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 filtering assembly includes cup-shaped member and a top cover and a space is formed to receive any type of filtering agent which is convenient to be replaced. The cup-shaped member is made of transparent material so that the users may check the water filtering agent to replace with new filtering agent.

Abstract: The aim of the invention is to create a simple and load-resistant filter part for fluid pipes, especially for use with filling nipples, comprising a base body (3) and at least one fluid passage opening (2) which is covered by a filter element (4). According to the invention, the filter element (4) consists of a tightly wound spring wire (5) whose winding end (5c) is preferably supported on a collar ring (3b) on the foot (1b) of the filter.

Abstract: A water purifier 40 includes a flow meter 42 for measuring the cumulative flow of water through a water purification cartridge 6. The flow meter has an indicator portion 44 that rotates in response to increasing cumulative flow and a graduated portion 46 rotating about the same axis as that of the indicator portion. The graduated portion includes an insertion groove 29 for manually rotating the graduated portion in order to reset the flow meter. Because the flow meter has few part, the body of the water purifier can be made compact and its cost reduced.

Abstract: A combination tap with external water purifier capable of preventing unwanted bacteria from breeding by washing a system on purified water side including the interior of the water purifier and pipes across the water purifier when raw water is used and also capable of selecting any delivery mode, comprising a combination stop valve mixing hot water with water and forming a main valve, the water purifier disposed on the outside of the combination tap on the downstream side of the combination stop valve so as to purify raw water and having flow paths for purified water and raw water, and a water quality switching valve disposed on the downstream side of the water purifier and allowing either of the purified water and raw water to flow to the delivery side.

Abstract: A fluid filtering device has a housing with a mounting mechanism disposed at the forward end and on the top surface of the housing. A fluid inlet is defined through the housing top surface, and at least one fluid outlet is defined through the housing bottom surface. A valve member is disposed within the housing between the fluid inlet and the fluid outlet. At least one filter is disposed longitudinally within a portion of the housing rearward of the mounting mechanism. The filter is in fluid communication with the fluid inlet and a fluid outlet and may be removable from the rear of the housing. An actuator extends from the forward end of the housing and is connected with the valve member through the housing. The actuator moves the valve member between a filtered and unfiltered position. In the filtered position, fluid is directed from the fluid inlet and through the rear portion of the housing containing the filter.

Abstract: A combination hand held shower head and water filter assembly for removing chlorine and other substances from hot shower water. This assembly includes an elongated filter housing with an elongated shower head pivotably secured thereto by an extended swivel and ball arrangement. The elongated, filter housing holds filter media therein and the combination device may be alternatively held in a holding bracket by shaped ends of either the elongated filter housing or the elongated shower head.

Abstract: A totalization meter system for a water treatment device, the device having an inlet aperture and an outlet aperture, and a channel for channeling water between the inlet and outlet apertures. A flow reactive device is positioned in the channel and is exposed to the flowing water, and a signal generating member is positioned on the flow reactive device. A switch is positioned proximately to the flow reactive device, and is sensitive to the proximity of the signal generating member. The switch is able to communicate electric signals indicative of the motion of the signal generating member. A resettable processor having a performance threshold programmed therein and an output device is included. The microcontroller is in electrical communication with the switch for receiving electrical signals from the switch. The switch is capable of sensing the characteristics of the flow reactive device and communicates electrical signals representative of the characteristics to the microcontroller.

Abstract: A domestic water filtration system includes a first water treatment unit (7) with a replaceable ion exchange resin water softener cartridge (15) accommodated in a canister (19) and a second water treatment unit (8) with a replaceable filter cartridge (16) including an activated carbon block (16a) wrapped with a depth filter (22a) and a membrane filter (22b). A flow control device comprising a three way valve (2) has an inlet (12) for connection to the mains water supply and two outlets (13, 14) respectively connected to the inlets of the water treatment units (7, 8) so that rotation of the valve spindle (10) in one direction from an off position allows water to flow to the inlet (3) of the first treatment unit (7) and in the other direction from the off position allows water to flow to the inlet (5) of the second treatment unit (8).

