Abstract: An internally plumbed housing for containing fluid purification media especially suitable for the production of ultrapure water. The device may be installed in a system for the production of laboratory grade water or may be used with pressurized feed for the delivery of purified water or other fluids in multiple applications.

Abstract: A media is used to remove species from aqueous solutions, particularly in the treatment of water to enable it to be suitable for drinking. The media includes a material selected from the group consisting of zirconium hydroxide, titanium hydroxide, hafnium hydroxide and combinations thereof. A preferred form of the media is a layer having an aspect ratio of at least 1:1, more preferably, at least about 10:1. Removed from the water are species selected from the group consisting of arsenate, selenate, chromate, borate, perchlorate, fluoride and combinations thereof. In particular arsenite (As+3) containing species are also removed from water. Arsenite may be removed from water to levels not greater than 10 parts per billion with a single exposure to the media. The media is selective for certain species over others.

Abstract: A sequential flow filtration chamber for treatment of waste water effluent from a septic tank comprises an inlet positioned in fluid communication with the septic tank for receiving waste water into the chamber, at least one partition positioned within the chamber so as to define a substantially sequential flow path for the waste water, a filter positioned within the flow path for filtering the waste water flowing therethrough, and an outlet positioned in fluid communication with the flow path for discharging filtered waste water from the chamber. The chamber may include a sequential flow path disposed substantially vertically or substantially horizontally. A sequential flow nitrification drain field for filtration treatment of waste water comprises a source of waste water, and at least one sequential flow filtration chamber. The source of waste water for the drain field is preferably a septic tank. The drain field may comprise a plurality of chambers connected in fluid communication.

Abstract: A portable device for supplying filtered water includes a container, a cap member, a partitioning member, a filter member, an intake tube, a piston pump unit, and a spout. The partitioning member divides an interior of the container into an outer chamber and an inner chamber. The filter member is disposed on the partitioning member, and has a first inlet communicated with the outer chamber and a first outlet communicated with the inner chamber. The intake tube is disposed in the inner chamber. The piston pump unit is mounted in the cap member, and has second inlet and outlet, and an inner cylindrical wall defining a cylindrical chamber in fluid communication with the second inlet and outlet. The second inlet is further communicated with the intake tube. The second outlet is further communicated with a passage in a piston member through which purified water is drawn up to the spout.

Abstract: A bacteriostatic filter cartridge having a porous core member about which is layered a yarn and/or a polyester membrane and/or melt blown web of polypropylene and/or a trilaminate polypropylene membrane, any or all of which may be impregnated with an antimicrobial agent. The filter cartridge is sized so as to fit tightly into a cartridge housing of a fluid filtration system. Fluid passing through the cartridge housing will be filtered by the filter cartridge to remove contaminants from the water and which prevents the growth of bacterial and other microorganisms on the filter media.

Abstract: The present invention provides a filtered fluid dispensing system. The invention may replace the sprayer provided with the faucet assembly of a conventional sink and may, in certain embodiments, be adapted to selectively dispense filtered and unfiltered fluid.

Abstract: A disposable filter cartridge for a storm drain and the filter system that uses the improved filter cartridge are claimed. The filter cartridge has a pillow structure, wherein a water permeable scrim bag surrounds loose oil absorbing fibers. The oil absorbing fibers are preferably fabricated from melt blown polypropylene. The filter cartridge is placed in a filter cage that directs water flow through the filter cartridge yet prevents debris from reaching the filter cartridge. The filter cage is suspended below the grate of the storm drain by suspension elements such as chains or rods. The top of each of the suspension elements terminates at an attachment element that engages the grate of the storm drain. As a result, the filter cage and filter cartridge are suspended directly from the storm drain grate. By suspending the filter cartridge directly from the grate of a storm drain, the filter cartridge is positioned directly in line with the flow of water entering the storm drain.

