For Drinking Water Patents (Class 210/416.3)
  • Patent number: 11192813
    Abstract: Systems and methods of filtering particulate matter from a fluid are provided. In one exemplary embodiment, a system for filtering particulate matter having suspended particles, organic contaminants, and microorganisms from a fluid comprises a main filter assembly having an activated carbon block disposed therein. The carbon block has distributed pores with a diameter of less than one micron. Further, the carbon block is operable to filter all of the particulate matter having a diameter or a non-spherical width of at least 0.45 microns from the fluid, and adsorb the particulate matter having a diameter or a non-spherical width of at least 0.003 microns from the fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2021
    Inventors: Shane Swanson, Charles Swanson
  • Patent number: 10858176
    Abstract: A portion capsule for producing a beverage includes a base element having a cavity in which a beverage raw material is provided and which is closed by a membrane fastened to the base element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 8, 2020
    Assignee: K-FEE SYSTEM GMBH
    Inventor: Marc Krüger
  • Patent number: 10450131
    Abstract: A coffee pod is described with an improved sealing surface for a filter disposed within the pod. The improved sealing surface provides better adherence between the filter and a sidewall of the pod so that unadhered portions are minimized and operation is improved. A coffee pod is also described with an improved foot structure having a configuration and thickness designed to minimize buckling while also utilizing a cost-efficient amount of material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2019
    Assignee: Kraft Foods Group Brands LLC
    Inventors: Mark Richard Thomas Norton, Piaras Valdis De Cleir
  • Patent number: 10391452
    Abstract: A portable liquid-filtration device includes an inlet port, a filtering portion including a filtering medium and fluidly coupled to the inlet port, a filtered-liquid output port fluidly coupled to the filtering portion, a flush port fluidly coupled to the filtering portion, and a manually activated pump assembly fluidly coupled to the inlet port, filtering portion, output port and flush port. The pump assembly is configured, when activated, to create a negative fluid pressure at the inlet port and a positive fluid pressure at the output port and the flush port. As a consequence of activation of the pump assembly, the filtering portion receives unfiltered liquid from the inlet port, the output port receives from the filtering portion only liquid traversing the filtering medium in a first direction, and the flush port receives from the filtering portion liquid traversing the filtering medium in a second direction different from the first direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2019
    Assignee: CASCADE DESIGNS, INC.
    Inventors: Timothy Lewis Oriard, Paul Kevin Smith, Steven Robert Schwennsen
  • Patent number: 10046255
    Abstract: A dual filter pump assembly provides a portable, typically hand-powered vacuum and pressure pump that alternatively creates a vacuum or negative pressure and positive pressure which force a liquid to be filtered through various passageways and chambers in a base and through a coarse filter medium and a micro filter medium. A lower check valve and an upper check valve maintain synchronized communication between the passageways, such that there is sufficient pressure and flow regulation to force the liquid through micro-sized pores in the generally flow restrictive micro filter medium. The micro-sized pores may be susceptible to inhibiting the flow of the liquid, and consequently generate pressure build up inside the pump and filter chambers. In some embodiments, a relief valve may help release the excess fluid pressure build up in the pump and filter chambers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2018
    Inventor: James R. Walker
  • Patent number: 9409704
    Abstract: A capsule (1) for making beverages comprises a powdered food substance, and comprises a body (2) having a lower wall (3) and a side wall (4), and a lid (6) fixed to an edge (5) of the side wall (4). Between the lid (6) and the inner surface of the body (2) there is a chamber in which a rigid or semi-rigid filter (10) is positioned, coupled at a coupling portion (14) located on the side wall (4) close to the edge (5). The filter (10) extends between a rim (12) positioned close to the lid (6) and coupled to the coupling portion (14), and a bottom portion (13) positioned close to the lower wall (3), and separates the chamber into a first compartment (15), containing the substance, delimited at least between the filter (10) and the lid (6), and into a second compartment (16) partly positioned between the side wall (4) and the filter (10), delimited between the filter (10), the lower wall (3) and the portion of side wall (4) located between the lower wall (3) and the coupling portion (14).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2016
    Assignee: CAFFITALY SYSTEM S.P.A.