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a point-of-use water treatment system (WTS) unit (20) for filtering and treating contaminants in water. WTS unit (20) may include a first primary coil (74) located in a base unit (22) which inductively power a secondary treatment device such as a UV lamp assembly (24). A filter assembly (26) is used which has a filter block (90) and an inner sleeve (92) which extends inside filter block (90). Inner sleeve (92) defines a chamber in which the secondary treatment device (24) may be disposed. First and second valves and seals may be interposed between the filter assembly (26), secondary treatment device (24) and base unit (22) to allow the filter assembly (26) and secondary treatment device (24) to be independently replaceable. Secondary treatment device (24) may be a lamp assembly (24) which includes a condensing element (84) to condense mercury in a bulb in the arc path between filaments (444).

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a point-of-use water treatment system (WTS) unit (20) for filtering and treating contaminants in water. WTS unit (20) may include a first primary coil (74) located in a base unit (22) which inductively power a secondary treatment device such as a UV lamp assembly (24). A filter assembly (26) is used which has a filter block (90) and an inner sleeve (92) which extends inside filter block (90). Inner sleeve (92) defines a chamber in which the secondary treatment device (24) may be disposed. First and second valves and seals may be interposed between the filter assembly (26), secondary treatment device (24) and base unit (22) to allow the filter assembly (26) and secondary treatment device (24) to be independently replaceable. Secondary treatment device (24) may be a lamp assembly (24) which includes a condensing element (84) to condense mercury in a bulb in the arc path between filaments (444).

Abstract: A faucet assembly includes a faucet body having an upright portion defining a cartridge receiving chamber. The faucet body further has an inlet passage in fluid communication with the cartridge receiving chamber and connected fluidly to a water supply source, and an outlet passage in fluid communication with the cartridge receiving chamber. A filtering device includes a filtering cartridge that is disposed removably within the cartridge receiving chamber, and that has an outer wall surface cooperating with the upright portion to define upper and lower watertight seals therebetween, and an inner wall surface that defines a water passage chamber between the upper and lower watertight seals. The water passage chamber has upper and lower ends that are in fluid communication with the outlet and inlet passages of the cartridge receiving chamber. A spout unit is attached to the upright portion of the faucet body, and includes a spout pipe with a discharging port for release of filtered water therefrom.

Abstract: A water purifier is composed of a valve main body and a filtration portion, which are coupled to each other in an attachable and detachable manner at the main body side coupling portion and the filtration portion side coupling portion. Consequently, the water purifier filtration portion can be connected to the water purifier main body in a single step with ease in a secure manner, and at the same time, the water purifier filtration portion will not fall off easily even when water with a high water pressure flows in. Also, the water purifier is provided with a concave portion and a sensor packing formed as an integral portion of the concave portion and protruding toward an indicator portion on a wall surface of a cartridge. The indicator portion is provided with a conductive member at a position where it is brought into contact with a first input portion by a water pressure and thereby closes an electric circuit on a circuit board.

Abstract: The water purifying apparatus has a hollow container and a purifying material provided therein. In the purifying material, the ratio by weight of the bulky water-soluble non-crystalline substance and activate carbon is about 1:1.5. The hollow container is disposed in a water channel.

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: The present invention is directed to a point-of-use water treatment system (WTS) unit (20) for filtering and treating contaminants in water. WTS unit (20) may include a first primary coil (74) located in a base unit (22) which inductively power a secondary treatment device such as a UV lamp assembly (24). A filter assembly (26) is used which has a filter block (90) and an inner sleeve (92) which extends inside filter block (90). Inner sleeve (92) defines a chamber in which the secondary treatment device (24) may be disposed. First and second valves and seals may be interposed between the filter assembly (26), secondary treatment device (24) and base unit (22) to allow the filter assembly (26) and secondary treatment device (24) to be independently replaceable. Secondary treatment device (24) may be a lamp assembly (24) which includes a condensing element (84) to condense mercury in a bulb in the arc path between filaments (444).

