Abstract: A portable water purifier for purifying a liquid to a safe form acceptable for drinking may be provided. The portable water purifier may include a container configured to hold the liquid, a filtering mechanism connected to the container configured to filter out dirt or sediment floc from the liquid, and a transport mechanism in communication with the filtering mechanism configured to transport the liquid into the filtering mechanism. The portable water purifier may also include a mixer inside the container configured to disperse a chemical disinfectant or a flocculating agent tablet within a liquid, for instance water.

Abstract: A method of treating low-pressure untreated drinking water includes providing a low-pressure water filter device, running low-pressure untreated drinking water from a source of low-pressure untreated drinking water through a low-pressure water filter of the low-pressure water filter device, removing bacteria and viruses from the low pressure untreated drinking water at a level of Filter Bacteria Log Removal of greater than about 2 logs and a Filter Viruses Log Removal of greater than about 1 log, and filling a storage housing with treated drinking water at greater than about 5 mL/min. The low-pressure water filter device may include a connector for connecting to an untreated drinking water source, a low-pressure water filter comprising mesoporous activated carbon particles and a storage housing. The average fluid contact time with the low-pressure water filter may be greater than about 2 seconds.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a container (2) for purifying water by utilization of sunlight, comprising a first surface (4, 8?, 9?, 10?, 12?) that is formed of a permeable layer for sunlight and a second surface (6, 8?, 9?, 10?, 12?) that is formed of an absorbing layer for sunlight. Further, the container comprises a first opening (14) and a second opening (16), respectively, provided with filter elements (18, 19). Filling with water is intended to be done in the first opening (14) and discharge of water is intended to be done through the second opening (16) after the water in the container (2) has been heated to a temperature of at least 600 C after exposure by sunlight and also exposure of ultraviolet radiation in order to make it possible to kill undesired micro-organisms.

Abstract: A liquid supply assembly for use with a spray gun (FIG. 1) comprises a reservoir 9 provided with a drop-in filter 10 for removing solid particles from liquid added to the reservoir 9. The reservoir 9 has a lid 12 with an outlet opening 12E connectable via a spout 16 to the spray gun and a separate inlet opening 12D in which a support collar 27 of the filter 10 is located. The filter 10 comprises a tubular mesh body 10A having an open end and a closed end. The open end is connected to the support collar 27 and the mesh body 10A extends away from the inlet opening 12D within the reservoir 9. The mesh body 10A is sized to pass through the filler opening 12D and has a high flow capacity to permit rapid filling of the reservoir 9. The filter 10 may be left in place when the reservoir 9 is connected to the spray gun and the reservoir 9 may be discarded together with the filter 10 after use.

Abstract: The invention discloses a drinking straw, that in one embodiment, seals one end of the straw and includes a plurality of openings along the structure of the straw to allow liquids to easily enter the straw while at the same time filtering out any non-dissolved particles, seeds or ice from entering the straw and then being subsequently ingested by the user.

Abstract: An apparatus for buoyancy driven filtration includes a tank and a filter assembly. The tank preferably includes a cylindrical sidewall, a circular base and a roof. The sidewall extends upward from the perimeter of the base wall and the roof extends across the top of the sidewall. A travel stop extends downward from the roof. A liquid feedstock flows through a storm water inlet. At least one overflow port is provided through the sidewall. The filter assembly includes a filter element and at least one buoyancy element disposed on a bottom of the filter medium. As water flows through the storm water inlet, the water finds its level above the filter medium to provide a liquid feedstock, some of which penetrates the filter medium to create a filtrate. As the tank fills, the filter assembly rises on top of the filtrate as provided by the buoyancy element.

Abstract: A liquid filtering system and methods for filtering are disclosed. One embodiment of the system includes a filtering apparatus having a receiving receptacle coupled with an adapter. The adapter has an adapter port for receiving a vacuum and an interface for coupling with an output receptacle that receives filtered liquid from the filtering apparatus. The adapter is between the receiving receptacle and output receptacle when the output receptacle is coupled with the adapter interface. The system also includes a base having a substantially rigid housing containing an internal vacuum channel terminating at a base vacuum delivery port. The adapter is couplable with the base to connect the adapter port to the base vacuum delivery port.