    Inventors: Paolo Digiuni, Giovanni Accursi
  • Patent number: 9254352
    Abstract: An apparatus including a hollow body, an inlet fluidly coupled to the hollow body, a piston slidably engaged within the hollow body, and a filter arranged within the hollow body between the inlet and piston. The piston and hollow body cooperatively generate a negative pressure, relative to ambient, within the hollow body during piston translation from a first position, proximal the inlet, to a second position, distal the inlet, to draw a fluid, such as blood, through the filter into the hollow body. The piston and hollow body cooperatively generate a positive pressure, relative to ambient, within the hollow body during piston translation from the second position to the first position to egress the filtered fluid from the hollow body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2016
    Inventors: Rajen Nirwal Kumar, Caitlin O'Brien Winget, Theresa Kate Fisher, Alexander Hobbes Harrington, Aliaksandra Kapshai, Gillian Elizabeth Henker
  • Patent number: 9079705
    Abstract: A capsule (1) for making beverages comprises a powdered food substance, and comprises a body (2) having a lower wall (3) and a side wall (4), and a lid (6) fixed to an edge (5) of the side wall (4). Between the lid (6) and the inner surface of the body (2) there is a chamber in which a rigid or semi-rigid filter (10) is positioned, coupled at a coupling portion (14) located on the side wall (4) close to the edge (5). The filter (10) extends between a rim (12) positioned close to the lid (6) and coupled to the coupling portion (14), and a bottom portion (13) positioned close to the lower wall (3), and separates the chamber into a first compartment (15), containing the substance, delimited at least between the filter (10) and the lid (6), and into a second compartment (16) partly positioned between the side wall (4) and the filter (10), delimited between the filter (10), the lower wall (3) and the portion of side wall (4) located between the lower wall (3) and the coupling portion (14).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 14, 2015
    Assignee: Caffitaly System S.p.A.
    Inventor: Paolo Digiuni
  • Patent number: 9004290
    Abstract: A faucet-mounted filter system that includes a body forming a fluid chamber having a water inlet, a quick connect device positioned adjacent the water inlet for mounting the filter system to a water faucet such that the water inlet is placed in fluid communication with the water faucet, a filtered water flow path disposed within the body and in fluid communication with the water inlet, an unfiltered water flow path disposed within the body and in fluid communication with the water inlet, a diverter valve disposed within the fluid chamber and operable to open and close the filtered and unfiltered water flow paths, a seal for sealing the fluid chamber, an actuator engaging the diverter valve to open and close the filtered and unfiltered water flow paths without having to interrupt the seal, a flow meter connected to the body and in fluid communication with the filter flow path, a filter housing connected to the body and having a reservoir, and a filter cartridge disposed within the reservoir.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Assignee: PUR Water Purification Products, Inc.
    Inventors: John Tanner, David Emmons, Matthew L. Newman, Brian D. Andres, Simon Leung, Steven J. Schroeck, Armin Schwarz-Hartmann, Peter Stoeffel, Richard P. Riedel
  • Patent number: 8940163
    Abstract: An apparatus for dispersing additive into a fluid stream is disclosed. Also disclosed are systems comprising a fluid handling apparatus and an additive pod configured to disperse additive into a fluid stream. In some embodiments, the additive pods are easy to install into an outlet portion of a fluid handling apparatus, and do not require special training or the use of tools.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2015
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventor: Laurence W. Bassett
  • Publication number: 20150014252
    Abstract: Water bottle coupled with a filtration cartridge including a plastic reservoir sufficiently flexible so that it can be gripped and squeezed, a drinking cap removably attached to the reservoir, a replaceable filtering element removably coupled with the drinking spout portion of the cap through which water inside the reservoir passes before being released through the spout. The removable filter includes and entry and an exit layer of felt and a layer of activated charcoal mixed with zeolite to reduce chlorine, trihalomethanes, organochlorines and heavy metals. The reservoir can fits into a magnetized base which can also be embedded in the body of the reservoir, and a cover to cover the cap and spout which dispenses purified water to the consumer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 15, 2013
    Publication date: January 15, 2015
    Inventor: Jonatas Justus, SR.
