Abstract: A bracket system holds a filter(s) in quick-attach and quick-release fashion. Brackets are combined in modular fashion, with conduit between the brackets, to create a “bank” of filters easily changed in number, arrangement, and flow scheme. Top brackets and bottom brackets capture/support the top end and bottom end of a filter, respectively, and filter inlet and outlet ports preferably slide onto and off of cooperating tubes/ports in the bracket modules without tools or threaded connections. A retainer may pivot on and off of its respective filter, holding the filter in place and releasing the filter, respectively. After pivoting the retainer up from the filter, the filter may be lifted up off of its respective bottom module, so that the filter is substantially vertically and pivotally removable from the bracket system.

Abstract: Embodiments of a key system for filters and their connecting heads/holders are shown. The filter cartridge and its holder each have a keyed surface, one being a protruding “key” and one being a recessed “lock”. Cooperation of these keyed surfaces is required in order for the filter cartridge to be installed in the holder, so that mismatched cartridges cannot be installed into the holder, for example, to prevent a particular type of cartridge from being placed in a filtration or other process where it would be inappropriate, or undesired. The keyed surfaces are selectively locate-able preferably at different circumferential locations on a perimeter of the filter and a corresponding location on a perimeter of the head/holder. The perimeter may be, for example, on an outer shoulder surface of a filter and an inner surface of a valve head, or on outer and inner surfaces of connectors that provide a liquid seal between the filter and the head/holder.

Abstract: A bracket system holds one or more filters in quick-attach and quick-release fashion. Bracket modules are combined in modular fashion, with tubing or other conduit between the modules, to create a “bank” of filters easily changed in number, arrangement, and flow scheme. Preferably, the bracket system comprises pairs of top modules and bottom modules that capture and support the top end and bottom end of a filter. Filter inlet and outlet ports preferably slide onto and off of cooperating tubes or ports in the bracket modules, for installation and removal of the filters onto/from the modules without tools or threaded connections. A top retaining member preferably pivots off of its respective filter, so that the filter may be lifted up off of its respective bottom module. The bottom modules may be pivotal, so that lifting the filter up from the bracket system is facilitated by allowing the filter top end to also pivot out away from the top module.

Abstract: Embodiments of a method and filter apparatus (10) for filtering and/or treating water are shown and described, each embodiment being for multiple-stage processing of water or other liquid, with storage intermediate between the stages. Preferably, water is passed through a first zone (28) of a filter housing cavity and conducted through an intermediate port (16) to storage (24). When water is demanded by a usage device (22), water flows in reverse from storage back into the filter (10), to flow through the second zone (42) for a second stage of filtering/treatment, and then preferably out an outlet port (18) to the usage device. Water may also flow from the water source directly through the first and second zones (28, 42) and to the usage device (22), without intermediate storage. Preferably, both first and second zones are contained and axially arranged within a single filter housing (12).

Abstract: Embodiments of a key system for filters and their connecting heads/holders are shown. The filter cartridge and its holder each have a keyed surface, one being a protruding “key” and one being a recessed “lock”. Cooperation of these keyed surfaces is required in order for the filter cartridge to be installed in the holder, so that mismatched cartridges cannot be installed into the holder, for example, to prevent a particular type of cartridge from being placed in a filtration or other process where it would be inappropriate, or undesired. The keyed surfaces are selectively locate-able preferably at different circumferential locations on a perimeter of the filter and a corresponding location on a perimeter of the head/holder. The perimeter may be, for example, on an outer shoulder surface of a filter and an inner surface of a valve head, or on outer and inner surfaces of connectors that provide a liquid seal between the filter and the head/holder.

Abstract: A filter assembly is described that includes a substantially recyclable filter cartridge inside a pressure vessel. The invented filter cartridge comprises substantially non-pressure bearing walls, except for a pressure-bearing neck or cap with neck that is adapted to withstand high pressures preferably in the range of at least 200 psi, and more preferably at least 475 psi from the inside. The walls of the filter cartridge that are incapable of withstanding significant internal pressure are surrounded on the outside by a pressure vessel. The invented cartridge need not seal to the pressure vessel, because the cartridge neck protrudes outside of the pressure vessel to seal directly to a filter head. The cartridge preferably includes a quick-disassembly mechanism for allowing quick and non-destructive access to the internal components and media of the cartridge.