Abstract: A system and method are disclosed for filtering liquid using a filter platform that is not rigidly affixed to a container containing the liquid to be filtered. The platform may be buoyant so that as liquid flows from one side of the platform, through a filter, and then to the other side of the platform, the platform may move, thus reducing the volume of a container or portion of a container that holds the unfiltered liquid. Alternatively, the platform may be heavier than the liquid to be filtered, may be either set in place on a support structure or else set on top of unfiltered liquid and allowed to sink downward as liquid is filtered. The system may further comprise a flexible membrane that allows two sections of liquid to be separated, even while the platform is moveable.

Abstract: A foam insert for a rain gutter for a residential dwelling is provided. The foam insert prevents debris such as leaves, pine needles, gravel, and dirt from entering the rain gutter and permits water to pass through the foam and into the gutter. The foam insert has a channel in the outer side to receive the inwardly projecting lip of a gutter when the foam insert is placed into the gutter. As the foam inserts are installed in the gutter, the lip of the gutter is positioned within the channel. The foam is flexible, which permits the foam insert to be bent and maneuvered into position within the gutter. The foam inserts are formed with a pore size of 14 ppi or below. The foam inserts are inexpensive and may be quickly and easily installed or removed from the gutter by a single individual.

Abstract: A two part drain assembly for a container assembly with a drain for flowing fluid from the interior of the container assembly to exterior of the container assembly. A back plate comprising a first sliding engagement means parallel a second sliding engagement means connected by a back plate body, wherein a drain attachment hole is disposed on the back plate body and a bottom plate is disposed perpendicular to the first sliding engagement means and the second sliding engagement means. A front cover comprising a plurality of flow holes for slidably engaging simultaneously the first sliding engagement means and the second sliding engagement means, wherein the front cover forms an enclosed hollow chamber when slidably engaged with the back plate thereby permitting fluid to flow from the interior of the container assembly into the hollow chamber while excluding particles from entering the enclosed hollow chamber.

Abstract: A composite strainer pot has a base, a container mounted on the base, a connecting dish combining the base and the container, a filter assembly mounted in the container and a valve assembly mounted between the base and the container. The container that is usually filled with hot water can be made with glass to maintain the quality and the lifespan. The base that is placed on a table or the like can be made with plastic to reduce the cost and is not easily damaged. Therefore, the strainer pot is durable and has a prolonged useful life.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a titania composite membrane for separating water/alcohol mixtures and a method of preparation thereof, and more particularly to the titania composite membrane and the method of preparation thereof, wherein a surface of a porous support is modified with silica xerogel and ?-alumina sol and titania sol is coated on the modified surface to form a titania surface layer and then the obtained titania surface layer is dried and calcined to optimize performance of separation and promote thermal stability. The titania composite membrane of the present invention has excellent properties such as thermal stability, mechanical strength and good perm-selectivity for water molecule in water/alcohol mixtures due to the hydrophilic property of the titania surface layer, thus being applicable to the membrane for separating water/alcohol mixtures.

Abstract: A water filter device for treating untreated drinking water, wherein the water filter device may comprise a connector for providing fluid communication between the water filter device and an untreated drinking water source. The water filter device may comprise a low-pressure water for treating untreated drinking water, the water filter may comprise a water filter material. The water filter may comprise a F-BLR of greater than about 2 logs. The water filter device may comprise a storage housing in fluid communication with the low-pressure water filter. The water filter device may comprise an automatic shutoff valve for arresting the flow of treated drinking water into the storage housing. The water filter device may comprise a dispenser for dispensing treated drinking water from the storage housing.

Abstract: A coffee and brewed beverage making apparatus and method includes a coffee filter that is immersed in and removable from heated fluid in a brewing vessel. The filter has a bottom and side with mesh openings and is formed to facilitate agitation of the filter while the filter is in a brewing vessel during the brewing process, The filter is used with French press style coffee makers and both manual and automatic coffee carafes.