Abstract: A fluid filtering device has a housing with a mounting mechanism disposed at the forward end and on the top surface of the housing. A fluid inlet is defined through the housing top surface, and at least one fluid outlet is defined through the housing bottom surface. A valve member is disposed within the housing between the fluid inlet and the fluid outlet. At least one filter is disposed longitudinally within a portion of the housing rearward of the mounting mechanism. The filter is in fluid communication with the fluid inlet and a fluid outlet and may be removable from the rear of the housing. An actuator extends from the forward end of the housing and is connected with the valve member through the housing. The actuator moves the valve member between a filtered and unfiltered position. In the filtered position, fluid is directed from the fluid inlet and through the rear portion of the housing containing the filter.

Abstract: A water filter cartridge including an outer shell, an inlet opening proximate a first end, an outlet opening and a cam extending axially from the first end. Cam is constructed and arranged so as to reset a mechanical flow totalization mechanism in a water treatment device. A channel and notch in the first end of the cartridge provide fluid communication to a chamber of a water treatment device.

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 inlet filter includes a cap and a body that are securely connectable to one another. Once connected, these elements form the structural backbone of the filter. Disposed between the cap and body is a transparent cover that allows one to view a filtering screen located within. Thus, the inlet filter serves to remove particulate matter from a supply of water prior to supplying it to a high pressure sprayer or similar device. As the filtering screen becomes clogged, its status can be visually determined. Thus a clear and readily apparent indication is presented as to when the filter needs to be cleaned or replaced.

Abstract: A totalization meter system for a water treatment device, the device having an inlet aperture and an outlet aperture, and a channel for channeling water between the inlet and outlet apertures. A flow reactive device is positioned in the channel and is exposed to the flowing water, and a signal generating member is positioned on the flow reactive device. A switch is positioned proximately to the flow reactive device, and is sensitive to the proximity of the signal generating member. The switch is able to communicate electric signals indicative of the motion of the signal generating member A resettable processor having a performance threshold programmed therein and an output device is included. The microcontroller is in electrical communication with the switch for receiving electrical signals from the switch.

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 device for intercepting and filtering cold and hot water for water treatment plants includes a body passed through by a first cold water transit sluice and by a second hot water transit sluice. In these sluices there are inserted a usually open stop valve (17), a filtering filter (19), a magnetic anti-limestone conditioner (22) and a pressure balancer (21) at least along the hot water sluice (14).

Abstract: A totalization meter system for a water treatment device, the device having an inlet aperture and an outlet aperture, and a channel for channeling water between the inlet and outlet apertures. A flow reactive device is positioned in the channel and is exposed to the flowing water, and a signal generating member is positioned on the flow reactive device. A switch is positioned proximately to the flow reactive device, and is sensitive to the proximity of the signal Generating member. The switch is able to communicate electric signals indicative of the motion of the signal generating member. A resettable processor having a Performance threshold programmed therein and an output device is included. The microcontroller is in electrical communication with the switch for receiving electrical signals from the switch. The switch is cap able of sensing the characteristics of the flow reactive device and communicates electrical signals representative of the characteristics to the microcontroller.

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 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: A water filter device mountable on a faucet facilitates water flow in substantially one linear direction through a filtering cartridge which comprises activated carbon or charcoal material. The water filtration device includes a valve assembly for selectively operating the filtering device for generating filtered or unfiltered water. The filtering device preferably includes a disc shaped filtering housing having a disc shaped filtering block of activated carbon material therein for filtering water. The present invention simplifies the flow path of water from the inlet through the filtering cartridge and provides for a more compact and lower profile filtering device which saves space in the sink associated with the water filtration device. It also provides for little or no pressure differential for flow through the filter.