Abstract: Granules comprise binder-agglomerated active particles for liquid treatment or filtration. Each granule has a center core of a material that itself has binding properties without the addition of other binders or sprays or adhesives, or, alternatively, each granule comprises a matrix of active materials stuck together with the binder. The binder structure preferably ranges from a non-uniform matrix of binder formed by heat-deformed binder particles, to a clump of binder particles generally retaining the original shape or the binder particles, to non-continuous connectors of binder between active particles. The invented two-part media has high surface area per volume of media, which, because the outer surface and inner void surfaces of the particles are preferably substantially covered with active particles, translates to high activity for the preferred treatment process.

Abstract: A bracket system holds a filter(s) in quick-attach and quick-release fashion. Brackets are combined in modular fashion, with conduit between the brackets, to create a “bank” of filters easily changed in number, arrangement, and flow scheme. Top brackets and bottom brackets capture/support the top end and bottom end of a filter, respectively, and filter inlet and outlet ports preferably slide onto and off of cooperating tubes/ports in the bracket modules without tools or threaded connections. A retainer may pivot on and off of its respective filter, holding the filter in place and releasing the filter, respectively. After pivoting the retainer up from the filter, the filter may be lifted up off of its respective bottom module, so that the filter is substantially vertically and pivotally removable from the bracket system.

Abstract: A filter assembly (20) is described that includes a sub-stantially recyclable filter cartridge (30) inside a pressure vessel (22). The invented filter cartridge comprises substantially non-pressure bearing walls, except for a pressure-bearing neck (44) that is adapted to with-stand high pressures preferably in the range of about 500 psi (34,47. 105 Pa) from the inside. The walls of the filter cartridge that are incapable of withstanding significant internal pressure are surronded on the outside by a pressure vessel (22). The invented cartridge need not seal et the pressure vessel, because the cartridge neck (44) protrudes outside of the pressure vessel (22) to seal directly to a filter head. The, cartridge preferably includes a quick-disassembly mechanism for allowing quick and non-destructive access to the internal components and media of the cartridge.

Abstract: A bracket system holds one or more filters in quick-attach and quick-release fashion. Bracket modules are combined in modular fashion, with tubing or other conduit between the modules, to create a “bank” of filters easily changed in number, arrangement, and flow scheme. Preferably, the bracket system comprises pairs of top modules and bottom modules that capture and support the top end and bottom end of a filter. Filter inlet and outlet ports preferably slide onto and off of cooperating tubes or ports in the bracket modules, for installation and removal of the filters onto/from the modules without tools or threaded connections. A top retaining member preferably pivots off of its respective filter, so that the filter may be lifted up off of its respective bottom module. The bottom modules may be pivotal, so that lifting the filter up from the bracket system is facilitated by allowing the filter top end to also pivot out away from the top module.

Abstract: A liquid filter or cartridge is disclosed, in which the filter bed is divided into multiple, parallel filter beds in a single filter housing. The divided bed system is preferably used for granular media such as activated carbon that is slightly hydrophobic. This compartmentalization of media into separate beds improves media utilization, which results in higher efficiency filtration/treatment and longer filter life, compared to a conventional single-compartment filter in the same outer housing. Preferably, many compartment walls are disposed axially in a gravity-flow or other low-pressure-condition filter, and media is loaded in-between all the walls. Water flows into and through each separate bed before exiting the filter, and each bed has a small diameter, and low bed diameter to bed length ratio, compared to the overall filter housing diameter and ratio, thus, providing a plurality of beds that encourage a high percentage of the media in each separate bed to be wet and to perform filtration.

Abstract: A filter assembly is described that includes a substantially recyclable filter cartridge inside a pressure vessel. The invented filter cartridge comprises substantially non-pressure bearing walls, except for a pressure-bearing neck that is adapted to withstand high pressures preferably in the range of about 500 psi from the inside. The walls of the filter cartridge that are incapable of withstanding significant internal pressure are surrounded on the outside by a pressure vessel. The invented cartridge need not seal to the pressure vessel, because the cartridge neck protrudes outside of the pressure vessel to seal directly to a filter head. The cartridge preferably includes a quick-disassembly mechanism for allowing quick and non-destructive access to the internal components and media of the cartridge.

Abstract: Embodiments of a method and filter apparatus (10) for filtering and/or treating water are shown and described, each embodiment being for multiple-stage processing of water or other liquid, with storage intermediate between the stages. Preferably, water is passed through a first zone (28) of a filter housing cavity and conducted through an intermediate port (16) to storage (24). When water is demanded by a usage device (22), water flows in reverse from storage back into the filter (10), to flow through the second zone (42) for a second stage of filtering/treatment, and then preferably out an outlet port (18) to the usage device. Water may also flow from the water source directly through the first and second zones (28, 42) and to the usage device (22), without intermediate storage. Preferably, both first and second zones are contained and axially arranged within a single filter housing (12).

