprising a receptacle for liquid to be filtered and having outlet means by which filtered liquid can be dispensed therefrom, plunger means having filter means and arranged for movement within said receptacle and through said liquid so as to filter said liquid, said plunger means being provided with a skirt portion for contacting the inner surface of said receptacle during said movement of said plunger within said receptacle, and wherein said skirt portion is arranged to extend away from said filter means and in the direction of movement of said plunger means during the filtering of said liquid, said skirt means being arranged to be biased towards the inner surface of said receptacle by the pressure of the liquid being filtered during said movement.

Abstract: A beverage filter formed of porous paper, or other paper-like filter material for placement in the ground beverage container of a beverage brewing apparatus, such as a percolating coffee pot, in which the filter is graduated by being provided with indicia in the form of one or more of lines, colored lines, numerals and words, such indicia being affixed on the interior of such filter for readily viewing by the user. In the preferred embodiment, such indicia are affixed in at least two arrangements, one for a mild brew and one for a strong brew. Each arrangement includes markings or indicia for ground beverage level according to the volume of brew desired, such as by cups of coffee, for example. A user, utilizing any dispensing means including the ground beverage container itself, need simply fill the filter to the line corresponding to the desired volume at the desired strength.

Abstract: A rain cover 10 prevents leaves and other debris from plugging a conventional gutter G, while rain water from the roof of a building is transmitted to the gutter by surface tension. The cover includes a main plate 14 inclined for allowing water and debris to pass by gravity from an upper portion 30 to a lower portion 32. A front portion 16 of each of a plurality of traversely spaced fins 14 extend laterally beyond an outer wall of the gutter. Pairs of adjacent fins 14 are separated by a uniform traverse gap of less than 0.05 inches to significantly increase the return of water to the gutter by surface tension with the fin walls. The cover may be economically manufactured from plastic or metal, and may be easily installed on an existing gutter system. The separation device of the present invention may be used in other applications to separate solid debris from a fluid.

Abstract: A container to receive an infuser of the kind formed from a wall structure of plastic material incorporating a mesh, and a lid for covering the container when the infuser is contained therein, said container having side walling incorporating support means which is arranged to support the infuser while spaced from said side walling so as to enable air to flow round the infuser and the lid having at least one opening to permit air to flow within the container to promote drying.

Abstract: A filter (32) is provided for a medical sterilization container (10) having a port (18,22,24) allowing fluid communication between the interior of container (10) and the surrounding environment. A peripheral frame (44) is adapted to cooperate with the port (18,22,24). A plurality of cross-members (54) span an aperture (48) formed by a frame (44). A filter medium (58) is disposed across the aperture (48) so as to be interposed between the interior of the container and the cross-members (54).

Abstract: Two chambers in a container are separated by an easily replaced filter. One of the chambers is capable of being compressed so as to pressurize a water volume in the chamber which is to be filtered. The water is therefore forced through the filter into the second of the chambers where it is stored for use in a clean and drinkable form. The filter is made-up of a series of discs arranged to effectively remove particulate, chemical and other undesired contents of the water. The filtered water may be filtered to the molecular level providing an essentially sterile drinking water. The filter may also remove odor and taste components that are undesirable. The filter is constructed and held within the container in such a manner as to prevent seepage and leakage of the unfiltered water.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a pot-shaped permanent filter insert for use in an espresso machine, the insert comprising a filter base plate which substantially forms the bottom of the pot and is penetrated by a plurality of filter openings substantially in the flow direction of the medium to be filtered and comprises a frame surrounding the filter base plate, and a pot wall which is substantially arranged on the edge of the filter base plate and transversely extends away from the filter base plate to form a coffee receiving portion, the permanent filter insert being made of a plurality of parts in that the lower edge portion of the pot wall is substantially secured to the outer edge of the filter base plate. Furthermore, the lower edge portion of the pot wall and the filter base plate are interconnected by an injection-molded plastic connection, a frame being injection-molded substantially around the outer edge of the filter base plate, interconnecting the frame and the filter base plate and the pot wall.