Abstract: A water filter cartridge including an outer shell, an inlet opening proximate a first end, an outlet opening and a cam extending axially from the first end. Cam is constructed and arranged so as to reset a mechanical flow totalization mechanism in a water treatment device. A channel and notch in the first end of the cartridge provide fluid communication to a chamber of a water treatment device.

Abstract: A self-cleaning faucet filter for filtering particulate matter from a water stream, the filter having a housing with a main discharge orifice and a side spout with a flushing water discharge, the housing having a main discharge passage with a filter member and a by-pass discharge passage in the side spout that has a leaf valve that allows water to flow through the by-pass discharge at the beginning and end of water usage with particulate matter accumulated on the filter flowing with the water discharged through the by-pass discharge.

Abstract: A hand held spray spout (10) has a basket filter (26) seated against an anti-siphon valve (24) proximate the base end of a water passage (12) within the spout. The filter has a plurality of protrusions (50) mounted within the inner diameter of the valve (24) and is also biased against the rim (52) of the valve. The filter has prongs (56) extending upstream from the basket section (40) to abut and be biased by a supply hose end which is mounted to the base end (14) of the hand held spray spout (10).

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 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 cap assembly for providing continuous drip to a faucet exposed to freezing temperatures such as a faucet located outside a house. The cap assembly includes a cap member adapted to be mounted over the end of a faucet, which cap member includes a cylindrical wall portion and a closed end portion having an opening therein. The cap assembly includes an internal annular ridge which is adapted to receive a flow disc within the ridge, which flow disc includes an opening which is non-aligned with the opening in the closed end portion of the cap in order to create a dripping action. A rubber washer is positioned in sealing engagement with the internal annular ridge and the flow disc. A filter member is located within the rubber washer such that, upon mounting of the cap assembly over the end portion of a faucet, a continuous dripping flow through the cap assembly may be provided in order to prevent water within the faucet or within piping leading to the faucet from freezing.

Abstract: A totalization meter system for a water treatment device, the device having an inlet aperture and an outlet aperture, and a channel for channeling water between the inlet and outlet apertures. A flow reactive device for measuring the volume of flow is positioned in the channel and is exposed to the flowing water, and a signal generating member is positioned on the flow reactive device. A switch is positioned proximately to the flow reactive device, and is sensitive to the proximity of the signal generating member. The switch is able to communicate electric signals indicative of the motion of the signal generating member. A resettable processor having a performance threshold programmed therein and an output device is included. The microcontroller is in electrical communication with the switch for receiving electrical signals from the switch.

Abstract: A bathtub spout water filter for use with a bathtub spout having a spout body with an open rear, and an open front for water egress with a female threaded fitting located behind the open front. The bathtub spout water filter has a frustum-shaped filter body with enclosing sidewalls, a rearwardly extending male threaded end for water ingress adapted to screw into a bathtub spout water supply line, and a frontwardly extending male threaded end for water egress and adapted to screw into the female threaded fitting in the bathtub spout. Filter material is contained within the enclosed filter body.

Abstract: A faucet mounted water filter is described, comprising a base having a water inlet upstanding from a first end of the base and attachable to a water faucet, a first water outlet downwardly directed from the first end of the base for discharging unfiltered water, a second water outlet downwardly directed from a second end of the base for discharging filtered water and a filter cartridge seat disposed on the second end of the base, a replaceable filter cartridge comprising a unitary subassembly including a closed outer cylindrical shell having top and side walls defining a chamber therein, a filter element disposed with the filter chamber and a filter cartridge base, a latch device for demountably securing the filter cartridge in the housing cartridge seat, a diverter valve for selectively permitting the flow of water through the housing first water outlet and the filter cartridge, and an end-of-use indicator for determining the status of the filter element during use.