  • Patent number: 8883005
    Abstract: The present invention is uniquely engineered and provides water treatment devices for treatment of water in a small community or individual who are out of reach of access to safe water for domestic use, reach of adequate resources and reside in rural setting. Water treatment device of the invention are flexible, light weight and have high capacity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2014
    Assignee: Biosand Bag Filter, LLC
    Inventors: Donald Fredrick Kerr, Matthew Geho, James E. Tripi, Sylvester Taliferro
  • Publication number: 20140311982
    Abstract: A water purification device includes a water collecting device having a surface defining a variable volume and comprising a filter membrane permeable to water. The device includes an expansion device for exerting a force for increasing the volume of the water collecting device and thereby drawing water through the filter membrane into the water collecting device. The expansion device includes a support structure supporting the filter membrane, wherein the support structure can be elastically deformed and is designed to settle or snap, after being deformed, into one of at least two discrete stable configurations, a first one of these stable configurations being a low volume configuration of the support structure, a second one of these stable configurations being a high volume configuration of the support structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 15, 2012
    Publication date: October 23, 2014
    Applicant: CREAHOLIC S.A.
    Inventor: Elmar Mock
  • Publication number: 20140291246
    Abstract: A water purification chamber is provided. In one embodiment, a system comprises a purification chamber comprising a selective adsorbent activated carbon fiber fabric including one or more selective functional groups that bind arsenic.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2014
    Publication date: October 2, 2014
    Applicant: Chemica Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Takuji Tsukamoto, Jason Trevor Gatlin
  • Publication number: 20140291232
    Abstract: A portable water treatment device that utilizes a foot-powered actuator to impel water through a filter is disclosed. The actuator moves to generate negative pressure that draws water to be treated into the interior of a housing, then moves to generate positive pressure to impel the water thus drawn in through a filtration device and to impel treated water out of the device. In some embodiments the water treatment device includes two actuators that are coupled to move in tandem.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 26, 2014
    Publication date: October 2, 2014
    Inventor: Tareq Adel Risheq
  • Patent number: 8790511
    Abstract: A water filtering device includes a filter element and telescopically interconnected inner and outer cylinder units. Each of the inner and outer cylinder units has an open inner end and a closed outer end. A first space is formed in the inner cylinder unit. The filter element is disposed within the inner cylinder unit, and is adjacent to the inner end of the inner cylinder unit so as to define a second space between the filter element and the outer cylinder unit. The outer cylinder unit is movable on the inner cylinder unit, such that the outer ends of the inner and outer cylinder units are moved toward each other, thereby forcing water to flow from the second space into the first space through the filter element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2014
    Inventor: Wender Yang
  • Publication number: 20140186496
    Abstract: A collapsible bag or compressible bottle container for accepting, holding, and filtering fluid. Fluid is filtered upon entry to the container or filtered upon egress. The filter media resides either in a removable cap, or in a second fluid-tight compartment attached to, and in fluid communication with, the container body. A one-way valve with unique one-time connection to a fluid source mitigates potential contamination from container overuse. A second collapsible layer is used in conjunction with the collapsible bag to accept compressed air that provides rigidity for the container body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 28, 2012
    Publication date: July 3, 2014
    Applicant: KX TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventor: KX Technologies, LLC
  • Publication number: 20140175014
    Abstract: A water purification device includes an expandable water collecting device having a variable volume, wherein at least part of the surface of the water collecting device includes a filter area, the filter area being permeable to water and allowing water to enter the water collecting device when the filter area is submerged in water. The device further includes a mechanically driven expansion means for exerting a force for increasing the volume of the water collecting device and thereby drawing water through the filter area into the water collecting device. In use, the water collecting device is submerged and the expansion means is released, drawing water into the water collecting device through the filter membrane.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 28, 2014
    Publication date: June 26, 2014
    Applicant: Creaholic S.A.
