Abstract: A filter includes a structurally rigid adsorptive filtering medium formed as a sintered porous material chosen to remove targeted contaminant(s). The adsorptive filtering medium forms a hollow chamber sized to receive a mechanical filtering medium which is sized to press outward against the adsorptive filtering medium which supports the mechanical filtering medium thus eliminating a cage and a core to support the mechanical filtering medium and leading to a simplified construction. The fluid enters the filter through substantially the entire face of the adsorptive filtering structure and proceeds through the mechanical filtering medium which is a pleated paper filter. The hollow chamber may be capped at each end such that the caps effectively seal the filter and direct the fluid through the adsorptive filter medium and the mechanical filter medium.

Abstract: A quick connect connector has a male member that can be changed from a first length for connection to a first female coupling member like a Camelbak female coupling member to a second length for connection to a second female coupling member like a CPC coupling member. The female coupling member of an inter-connector is configured to have independently operable buttons each moving a lip from a locked position at rest to an unlocked position to lock and unlock the male member in the female coupling member. The male member and the female member may also each be configured with a spring loaded valve that opens when the male member is inserted into the female coupling member and that closes upon removal of the male member from the female coupling member.

Abstract: A container system has a container defining a volume. Inlet structure includes a cap that threads onto a spout. A tether has a first end formed integral with the base or neck of the spout. A second end of the tether is attached to a mount in the cap extending downward so that when installed and in the closed position, the second end of the tether attached to the mount is substantially in the same plane as the first end and the spiral stretch of the tether in between. When the tether moves from the stored position and the deployed position, it urges itself back toward the closed position. The tether has a length for positioning the cap of the inlet structure away from the inlet. A discharge port is connected to a discharge tube and a bite valve.

Abstract: A flask is formed of two panels heat sealed together along with a base or bottom insert. Two spouts are provided proximate the top one of which is for the extraction of fluids and the other of which is for the introduction of fluids. The flask may have a bite valve or a fluid conduit attached to one spout cap. Both spouts may be sealed into and along the edge of the flask. Alternately, one spout may be formed into a panel and the other into and along the edge of the flask. Alternately a pump may be provided to pump air into the flask to pressurize the fluid so that it will be urged out of the flask and through the bite valve when it is open.

Abstract: An oar stop sound dampener which minimizes the sound produced during the rowing of a boat. It is composed of a flexible, solid, closed-cell foam and is placed on the shaft of the oar adjacent to the oar stop on the side toward the paddle. The dampener is a disk having an aperture at its center to accommodate the shaft of the oar and having a segment adjacent to such aperture which segment can be removed from the disk to provide space for the elongated member some oar stops have extending along the shaft of the oar toward the paddle. By keeping the oar stop, which is usually metal, from contacting the oar lock, which is customarily also metal, through the location of the disk and its resistance to compression, and because of the flexible nature of the disk, no discernible sound is produced during rowing; and wear of the oar stop and oar lock is minimized.