Abstract: A totalization meter system for a water treatment device, the device having an inlet aperture and an outlet aperture, and a channel for channeling water between the inlet and outlet apertures. A flow reactive device is positioned in the channel and is exposed to the flowing water, and a signal generating member is positioned on the flow reactive device. A switch is positioned proximately to the flow reactive device, and is sensitive to the proximity of the signal generating member. The switch is able to communicate electric signals indicative of the motion of the signal generating member. A resettable processor having a performance threshold programmed therein and an output device is included. The microcontroller is in electrical communication with the switch for receiving electrical signals from the switch. The switch is capable of sensing the characteristics of the flow reactive device and communicates electrical signals representative of the characteristics to the microcontroller.

Abstract: Embodiments of a multi-purpose shower/tub filter unit are shown and described, the filter unit containing a chlorine-removal media and a scale-inhibiting media. The housing of the filter unit is adapted to attach universally to various water sources, such as a pipe or faucet and to a showerhead or hand-held spray unit. The filter unit preferably has an arm extending out from the main body of the filter unit, and the filter unit preferably extends upward and outward from the attachment point on the pipe or faucet. This way, a single filter unit may either be positioned a) substantially above a shower pipe to place the showerhead generally at a similar level as it would be without the filter unit in place, as in a United States shower configuration; or b) to fit under but extend out from a tub faucet, as in a European shower configuration. The filter unit has a replaceable cartridge that includes a carbon block and scale-deposit-inhibiting phosphate spheres contained in a space inside the carbon block.

Abstract: A faucet with multiple water discharges includes a housing, an input water connection for said housing, an unfiltered water discharge and a filtered water discharge. There is a water filter within the housing and a valve within the housing which is connected to each water discharge. There is an unfiltered water flow path from the input water connection to the valve and a filtered water flow path from the input water connection, through the filter, to the valve. A manual control element, accessible from the exterior of the housing, operates the valve to direct filtered water to the filtered water discharge and unfiltered water to the unfiltered water discharge. There is an electrical circuit positioned within the housing. The circuit includes a display and the circuit is responsive to operation of the manual control to cause the circuit to operate the display only during the discharge of filtered water.

Abstract: A low point drain for draining accumulated water from electrical conduit systems that are located in non-hazardous environments is disclosed. The drain includes a threaded coupling suitable for connection to a tapped opening in an electrical conduit, or a conventional "T" or elbow fitting or an electrical enclosure or junction box. The drain also includes an end cap attached to the other end of the coupling, a safety washer and a screen assembly that is retained within the end cap. The end cap has an interior lip that defines an opening through which the water may drain. The screen assembly includes a grommet that is held securely against the coupling end and a frustoconical screen that protrudes through the end cap opening. When the drain is installed at a low point in the conduit system, condensate that forms in the system flows out the drain aperture and screen by the action of gravity.

Abstract: A faucet-mounted water filtration device includes a gate valve that is used to select between discharge options. The gate valve contains a thumb rest which is configured to allow manual valve actuation while supportedly engaging a user's thumb. First discharge option includes a conventional bottom discharge into a sink. A second discharge option exists as a water fountain that is formed as a compact, integral feature of the water filtration device. A flow indicator permits a user to check whether the filtration cartridge is working properly.

Abstract: A showerhead system with internal filtration media includes a fluid-tight pressure housing having a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet, the outlet substantially co-axial with the inlet, the housing having a substantially cylindrical internal surface. The system further includes several porous radial disks axially disposed internally to the pressure housing and having circumferential edges in integral communication with the internal cylindrical surface of the pressure housing. The system also include filtration media positional within regions defined between the porous disks. The system additionally includes at least one rigid radial disk axially disposed within the axial distribution of the plurality of porous disks, the rigid disk including groups of apertures. The rigid disk may or may not have an integral securement to the internal cylindrical surface of the pressure housing such that its axial position, within the system, is defined by filtration media packed on either side of it.