    Inventors: Elmar Mock, Marcel Aeschlimann, Christoph Rusch, Andre Klopfenstein
  • Patent number: 8758621
    Abstract: A method of purifying impure water contaminated with a filterable impurity and a dissolved impurity, such as seawater, comprising the steps of: providing impure water to a primary microfiltration or ultrafiltration unit to remove the filterable impurity and produce impure filtered water contaminated with a dissolved impurity; providing the impure filtered water contaminated with a dissolved impurity to a reverse osmosis unit to produce a potable water stream and a residual reverse osmosis stream; and treating the residual reverse osmosis stream prior to reuse. The treatment may be in the form of passing through a secondary filter (such as another microfiltration or ultrafiltration membrane or a cartridge filter, and the subsequently treated reverse osmosis reject may be used to backwash the microfiltration or ultrafiltration unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2014
    Assignee: Evoqua Water Technologies LLC
    Inventor: Joseph Edward Zuback
  • Patent number: 8728313
    Abstract: A water filter system including a base configured for receiving water from a faucet and a filter cartridge connected to the base. The filter cartridge defines a peripheral opening and a first chamber having at least one filter element, and a second chamber in fluid communication with the first chamber. An enhancement cartridge is removably inserted through the peripheral opening and into the second chamber. The enhancement cartridge includes an enhancement material for adding minerals to the water and is removable from the system independently from the filter cartridge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2014
    Assignee: Paragon Water Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: David E. Swain
  • Publication number: 20140124458
    Abstract: A drinking container includes a main reservoir; a filling reservoir; a filter connecting the filling reservoir to the main reservoir; a plunger assembly having a plunger head sized complementary to the interior of the filling reservoir and a shaft extending therefrom to allow the plunger head to be urged into the filing reservoir, thereby urging liquid in the filling reservoir through the porous filter into the drinking reservoir. The shaft may define a passageway from an opening in the plunger head, to allow addition of liquid through the passageway into the filling reservoir. A valve allows closing of the opening to allow the plunger head to be urged into the filing reservoir, thereby urging liquid in the filling reservoir through the filter into the thinking reservoir.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 1, 2013
    Publication date: May 8, 2014
    Inventor: Patricia Kim Sturgess
  • Publication number: 20140102973
    Abstract: The purpose of the present invention is to allow victims of a disaster or the like to drink a relatively small amount of drinkable water as the temporary measure in emergency. A filter (6) into which one end part (3EP) of a hose (3) is inserted, and which is comprised of a sponge having a weight therein, is submerged into dirty water (8). When the victim releases his/her hand from a state in which he/she applies a force (F), a suction force is generated inside a pressure pump (2). By the action of the suction force, a part of the dirty water (8) which entered into the filter (6) and from which mud or the like is filtered is sucked into the hose (3) via a plurality of through-holes formed in the one end part (3EP) to flow into the pressure pump (2). The pushing force is generated manually inside the pressure pump (2) by applying the force (F).
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 10, 2012
    Publication date: April 17, 2014
    Inventor: Kazuhiro Nagata
  • Patent number: 8663465
    Abstract: A filtration and dispensing system that is particularly suitable for underdeveloped parts of the world is provided for storing, filtering, and dispensing rainwater, surface water, or groundwater. The system includes a bank of ceramic filters, a water retention container for holding water to be dispensed by the system, and at least one header tank to which water supplied from the water retention container is fed. A pump is utilized to withdraw water from a lower portion of the water retention container and supplied to the header tank. The withdrawn water is distributed by way of piping from the header tank to individual ceramic filters in the bank of ceramic filters, and a collection tank receives filtered water discharged from the bank of ceramic filters. Trickle feed nozzles or other discharge elements are used to discharge the filtered water from the collection tank for use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: ATOPIA Research
    Inventors: Jane Harrison, David Turnbull, Wole Soboyejo
  • Patent number: 8640882
    Abstract: A compact fluid purification device includes a housing having an inlet for receiving unfiltered liquid and an open end and a first valve disposed within the inlet and being configured to only permit unfiltered liquid to flow into a hollow interior of the housing. The device has a plunger that is movable between a fully extended position and a fully retracted position. Movement of the plunger toward the fully extended position causes unfiltered liquid to be drawn into the interior of the housing and the device includes a second valve disposed within the outlet and being configured to only permit filtered liquid to be discharged from the plunger housing. The unfiltered liquid is filtered when the plunger is moved toward the fully retracted position causing the unfiltered liquid in the interior to flow into the inside of the filter elements and then across the filter elements and into the outlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2014
    Assignee: Nephros, Inc.
