Abstract: A combined filter cartridge and manifold for use in a water purification system or the like, to facilitate substantially drip-free filter cartridge removal and replacement. The filter cartridge includes water inlet and outlet ports for respective connection with inlet and outlet fittings on the manifold. A pivoting manifold cap normally overlies and retains the filter cartridge in connected relation with the manifold fittings and a water supply coupled to the manifold. Pivoting movement of the manifold cap toward an open position shuts off the water supply and then permits filter cartridge separation from the manifold, with check valves at the manifold inlet/outlet fittings and cartridge inlet/outlet ports preventing significant water leakage.

Abstract: A combined feed tube mounting adapter and sanitizer unit for use in a bottled water cooler having a cooler reservoir for receiving water from a bottle mounted in an inverted orientation for water downflow from the bottle to the reservoir. The combined unit includes an adapter body removably mounted over the cooler reservoir, with an upstanding feed tube or probe for operatively engaging a valved bottle cap on the neck of the inverted water-containing bottle. An air filter is mounted on the adapter body along an air inflow path to filter ambient air drawn into the reservoir. The combined unit further includes a flow line for introducing ozone gas into the reservoir-contained water. In a preferred form, this flow line is coupled with a gas generator which is operated by a controller mounted in a user-accessible position on the adapter body.

Abstract: A filter manifold is provided in a water purification system and includes at least one filter element for producing relatively purified water, wherein the filter manifold incorporates a shut-off valve designed to prevent filter element removal unless the shut-off valve is first switched to a closed position for turning off the incoming water supply. The shut-off valve includes an elongated actuator lever which in a normal open position engages and retains a manifold latch plate in a latched position retaining the filter elements in connected relation with flow couplers to produce purified water. Upon movement of the actuator lever to a closed position shutting off the incoming water supply, the manifold latch plate can be unlatched from the filter elements to permit filter element removal and replacement.

Abstract: A filter manifold is provided in a water purification system and includes at least one filter element for producing relatively purified water, wherein the filter manifold incorporates a shut-off valve designed to prevent filter element removal unless the shut-off valve is first switched to a closed position for turning off the incoming water supply. The shut-off valve includes an elongated actuator lever which in a normal open position engages and retains a manifold latch plate in a latched position retaining the filter elements in connected relation with flow couplers to produce purified water. Upon movement of the actuator lever to a closed position shutting off the incoming water supply, the manifold latch plate can be unlatched from the filter elements to permit filter element removal and replacement.

Abstract: A water cooler is provided with a removable reservoir separable from a cooler housing and transportable as a portable unit to a different location for remote dispensing of chilled water or other selected beverage. The removable reservoir comprises an insulated vessel having a dispensing faucet and adapted for removable mounting onto the cooler housing in thermal communication with a chiller element for maintaining the water within the reservoir in a chilled condition. The insulated reservoir is designed for quick and easy lift-off removal from the cooler housing and may include a convenient carrying handle to facilitate transport thereof to a remote location. In one preferred form, the removable reservoir supports an inverted water supply bottle for replenishing dispensed water, whereas in another preferred form the removable reservoir is adapted for receiving water inflow from a filtered tap water source or the like.

Abstract: A water cooler is provided with a removable reservoir separable from a cooler housing and transportable as a portable unit to a different location for remote dispensing of chilled water or other selected beverage. The removable reservoir comprises an insulated vessel having a dispensing faucet and adapted for removable mounting onto the cooler housing in thermal communication with a chiller element for maintaining the water within the reservoir in a chilled condition. The insulated reservoir is designed for quick and easy lift-off removal from the cooler housing and may include a convenient carrying handle to facilitate transport thereof to a remote location. In one preferred form, the removable reservoir supports an inverted water supply bottle for replenishing dispensed water, whereas in another preferred form the removable reservoir is adapted for receiving water inflow from a filtered tap water source or the like.

Abstract: An upright radiant electrical heater has a reflector assembly supporting a vertically-extending heating element assembly that radiates energy through substantially 360 degree. The reflector assembly includes heat reflective panels that disperse heat horizontally over substantially 90 degrees through an open grill at the front of the heater and vertically in a substantially uniform manner so that hot spots are avoided. A fan forces room air into the heater from below the reflector assembly, upwardly through an air passage behind the assembly into an open control chamber at the top of the heater, and outwardly into the room through ducts along the top front edge of the assembly. A thermostatic control for the heating element assembly and the fan motor is located in the air passage at the top of the heater. The flowing air maintains the exterior of the heater relatively cool to the touch, allowing parts of the housing to be molded from a thermoplastic material into aesthetically-pleasing shapes.

Abstract: A mounting adapter and related bottle cap are provided for use in a bottled water cooler having an upwardly open reservoir for receiving a supply of water from a bottle mounted over the reservoir in an inverted orientation to permit water downflow from the bottle to the reservoir. The mounting adapter comprises a compact housing for press-fit installation into an upper region of the reservoir, wherein the adapter housing carries an outer seal ring for sealing engagement with an inner wall surface of the reservoir. An upstanding feed tube or probe carried by the adapter housing includes separate air and water flow passages as described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,413,152, and has an upper tip end shaped for opening and closing a valved bottle cap mounted on the neck of a water-containing bottle supported in an inverted position over the reservoir. The bottle cap may be constructed, e.g., according to U.S. Pat. No.

Abstract: A wall-mounted stand-alone smoke detector has an elongated housing. The housing has two ends. One end forms a base. The other end houses a sensor head remote from the base. A rigid member supports the sensor and connects the sensor to the base. The sensor head has a smoke sensor, a signal conditioner and a preamplifier for respectively detecting, conditioning, amplifying and providing signals from the sensor to a signal processor in the base. A positioning probe is attached to the sensor head end of the housing for positioning the sensor spaced from a ceiling of a room. The end housing the sensor may be angled for spacing the sensor from a wall on which the detector is mounted. All mounting, display control interaction and routine maintenance can be performed within easy reach, without climbing. The base has a power supply. A signal processor in the base is connected to the sensor head. Circuitry analyzes and processes signals, recognizing an alarm state and activating audible and visual alarms.

Abstract: An upright radiant electrical heater has a reflector assembly supporting a vertically-extending heating element assembly that radiates energy through substantially 360 degree. The reflector assembly includes heat reflective panels that disperse heat horizontally over substantially 90 degrees through an open grill at the front of the heater and vertically in a substantially uniform manner so that hot spots are avoided. A fan forces room air into the heater from below the reflector assembly, upwardly through an air passage behind the assembly into an open control chamber at the top of the heater, and outwardly into the room through ducts along the top front edge of the assembly. A thermostatic control for the heating element assembly and the fan motor is located in the air passage at the top of the heater. The flowing air maintains the exterior of the heater relatively cool to the touch, allowing parts of the housing to be molded from a thermoplastic material into aesthetically-pleasing shapes.