Abstract: A modular filter system using replaceable filter cartridges includes a locking arrangement that prevents rotation of the flow control valve spindle in the filter head, but includes an unlocking arrangement on the cartridge that unlocks the locking arrangement if the proper replacement cartridge is used. The locking arrangement may include spring biased locking pins carried on the filter head and matching unlocking pins on the filter cartridge to operate through an intermediate adaptor ring that is set on assembly to match the positions of the locking and unlocking pins.

Abstract: A rotary valve spindle for flow control in the head of a filter includes a unitary dual function seal that is carried by the spindle and seals against the inner surface of the filter head during spindle rotation between flow and no-flow positions. The dual function seal greatly simplifies manufacture and assembly of the valve.

Abstract: A modular filter system using replaceable filter cartridges includes a locking arrangement that prevents rotation of the flow control valve spindle in the filter head, but includes an unlocking arrangement on the cartridge that unlocks the locking arrangement if the proper replacement cartridge is used. The locking arrangement may include spring biased locking pins carried on the filter head and matching unlocking pins on the filter cartridge to operate through an intermediate adaptor ring that is set on assembly to match the positions of the locking and unlocking pins.

Abstract: A cartridge for a water treatment system, effective to assist in the removal of contaminants by photocatalytic oxidation and by adsorption, includes a plurality of stacked disks, preferably made of a UV light transmissive material, which disks define circuitous flow paths for water being treated. In a preferred embodiment, the disk surfaces contacted by the water are provided with a coating of a catalyst, such as TiO2, activated by a UV light source positioned in the center of the cartridge.

Abstract: The valve spindle for a reverse osmosis (RO) filter system is housed in a filter head and attached to a mounting ring that also carries the replaceable RO cartridge. The RO spindle is locked in the head during normal operation, but can be easily removed, after removal of the cartridge, to permit spindle replacement or repair without disassembly of the head from the mounting bracket.

Abstract: A composite water filter for reducing the cyst content for drinking water utilizing a non-woven microfiber layer prefilter wrapped over a porous carbon block filter to retain at least 99.95% of cyst-size particles while retaining a relatively low pressure drop and high flow rate.

Abstract: A unitary multi-function control module 18 for a reverse osmosis water purification system provides all of the necessary flow control functions in a single removable and easily replaceable unit. The module connects directly with a unitary injection molded manifold 14 and includes a control housing having a cover plate 42, a main body 40, and a closure plate 47. The control housing entirely encloses therein the supply flow shutoff valve 46, the reverse osmosis flow control 100, the permeate back flow check valve 82, and all of the interconnections between the manifold and the supply, permeate, and brine flow paths.

Abstract: A retaining ring assembly for a reverse osmosis filter cartridge includes a removable retaining ring inserted into the cartridge housing after insertion of the cartridge, the retaining ring including a demountable locking connection with the housing. When the housing is subsequently removed to replace the cartridge, the retaining ring forces the cartridge from its tightly sealed connection to the end cap or header, allowing the cartridge to be easily removed with the housing. Preferably, the housing includes a special brine ring adapted to cooperate with a conventional cartridge brine seal, the brine ring providing connection for the retaining ring and defining with the housing a brine flow passage.

Abstract: A plumbing nozzle is disclosed that discharges a hollow cylinder of water. In a preferred form, the cylinder flows along a horizontal axis as the water is discharged from the nozzle. The nozzle has a core member with an angled wall surface which directs water against an inner wall surface of the nozzle. The inner wall encloses upon itself and has an outwardly diverging wall surface. The nozzle is particularly useful in conjunction with a bathing fixture with recirculating water.

Abstract: A compact combined heater and pump is disclosed. There is a pump housing forming an internal pump chamber, the housing having both an inlet and an outlet and an opening therethrough. A drive shaft is rotatably mounted in the opening and is driven by a motor located outside the chamber. An impeller is mounted on the drive shaft within the housing and a heater is sandwiched in the chamber between the motor and impeller. Rotation of the shaft can draw liquid in from the inlet, past the heater and through the outlet. A cooling fan attached to the shaft for rotation therewith draws cooling air over control circuitry and then forces the air over the motor.

Abstract: An enclosure support for fluid nozzles in a shower facility wherein there are linkage members for oscillating the nozzles as well as an oscillating member for effecting oscillation with the linkage members and the oscillating member being connected to the support wall which is hinged for connection to a wall member. The hinging member allows for complete access to the back of the support wall without detachment from the wall. In another embodiment, there are fluid nozzles which are attached to a pulsating member with the pulsating member attached to the support wall which is hinged to allow access to the pulsating member at the back of the support wall. Alternatively, the support wall can have connected thereto both the linkage members, the oscillating member, as well as the pulsating member.

Abstract: A body spray nozzle is disclosed wherein the spray pattern can be easily adjusted and the nozzle can be oscillated in a support in a shower fixture. A movable valve element which is cup-shaped is positioned in a valve body and with the base thereof to the inlet side of a stationary valve element. Rotation of the movable valve element is effected from the front of the valve housing which directs different flow paths to a nozzle portion. Two or more of the body spray nozzles are interconnected with linkage members for oscillation by an oscillating source.

Abstract: A body spray nozzle is disclosed wherein the spray pattern can be easily adjusted and the nozzle can be oscillated in a support in a shower fixture. A movable valve element which is cup-shaped is positioned in a valve body and with the base thereof to the inlet side of a stationary valve element. Rotation of the movable valve element is effected from the front of the valve housing which directs different flow paths to a nozzle portion. Two or more of the body spray nozzles are interconnected with linkage members for oscillation by an oscillating source.

Abstract: An apparatus for pulsing water flowing to a shower head includes a housing with a chamber, first and second water inlets to the chamber and a water outlet. The second inlet and the outlet are located through a wall of the housing at one end of the chamber. A valve has a plate with a plurality of apertures. The valve disposed within the chamber so that water flowing through the first inlet urges the valve into close proximity to the housing wall where rotational movement of the valve alternately opens and closes the water outlet. That action creates a pulsed flow of water through the outlet. Water flowing into the chamber through the second inlet moves the valve plate away from the housing wall permitting water to flow continuously from the second inlet into the outlet without being pulsed. A mechanism is coupled to the valve to produce the rotational movement.

Abstract: A toilet has a pressurized reservoir tank which is connected to a source of water via a backflow preventer, a pressure regulator and an aspirator. The inlet to the tank extends from the upper portion of the tank down into the lower portion to discharge water in the lower portion until a preset pressure in the tank is reached. A flush valve body provides a seal between a captured seal ring and a valve housing and a secondary seal between the bottom of the valve body and an annular surface of the valve housing, which also serves as a downward stop. In an alternate embodiment, a breather hole is provided in the upper portion of the inlet tube to allow for draining of the reservoir tank.