Abstract: A greatly simplified improved vacuum filter funnel consists of two pieces, namely an upper reservoir member and a lower spout member. The upper reservoir member has an annular ring downwardly extending from the bottom thereof which fits inside an annular rim upwardly extending from the top of the lower spout member. A filter disk rests on an integral grid at the top of the lower spout member and is held in place between the upper and lower members by solely the weight of the upper member. The filter disk is readily removed after simply lifting up the upper reservoir member. Both the reservoir and spout members are preferably constructed of a chemical and heat resistant organic plastic, for example polysulfone, so that the parts may be sterilized in an autoclave.

Abstract: A water purification unit including a water inlet having a filter adapted to remove undissolved contaminants from a raw water source. The water inlet is coupled to a water reservoir including a semi-permeable membrane adapted to remove dissolved contaminants from raw water source. The filter and the membrane function to produce permeate water having undissolved and dissolved contaminants removed therefrom. The unit further includes a pressure source positioned within the water reservoir, wherein the pressure source forces raw water through the semi-permeable membrane. In addition, the unit is provided with a purified water container in fluid communication with the water reservoir adapted to receive the permeate water, wherein the purified water container is coupled to an oxidizing agent source. The oxidizing agent from the oxidizing agent source contacts the permeate water to destroy any contaminants that still may remain in the water.

Abstract: An electric kettle having a housing, a heating element, and a filter system. The filter system has a connecting frame and a filter member. The connecting frame is stationarily connected to the housing and forms a vent conduit with the housing. The filter member is removably received in the connecting frame and has a top located at an exterior of the housing. A user can remove the filter member by moving the top of the filter member without having to move other components of the kettle.

Abstract: A filter assembly adapted to be used in a water treatment apparatus for removing impurities from tap water provided to residential users, having a filter housing with an opening formed therein, a filter bag composed of a porous material disposed in the filter housing, filter media contained in the filter bag, and a lid adapted to cover the opening of the filter housing. The filter housing has an upper end and a lower end each having a plurality of apertures formed therein. The filter media contained in the filter bag is composed of individual particles having a mean diameter large enough to prevent the particles from passing through the porous material of the filter bag. The apertures formed in the lower end of the filter housing may comprise elongate slots, and the mean diameter of the individual particles of the filter media may be less than the width of the elongate slots formed in the lower end of the filter housing.

Abstract: A flushing apparatus for collecting and removing debris from a rain gutter to permit the unobstructed flow of water through a gutter downspout. The apparatus includes a channel section forming one end of the gutter and having a pair of sidewalls, a screen member and a raised portion associated with the screen member. The raised portion is of a height sized to induce water in the gutter to drop through the screen member into the downspout. The screen member is pivotable between a normal position which prevents the debris from passing into the downspout, and a cleaning position which removes the debris from the screen member.

Abstract: Filter holder having a dish (1) designed to be mounted on an "espresso" coffee machine and having a cup (2) whose bottom wall forms a filtering surface (3) and which is designed to receive a quantity of coffee, the fineness of whose grounds may vary. The dish also has a collection chamber for froth (4) provided between its bottom (10) and the filtering surface (3), and communicating via an exit passage (5) with distribution funnels (6) enabling the infusion to flow out of the dish (1). The cup (2) has structure for partially blocking the filtering surface (3) of the bottom wall of the cup (2), this structure being formed by at least one blocking area (9) arranged in the bottom (10) of the dish (1) and distant from the bottom (10) at a certain level (A).

Abstract: The present invention is drawn to an apparatus for filtering sediment from beverages, especially port and other fine wines, comprising a cork or stopper member having a central aperture; a tube disposed through said central aperture of said cork or stopper, said tube having a first end and a second end; a first filter member disposed generally around and extending from one end of said tube, forming a junction with said tube, said first filter member being of a fine mesh for straining solids and sediment; and a second filter member interposed at or about said junction of said filter member and said tube, said second filter member being of a finer mesh than the mesh of said first filter member.

Abstract: A filter basket and filtration media for an inverted bottle type water dispenser which is disposed below the inverted bottle, depending from the collar of the water reservoir into the water reservoir and receiving the neck of the bottle, so that all the water discharged from the bottle passes through the filter basket in a downward direction. The filter basket has an inverted conical upper section which funnels all the water which is drained from the bottle to a filtration compartment at its lower section. The filtration compartment remains submerged in water. The filtration compartment contains the filtration media and discharges the filtered water therefrom directly into the water reservoir. Air released in the spigot when it is opened rises upwardly through the filtration media to be received in the bottle. The filtration media comprises an aluminosilicate gel with pore sizes in the range of sixty to two hundred and fifty Angstroms which provides for rapid flow of water and air therethrough.