Abstract: A cartridge based water purification and filtration system which permits cartridge changes without drainage at the input and output ports. Interlocking flanges at the manifold and cartridge lock the cartridge to the manifold and raised surfaces at the cartridge operate the inlet valve with a rotational seating of the cartridge. A spring biased inlet valve depends from a supply manifold input port and cooperates with the filter cartridge to prevent forward flow until the cartridge is seated to the manifold. The check valve includes a split stem which prevents chatter with valve operation.

Abstract: Embodiments of a portable water filter are described and shown, each embodiment being adapted to fit and seal into a bottle neck without modification of, or attachment to, the bottle or its cap or other closure. The filter has a flange system that rests on the lip of the bottle neck and that has slanted or curved surfaces to seal with the neck and the bottle cap when the cap is screwed onto the bottle. The filter further includes a connector for attachment to a straw for an alternative use of the filter in a cup or mug. The filter water inlets are preferably in the lower region of the filter housing, to facilitate suctioning of the liquid from the bottom of the cup or mug even when the liquid level is low.

Abstract: Apparatus in fluid communication with a water leg portion of a hydrocarbon-contaminated water, e.g., a water leg portion of an offshore drilling or production platform sump tank for conveying water, separated from oil, into contact with organophilic media canisters such that the hydrocarbons and other organic materials commingled with the sump tank water will be adsorbed onto the organophilic media and detected by the embedded probe in selected canisters. The canisters are provided in a plurality of stacks and are in fluid communication with a header disposed at the bottom of the vessel housing the various stacks of canisters. Solids that do not pass through the canisters are accumulated at the bottom of the vessel and easily drained through a drain port. The water will pass through the media and will be conveyed back to the ocean water without contamination.

Abstract: An automatic filter shutoff device removably connected to a water container and in fluid communication with a water dispenser, which is adapted to monitor water dispensing and disable dispensing after a predetermined amount of water usage. The device includes a housing containing a water filter and removably connected to the water container; a monitoring and disabling mechanism having a shutoff apparatus moveable between first and second locations, the first location being one in which water dispensing is monitored by the mechanism, and the second location being one in which the mechanism is placed in an interfering position with the connection between the housing and the water container.

Abstract: The object of the present invention is to easily produce water having fine clusters and containing little chlorinated material. Said object is attained by a water treating apparatus consisting of a cylindrical body having a water inlet at the upper end and a water outlet at the lower end wherein a water passage is longitudinally formed in said cylindrical body, and a blade member is arranged in said cylindrical body and gives water passing through said water passage revolution force and shear force.

Abstract: A method for separating microorganisms, especially infectious agents, from a mixture by two dimensional centrifugation on the basis of sedimentation rate and isopycnic banding density, for sedimenting such microorganisms through zones of immobilized reagents to which they are resistant, for detecting banded particles by light scatter or fluorescence using nucleic acid specific dyes, and for recovering the banded particles in very small volumes for characterization by mass spectrometry of viral protein subunits and intact viral particles, and by fluorescence flow cytometric determination of both nucleic acid mass and the masses of fragments produced by restriction enzymes. The method is based on the discovery that individual microorganisms, such as bacterial and viral species, are each physically relatively homogeneous, and are distinguishable in their biophysical properties from other biological particles, and from non-biological particles found in nature.

Abstract: An improved oil conditioning filter, for use with an internal combustion engine, includes a mechanically active filter element and a chemically active filter element containing a beneficial additive therein. The beneficial additive is provided to extend the useful life of lubricating oil in an internal combustion engine. The beneficial additive may include an antioxidant, an anti-wear agent, and/or a basic salt. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the chemically active conditioning agent is provided in a plurality of particles disposed within the oil filter housing. The particles may be bonded together to form an integral porous filter element having spaces defined between the particles thereof. The particles are made either by a hot extrusion process or by a solvent process.

Abstract: A portable, self-contained, fully integrated water purification device which includes a receptacle modified to accommodate a filtration assembly for purifying water, and to store water following purification. The receptacle provides separate openings for water intake, and water outflow. The filtration assembly includes a pump and a multistage filter cartridge. Pump action draws water into the water purification device and forces the water through the multistage filter and into the receptacle. Purified water may be stored in the receptacle until consumption.

