Abstract: In an embodiment of the present invention, a proton conductive oxide fuel cell comprising an electrode substrate, a proton conductive oxide electrolyte layer positioned on the electrode substrate, a proton conductive oxide reaction prevention layer positioned on the electrolyte layer, and a proton conductive oxide air electrode layer positioned on the reaction prevention layer, wherein the reaction prevention layer is composed of ABO3-? structured perovskite proton conductive oxide, may be provided.

Abstract: A water purifier includes water filters and a storage tank for purified water, all contained within a housing. Access to the housing interior is afforded by means of a cover plate that is hinged to the housing along a lower edge of the cover plate. Mounted on the cover plate adjacent an upper edge thereof are two push-button actuated latches which releasably secure the cover plate to the housing. The latches are disposed at opposite sides of the cover plate and each latch comprises a plate spring that is inherently biased to a latching position. A push button is provided for each latch to enable a user to flex the latches to their unlatching positions.

Abstract: A liquid filtering apparatus includes a hollow cylindrical accommodation member having external screw threads at respective ends. Connecting members are disposed at respective ones of those ends, and each connecting member possesses a passage to enable liquid to flow through the accommodation member. Each connecting member is adapted to be connected to a water pipe and is retained on the accommodation member by a respective lid member which is threaded onto a respective end of the accommodation member. A filter disposed inside of the accommodation member is in the form of a cylindrical perforated net and a panel extending across one end of the net to resist radial crushing of the net when the filter is removed and is being cleaned.

Abstract: A water purifier includes a housing containing hot and cold water storage tanks. Hot and cold water spigots are connected to the hot and cold water tanks, respectively, for dispensing hot and cold water. A water retainer tray is disposed beneath the spigots to collect water dripped during dispensing. A residual water discharge pipe discharges the water from the retainer tray. A stored water discharge pipe is connected to the water tanks to enable all water therein to be purged when it is time to clean the tanks. A valve mechanism joins the residual water discharge pipe and the stored water discharge pipe to a common discharge pipe. The valve mechanism is operable such that when the stored water discharge pipe is open to the common discharge pipe, the residual water discharge pipe is closed, to prevent water from backing up to the retainer while the hot and cold water tanks are being drained.

Abstract: A water purifier includes a storage vessel for storing purified water. A dispensing spigot is connected to the vessel. The spigot includes a valved body and a lever for operating the valve. The lever can be rotated rearwardly from an "off" position to temporarily dispense water, i.e., to dispense water so long as a rearward force is applied to the lever. When the rearward force is relieved, the level automatically returns to the off position. The lever can also be rotated forwardly from the "off" position to continuously dispense water, i.e., to dispense water until the lever is forcefully rotated rearwardly by the user. A stop pin is removably mounted in the lever to prevent the lever from being rotated forwardly from the "off" position until the pin is removed, thereby preventing the continuous dispensing mode from being accidentally initiated.

Abstract: A water purifier includes a casing and filters disposed in the casing for receiving unpurified water and producing purified water and waste water therefrom. A ratio of purified water to waste water being produced is controlled by a control knob rotatably mounted in a control box disposed exteriorly on a wall of the casing. The control knob rotates beneath a setting point marked on a wall of the control box. The control knob includes a plurality of regularly spaced indicator marks which can be selectively brought into alignment with the set point to enable a setting of the control knob to be visually determined.

Abstract: A water purifier includes a main body on which filters are mounted for receiving and purifying water. One of the filters is a membrane filter which produces waste water discharged through a discharge conduit. The discharge conduit is connected to an inlet of a discharge valve mounted on the main body. The discharge valve also includes an outlet for discharging the waste water received from the inlet. The discharge valve includes a passage and an additional conduit communicating the inlet with the outlet. The passage is opened and closed by a manually operated valve body, and the additional conduit is opened and closed by a solenoid valve.