Abstract: A container including a hollow, rounded casing having upright stub rods on the inside and a tubular foot and a center through hole, a bowl mounted on the upright stub rods inside the casing and having an outward top flange and a bottom drain pipe extended out of the center through hole on the casing, a plurality of guide rods connected between the upright stub rods of the casing and the outward top flange of the bowl, and two symmetrical cover halves moved along the guide rods to close/open the bowl.

Abstract: A filter unit for brewing filtered coffee which uses basket filter bags. A special design of the filter openings of the basket filter assures an even discharge of the brewed coffee. Hot water is poured into a special distributing cover which is placed on the filter basket. Suitably designed distributing holes cause the hot water to form drops and distribute the hot water evenly over the entire amount of powdered coffee in the basket filter bag. The brewing and filtering operation is performed continuously and evenly because of these distributing holes, and thus the quality of the filtered coffee is improved.

Abstract: A disposable filter bag for preparation of hot brewed beverages, particularly for the preparation of American coffee, comprises a double layer of water permeable paper material in which a chamber is delimited by weak weldings with a batch of ground coffee contained therein. The filter bag features wings foldable inwards over the chamber for reduction of the package size. To use the filter bag the wings are opened and the upper edges are separated so as to allow the weak weldings to be peeled off for complete opening of the filter bag inside a basket.

Abstract: A baffle assembly (23) positioned between a pipetter assembly (10) and a disposable pipette tip (16) for substantially reducing transfer of aerosol and/or fluid specimens to the pipetter. The baffle assembly (23) includes a barrier structure (25) extending transversely across a receiving chamber (17) of the pipette tip (16) and defines at least one narrow passageway (26) extending generally in the direction of the longitudinal axis (27) through the barrier member (25) between an entrance (30) and an exit (31) thereof. The passageway (26) includes a first wall (32) extending generally transverse, and preferably perpendicular to, the longitudinal axis (27) of the pipette tip to define at least one elbow portion positioned between the entrance (30) and the exit (31) of the passageway. A filter membrane (55) preferably is secured across the passageway (26) to reduce aerosol transport through the passageway (26).

Abstract: A filtration apparatus and method having a housing, a filter element, an inlet, a first discharge outlet and a second discharge outlet. The housing includes a bottom and an upwardly extending surrounding wall. The filter element is disposed in the housing and spans the surrounding wall with the filter element spaced above the bottom of the housing to define an upper chamber and a lower chamber, and the filter element being angled, preferably 45 degrees from the horizontal, so that one end of the filter element is lower relative to the other end. The inlet is in fluid communication with the upper chamber for receiving waste water containing particulate contaminants. A first discharge outlet is in fluid communication with the lower chamber for discharging filtered waste water. The second discharge outlet is in fluid communication with the upper chamber adjacent the lower end of the filter element for discharging filtered particulate contaminants.

Abstract: A point-of-use water filtration and dispensing unit including an unfiltered water storage container removably supported above a filtered water reservoir. The container has an inlet for unfiltered water and an outlet communicating with the reservoir, with the water in the container being exposed to atmospheric pressure. The filtered water reservoir communicates with a dispensing outlet having tap means which in its closed position resists the hydrostatic pressure of the water in the reservoir and the container. A seal removably seals the reservoir to the container, and a filter is removably located within the unfiltered water container such that water flows through said filter by gravity feed as filtered water is dispensed from the reservoir.

Abstract: A drain filtering device is disclosed. The improvement over the prior art is comprised of reducing the filter size from an elongated device that spans the length of the gutter system to a modular unit which is necessary only at the drain sight. The invention also includes an inclined upper face which is positioned on the upstream side of the drain in the gutter and a down spout attachment which locates the invention in the gutter such that the flow of filtered water passes through the invention and into the downspout. The debris that collects in the gutter is carried along the with the water until it makes contact with the inclined upper face and is forced up the incline until the overflow debris flows over the side of the gutter thereby cleaning same and preventing the downspout from becoming clogged.