Abstract: The present invention provides a water filtration apparatus for mounting on the exposed exterior surfaces of a refrigerator to provide filtered water to the interior of a refrigerator cabinet. The apparatus may be mounted on the exposed or visible surfaces of the refrigerator for ease of installation, monitoring, and filter replacement. A readily replaceable filter cartridge is also provided.

Abstract: Disclosed is a bioreactor apparatus having a bed of buoyant media pellets floating within a filtrate to be processed. The apparatus includes a tank having a peripheral wall for containing filtrate and a bed of media pellets. A central manifold is rotatably supported within the tank the central manifold being mounted for rotation about a vertical axis and having a plurality of longitudinally spaced openings intermediate its ends, the openings adapted to eject filtrate in a generally horizontal direction and along a substantially vertical plane toward the wall of the tank. A thrust manifold, generally parallel to the axis of the central manifold has a plurality of longitudinally spaced openings intermediate its ends directed horizontally and generally perpendicularly to the plane. The thrust manifold is supported in association with the central manifold inwardly adjacent the tank wall and offset rearwardly of the plane to rotate with the central manifold.

Abstract: A showerhead having a water filter element held therein. The water filter element is easily changeable by unscrewing two halves of a body forming the showerhead. The body halves are easily gripped and turned, so as to be opened or closed, and the showerhead preferably includes a massage-type head at the lower end thereof, which may be rotated to vary the streams of water exiting the showerhead. The water filter element cooperates with internal components of the halves of the body to direct the flow of water through the filter element, and then out of the massage head. The showerhead may be easily and quickly adapted to be held on any shower arm, and to replace any existing showerhead without taking up as much room as currently existing filter elements used with available showerheads.

Abstract: An adsorbent unit assembly including a holder, an elongated member on the holder, an enlarged portion at the end of the elongated member, a cylindrical adsorbent unit having an opening therein for receiving the elongated member, and a grid mounted on the elongated member on the opposite side of the adsorbent unit from the enlarged portion. The foregoing adsorbent unit assembly is mounted within the housing of a receiver dryer by compressing one or more adsorbent units on the elongated member between the grid and the enlarged portion so as to cause the outer sides of the adsorbent units to bear against the inside surface of the housing while the grid also provides an interference fit with the housing.

Abstract: Filter elements for draining wastewater into the soil in leach fields comprise net sacks filled with scrap rubber or plastic chips and supplied with fabric filter cloth. Leach fields are constructed by excavating trenches, placing a first row of filter elements at the bottom of the trenches, installing a drain pipe on top of the row of filter elements, placing a second row of filter elements on top of the first row and the drain pipe, overlapping the pieces of filter cloth to provide a barrier to the surrounding soil, and backfilling the trench with soil.

Abstract: By making the fluid seal an integral part of either the filter element or the filter housing, the reliability of fluid filter assemblies is improved. In addition, the process for manufacturing filter assemblies and their individual components can be more easily automated.

Abstract: An improved surface feed filter pump box for aquarium is provided which feeds water from the surface for filtration. The box performs this filtration inside the aquarium. Since the device does not hang on the outside of the tank there is no leaking or overflowing operation is quiet. Water circulation helps bring more nutrition to live plant and fish life and prevents waste from collecting at the bottom of the aquarium. It also helps prevent excessive overflow and the motor used from running dry. The invention in addition makes changing filters easy and convenient.

Abstract: A filter cartridge for a gravity-fed water treatment device having a porous particulate filter disposed therein. The porous particulate filter has an open upper end, a closed lower end, and sidewalls therebetween. Water is treated as it flows through the sidewalls of the filter. The cartridge also contains granular media disposed within the porous particulate filter.