    Inventors: Gregory R. Collins, James Summerton
  • Patent number: 8623211
    Abstract: A filtering and condensing apparatus of a suction type includes: a sludge tank for containing sludge to be filtered and condensed; a plurality of filtering plates aligned with each other so as to be disposed to be adjacent to each other in the sludge tank; a means for constantly applying a tension force to each of the filtering plates, which means is disposed to be over a periphery of each filtering plate. A filtering cloth of each filtering plate is divided in the lateral direction by a plurality of vertically extending seams to form multiple divided zones, in each of which zone a filtering chamber is formed. A weight member is attached to a lower portion of each filtering plate using a U-shaped body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2014
    Assignee: Metawater Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hiroyasu Yamane, Tadashi Kunitani, Eiji Sakai
  • Publication number: 20130319084
    Abstract: A flush pump feature on a liquid purifying filter includes a segment of flexible tubing containing a small bulb pump is described. Two check valves are positioned upstream and downstream of the bulb pump which then terminates with a simple manually operated open/closed valve. The addition of this flush pump feature enables the filter unit to be easily purged of air at first use and also will make the filter easier to clean and maintain without the need to remove it from a hydration carrier. In addition, the flush bulb feature can also be used to perform a simple visual integrity test of filter while out in a remote location and also can be used to effectively remove bulk water from the filter for lighter storage when not in use which also minimizes freeze related damage when used in a cold environment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 7, 2013
    Publication date: December 5, 2013
    Applicant: Nephros, Inc.
    Inventor: Nephros, Inc.
  • Patent number: 8597512
    Abstract: A drinking container includes a main reservoir; a filling reservoir; a filter connecting the filling reservoir to the main reservoir; a plunger assembly having a plunger head sized complementary to the interior of the filling reservoir and a shaft extending therefrom to allow the plunger head to be urged into the filling reservoir, thereby urging liquid in the filling reservoir through the porous filter into the drinking reservoir. The shaft may define a passageway from an opening in the plunger head, to allow addition of liquid through the passageway into the filling reservoir. A valve allows closing of the opening to allow the plunger head to be urged into the filling reservoir, thereby urging liquid in the filling reservoir through the filter into the drinking reservoir.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2013
    Inventor: Patricia Kim Sturgess
  • Patent number: 8562833
    Abstract: A subsurface wave action harnessing system includes a seabed mounting plate adapted for securing to a seabed, a wing having generally opposed first and second wing surfaces extending between a first and second wing ends, the second wing end being pivotably mounted to the seabed mounting plate such that pivoting motion about a pivot axis generally parallel to the mounting plate is imparted to the wing by subsurface wave action acting on the first and second wing surfaces, and a drive arm pivotably connected to the wing to convert the pivoting motion into reciprocal motion. An electrical generator, water purifier or other wave action load can be driven by the drive arm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2013
    Assignee: Clean and Green Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventor: Elbert Lee Marcum
  • Publication number: 20130270174
    Abstract: Disclosed is a gravity fed purification system having a purification media having a layer of low ash catalytic carbon having a nominal particle size range of about 20 mesh to about 50 mesh, wherein the purification system is able to produce a flow rate of about 1000 to about 1500 cc/min with a pressure head of about 300 to about 350 cc.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Publication date: October 17, 2013
    Applicant: Selecto, Inc.
    Inventor: Ehud LEVY
  • Patent number: 8535540
    Abstract: A water treatment system is provided that includes a brine tank and a resin tank and a control valve in operative connection with the tanks. The control valve includes a piston that is operative by a first motor to move between different positions to change the flow of water through orifices in the control valve, and a brine valve that is operative by a second motor to open and close the passage between the brine tank and resin tank. The second motor operates the brine valve independently of the operation of the piston by the first motor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2013
    Assignee: Chandler Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: William D. Chandler, Jr.