Abstract: A water filter cartridge (10) has a two-piece housing (14, 18) internally configured with inlet and outlet openings (12, 16), a diffuser (42), and a plurality of diverter plates (56, 32) to optimize liquid flow and to regulate even flow through a charcoal filter medium (40) located inside of the housing.

Abstract: One embodiment is a replaceable filter element including a filter media having a first end, a second end and an interior cavity, and an endplate coupled to the first end of the filter media, the endplate including a projection extending from the endplate, the projection including a first portion, a flange and a second portion, the first portion extending from the endplate to the flange, the second portion extending from the flange. Further embodiments, forms, objects, features, advantages, aspects, and benefits shall become apparent from the following description and drawings.

Abstract: The fuel sampler/strainer assembly includes a housing formed of fuel resistant material including a transparent elongated main body, a fuel receiving portion at an upper end thereof, and a fuel exiting portion also at the upper end thereof. The elongated main body has a closed lower end. The fuel receiving portion is generally tubular and has spaced-apart indentations in its upper end edge for alignment and cooperation with associated actuating arms of a pet cock drain valve. A rod is removably attachable at a first end to the fuel receiving portion and extends along a central axis of the fuel receiving portion and beyond the upper end edge of the fuel receiving portion so as to engage and manipulate a ball and spring drain valve at a second end of the rod. The fuel exiting portion includes a filter screen functioning as a barrier to water and desired particulate debris.

Abstract: A device that combines the functions of a colander or strainer with a leak-proof bowl. This allows you to use the same container to rinse a product, then prepare, condiment, potentially serve the dish (whether under wet, moist or dry conditions) and even store it afterwards. A method for using the combined purpose container.

Abstract: A filtering device for the removal of arsenic from the ground water/surface water. The filtering device of the present invention uses steel wool and sand as the raw material for the removal of arsenic from water and the entire outer body of the device can be made from cheaper material like plastic material or stainless steel. The filtering device works on the simple principle of co-precipitation of arsenic with metals, followed by adsorption and filtration through treated sand. The metal, steel wool, used in the device is a processed waste generated from a steel plant thereby making the device extremely cheaper and versatile. In the filtering device of the present invention, iron arsenate and iron arsenite are co-precipitated by the reaction of steel wool with arsenic in water. The device uses treated river sand simultaneously for the removal of iron leached out during reaction.

Abstract: A reusable beverage filter such as used in brewing coffee, the filter having an upper portion and a lower portion, a sieve portion between the upper and lower portions, the upper portion having a flexible portion with a plurality of undulations formed therein such that the filter may fit different size brewing baskets.

Abstract: A portable hot water dispensing machine, particularly suitable for dispensing espresso, that is compact, lightweight, requires minimal power to operate, and is readily transportable, and a method of dispensing hot water, such as espresso. Two-stage heating is utilized for reducing the boiler volume and power requirements. In addition, components are thermally insulated and are strategically spaced to maximize space and allow for portability.

Abstract: A system for filtering debris carried by stormwater flowing through a gutter inlet into a catch basin utilizes a filter device configured to conform to and to substantially cover the gutter inlet and a retainer device for maintaining the filter device in place covering the gutter inlet. The retainer device is attached to the filter device and configured to extend through the gutter inlet to hang gravitationally downwardly into the catch basin. The retainer device is weighted to gravitationally pull and hold the filter device securely against the gutter inlet against dislodgement under the forces of flowing stormwater.

Abstract: A collapsible container consists of three parts: a rigid top rim, a flexible center band a rigid base. This combination of sections allows the container to easily collapse to about one-third of its original height. The container is also quite stable when expanded and is self-supporting. In various embodiments of the invention, for example, the upper rim may be expandable, the base may include holes or mesh to serve as a colander or strainer, or the base may be configured as a tube to function as a funnel.

