Abstract: A system and method for filtering a fluid includes a manifold and a filter releasably connected to the manifold that includes a memory storage device. A filter valve in fluid communication with the manifold has an open position that allows the fluid to flow through the filter and a shut position that prevents the fluid from flowing through the filter valve. A sensor in fluid communication with the manifold generates a fluid parameter signal reflective of a characteristic of the fluid flowing through the manifold. A controller receives the fluid parameter signal and positions the filter valve to the shut position when the fluid parameter signal meets a predetermined fluid condition.

Abstract: A water filter system that includes a base that receives water from a faucet, where the base includes a bottom support and a vertical support transversely extending from the bottom support. The vertical support includes a visual light display having visual indicators that indicate different parameters of the filter system. A filter cartridge is seated in the base, and defines a first chamber having at least one filter element, and a second chamber in fluid communication with the first chamber. An enhancement cartridge is removably inserted in the second chamber of the filter cartridge and includes an enhancement material for adding minerals to the water. A cover having an opening is configured to slidingly engage the vertical support of the base so that the visual light display is positioned within the opening of the cover and visible to a user.

Abstract: A control valve assembly is provided for a fluid treatment system, including a housing having a top portion and a bottom portion secured to the top portion, the housing including an inlet and an outlet. At least two modular chambers are secured in the housing. A first chamber is configured to receive fluid from the inlet and a second chamber is configured to provide fluid to the outlet. A piston is also provided which includes a shaft with a plurality of sealing rings. The piston extends through the housing and through the first chamber and the second chamber. The piston is configured to reciprocate in an axial direction to control the flow of fluid in the control valve assembly.

Abstract: A water filter system that includes a base that receives water from a faucet, where the base includes a bottom support and a vertical support transversely extending from the bottom support. The vertical support includes a visual light display having visual indicators that indicate different parameters of the filter system. A filter cartridge is seated in the base, and defines a first chamber having at least one filter element, and a second chamber in fluid communication with the first chamber. An enhancement cartridge is removably inserted in the second chamber of the filter cartridge and includes an enhancement material for adding minerals to the water. A cover having an opening is configured to slidingly engage the vertical support of the base so that the visual light display is positioned within the opening of the cover and visible to a user.

Abstract: A system for measuring a concentration of lead in water includes a variable electrode having lead ionophore II and a reference electrode electrically connected to the variable electrode and having carbon nanotubes. A potentiometer is electrically connected to the variable and reference electrodes, and the potentiometer generates a signal reflective of the electrical potential between the variable and reference electrodes when the variable and reference electrodes are immersed in the water. A method for measuring a concentration of lead in water may include preparing a variable electrode having lead ionophore II and a reference electrode having carbon nanotubes. The method may further include electrically connecting a potentiometer with the variable and reference electrodes, immersing the variable and reference electrodes in the water, and generating a signal from the potentiometer reflective of the electrical potential between the variable and reference electrodes in the water.

Abstract: A system for measuring a concentration of lead in water includes a variable electrode having a mixture of lead ionophore II, carbon nanotubes, and a first binder. A reference electrode includes a mixture of carbon nanotubes and a second binder. A meter is electrically connected in series with the variable and reference electrodes, and the meter generates a signal reflective of the concentration of lead in the water when the variable and reference electrodes are immersed in the water. A method for measuring a concentration of lead in water may include preparing a variable electrode having lead ionophore II and a reference electrode having carbon nanotubes. The method may further include electrically connecting a meter with the variable and reference electrodes, immersing the variable and reference electrodes in the water, and generating a signal from the meter reflective of the concentration of lead in the water.

Abstract: A control valve for a fluid treatment apparatus is provided, including a valve body having a control portion and a treatment portion, the portions being separated from each other so that fluid in the control portion is isolated from fluid in the treatment portion. The treatment portion includes a plurality of piston valves reciprocating in corresponding openings defined in a corresponding number of cylinders for controlling water to be treated in the apparatus. Each of the cylinders has a plurality of peripherally spaced, vertically-extending guide ribs configured for facilitating engagement of the piston valves with the openings and for reducing unwanted cavitation.

Abstract: A control valve for a fluid treatment apparatus is provided, including a valve body having a control portion and a treatment portion, the portions being separated from each other so that fluid in the control portion is isolated from fluid in the treatment portion. The treatment portion includes a plurality of piston valves reciprocating in corresponding openings defined in a corresponding number of cylinders for controlling water to be treated in the apparatus. Each of the cylinders has a plurality of peripherally spaced, vertically-extending guide ribs configured for facilitating engagement of the piston valves with the openings and for reducing unwanted cavitation.