  • Patent number: 8518252
    Abstract: The present invention provides a new and improved system for on-site and on-demand production of sterile water for injection (SWFI) from potable water or water that meets the EPA drinking water quality upon preconditioning, in conjunction with reconstitution of IV fluids using dry chemicals or concentrate pre-filled bags, suitable for use at a site under non-clean room environment conditions, and capable of adjusting feed water temperatures. The present invention includes a water temperature conditioning module, a water preconditioning module, a hydrothermal processor, a fluid staging compartment, and combinations and variations thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2013
    Assignee: Applied Research Associates, Inc.
    Inventor: Lixiong Li
  • Publication number: 20130118972
    Abstract: Bottled water dispensers are disclosed that include a modular water filter, particularly bottom loading water dispensers that include a pump to move water through the water dispenser. The water filters include a bottom container with an open top end, and a cap portion with an open bottom end (which is configured to be attached to the open top end of the bottom container). The water filters also include an interior container which (i) resides within the interior area of the water filter when the bottom container and cap portion are connected to each other and (ii) includes one or more filters through which water may pass within the water filter. The water filter is modular and may be used and replaced within bottled water dispensers as needed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 10, 2011
    Publication date: May 16, 2013
    Inventor: George Yui
  • Patent number: 8439205
    Abstract: A monolithic carbon composite filter for use in water filter bottles of the type having a bottle cap and a valved vented top. The filter is formed with exposed surfaces including side walls and a base. The filter employs both radial flow through the side walls of the filter and axial flow through the filter base. All available exposed surfaces thus maximize the available surface area for filtering water. As a result a larger diameter filter suited to the addition of a second media as well as an inner tube providing for separate axial flow may be utilized. A dual aspect or universal flow filter adapted to be attached to a filter housing top is capable of being cooperatively attached to the bottle cap and bottle with a valved vented top. The bottle is normally inverted for drinking.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2013
    Inventor: John E. Nohren, Jr.
  • Patent number: 8425771
    Abstract: A portable device for filtering and purifying water comprised of an outer chamber and an inner chamber that is slidable within a section of the outer chamber, and a small pore size pre-filter, whereby water is drawn through the pre-filter into the first container section of the outer chamber where it is isolated and treated with a disinfectant agent, then is drawn out of the first container section and into the second container section, and then into the inner chamber, where it is passed across another filtering material such as an activated carbon bed, removing any remaining contaminants before the potable water exits through a mouthpiece.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2013
    Assignee: Miracle Straw Corporation, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul W. O'Brien, Mogens Engel
  • Patent number: 8394268
    Abstract: A portable device for filtering and purifying water comprised of an outer chamber and an inner chamber that is slidable within a section of the outer chamber, and a small pore size pre-filter, whereby water is drawn through the pre-filter into the first container section of the outer chamber where it is isolated and treated with a disinfectant agent, then is drawn out of the first container section and into the second container section, and then into the inner chamber, where it is passed across another filtering material such as an activated carbon bed, removing any remaining contaminants before the potable water exits through a mouthpiece.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2013
    Assignee: Miracle Straw Corporation, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul W. O'Brien, Mogens Engel
  • Patent number: 8377299
    Abstract: A water filtering device and system. The system includes: a rod in a reservoir of the water cooler under an inverted, installed water bottle, the rod aligned with a neck of the water bottle; a hollow cylinder having a diameter less than the neck, an open end, and a closed end opposing the open end, the open end having an external flange at a perimeter thereof with a diameter greater than the neck, the closed end configured to removable retain a water filter, the hollow of the cylinder dimensioned to accept a portion of the rod; a cover having a ring-shaped base and a sidewall, the base having an inner perimeter, an outer perimeter with a diameter greater than the diameter of the flange, the sidewall extending from the base at the outer perimeter, the cover configured to receive at least the flange of the cylinder; and a filter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2013
    Assignee: Jason Black
    Inventors: Jason Black, William Cronley
  • Patent number: 8343341
    Abstract: A method and apparatus of sanitizing drinking water to be dispensed from a water dispenser having a reservoir includes the steps of providing the ozone gas generator that generates an ozone gas stream, transmitting the ozone gas stream from the generator to the water dispenser reservoir, mechanically breaking up the ozone gas stream inside the reservoir to produce ozone gas bubbles, and using the ozone gas bubbles to disinfect water in the reservoir. The ozone gas stream can be mechanically broken up using a pump such as, for example, an impeller type pump.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2013
    Assignee: S.I.P. Technologies L.L.C.