Abstract: A gravity-flow water filtration cartridge is disclosed herein. The cartridge includes a housing having a compressed bed of ion-exchange resin disposed within an upper region thereof and a high surface area cyst-reducing filter element that is disposed within a lower thereof. The housing includes a middle chamber which separates the compressed bed of ion-exchange resin from the cyst-reducing filter element. The housing further includes a hydrophobic air vent conduit having an entry end that is positioned above a topmost surface of the cyst reducing filter element and an exit end that is positioned at least at a lowest surface of the cyst-reducing filter element, wherein the entry end includes a membrane having at least one hydrophobic side.

Abstract: A water treatment system including a bottle with a neck, a tube for disposition within the bottle and having water treatment material (such as activated carbon for removing a significant portion of the chlorine in tap water) associated with it, and a cap. The bottle is filled by causing water to flow through the tube, through the water treatment material, into the bottle. When filled, the bottle neck is closed off by screwing the cap into contact with the neck, the cap closing off the tube so that water does not flow through the tube out of the bottle, but rather exteriorly of the tube through openings in a cap first element and between the tube and the neck. A second element of the cap releasably closes off the water flow openings.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a device for removing chlorine from chlorinated potable water. The device contains a chlorine adsorptive material selected from the group consisting of cellulose, activated carbon, or activated carbon with an enhanced adsorptive capacity for chlorine. A method for enhancing the adsorptive affinity of activated carbon for chlorine in potable water is also disclosed. By pretreating ordinary activated carbon with one of several agents, including potassium iodide, ammonium carbonate and ammonium sulfate, the activated carbon, which is minimally active for chlorine reduction, is rendered highly active and able to be applied in much smaller quantities than presently known in the art. Also disclosed is the use of activated carbon in zero-pressure-drop devices instead of filters requiring a pressure differential.

Abstract: A storm sewer filter apparatus for filtering liquid runoff has a liquid capturing container shaped to fit into a storm sewer drain opening and has an elongated trough forming a periphery around the liquid capturing container adjacent the storm sewer drain opening. One or more oil filtering booms are positioned in the liquid capturing container elongated trough for removing oil from the liquid entering the storm sewer. The liquid capturing container has a plurality of fine screen outlets therefrom in the bottom and bottom portion sides and a plurality of coarse screens, coarser than the bottom fine screens, located in the middle portion of the liquid capturing container. A plurality of overflow openings are located in the upper portion of the liquid capturing container so that oil in the liquid runoff entering the storm sewer drain opening is captured and removed in the trough with the oil filtering boom and debris and solids are captured in said container to allow filtered water to enter the storm drain pipe.

Abstract: Embodiments of a multi-purpose, replaceable shower/tub filter cartridges are shown and described, the filter cartridges including a carbon block for chlorine removal and a scale-inhibitor media contained in a space inside the carbon block. The filter cartridges are adapted for use in shower/tub filter units. One embodiment of a filter cartridge of this invention is asymmetrical and bi-directional filter cartridge having aperatured end caps on each end of the filter cartridge, such that it can be inserted into the filter housing with either end in an upward orientation to make installation trouble-free. In an alternative embodiment, the filter cartridge is unidirectional and has a closed end and an aperatured end. The closed end of the unidirectional filter cartridge may be a closed end cap, or may be achieved by fabricating the carbon block to have a closed end and an open end. The unidirectional filter cartridge in inserted in the filter unit with open end near the outlet port of the filter unit.

Abstract: Regeneration of water treatment media is disclosed which includes a water treatment unit having one or more media therein, and which upon initiation of flow of the water, imparts turbulence and abrasion to the treatment medium to automatically cleanse the medium of light solid contaminants as well as contaminant coatings on the media. This greatly improves the operation of the media and extends its life. In addition, the water treatment unit disclosed may simply be rotated through any one of a number of positions between service, backwash, flush, off, and/or bypass operational modes for further regeneration of the treatment media.

Abstract: The invention concerns an apparatus for preparing samples for analysis having at least a liquid-injecting needle (6), at least a column (32) for receiving the injecting needle, at least a tube (48), device (6, 26) for the tube and the column relative horizontal displacement between a position of coincidence in which the column bottom aperture (36) extends above the tube top aperture (50), and a relative lateral offset position of the two apertures (36, 50), and adapted device (6, 60) for the tube (48) and the column (32) relative vertical displacement such that in position of coincidence, the apertures (36, 50) interpenetrate, including vertical guide device for either the tube (48) or the column (32). The vertical guide device is adapted to operate the guiding under horizontal loading effect.

