Abstract: A simple yet effective method and apparatus produce a web suitable for treatment of water as a static filtration media, e.g. to remove chlorine and lead from water in contact with the media. A web is coated with a coating composition that facilitates treatment of water and includes a binder, and the web is compressed in one dimension about 25-75% (e.g. 40-60%) so as to make the void size distribution substantially more uniform. The compression is substantially maintained until the binder substantially cures so that the coated final web produced has a second void size distribution more uniform than the first void size distribution, e.g. the coated final web having void volumes with a mean value of about 6-7×10−8 liters and/or an RDV/BV ratio of at least 0.4, and a porosity of greater than 90%.

Abstract: A simple yet effective method and apparatus produce a web suitable for treatment of water as a static filtration media, e. g. to remove chlorine and lead from water in contact with the media. A web is coated with a coating composition that facilitates treatment of water and includes a binder, and the web is compressed in one dimension about 25-75% (e. g. 40-60%) so as to make the void size distribution substantially more uniform. The compression is substantially maintained until the binder substantially cures so that the coated final web produced has a second void size distribution more uniform than the first void size distribution, e. g. the coated final web having void volumes with a mean value of about 6-7×10−8 liters and/or an RDV/BV ratio of at least 0.4, and a porosity of greater than 90%.

Abstract: An enhanced static filtration media may comprise a mat body comprising a non-woven of fibers that comply with 21 CFR 177.2260, and having a weight of about 4-7 oz./sq. ft.; a coating on the mat comprising about 100%-200% of the weight of the mat, and including, by weight, about 60-85% activated carbon, about 10-20% binder, and about 0-25% zeolite; and the media mat having an RDV/BV ratio of greater than about 0.4, and a porosity of greater than 90%. Various pitcher constructions make optimal use of the media. In some pitchers, the level of filtered water is easily viewed from the outside while the media is not visible from the outside.

Abstract: A filter assembly, particularly for use with a plastic bottle having an open neck with an inside diameter of about 50 mm or less (e.g. about 25 mm), includes a tube of filtering material connected to one surface of a cap while a valve extends from an opposite surface of the cap. The tube is preferably of filtering material such as activated carbon with plastic binder, having a substantially continuous liquid-porous sidewall, a hollow interior, a first closed end, and a second open end. The tube is operatively connected to the cap second surface at the tube second open end by sonic welding, a mechanical connection, or adhesively. The cap has a fitting portion for cooperating with the bottle neck, such as internal screw threads or a snap portion. The valve may be a reciprocating valve, a baby bottle nipple, or a spray device. A biocidal medium may be disposed within the hollow interior of the filter tube, and the tube may be wrapped with a filter material having a pore size of about 1-4 microns.

Abstract: An elapsed time indicator can easily indicate time periods of over a month, and is extremely versatile, for example being utilizable in a cap of a water bottle. The indicator includes a substantially transparent and substantially straight tube having first and second ends, an interior and an exterior, with a viscous liquid substantially filling the interior of the tube. A visible indicator, such as a polypropylene spherical bead, a magnetite/wax bead, or a fluid immiscible in the viscous liquid, is immersed in the viscous liquid and dimensioned and positioned with respect to the tube so that it can travel from the first to the second end in a known predetermined period of time when the tube is generally vertical. The time it takes for travel may be precisely calculated. The indicator may be held in a stationary position at one end of the tube, e.g. by clamping a flexible tube end, or using a magnet, prior to initial use.