Abstract: A two-stage filtering system including a first and second filter container. The first filter container has a first filter assembly with a foam filter sleeve enveloping a fluid intake device, a connected valve, and transfer tubing. The second filter includes a pump connected to a spout, a second stage splashguard strainer, a second stage cup filter, and a second filter assembly. The second filter assembly includes at least one main filter comprising at least one carbon body filter enveloping a filter chamber, and exit tubing. The first filter container is structured to stack on top of the second filter container and the transfer tubing is structured to transfer first stage filtered fluid to the second filter container. The pump is structured to draw second stage filtered fluid from the second container through the exit tubing and expel the second stage filtered fluid out the spout to provide purified water.

Abstract: A two-stage filtering system including a first and second filter container. The first filter container has a first filter assembly with a foam filter sleeve enveloping a fluid intake device, a connected valve, and transfer tubing. The second filter includes a pump connected to a spout, a second stage splashguard strainer, a second stage cup filter, and a second filter assembly. The second filter assembly includes at least one main filter comprising at least one carbon body filter enveloping a filter chamber, and exit tubing. The first filter container is structured to stack on top of the second filter container and the transfer tubing is structured to transfer first stage filtered fluid to the second filter container. The pump is structured to draw second stage filtered fluid from the second container through the exit tubing and expel the second stage filtered fluid out the spout to provide purified water.

Abstract: A ballast circuit is disclosed for inductively providing power to a load. The ballast circuit includes an oscillator, a driver, a switching circuit, a resonant tank circuit and a current sensing circuit. The current sensing circuit provides a current feedback signal to the oscillator that is representative of the current in the resonant tank circuit. The current feedback signal drives the frequency of the ballast circuit causing the ballast circuit to seek resonance. The ballast circuit preferably includes a current limit circuit that is inductively coupled to the resonant tank circuit. The current limit circuit disables the ballast circuit when the current in the ballast circuit exceeds a predetermined threshold or falls outside a predetermined range.

Abstract: An activated carbon filter that treats a gas stream having a varying relative humidity, the gas stream contaminated with at least one of formaldehyde, an acid gas and an alkaline gas. The filter includes a plurality of activated carbon granules mixed together in a carbon bed filter. A first portion of the granules supports both manganese dioxide and potassium hydroxide. A second portion of the granules supports both potassium iodide and potassium hydroxide. A third portion of the granules supports phosphoric acid. The different portions operate to catalyze the oxidation of formaldehyde and other contaminants at varying humidity. The potassium hydroxide optionally chemisorbs any carboxylic acid by-products of the formaldehyde. Also provided is a method to treat a gas stream with the filter.

Abstract: A remote control system for providing control of an under-counter water treatment system and garbage disposal. The system includes a remote unit that is electrically connected to an existing switched, under-counter AC power outlet. The garbage disposal and water treatment system are connected to and receive power from the remote unit. The system further includes a control unit that is located above-counter and permits a user to control operation of the remote unit and consequently the garbage disposal and water treatment system. The two units may communicate wirelessly using communication signals that are tagged with a unique security code. In one embodiment, the system includes a microprocessor in each of the control unit and the remote unit, the microprocessor in the remote unit communicating the status of the water treatment system to the control unit and the microprocessor of the control unit appropriately displaying the information.

Abstract: A bacteriostatic water filter comprised of a contiguous block of activated carbon, copper, and binder, and the method of making the same. According to one embodiment, the block is comprised of between 60% and 80% by weight of activated carbon with a mesh size of about 40×140. The block is further comprised of 2% to 15% copper particles by weight, based on the combined weight of the activated carbon, the copper particles, and the binder, and 15% to 25% by weight of carbon block binder, based on the combined weight of the activated carbon, the copper particles, and the binder. According to another embodiment, the activated carbon is comprised of silver treated activated carbon.

Abstract: A ballast circuit is disclosed for inductively providing power to a load. The ballast circuit includes an oscillator, a driver, a switching circuit, a resonant tank circuit and a current sensing circuit. The current sensing circuit provides a current feedback signal to the oscillator that is representative of the current in the resonant tank circuit. The current feedback signal drives the frequency of the ballast circuit causing the ballast circuit to seek resonance. The ballast circuit preferably includes a current limit circuit that is inductively coupled to the resonant tank circuit. The current limit circuit disables the ballast circuit when the current in the ballast circuit exceeds a predetermined threshold or falls outside a predetermined range.