Abstract: The present invention provides a colander serving bowl having an outer shell with an open bottom, a movable sealing plate with upwardly extending support arms that ride on inclined surfaces on the rim of the outer shell, and a perforated inner shell supported on the sealing place. The sealing plate is movable between a lowered sealing position where the plate seals the open bottom of the outer shell, and a raised draining position where the plate is spaced above the open bottom to allow draining through the open bottom. As the support arms are moved, the support surfaces of the arms move from the lower end to the upper end of the inclined surfaces of the rim, thus moving the sealing plate from the sealing position to the draining position.

Abstract: The present disclosure concerns a fuel filter assembly that can be easily installed on a portable fuel container, such as a race fuel jug or utility jug. The assembly includes a fuel filter positioned in the fuel container to filter fuel that is being poured or otherwise discharged from the container. The fuel filter desirably is selected to filter dirt and other particulate matter that can clog the carburetor or cause damage to other engine parts.

Abstract: The invention relates to a filter cartridge (1), in particular a suction filter cartridge, in which the inlet region (10) and the outlet opening (20) are arranged in the base region. The outlet opening (20) is connected to the inlet region (10) via a by-pass, which is located in a lower section of the outflow chamber (2a) or below the outflow chamber (2a).

Abstract: A curb inlet filter for filtering out sediments and the like flowing into a curb inlet, includes a filter body, including a water permeable, substantially rigid, elongated frame having an upstream side and a downstream side thereof, and an elongated filter cover formed around at least one of the sides of the frame. The filter cover is formed of a filtration material to filter out sediments and the like. Further, a weight support attached to a bottom of said filter body for supporting a weight, and a support strap connects the weight support to an upper portion of the filter body.

Abstract: A portable filter and filter system. The filter has a filter housing defining a liquid channel from an inlet to an outlet. The portable filter includes a liquid filter located in the filter housing, a mouthpiece mechanically associated with the dispensing end of the filter housing, and a liquid receiving means connected to the receiving end of the filter housing. The device can include a pre-filter assembly of which the liquid receiving means is a part. The liquid receiving means can include multiple connection members to receive liquid from a variety of liquid sources. The filter can be combined with a liquid container to form a portable filter system. The container can be a flexible bladder having a strap to connect the filtration device to the bladder.

Abstract: A filtering device for a gravity-flow liquid treatment system includes a first filter component that can be either exposed or adjacent to a substantially transparent region in at least a portion of a filter housing. The first filter component is capable of providing a visual indication of exposure to at least one contaminant. The contaminants for which the first filter component can indicate exposure include particles, inorganic, and organic contamination. Particle contamination is indicated by a change in color of the first filter component through particle collection. Inorganic and organic contaminants are indicated by reaction with at least one agent capable of undergoing a color-change reaction in response to at least one contaminant.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for filtering a liquid sample. A vessel defines a reservoir. An insert is at least partially and slidably positioned within the reservoir. The insert defines a collection volume, and the collection volume is in fluid communication with the reservoir. A separation element is positioned to partition the collection volume from the reservoir.

Abstract: A system for filtering debris carried by stormwater flowing through a gutter inlet into a catch basin utilizes a filter device configured to conform to and to substantially fully cover the gutter inlet and a retainer device for maintaining the filter device in place covering the gutter inlet. The retainer device is attached to the filter device and configured to extend through the gutter inlet to hang gravitationally downwardly into the catch basin. The retainer device is weighted to gravitationally pull and hold the filter device securely against the gutter inlet against dislodgement under the forces of flowing stormwater.

Abstract: A filter comprises first and second adjacent filter material layers. The first filter material layer is joined to the second material layer along only a partial circumferential section of the second filter material layer to form an essentially disk shaped receptacle for holding coffee or tea. The second filter material layer includes a pocket. A section of the first filter material layer not joined to the second filter material layer presents a foldable tongue that is insertable into the pocket.