Abstract: An apparatus and associated methods for purifying water are provided.

Abstract: An aquarium-maintenance system has a transparent filtering canister (1) with quick-joint inlet attachment (3) and quick-joint outlet attachment (8) to transparent aquarium tubing (5, 13) together with a handle (14) to allow quick, convenient and clean replacement and/or back-flow cleaning of filtering members (11). A system pump (12) has variable output capacity for filtered water circulation and optionally for aquarium flushing with a cannister bypass (19), discharge conveyance (21) to a drain-water disposer (22), refill conveyance (24) from a refill-water source (23) and back-flow conveyance (16) from a wash-water source (17). This is a comprehensive aquarium-maintenance system that is adaptable totally or in part to all sizes and types of aquariums (6).

Abstract: A portable dechlorinator filter, primarily designed for use in dechlorinating the water in a bath tub or the like, is in the form of a hollow ball made of plastic material. The plastic ball includes a number of perforations or apertures through it to permit the free flow of water from the exterior of the ball through its interior. Filter material made of a copper-zinc compound or brass-zinc compound is provided in the form of elongated filaments (manufactured on the order of steel wool and the like). The filter material is encased in a water-permeable, gauze-like cover placed inside the plastic ball. The gauze-like cover prevents broken ends of the filaments from protruding through any of the holes in the ball. The ball is made of two releasably interconnected hemispheres; so that spent filter material can be removed and replaced with new filter material.

Abstract: An amorphous potassium aluminosilicate filtration media which may be mixed with activated carbon filters water to remove oxygen, chlorines, hardness, alkalinity, ammonia, hydrogen, hydrogen sulfide, sodium sulfite and other contaminants. The particular sodium aluminosilicate is a porous amorphous material formed under ultraviolet light or sunlight to produce pore sizes of 60 Å to 250 Å at ambient temperatures (20° C.-35° C.) and low relative humidity (5%-20%). The media is initially formed as a microporous primarily amorphous gel containing Na2O, Al2O3, SiO2 and H2O. The sodium therein is displaced by potassium, whereby the filter removes impurities from water without introducing sodium. The potassium aluminosilicate may be a second stage filter to a first stage filter composed of a strong base anion media charged with potassium carbonate and/or bicarbonate.

Abstract: A universal filter insert apparatus 10 for a water purifier includes a container insert 12 having substantially cylindrical or conical side walls 11 and an annular lip 17 at an upper portion thereof. A plurality of resilient sealing members 36 are stacked about the upper portion of the container. Each of the resilient sealing members includes (i) an internal sealing diameter 50 adapted to engage the container annular lip and (ii) a uniquely-shaped annular sealing flange 38 for engaging a filter receiving aperture 54 of a particular water purifier 52. At least one guide slot 22 extends along a portion of the bottom of the container insert. A granular filter medium is placed within the container insert and sealed therein with a container lid 30. The container lid has a plurality of apertures 34 sized to let water pass through and also includes a raised handle 32 for ease of insertion and removal of the universal filter insert.

Abstract: Regeneration of water treatment media is disclosed which includes a water treatment unit having one or more media therein, and which upon initiation of flow of the water, imparts turbulence and abrasion to the treatment medium to automatically cleanse the medium of light solid contaminants, as well as contaminant coatings on the media. This greatly improves the operation of the media and extends its life. In addition, the water treatment unit disclosed may simply be rotated through any one of a number of positions between service, backwash, flush, off and/or bypass operational modes for further regeneration of the treatment media.

