Abstract: A filter unit that includes a slide assembly and a head assembly. The slide assembly is moveably mounted to the head assembly. The head assembly is configured to receive an end portion of a filter cartridge in releasable engagement. The slide assembly is movable between a first position in which the slide assembly prevents disengagement of the filter cartridge from the head assembly, and a second position in which the filter cartridge is permitted to disengage from the head assembly. In the second position, the slide assembly maintains engagement with the head assembly until an external force is applied by engagement of the filter cartridge with the slide assembly when removing the filter cartridge from the head assembly.

Abstract: A system includes multiple devices configured to emit and detect germicidal radiation. Each of the multiple devices operates in emitting mode when connected to a drive source in a forward bias configuration and operates in detecting mode when disconnected from the drive source or when connected to the drive source in a reverse bias configuration. Cycling circuitry generates a sequence of control signals that control switching circuitry to change the connections of the devices to the drive source in a cycle in which one or more of the multiple devices are switched to detecting mode and senses radiation emitted by one or more of the multiple devices simultaneously operating in emitting mode. Each device operating in detecting mode generates a signal in response to the sensed radiation. Detection circuitry detects signals of the devices operating in detecting mode and generates a detection output in response to the detected signals.

Abstract: In general, techniques are described for filter media monitoring within a filtration system. The filter media monitoring techniques described herein include, for example, direct contact with the filter media, e.g., a sensor may be located inside a boundary defined by a surface of the filter media, or indirect contact with the filter media, e.g., a sensor may be located outside the boundary defined by the surface of the filter media such that the sensor does not make direct physical contact with the filter media being monitored.

Abstract: A system includes multiple devices configured to emit and detect germicidal radiation. Each of the multiple devices operates in emitting mode when connected to a drive source in a forward bias configuration and operates in detecting mode when disconnected from the drive source or when connected to the drive source in a reverse bias configuration. Cycling circuitry generates a sequence of control signals that control switching circuitry to change the connections of the devices to the drive source in a cycle in which one or more of the multiple devices are switched to detecting mode and senses radiation emitted by one or more of the multiple devices simultaneously operating in emitting mode. Each device operating in detecting mode generates a signal in response to the sensed radiation. Detection circuitry detects signals of the devices operating in detecting mode and generates a detection output in response to the detected signals.

Abstract: Provided are water treatment systems where acid water from electrochemical devices are provided to waste streams of ion reduction devices. Specifically, electro-chemical cells having strong acid cation resins are operated to produce acid water that is supplied to the waste stream of an aqueous separation unit, for example an ion reduction device that includes, but it not limited to: deionization systems, continuous or batch-wise, and reverse-osmosis systems.

Abstract: In general, techniques are described for filter media monitoring within a filtration system. The filter media monitoring techniques described herein include, for example, direct contact with the filter media, e.g., a sensor may be located inside a boundary defined by a surface of the filter media, or indirect contact with the filter media, e.g., a sensor may be located outside the boundary defined by the surface of the filter media such that the sensor does not make direct physical contact with the filter media being monitored.

Abstract: In general, techniques are described for filter media monitoring within a filtration system. The filter media monitoring techniques described herein include, for example, direct contact with the filter media, e.g., a sensor may be located inside a boundary defined by a surface of the filter media, or indirect contact with the filter media, e.g., a sensor may be located outside the boundary defined by the surface of the filter media such that the sensor does not make direct physical contact with the filter media being monitored.

Abstract: Keyed fluid-handling devices comprise a fluid-handling device such as a filter, a bypass, or an adapter and an optical key. The optical keys are amenable to all types of filter component and can be readily retrofitted to existing designs. The optical keys may be formed from a variety of materials and combination of phases. That is, optical keys may comprise one or more solid materials, or perhaps may result from a combination of: solid materials, such as in transparent or semi-transparent polymers or glass; liquid fluids, such as water; and gaseous gaps such as an air gap. Optical keys may be light conduits or light guides. Filter manifolds comprise optical locks to ensure compatibility of the filter components.

Abstract: A filter unit that includes a slide assembly and a head assembly. The slide assembly is moveably mounted to the head assembly. The head assembly is configured to receive an end portion of a filter cartridge in releasable engagement. The slide assembly is movable between a first position in which the slide assembly prevents disengagement of the filter cartridge from the head assembly, and a second position in which the filter cartridge is permitted to disengage from the head assembly. In the second position, the slide assembly maintains engagement with the head assembly until an external force is applied by engagement of the filter cartridge with the slide assembly when removing the filter cartridge from the head assembly.

Abstract: Provided are electrochemical devices that are rechargeable, where an electrolyte stream whose electrolyte is electro-chemically inert is supplied to an ion concentrate compartment between a bipolar membrane and an electrode, thereby eliminating a potential for scale build-up. When strong or weak cation resins are used in a product compartment of an electrochemical device, acid water produced can be used to soak and clean an ion concentrate compartment next to an electrode, such as the cathode.

Abstract: Provided are water treatment systems where acid water from electrochemical devices are provided to waste streams of ion reduction devices. Specifically, electro-chemical cells having strong acid cation resins are operated to produce acid water that is supplied to the waste stream of an aqueous separation unit, for example an ion reduction device that includes, but it not limited to: deionization systems, conntinuous or batch-wise, and reverse-osmosis systems.