    Inventors: Kenneth A. Davis, James Jackson Shelton
  • Patent number: 8323490
    Abstract: A piston pressurized water filter activated by the user or external source. The water filter assembly includes a hollow cylindrical water reservoir, a hollow cylindrical piston threaded into the top of the water reservoir, and a water filter threaded into the bottom of the water reservoir. The interior of the water reservoir is sealed by the piston and water filter. When the water reservoir is filled with unfiltered water, the piston can be threaded down into the water reservoir to create sufficient pressure on the unfiltered water and force the water into the water filter. The water filter can include any combination of carbon, ceramic or other filtering material in a block or disk form. Water is forced into the water filter, through the carbon or ceramic filter mass, and into a container that may or may not be coupled to the water filter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2012
    Assignee: Instapure Brands, Inc.
    Inventors: William Scott Wright, Bradley J. Florin
  • Patent number: 8318011
    Abstract: A portable water disinfecting and purification apparatus comprising a first chamber into which water to be purified may be drawn by suction or negative pressure, a second chamber into which the water from the first chamber can be forced by a pumping action or positive pressure, whereby the water is initially passed across a pre-filter secured over the inlet to the first chamber and having a very small pore size and an inner cavity in which a disinfecting agent is place to filters most contaminants before the water is drawn into said filtering device, and once in the first holding chamber the water is isolated and may be further treated with a disinfectant agent, and then is passed though at least additional filtering substance including an activated carbon or nano-filter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2012
    Assignee: Miracle Straw Corporation, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul W. O'Brien, Mogens Engel
  • Publication number: 20120292238
    Abstract: A piston pressurized water filter activated by the user or external source. The water filter assembly includes a hollow cylindrical water reservoir, a hollow cylindrical piston threaded into the top of the water reservoir, and a water filter threaded into the bottom of the water reservoir. The interior of the water reservoir is sealed by the piston and water filter. When the water reservoir is filled with unfiltered water, the piston can be threaded down into the water reservoir to create sufficient pressure on the unfiltered water and force the water into the water filter. The water filter can include any combination of carbon, ceramic or other filtering material in a block or disk form. Water is forced into the water filter, through the carbon or ceramic filter mass, and into a container that may or may not be coupled to the water filter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 2, 2012
    Publication date: November 22, 2012
    Applicant: INSTAPURE BRANDS, INC.
    Inventors: William Scott Wright, Bradley J. Florin
  • Patent number: 8313644
    Abstract: A portable vessel for fluids has an integrated filtration system. A pressing assembly fitted to the vessel includes a stopper, a rod having a top end and a filtration assembly. A vessel top receives the pressing assembly such that the rod of the pressing assembly is slidably attached to a bearing of the vessel top. A gasket attached to the filtration element maintains a seal between the inner surface of the vessel and an outer perimeter of the filtration assembly and the orientation of the rod is maintained by the gasket and the bearing. In use, pressure applied to the pressing assembly drives the filtration assembly through the vessel causing water to be filtered as it passes through the filter element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2012
    Assignee: OZOlab
    Inventors: Jordan Harris, Roo Rogers, Yves Behar, Joshua Morenstein, Serge Beaulieu, Jennifer Olson
  • Patent number: 8308942
    Abstract: A water filter system including a base configured for receiving water from a faucet and a filter cartridge seated in the base. The filter cartridge defines a first chamber having at least one filter element, and a second chamber in fluid communication with the first chamber. An enhancement cartridge is removably inserted in the second chamber and includes an enhancement material for adding minerals to the water. The enhancement cartridge is removable from the system separate from the filter cartridge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2012
    Assignee: Paragon Water Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: David Swain
  • Patent number: 8303813
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a refrigerator having a water filter, a water filter housing, a water filter cap, and a tool for rotating the water filter cap. Engagement of the tool and the water filter cap and subsequent rotation of the tool thereby rotates the water filter cap and water filter. The tool includes a head portion and a body portion and the head portion is an inverse surface of at least a portion of the water filter cap for mating with the water filter cap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2012
    Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation
    Inventor: Joseph Lee Coleman
  • Patent number: 8292088
    Abstract: A water supply system in accordance with the invention includes pumping in which there is a mechanical co-dependency between the generations of liquid-draw pressure and filtration-drive pressure, but a hydraulic dependency of the application of the filtration-drive pressure upon release of water from the liquid-draw pressure. In one preferred embodiment, the system is enabled by a retrofit assembly in which a second, filtration-drive pump is mechanically connected to the pump handle of a water intake pump. The retrofit assembly may include multiple arms and hinge points for coupling the second pump to the pump handle, as well as a flow path from the output of the water intake pump to the input of the second pump and a flow path from the second pump to a filtration system. The flow path between the two pumps typically includes an unfiltered water outlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2012
    Assignee: Acuity/Sparkle, Ltd. (Cayman)
    Inventors: Michael H. Francisco, Sumeet Mehra, Subhash Mehra
  • Patent number: 8282823
    Abstract: A modular water purification system is optimized for versatility and weight using a pump component that is mountable by standardized fittings into alternative prime mover modules that can receive and power the pump. The pump can be a heavy high pressure pump for a reverse osmosis stage, interchangeably mounted on an internal combustion engine module or an electric motor module. The pump is enclosed and protected by a frame with end plates, elongated bar handles and a standardized base that fits into and is fixed by a sliding flange and clamping structure, locating the pump precisely to engage a rotational fitting on the pump shaft with a complementary fitting coupled to the prime mover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2012
    Assignee: TerraGroup Corporation
    Inventors: Primo L. Acernese, James Novak, Jr., Joseph J. Totenbier
  • Patent number: 8281937
    Abstract: According to one exemplary embodiment, a compact fluid purification device includes a housing having an inlet for receiving unfiltered liquid and an open end and a first valve disposed within the inlet and being configured to only permit unfiltered liquid to flow into a hollow interior of the housing. The device has a plunger received within the open end such that it slides within the interior of the housing. The plunger is movable between a fully extended position and a fully retracted position, wherein the plunger has an elongated housing that includes a filter element, such as, a plurality of hollow filter elements that are open at a distal end of the plunger housing and are in communication with an outlet that is associated with the plunger.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2012
    Assignee: Nephros, Inc.
    Inventors: Gregory R. Collins, James Summerton
  • Patent number: 8277666
    Abstract: A drinking container includes a main reservoir; a filling reservoir; a filter connecting the filling reservoir to the main reservoir; a plunger assembly having a plunger head in the filling reservoir and a shaft extending therefrom. The shaft defines a passageway from to an opening in the plunger head, to allow addition of liquid through the passageway into the filling reservoir. A valve allows closing of the opening to allow the plunger head to be urged into the filing reservoir, thereby urging liquid in the filling reservoir through the filter into the drinking reservoir.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2012
    Inventor: Patricia Kim Sturgess
  • Patent number: 8257594
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2012
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Robert E. Astle, Martin J. Blaze, Katrina Prutzman
  • Patent number: 8216462
    Abstract: A portable water disinfecting and purification apparatus comprising a first chamber into which water to be purified may be drawn by suction or negative pressure, a second chamber into which the water from the first chamber can be forced by a pumping action or positive pressure, whereby the water is passed across a micro-filter positioned within a section of the second chamber through which water can be forced by said pumping action to an outlet for purified water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2012
    Inventors: Paul W. O'Brien, Mogens Engel
  • Patent number: 8186518
    Abstract: A water purification unit to purify potentially contaminated water is provided. The water purification unit is in fluid communication with a water source and has a pump to draw water from the water source. The water is passed through at least a main filter to purify the water and dispensed through an outlet. Power is provided to the water purification unit by a battery bank and a non-grid power source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2012
    Inventors: Jack E. Barker, Carmen L. Barker