Abstract: A coffee filter retaining insert including a retaining body having a first section that is slidably positionable with respect to a second section thereof to provide a variable diameter enclosure area, at least four resilient standoff arms having a first end secured to the exterior of the retaining body, a plurality of spaced, parallel oriented, coffee ground level indicators disposed along the interior wall of the retaining body, and a indicator assembly secured to the interior wall adjacent the spaced level indicators having a marking bead positionable along a rod member running perpendicular to the orientation of the level indicators.

Abstract: An apparatus and method to simplify and accelerate the transfer of tissue biopsy samples from fixative to automatic tissue processing cassettes comprises a strainer device and a preformed filter. The strainer device is constructed from a perforated material such as stainless steel screen and is substantially conical in shape. The device is provided with a support ring attached to an upper edge of the cone; the ring is designed for positioning the device on a fixative collection container and for attaching a convenient handle. The tip of the cone is truncated, providing a planar collection surface. A preformed filter, also of conical shape with a flattened tip matching the collection surface, is inserted into the strainer device. Fixative, containing tissue biopsy samples, is poured into the device, and the samples rest on the flat bottom and sides near the bottom while the fixative flows through into the fixative collection container.

Abstract: A filter (32) is provided for a medical sterilization container (10) having a port (18,22,24) allowing fluid communication between the interior of container (10) and the surrounding environment. A peripheral frame (44) is adapted to cooperate with the port (18,22,24). A plurality of cross-members (54) span an aperture (48) formed by a frame (44). A filter medium (58) is disposed across the aperture (48) so as to be interposed between the interior of the container and the cross-members (54).

Abstract: A device (10) for separating liquid samples has a sample container (12), bottom wall (20) of which has an outlet opening (22) provided therein. The outlet opening (22) is joined by an outlet spout (24) extending in the axial direction of the sample container (12). On bottom wall (20) there is a separation layer (28). Below sample container (12), a collecting container (32) is arranged abutting sample container (12) such that an exchange of air between the interior of the collecting chamber (32) and the environment is possible, yet an escape of liquid is largely inhibited. The contact surface between collecting chamber (32) and sample container (12) and end (26) of the outlet spout (24) through which the liquid is discharged, are axially spaced apart.

Abstract: A device for covering and protecting a rain gutter to prevent debris, vermin and other material from entering the gutter and accumulating therein. The device comprises a main body adapted to be affixed to the roof, and a rain water deflector extending from the main body downwardly into the gutter, forming a trough and extending to an edge flange which can be affixed to an outwardly-extending gutter flange. The trough has a series of slots therein to allow water to pass from the trough into the rain gutter. The trough is oriented at least partly beneath the main body so that debris will pass thereover while water will sheet down the deflector into the trough and be captured within the gutter therebeneath.

Abstract: A permanent filter for coffee grind in an espresso maker includes a pot-shaped filter element having a bottom including several relief slots. The relief slots each have a width smaller than a mean diameter of particles of the coffee grind and a length which is a multiple of the mean diameter of the particles of coffee grind. The use of this permanent filter element accomplishes uniformly satisfactory espresso results independently of the type of coffee used, the fineness of grind and the dust content of the ground coffee.

Abstract: A water filtering bottle which includes a water filtering apparatus incorporated within the neck of the bottle. During normal consumption of the water from the water filtering bottle, water is filtered by the water filtering apparatus to remove unwanted substances in the water such as pesticides, chlorine, particulate matter, algae, bacteria, heavy metals, and improves odor and flavor of the consumable water.

Abstract: A filter apparatus having a filter bag subassembly for collecting contaminating material. The filter bag sub-assembly includes five diametrically and axially-spaced bags and an integral collar. The five spaced bags form five spaced chambers and the integral collar has a stepped shape forming five cylinder support portions for the five spaced bags.

Abstract: A liquid filter device for use with bottles holding wine or other liquids, for use in filtering cork or other sediments from the liquid while pouring the liquid out of the bottle, comprising a generally tubular body which may be inserted into the neck of a bottle, where the body has a top portion open to the internal volume of the filter device and a bottom portion sealed from the internal volume, openings formed in the body, a filter located on the inside of the body to cover such openings and means for strengthening said body being integrally formed thereon.