Abstract: Fluid filtration systems that have openings in their sump closures are provided. Spouts for processed fluid may be added to direct flow of processed fluid. The spouts may be attached, permanently or removably, to the sump closures or to media cartridges. The system comprises: an inlet, an unprocessed fluid outlet, and a processed fluid outlet; a sump housing and a sump closure operatively associated therewith, the processed fluid outlet being located through the sump closure; a media cartridge located in the sump housing, the media cartridge providing processed fluid upon contact with unprocessed fluid; and a diverter. Flow of processed fluid may be directed through any desired angle when a rotatable structure is included in the system. Filtration systems may easily be cleaned and/or sanitized.

Abstract: Provided are electrochemical devices that are rechargeable, where the regeneration techniques are based on a batchwise application of current or current density to the cells, where there are a service mode where no current or current density is applied and a recharge mode where a current or current density is applied. Electrochemical and EDI systems according to the embodiments herein are suitable for deionization and/or purification of typical municipal tap quality water in applications where demand for purified, low-TDS water is intermittent. Such operations avoid the use of chemical additions for regeneration purposes. In addition the cells provided herein are amenable to small footprints for consumer and commercial applications such as: dishwashers, washing machines, coffee and espresso makers, ice makers, steam tables, car wash water sources, and steamers.

Abstract: A fluid treatment system is disclosed comprising a cross flow filter (110) comprising a feed portion, a concentrate portion, and a permeate portion. The treatment system further comprises a permeate storage apparatus (130) fluidly connected to the permeate portion and comprising a pressure boundary comprising an inner wall surrounding a pliable bladder (150), the pliable bladder fluidly separating a permeate chamber from an atmospheric chamber (170). The treatment system may further comprise a permeate pressurizing device (180) fluidly connecting the permeate chamber to a system output.

Abstract: A precision metering device is in provided that includes a device having a first chamber and a second chamber, a piston disposed in the first chamber that divides the first chamber into a mixing portion and a driving portion and a second piston disposed in a second chamber that defines a concentrate portion in the second chamber. The concentrate portion of the second chamber is in fluid communication with the mixing portion of the first chamber. Methods of adding concentrate to a solvent are provided that utilize the provided metering device.

Abstract: A water-on-water filtration system is provided that includes a filter member (480), two water-on-water vessels, and a precision metering device. Each water-on-water vessel also includes a first and a second chamber as well as a first piston (412) defining a mixing portion and a driving portion of the first chamber and a second piston (422) defining a concentrate portion of the second chamber. The system includes a plurality of valves that are controlled to place the first vessel in a fill state in which the first vessel is being filled with filtered water and concentrate, and a service state in which the diluted concentrate is pushed through a product conduit to its end use.

Abstract: A water-on-water filtration system that includes a filter member and two storage vessels. The system includes a plurality of valves that are controlled to place a first of the storage vessels in a fill state in which the first storage vessel is being filled with filtered water, and concurrently place the second of the storage vessels in a service state in which filtered water held in the second storage vessel is delivered as an output of the filtration system. The filtration system can be configured to supply a constant output of filtered water to meet a constant demand while using a relatively small filter member and relatively small storage vessels.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a new multi component counter top water filtration system having two filtration media cartridges, one media cartridge being replaceable at least twice before the second media cartridge exceeds its useful life and requires replacement and includes a mechanism for disengaging the o-rings associated with the operative connection of the inner filter media cartridge with the outer filter media cartridge without rotation thereof during replacement of the inner filter media cartridge and includes the separation of the plumbing and electronic components wherein the lower housing unit houses the plumbing components such as the water filtration pressure vessel, tubing and flow indication signaling device and the upper unit houses the electronics component and filtration methods related thereto and methods of operating same.

Abstract: Aspects of the present disclosure provide composite carbon blocks with improved capacity for the removal of contaminants such as THMs (trihalomethanes) and trace VOCs (volatile organic compounds) found in water. In one aspect, a filtration matrix comprises a polymeric binder and an adsorptive media comprising activated carbon having a bulk density of 0.54 (0.57, or even 0.60) g/cc or greater. The carbon BET surface area can be 1100 (950, or even 550) m2/g or less. The polymeric binder can be ultra high molecular weight polyethylene. Also provided are methods of making filtration matrixes.

Abstract: Provided are filtration matrixes formed from adsorptive media, such as activated carbon, and polymeric binder for use in water filtration systems. A first aspect of the invention provides methods of making a filtration matrix comprising: mixing an adsorptive media with a polymeric binder to form a mixture; impulse filling a mold with the mixture; and processing the mixture to form the filtration matrix. Filtration matrixes formed from this method are also provided. Another aspect includes methods of making a filtration matrix comprising: mixing adsorptive media with a polymeric binder to form a mixture; filling a mold with the mixture; and applying heat and pressure the mixture to form the filtration matrix, wherein the step of applying pressure to the mixture comprises compressing the mixture until a desired final shape of the filtration matrix is obtained.