Abstract: A water purifier system is provided including a housing having a first, upper reservoir and a second, lower reservoir. A filter cartridge is arranged to be received within the housing, the filter cartridge having at least one inlet for receiving water from the first reservoir and at least one outlet for dispensing water into the second reservoir. A UV source is disposed within the second reservoir for purifying the water contained therein, and a control interface is removably connected to the housing for controlling the operation of the UV source.

Abstract: The gutter foam filter elements are generally triangular, four-foot lengths of flexible plastic open-cell foam material placed in and extending the full length of a conventional “K” type or similar roof gutter. The foam filter elements may be inserted within the gutter below gutter spikes. The foam material is an open-pore polyether foam of 10–20 cells per square inch which allows rainwater to travel through the filter while excluding leaves. The foam is generally in the form of a right triangle and so disposed in the gutter as to have one side extending along the back of the gutter and the other side of the triangle spanning the open space across the upper open portion of the gutter. The sloped wall defines a void in the lower front portion of the gutter for rainwater flow to a downspout. The lower corner of the element is truncated forming a lower support wall.

Abstract: A drain water filter assembly for filtering debris laden liquids. The filter assembly has an apertured filter holder constructed and arranged to be placed into a basin, tub or sink. A removable and disposable filter is provided for placement within and securement to the filter holder structure. The filter holder has an elevated bottom portion which permits debris to be filtered and the filtered drain water to be dispensed through the apertures in the elevated portions of the filter holder bottom.

Abstract: An apparatus for construction site erosion control for temporarily enclosing the curb inlet of a storm drainage system during construction of a road system in commercial and residential developments is adapted to be placed adjacent a curb inlet of a storm drain in order to enable storm water runoff to drain into the inlet while preventing silt and debris from being carried into and collected therein. The apparatus includes a grate constructed to seat upon an open end of a storm drain inlet, means for filtering debris from storm water runoff passing through the means and through the grate, into the storm drain inlet; and means for securing the grate to a storm drain protection bar.

Abstract: A filter system especially useful in the treatment of waste material, in particular liquid waste material which may include particulate matter therein. The filter system includes a series of filters of progressively finer porosity in order to selectively eliminate particulate (or semi-particulate) matters from a carrier material, typically but not exclusively, of a fluid or liquid nature. The filters are mounted within a housing which includes an outlet port and a plurality of inlet ports, wherein each inlet port includes a check valve.

Abstract: An apparatus for purifying water, that includes a frame, in connection with which is arranged a primary space for water to be filtered, secondary space for filtered water and a filter. The filter is arranged to filter water, that is driven by gravity from the primary space existing in the frame to the secondary space, wherein the filtering influence of the filter is based essentially on a thin filtering film made of plastic based material. Essentially underneath the primary space is arranged an accessory space for the filtering means, that is in connection with the primary space and that has an essentially smaller cross-section than the same, in order to keep the filter surrounded by unclean water in the auxiliary space of the primary space, being limited from the secondary space, totally separate from the secondary space.

Abstract: A device for application of multiple liquid samples on membrane by capillary action and creation of sample arrays.

Abstract: A system for separating particles from fluid which includes a receptacle for containing the fluid, a lid for covering the receptacle, and a filter assembly which includes a filter component shaped to fit the receptacle, an o-ring encircling the perimeter of the filter component for securing the filter assembly in the receptacle, and at least two baffles attached to the bottom of the filter component for reducing the motion of the fluid around and through the filter assembly.

Abstract: An apparatus for reclaiming coolant used in cutting machines and for returning the reclaimed coolant to the coolant system of the cutting machine is provided. The apparatus includes a shallow receptacle for supporting a barrel that cuttings are deposited into during a milling operation of a work piece. The apparatus includes a flange that extends from an inner surface of the receptacle and supports the bottom of the barrel allowing coolant to drain from the barrel into the receptacle. The collected coolant is returned to the coolant system of the cutting machine by gravity via a drain line. The apparatus further includes a plurality of casters allowing the apparatus along with the supported barrel to be moved from location to location relatively easy.