Abstract: A water purifying device that has a collecting jug for purified water, in which a funnel with a filter cartridge filled with purifying medium is fitted in a removable manner, the jug can be closed at the top with a lid. Grips for removing the lid are arranged on the lid, and an indicator is provided for indicating the exhaustion of the purifying medium. The indicator is inexpensive, easily readable and reliably functioning to show the state of exhaustion of the purifying medium. The indicator is secured in an aperture in the top surface of the lid, an indicator panel of which can be seen externally from above and which, by an electronic, battery driven circuit, shows only the respective state of time elapsed, without cooperating with separate signaling.

Abstract: Flavoring, dietary minerals, vitamins, other nutritional supplements, or medicines may be dispensed in a filter assembly designed to cap a neck or open end of a bottle. A cap has a manual valve extending from the top thereof and operatively connected to the bottom thereof is an activated carbon block tubular filter having a porosity of between about 8-120 microns. Disposed within the tubular carbon block is a soluble solid porous element, having a porosity greater than that of the carbon block, and having a solubility between about one quarter and one-one hundredth of sucrose. The soluble element is at least in part a flavoring, vitamin, dietary mineral, nutritional supplement, or medicine. It also may be tubular, and substantially lining the soluble porous element may be a hydrophobic membrane which allows passage of water therethrough under pressure, but not under static pressure conditions.

Abstract: The present storm drain filter comprises a tubular housing with a solid vertical surrounding wall and sized for being recessed inside a storm drain. The housing is supported in the drain by a flange around its top edge. A tubular cartridge is detachably attached to a solid annular bottom plate of the housing. The cartridge comprises a solid annular top cover coaxial with a solid annular bottom closure; vertical tubular inner, intermediate, and outer screens concentrically connected between the top cover and bottom closure; and filter media enclosed between the screens. A central overflow opening inside the inner screen is aligned with a hole on the bottom plate of the housing. An annular debris trough is defined between the cartridge and the housing. Debris flowing into the filter is collected in the trough. As the level of debris rises and obstructs the lower part of the outer screen, the unobstructed upper part of the outer screen continues to filter the water.

Abstract: A showerhead having a water filter element held therein. The water filter element is easily changeable by unscrewing two halves of a body forming the showerhead. The body halves are easily gripped and turned, so as to be opened or closed, and the showerhead preferably includes a massage-type head at the lower end thereof, which may be rotated to vary the streams of water exiting the showerhead. The water filter element cooperates with internal components of the halves of the body to direct the flow of water through the filter element, and then out of the massage head. The showerhead may be easily and quickly adapted to be held on any shower arm, and to replace any existing showerhead without taking up as much room as currently existing filter elements used with available showerheads.

Abstract: A filtration device for tank water for aquarium fish having several partitions dividing the casing into several filtration chambers. A removable filtration cartridge is inserted into each filtration chamber. The cartridge has top and bottom panels with perforations formed in the panels to allow water to flow through the cartridge. The partitions are arranged in an alternating pattern. One partition has an opening near the bottom of the casing, and the partition extends to the top of the casing. The next partition does not have an opening near the bottom of the casing and the partition does not reach the top of the casing. This arrangement allows water to flow through the filtration device in a zigzag pattern. The removable cartridges allow individual filter mediums to be replaced without removing all the beneficial bacteria from the system.

Abstract: A multi-stage, modular water filter apparatus having at least first and second filter housings engageable with one and other, and each being engageable with a water inlet member, a water outlet member and a fluid filter cartridge for removing undesired components in a water supply.

Abstract: An apparatus for making drinks such as filtered water, coffee, espresso or tea which comprise a cold water filter system for purifying water for either direct consumption or use in extracting flavor-containing materials like coffee and a hot water filter assembly located on the brew head for removing impurities originated from both water itself and the parts of the apparatus in contact with water. The cold water filter system comprises a removable water container having at its bottom a water passageway, a filter cartridge removably mounted in the water passageway, a containing chamber for receiving the filtered water, and a valve in the water passageway for closing the passageway when the container is removed from and opening the passageway when placed onto the containing chamber.