Abstract: Embodiments of a key system for filters and their connecting heads/holders are shown. The filter cartridge and its holder each have a keyed surface, one being a protruding “key” and one being a recessed “lock”. Cooperation of these keyed surfaces is required in order for the filter cartridge to be installed in the holder, so that mismatched cartridges cannot be installed into the holder, for example, to prevent a particular type of cartridge from being placed in a filtration or other process where it would be inappropriate, or undesired. The keyed surfaces are selectively locate-able preferably at different circumferential locations on a perimeter of the filter and a corresponding location on a perimeter of the head/holder. The perimeter may be, for example, on an outer shoulder surface of a filter and an inner surface of a valve head, or on outer and inner surfaces of connectors that provide a liquid seal between the filter and the head/holder.

Abstract: Embodiments of a method and filter apparatus (10) for filtering and/or treating water are shown and described, each embodiment being for multiple-stage processing of water or other liquid, with storage intermediate between the stages. Preferably, water is passed through a first zone (28) of a filter housing cavity and conducted through an intermediate port (16) to storage (24). When water is demanded by a usage device (22), water flows in reverse from storage back into the filter (10), to flow through the second zone (42) for a second stage of filtering/treatment, and then preferably out an outlet port (18) to the usage device. Water may also flow from the water source directly through the first and second zones (28, 42) and to the usage device (22), without intermediate storage. Preferably, both first and second zones are contained and axially arranged within a single filter housing (12).

Abstract: A water filter is packaged in a way that permits longer dwell time and greater volume in a dwell passage of the water filter. In one embodiment the water filter includes an influent passage where a biocide is imparted to the water, a dwell passage where the water remains in contact with the biocide for at least a predetermined duration, and an effluent passage where the biocide is removed from the water. The water filter includes a replaceable cartridge mounted in a pressure vessel. By arranging the dwell passage to include a pan shaped portion in the bottom of the vessel and an axial portion along the extremity of the cartridge, greater volume, greater mixing, and more effective disinfecting result. Another embodiment includes a series of baffles on the exterior surface of the cartridge that create further turbulence for mixing the biocide with the water.

Abstract: Embodiments of a method and apparatus for filtering or treating water are shown and described, each embodiment being for multiple-stage processing of water, with storage intermediate between the stages. Water is passed through a first zone of a filter housing cavity and conducted through an intermediate port to storage. When water is demanded by a usage device, water flows in reverse from storage back into the filter, to flow through the second zone for a second stage of filtering/treatment, and then out an outlet port to the usage device. Water may also flow from the water source directly through the first and second zones and to the usage device, without intermediate storage. Preferably, both first and second zones are contained and axially arranged within a single filter housing.

Abstract: A water filter is packaged in a way that permits longer dwell time and greater volume in a dwell passage of the water filter. In one embodiment the water filter includes an influent passage where a biocide is imparted to the water, a dwell passage where the water remains in contact with the biocide for at least a predetermined duration, and an effluent passage where the biocide is removed from the water. The water filter includes a replaceable cartridge mounted in a pressure vessel. By arranging the dwell passage to include a pan-shaped portion in the bottom of the vessel and an axial portion along the extremity of the cartridge, greater volume, greater mixing, and more effective disinfecting result. Another embodiment includes a series of baffles on the exterior surface of the cartridge that create further turbulence for mixing the biocide with the water.

Abstract: A water purifier includes a quick connect connector in a port that receives a tube that carries the water. The tube is received along the axis of the port in a first reference direction along the axis. The connector is assembled by inserting, in sequence, a support ring, an O-ring, and a plug into the port along the axis, but in a direction opposite the first direction. The plug is held in place by adhesive or conventional welding. To complete the assembly, a collet is inserted into the port along the axis and in the first direction. A tube is then connected to the water purifier by urging the tube through the collet, along the axis, and in the first direction. The tube is gripped by the collet, supported by the support ring, sealed by the O-ring, and stopped against the plug.

Abstract: A water purifier includes a port having a collet, an O-ring seal, and a support between the collet and the seal. The collet axially receives a tube for water passage. The support limits radial movement of the tube off the axis. The support has an L-shaped cross section having a radial leg that seats the O-ring, and an axial leg. Water purifiers are often installed in confined spaces near mechanical equipment. Conventional water purifiers installed with sharp bends in influent and effluent water tubes and exposed to equipment vibration conducted by the tubes often exhibit weeping at the port. In an embodiment of the present invention, weeping is eliminated by maintaining axial relation between the tube, the seal, and the collet.