Abstract: A control valve is provided for a fluid treatment apparatus, including a housing with at least one cylinder defining a fluid flow path in the apparatus, each cylinder having an associated reciprocating piston valve. The valve includes a first piston valve half; a second piston valve half complementary to the first piston valve half; and a resilient seal constructed and arranged for being sandwiched between the first and second piston valve halves. The first piston valve half is constructed and arranged for engaging the cylinder before the second piston valve half, and having an exterior peripheral edge defined by a plurality of peripherally spaced teeth creating flow spaces between the teeth.

Abstract: A control valve assembly is provided for a fluid treatment system, including a housing having a top portion and a bottom portion secured to the top portion, the housing including an inlet and an outlet. At least two modular chambers are secured in the housing. A first chamber is configured to receive fluid from the inlet and a second chamber is configured to provide fluid to the outlet. A piston is also provided which includes a shaft with a plurality of sealing rings. The piston extends through the housing and through the first chamber and the second chamber. The piston is configured to reciprocate in an axial direction to control the flow of fluid in the control valve assembly.

Abstract: A control valve assembly is provided for a fluid treatment system, including a housing having a top portion and a bottom portion secured to the top portion, the housing including an inlet and an outlet. At least two modular chambers are secured in the housing. A first chamber is configured to receive fluid from the inlet and a second chamber is configured to provide fluid to the outlet. A piston is also provided which includes a shaft with a plurality of sealing rings. The piston extends through the housing and through the first chamber and the second chamber. The piston is configured to reciprocate in an axial direction to control the flow of fluid in the control valve assembly.

Abstract: A control valve is provided for a fluid treatment apparatus, including a housing with at least one cylinder defining a fluid flow path in the apparatus, each cylinder having an associated reciprocating piston valve. The valve includes a first piston valve half; a second piston valve half complementary to the first piston valve half; and a resilient seal constructed and arranged for being sandwiched between the first and second piston valve halves. The first piston valve half is constructed and arranged for engaging the cylinder before the second piston valve half, and having an exterior peripheral edge defined by a plurality of peripherally spaced teeth creating flow spaces between the teeth.

Abstract: An eductor for a water treatment system, including an eductor body having an inlet end and an opposite outlet end, the body defining an interior with a nozzle chamber and a flared conical portion. A jet nozzle is provided that is dimensioned for location in the nozzle chamber, defining an internal passage in fluid communication with the interior. A duckbill valve located in the jet nozzle includes a base from which project a pair of inherently biased, complementary flaps, free ends of the flaps oriented to open towards the outlet end. A mesh cap has a porous exterior wall defining a cavity in fluid communication with the interior, the cap having an open end engageable in the inlet end of the eductor body so that upon attachment of the mesh cap to the inlet end, the duckbill valve is held in position in the internal passage of the jet nozzle.

Abstract: A control valve is provided for a fluid treatment apparatus, including a housing with at least one cylinder defining a fluid flow path in the apparatus, each cylinder having an associated reciprocating piston valve. The valve includes a first piston valve half; a second piston valve half complementary to the first piston valve half; and a resilient seal constructed and arranged for being sandwiched between the first and second piston valve halves. The first piston valve half is constructed and arranged for engaging the cylinder before the second piston valve half, and having an exterior peripheral edge defined by a plurality of peripherally spaced teeth creating flow spaces between the teeth.

Abstract: An eductor for a water treatment system, including an eductor body having an inlet end and an opposite outlet end, the body defining an interior with a nozzle chamber and a flared conical portion. A jet nozzle is provided that is dimensioned for location in the nozzle chamber, defining an internal passage in fluid communication with the interior. A duckbill valve located in the jet nozzle includes a base from which project a pair of inherently biased, complementary flaps, free ends of the flaps oriented to open towards the outlet end. A mesh cap has a porous exterior wall defining a cavity in fluid communication with the interior, the cap having an open end engageable in the inlet end of the eductor body so that upon attachment of the mesh cap to the inlet end, the duckbill valve is held in position in the internal passage of the jet nozzle.

Abstract: A control valve assembly is provided for a fluid treatment system, including a housing having a top portion and a bottom portion secured to the top portion, the housing including an inlet and an outlet. At least two modular chambers are secured in the housing. A first chamber is configured to receive fluid from the inlet and a second chamber is configured to provide fluid to the outlet. A piston is also provided which includes a shaft with a plurality of sealing rings. The piston extends through the housing and through the first chamber and the second chamber. The piston is configured to reciprocate in an axial direction to control the flow of fluid in the control valve assembly.

Abstract: A control valve is provided for a fluid treatment apparatus, including a housing with at least one cylinder defining a fluid flow path in the apparatus, each cylinder having an associated reciprocating piston valve. The valve includes a first piston valve half; a second piston valve half complementary to the first piston valve half; and a resilient seal constructed and arranged for being sandwiched between the first and second piston valve halves. The first piston valve half is constructed and arranged for engaging the cylinder before the second piston valve half, and having an exterior peripheral edge defined by a plurality of peripherally spaced teeth creating flow spaces between the teeth.