Abstract: A filter assembly for use with a bottle having a substantially circular cross-section neck or open end includes a cap for closing the bottle neck or open end including an upper surface, and a manual valve associated with an outer substantially liquid impermeable housing may be operatively connected to the cap at an upper end of the housing and has a number of substantially radially extending openings adjacent the upper end portion to allow liquid to flow into a substantially annular open cavity within the housing. The cavity substantially radially surrounds an inner at least primarily radial flow filter element, such as a carbon/plastic matrix which removes chlorine from drinking water. A treating element is positioned so that water flowing through the openings and into the cavity is treated, either by removing contaminants from the water, or by chilling it.

Abstract: A water filter used for treating tap water. The water filter provides a consumer with protection against major water contaminants found in municipal water supplies. The filter includes a cylindrical filter cartridge with a number of filter layers therein. The filter cartridge includes an upper filter cap and a lower filter cap received in opposite ends of the cartridge. The cartridge includes a plurality of filter pads which may or may not be used as dividers between the various layers of filter material. The filter pads are designed to remove large and small sediments in the water. In an upstream upper portion of the cartridge is layer of a granulated zinc and copper alloy. The zinc and copper alloy is used for removing chlorine and some heavy metals in the water and acting as a bacteriostat for keeping bacteria from growing inside said cartridge. In a center portion of the filter cartridge is a layer of granulated activated carbon.

Abstract: A ceramic filter assembly is provided for use in a bottle for filtering water exiting the bottle so as to remove substantially all protozoa and bacteria from the water. The assembly includes a self-supporting ceramic filtering material element having a pore size of about 0.55 microns or less (e.g. about 0.45 microns) yet having a large open volume (e.g. between 40-85%, preferably between 51-80%), so that water may pass through it at a rate of 2 milliliters per second or more (e.g. 3-6 milliliters per second) with an initial head pressure of no more than 24 inches of water, so that the water may readily be passed through the filter by inverting and/or squeezing the plastic bottle containing the filter. A second, non-ceramic, filter element (such as a carbon block filter for reducing chlorine) may be mounted within the ceramic filter element, and a positively charged coating may be provided on the external surface of the ceramic filter element capable of attracting and holding negatively charged viruses.

Abstract: A shower filter assembly, having a thin or low-profile design, including a recessed inlet, which leads into an internal chamber having a filter element mounted therein to deflect water flowing into the internal chamber substantially evenly through a filter media held within the filter element. Magnets are provided in the compact shower filter to act on the water flowing therethrough, so as to breakdown carbonates therein and prevent the formation of line and scale deposits.

Abstract: A combination faucet assembly and filter assembly is provided wherein these respective assemblies are interconnected in a side-by-side relationship by pipes preferably located in a common housing structure. The combination is adapted for use in association with a kitchen sink or the like. The faucet assembly incorporates a valve for mixing hot and cold tap water and for diverting cold tap water for passage through a filter in the filter assembly. A spout is preferably associated with the faucet assembly. A pivotable faucet lever is preferably associated with the faucet assembly. The lever has a universal type of movement capability and is manipulated by an operator to accomplish regulating of either such mixing or such diverting, and also the regulating of water volume issuing from the spout. Preferably, in mixing hot and cold water in an operator selected ratio are fed to a mixing chamber adjacent the valve before dispensing of the resulting water mixture from a spout.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for removing organic contaminants from an aqueous phase in which the contaminant is solubilized. In the method the aqueous phase is passed through a fluid-pervious filtration media which has been infused with an absorbtion composition comprising a homogeneous thermal reaction product of an oil component selected from the group consisting of glycerides, fatty acids, alkenes, and alkynes, and a methacrylate or acrylate polymer component. The contaminant is thereby immobilized at said media, and the purified filtrate having passed through the filtration media is collected as the product.

Abstract: A water treatment unit includes a base and a disposable, plug-in cartridge. The cartridge contains a pair of hollow cylindrical, porous, solid water treatment elements designed to treat water flowing radially through their walls. The cylindrical elements are mounted so as to act in parallel, thereby achieving the advantages of a long, thin-walled element in a compact configuration.