Abstract: A method for removing matter from fluid contained within a tank. The method includes inserting a filter within the fluid, and circulating the fluid within the tank such that a portion of the fluid is passed through the filter such that matter contained within the fluid is retained by the filter.

Abstract: A water kettle having a receptacle (1) with an inner space (2) for receiving water (3) therein and with a pouring spout (4) for pouring water from the inner space (2). The water kettle is further provided with a particle catcher (9) for catching particles from the water in the kettle. The particle catcher (9) has an inlet (11) for catching descending particles (13) which faces upwards when the kettle is in an upright position. This causes loose particles to be caught from the water and to be retained particularly effectively. Furthermore, a particle catcher for use in such a water kettle is described.

Abstract: A filtration apparatus having a plurality of sample wells comprises an upper plate comprising a plurality of upper wells, a lower plate comprising a plurality of lower wells disposed in flexible communication with each other, and a ratcheting mechanism disposed at interfaces of the upper wells and the lower wells. A method for assembling the filtration apparatus comprises supporting the lower plate, disposing a filter medium in the lower well, disposing the upper plate at the lower plate such that the lower wells substantially register with the upper wells, and compressing the upper plate onto the lower plate to form an interference fit between the lower well and the upper well.

Abstract: A device and method for removal of liquid from the downstream side of a membrane or a well, such as a well of a multiwell plate. More specifically, the present invention is directed to a wicking structure, which channels droplets of liquid away from a membrane in communication with a plurality of wells. In the preferred embodiment, the wicking structure is placed in a manifold.

Abstract: The description describes a test sample preparation device comprising a housing, a filter assembly disposed over an opening in the housing and including a plurality of wells, a sampler tray removably disposed in the housing, and a plurality of vials removably coupled to the sampler tray and being in liquid receiving relationship with the wells. A filter assembly is also disclosed and which comprises a cover defining an impervious wall and plurality of wells formed in the wall, each wall having first and second open ends, the second open end of the well comprising a tubular protrusion. A housing is also disclosed and comprises a generally cylindrical body, a vacuum channel providing fluid communication between the interior and the exterior of the cylindrical body, and a key mechanism including a post having first and second ends, the key mechanism being arranged to orient a sampler tray and vials with respect to the housing.

Abstract: A base is used to elevate a strainer or colander in a stable fashion from drain waters which build up into a sink or basin, while providing drainage for the strainer or colander. Use of the base minimizes the risk of food stuffs becoming contaminated by the backup of waters in a sink/basin. A strainer or colander may be modified to include detachable, removable, foldable or collapsible legs or base which elevates a body of the strainer or colander from drain waters which build up into a sink or basin.

Abstract: A strainer assembly for a camp cooking kit has a strainer body having at least one rim for engaging a rim of a camp cooking pot and a plurality of openings for pouring liquid from the camp cooking pot while preventing egress of other contents from the pot. Strap guiding features formed in the strainer body provide for guiding a securing strap around both the strainer body and the camp cooking pot. The securing strap includes a fastening arrangement for securing the securing strap together for attaching the strainer body to the camp cooking pot. Handles, which can be formed in the strainer body or attached to the securing strap enable the strainer body to be tipped together with the camp cooking pot to strain the contents of the cooking pot.

Abstract: A new and useful approach to cleaning raw water or other raw liquid is provided. A metered amount of stabilized hydrogen peroxide is added to the raw water or other liquid, to clean the raw water or other liquid. In one particularly useful embodiment of the present invention, a portable drinking device is designed so that a metered amount of stabilized hydrogen peroxide can be added to a portable container of liquid, to clean raw water or other liquid in the portable container. Thus, a hiker, military person, or other person who may have to depend on his/her environment for sustenance, and who may not have an available water source other than raw water, has a simple and efficient way of using virtually any available body of raw water as a source, and cleaning the raw water, to provide the person with a portable source of clean water.

Abstract: A method for removing matter from fluid contained within a tank. The method includes inserting a filter within the fluid, and circulating the fluid within the tank such that a portion of the fluid is passed through the filter such that matter contained within the fluid is retained by the filter.