Abstract: A tray assembly for use in receiving and retaining used moist brewing substances and the like from a beverage brewing apparatus and separating a liquid portion therefrom. The tray assembly is in communication with an entry port which deposits moist brewing substances therein. A drain line in the brewing apparatus carries separated liquids away from said tray assembly. The tray assembly includes a tray body, a liquid separation portion retained in said tray body for drawing off liquids from moist brewing substances, and a controllably sealable tray valve assembly attached to the tray body and operatively engaging the drain line for draining liquids from the tray assembly. A first area in the tray body between the entry port and the liquid separation portion communicates with the entry port and defines a receiving and retaining space. A second area in the tray body between the liquid separating portion and the valve assembly communicates with the tray valve assembly and defines a liquid collection space.

Abstract: Apparatus for pouring used fuel and other fluids into a large container comprising a funnel fabricated of a rigid material and having a lower extent of a cylindrical configuration with a small diameter and a limited height with external threads thereon, an upper extent of a cylindrical configuration with a large diameter and a limited height, and an intermediate extent of a frustroconical configuration extending between the upper extent and the lower extent, the upper and intermediate and lower extents having a common axis with the surface of the intermediate extent forming an angle of between about 20 and 40 degrees with respect to the axis.

Abstract: A screen element or screen basket for sorting and classifying a fluid flow, in particular for treatment of fiber suspensions or for mechanical purification of molasses, includes a screen insert having a support screen for taking up forces or loads during operation and a plurality of screen inserts which are provided with classifying openings. The screen inserts are detachably secured to the support screen allowing individual replacement during wear or damage.

Abstract: Apparatus for funneling waste into a drum containing four trapezoidal sidewalls. The four trapezoidal sidewalls coupled to form a non-symmetric truncated pyramid having a vertical axis. A drain pipe having a circular cross-section with a vertical axis that is coincident with the axis of the pyramid. The drain pipe has external threads for coupling with a drum. A coupling plate is coupled to the pyramid. Four rectangular sidewalls are coupled to the truncated sidewalls to form an upper extension of the pyramid. Vertically extending supports depend from the apparatus sidewall that has notches to position over the peripheral flange of a drum. A filter is supported within the apparatus.

Abstract: A sanitizing, cleaning and deodorizing unit for evacuation system filter traps of the type used in dental evacuation suction systems comprises a housing bounded by a side wall having openings that provide fluid communication with the ambient atmosphere and a body of sanitizing, cleaning and deodorizing material situated in the interior space of the housing. The material-containing housing is situated in a conventional filter trap comprising a cup-shaped unit comprising a mesh screen bottom wall. As waste material is suctioned into the filter trap, it passes through openings in the side wall of the unit housing into contact with the body of sanitizing, cleaning and deodorizing material which releases upon contact.

Abstract: In an apparatus such as an electric coffee-maker, a filter (5) is placed at the bottom of a vessel (3) containing the product to be treated such as ground coffee. Resilient tongues (18) cut in the filter are disposed at uniform intervals about the center so as to form normally-closed orifices (17). When a predetermined pressure of liquid such as hot water is attained within the vessel, the orifices are freed to a sufficient extent to permit filtration of the liquid which has been in contact with the product.

Abstract: A portable water-purifying device comprises a primary disinfecting chamber (50) and a combined secondary disinfecting chamber and post-filter (30). Water to be purified can be scooped by means of a cover (12) into a receptacle (90) containing a pre-filter media (39) of preferably silvered activated carbon beneath a coarse entry filter pad (102). From that receptacle (90) the water enters the primary disinfecting chamber (50), flowing downwards through nine or so passage-forming segments (22) filled with a microbiocide (56), to effect primary disinfection, that is, to kill a substantial number of pathogenic organisms, but probably not all. Each passage (22) is at least three times longer than it is wide, to prevent channelling of the water through the microbiocide. Disinfectant from the microbiocide (56) enters the water as it passes through.

Abstract: A device for securing a coffee filter paper in a grounds container comprising a single thin sheet of thermo-plastic, heat resistant, resilient material having a plurality of fingers spaced symmetrically around the periphery, for placing adjacent a paper filter with its open central core at the center of the filter and in combination therewith wedged into a coffee grounds container with the instant invention exposed.

