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

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a filtration system including filter media that use diffusion as a method of particulate reduction that balances the contact time required for a desirable level of interception and filter performance. The filter system of the present invention includes a filter medium that removes particulate contaminants by diffusion, means for providing sufficient contact time for an influent to contact the filter medium such that the filter medium can intercept sub-micron particulates at an average flow rate below that of an on-demand or instantaneous flow rate; and a storage buffer for providing a filtered effluent at a rate independent of the average flow rate required to achieve adequate particulate reduction through the filter medium.

Abstract: An apparatus comprising a pressure limiting valve for preventing transmission of elevated pressure to components downstream of the apparatus. Preferably, the pressure limiting valve is used in combination with a flow regulating device that maintains a substantially steady flow rate through the apparatus even when subject to a wide range of applied pressure. The apparatus of the present invention is preferably suitable for use with filter systems wherein the pressure limiting valve is placed upstream of filter components that have limited burst and fatigue life capabilities. By isolating the downstream filter components from pressures that are greater than the target pressure range for a given application, the filter components can be designed to operate at much lower pressure, can be produced at a smaller size, and at a reduced cost.

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

Abstract: A system for brewing a beverage from a liquid. The system preferably has a device for steeping brewing ingredients in a liquid. The liquid is delivered to the steeping device through a contaminant removing device, such as a filter. The contaminant removing device is alternatively disposed, by way of a positioning device, either between the liquid supply and the steeping device or in a position wherein the contaminant removing device can be dried, cleaned, or replaced. A method of using such a system is also provided.

Abstract: An extruded, thin-walled activated carbon filter tube having a wall thickness of about 0.5 inch (12.7 mm) or less and an average dry density sufficient to remove at least about 99.5% of sub-micron particles from a liquid filtered through said tube.

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

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

Abstract: A water treatment unit includes a base and a disposable, plug-in cartridge. The cartridge contains a pair of hollow cylindrical, porous, solid water treatment elements designed to treat water flowing radially through their walls. The cylindrical elements are mounted so as to act in parallel, thereby achieving the advantages of a long, thin-walled element in a compact configuration.

Abstract: A water treatment or filtration unit is in two parts, a base and a cartridge. The base includes three ports, one of which may be selectively plugged or otherwise disabled. The cartridge contains the water treating material and is screwed into a socket in the base. Openings in the cartridge are then aligned with openings in the base to allow water to pass therethrough. Cartridges may be readily exchanged by simply unscrewing from, and screwing into, the base.

Abstract: A filtration system removes both particulate and dissolved matter from liquid cleaning solvent. The system is enclosed within a single unit which incorporates both a positive displacement pump and a filter assembly. The filter assembly includes a two stage filter with a hollow, cylindrical, activated carbon core which is connected to the intake side of the pump.

Abstract: A filtration system removes both particulate and dissolved matter from liquid cleaning solvent. The system is enclosed within a single unit which incorporates both a positive displacement pump and a filter assembly. The filter assembly includes a two stage filter with a hollow, cylindrical, activated carbon core which is connected to the intake side of the pump.

Abstract: A water treatment unit includes a base and a disposable, plug-in cartridge. The cartridge contains a pair of hollow cylindrical, porous, solid water treatment elements designed to treat water flowing radially through their walls. The cylindrical elements are mounted so as to act in parallel, thereby achieving the advantages of a long, thin-walled element in a compact configuration.