Abstract: A carbon block molding machine which automates the heating, compressing and cooling steps which previously were done by hand. A mold unit has an inner sleeve for receiving the mixture of granular carbon particles and the hinder. A pressure unit compresses the granular carbon particles and binder in the sleeve. A heating unit integrally heats the sleeve to melt the hinder to bond the compressed carbon particles to form the carbon block within the sleeve. Preferably, a cooling unit cools the sleeve for removal of the finished carbon block. A programmed control unit selectively controls operation of the pressure unit, the heating unit and the cooling unit so that the heating unit is activated while the pressure unit compresses the granular carbon particles and the hinder. The heating unit is preferably a two-piece heater that is maintained at an elevated temperature and selectively moved into contact with the sleeve to heat the sleeve.

Abstract: A universal water filter for filtering water poured into an opening of the container. The water filter includes a filter unit and a support structure. The filter unit includes a housing having an inlet surface for receiving unfiltered water, an outlet surface for dispensing filtered water and a side surface between the inlet surface and the outlet surface. The support structure extends from the sidewall of the housing for supporting the water filter across the opening of the container. The support structure is adjustable along the circumference of the housing to vary the position of the support structure with respect to the size and shape of the opening of the container.

Abstract: Water filter module for filtration of water used to brew coffee, having a series of vertically aligned filters placed in a body member and having a charcoal filtration member bounded by screen at its upper and lower ends and in the water filter module. An alternate embodiment includes a water permeable containment device having encapsulated filtering medium.

Abstract: A method of making coffee from ground coffee beans and water includes providing an automatic drop coffee maker including a heater mechanism for heating the water wherein the heater means has a hot water drip outlet, a basket for holding the ground coffee beans wherein the basket has an inlet and an outlet and is positioned below the hot water drip outlet such that the hot water drips into the basket and mixes with the ground coffee beans, and a collection vessel for collecting hot water after it mixes with the ground coffee beans. The method further includes providing a water filtration device for filtering impurities from the water; positioning the water filtration device between the hot water drip outlet and the ground coffee beans; heating the water using the heater mechanism; and passing the heated water through the water filtration device and the ground coffee beans and into the collection vessel.

Abstract: Water filter module for filtration of water used to brew coffee, having a series of vertically aligned filters placed in a body member and having a charcoal filtration member bounded by screen at its upper and lower ends and in the water filter module.

Abstract: The invention provides a faucet-mounted water filter comprising an upright tubular diverter body that is adapted to be secured to the open end of the water faucet. At the bottom of the diverter body is a water outlet through which unfiltered water can be dispensed. In the diverter body is a valve with a valve outlet duct projecting from one side of the diverter body. A manually movable valve handle projects from the diverter body and is connected to the valve for directing the flow of water either through the water outlet (when unfiltered water is required) or for diverting water through the outlet duct. A filter housing is mounted upon the duct and is preferably connected to the diverter by means of the duct. A carbon block filter element is provided in the filter housing which includes a vertical water inlet surface on an outside wall and a water outlet at the bottom. The filter housing includes an annular water distribution chamber for unfiltered water which surrounds the filter element.