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 totalization meter system for a water treatment device, the device having an inlet aperture and an outlet aperture, and a channel for channeling water between the inlet and outlet apertures. A flow reactive device is positioned in the channel and is exposed to the flowing water, and a signal generating member is positioned on the flow reactive device. A switch is positioned proximately to the flow reactive device, and is sensitive to the proximity of the signal generating member. The switch is able to communicate electric signals indicative of the motion of the signal generating member. A resettable processor having a performance threshold programmed therein and an output device is included. The microcontroller is in electrical communication with the switch for receiving electrical signals from the switch. The switch is capable of sensing the characteristics of the flow reactive device and communicates electrical signals representative of the characteristics to the microcontroller.

Abstract: A faucet-mounted water treatment device including a flow totalizer and an end-of-life indicator cooperating with the totalizer to tell the user when it is necessary to replace the filter cartridge. End-of-life indication is provided by a valve which stops flow after a predetermined volume has been filtered and by a rotating screen which shows the amount of useful life remaining in the filter cartridge.

Abstract: The combination of a water filter and a display for indication of the water filter condition includes an electrical circuit connected to the display and responsive to use of the water filter. The circuit includes a microcontroller, a timer connected to the microcontroller and providing timing signals thereto, and a switch connected to the microcontroller and responsive to the flow of water from the filter to cause the microcontroller to process the timing signals. The microcontroller is programmed to utilize the timing signals to provide an electrical signal to the display indicative of filter condition.

Abstract: A faucet having multiple water discharges includes a housing, an input water connection for the housing, a stream discharge on the housing, a spray discharge on the housing, a filtered water discharge on the housing, a water filter within the housing, and a control valve in the housing connected to each of the water discharges. There is an unfiltered water flow path from the input water connection to the control valve. A manual actuator accessible from the exterior of the housing operates the control valve to direct water from the unfiltered water flow path to either the stream discharge or the spray discharge. There is a filtered water flow path from the input water connection, through the filter, to the control valve. A filtered water manual actuator accessible from the exterior of the housing operates the control valve to direct filtered water to the filtered water discharge.

Abstract: A low point drain for draining accumulated water from electrical conduit systems that are located in non-hazardous environments is disclosed. The drain includes a threaded coupling suitable for connection to a tapped opening in an electrical conduit, or a conventional "T" or elbow fitting or an electrical enclosure or junction box. The drain also includes an end cap attached to the other end of the coupling, a safety washer and a screen assembly that is retained within the end cap. The end cap has an interior lip that defines an opening through which the water may drain. The screen assembly includes a grommet that is held securely against the coupling end and a frustoconical screen that protrudes through the end cap opening. When the drain is installed at a low point in the conduit system, condensate that forms in the system flows out the drain aperture and screen by the action of gravity.

Abstract: A shower device having a water purifying function includes a cartridge type filter formed with a water inlet at one end and a water outlet at the other end and means for showering such as a shower head connected to the water outlet of the cartridge type filter. The cartridge type filter contains a tannin layer consisting of a material comprising tannin, a bakuhanseki layer consisting of granular bakuhanseki formed in a layer, a ceramic layer consisting of granular ceramic formed in a layer, a magnetite layer consisting of broken pieces of magnetite formed in a layer and provided at least on the water inlet side or on the water outlet side of the ceramic layer, and magnetizing means such as magnets for magnetizing the magnetite layer.

Abstract: A readily serviceable ancillary fluid filtration system has a fluid flow diverter with a quick-release fluid hose fitting (132). A manifold (200) is releasably securable to the cartridge filter (198) that includes a filter element (204) enclosed in a housing (202) covered by an end cap (208) having an inlet tube (210) and an outlet tube (212) that are matable with a push-in fitting (226) in at least one of the outlet and inlet of the manifold. A lever mechanism (230) pivotally mounted to the manifold pushes against the push-in fitting in response to a force applied to the lever by a user to separate the housing from the manifold.