Abstract: A brew basket is disclosed for use with conventional coffee makers of the type found in offices, hotels and restaurants. The brew basket is configured to receive ground coffee in the form of a compressed wafer and provides increased extraction of coffee solids from compressed coffee wafers and a significant reduction in extraction time. The basket has a relatively shallow profile and is dimensioned so that when the brew basket is mounted on the coffee maker, substantially the entire upper surface of the compressed wafer disposed in the brew basket is wetted by the hot water discharged from the spray head of the coffee maker. In addition the basket is dimensioned to maintain a water level in the brew basket sufficient to at least partially submerge the compressed wafer during extraction, to further increase extraction efficiency.

Abstract: An apparatus for the microbiological testing of pressurized liquids is disclosed which includes a completely closed container, at the base of which a membrane filter is sealed. Fitted upstream from the membrane is a built-in reading window and included downstream from the membrane, is a flange comprising a lip seal and a female threaded part. The apparatus may be used in conjunction with a microbiological testing process by screwing to the container a filtration support, taking and filtering the sample to be analyzed, and then substituting for the support an incubation cartridge for the subsequent development, in an incubator, of the colonies collected on the membrane.

Abstract: A web protection system for a sink having at least first and second sink basins separated by a partition wall with the partition wall having an upper horizontal surface. The system includes an elongated web protector having a U-shaped cross-section which fits over and protects the partition wall. A colander having a pocket to hang over the partition wall is also provided. The colander can be used with the web protector or a separate adapter to fit properly over the partition wall.

Abstract: A device (10) for separating liquid samples has a sample container (12), bottom wall (20) of which has an outlet opening (22) provided therein. The outlet opening (22) is joined by an outlet spout (24) extending in the axial direction of the sample container (12). On bottom wall (20) there is a separation layer (28). Below sample container (12), a collecting container (32) is arranged abutting sample container (12) such that an exchange of air between the interior of the collecting chamber (32) and the environment is possible, yet an escape of liquid is largely inhibited. The contact surface between collecting chamber (32) and sample container (12) and end (26) of the outlet spout (24) through which the liquid is discharged, are axially spaced apart.

Abstract: A tray assembly for use in receiving and retaining used moist brewing substances and the like from a beverage brewing apparatus and separating a liquid portion therefrom. The tray assembly is in communication with an entry port which deposits moist brewing substances therein. A drain line in the brewing apparatus carries separated liquids away from said tray assembly. The tray assembly includes a tray body, a liquid separation portion retained in said tray body for drawing off liquids from moist brewing substances, and a controllably sealable tray valve assembly attached to the tray body and operatively engaging the drain line for draining liquids from the tray assembly. A first area in the tray body between the entry port and the liquid separation portion communicates with the entry port and defines a receiving and retaining space. A second area in the tray body between the liquid separating portion and the valve assembly communicates with the tray valve assembly and defines a liquid collection space.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for filtering open drains, such as rain gutters, uses at least one elongated tube constructed from a plurality of strands of flexible, resilient, durable, corrosion resistant material. An affixing system removably affixes each of the elongated tube in the open drain. A method and a kit for filtering open drains also are disclosed.

Abstract: The vacuum filtration device has a disposable filter funnel and a disposable filtrate receptacle. The funnel and receptacle are used with a reusable base that is connected to a vacuum source. When the receptacle and funnel are mounted on the base the vacuum is applied through a connecting passage to the receptacle to draw the filtrate from the funnel into the receptacle.

Abstract: An apparatus for filtering multiple biological samples using a filter membrane is disclosed. The apparatus comprises a base plate, a well plate, a gasket, and a first vacuum member for vacuum-clamping the base plate, well plate, gasket and filter membrane together. The apparatus may further comprise a second vacuum member for drawing the biological samples from the well plate into contact with the filter membrane.

Abstract: The "PURIFIED COFFEE AND ICE WATER DISPENSER" replaces the standard kitchen sink taps. The tap water is directed to a flow director at the base of the spout which adjusts to allow the flow to either run trough a water filter or through the spout directly into the sink. When the tap water is directed through the water filter it fills a pre-heated water reservoir depending on the direction the spout is moved, and is drawn by opening the hot water or cold water spout. Coffee is drawn by adjusting a regulator valve which sends the hot water through a coffee filter and out the hot water spout. The reservoirs are cooled and heated elecrically with thermostats.