Abstract: A portable drinking device is provided that can be filled with municipal type water, and which will remove impurities (e.g. chlorine) from that water. The portable drinking device is designed so that a person can carry around a single drinking device, fill that drinking device with type water (e.g. from a faucet), and yet have a portable water source more suitable to that person's water quality preferences. The portable drinking device has an integrally contained filtration component, designed for filtering water that is drawn or otherwise delivered from the device through a drinking tube or other delivery mechanism, and in a way designed to ensure that all water obtained from the device is passed through the filtration component to remove the desired impurities.

Abstract: A wash bucket screen has a slanting platform supported on a frustum skirt. The platform has a plurality of holes interspersed between raised ridges on the platform running radially generally toward its perimeter as an aid in releasing water from a cloth squeezed against the platform. To effectively prevent backsplash from the bucket bottom back through the screen, the holes taper from a diameter sized to readily collect water on the platform top to a smaller hole diameter on the platform bottom. The skirt includes a flange on its distal end that engages the bucket wall. To accommodate a frustum bucket with changing wall diameter, the skirt flexes resiliently with the flange engaging the bucket wall and the skirt flexing inward as the screen is inserted in a bucket with decreasing diameter. To allow movement of the skirt, a plurality of slits extend vertically, opening at the skirt distal end, providing an effective splash shield between the skirt and the bucket wall.

Abstract: A device for washing, serving and storing berries, grapes and other fruits, etc., comprising a first container provided with a plurality of throughgoing openings so that when berries, grapes and other fruits, etc. are deposited in an interior of the first container and water is poured into it for washing berries, grapes and other fruits, etc., after washing water can flow out of the first container, and a second container which is substantially solid and formed so that the first container can be inserted into the second container so that water flowing out of the first container is accumulated in an interior of the second container and thereby the water is substantially removed from the berries, grapes and other fruits, etc. located in the interior of the first container, so that the device can be used for washing, serving and storing the berries, grapes and other fruits, etc.

Abstract: A beverage ingredient filter (10) having a relatively inwardly located, filtering, inner section (12) of the beverage ingredient filter (10) made of water permeable filter paper (11) and a relatively outwardly located, water impervious and nonfiltering outer section (14) of the beverage ingredient filter continuously joined to and surrounding the inner filtering section (12) of beverage ingredient filter.

Abstract: A liner and filter for filtering a heated tissue float water bath is described. In one embodiment, the liner and filter are a disposable one piece unit. In another embodiment, the liner and filter are two separate components and only the filter is disposable. The filter has a flat microcloth bottom and a plurality of support members extending across the flat microcloth bottom for sandwiching the microcloth there between to form the filter. The liner has a generally vertical wall with an outwardly extending top flange for positioning the liner and filter into the bath container and for easy removal. When the liner and filter are removed, the assembly carries with it any loose tissue fragments, paraffin or other contaminants, thus leaving the bath water clean and ready for reuse. The liner and filter can be circular, square or rectangular depending on the shape of the tissue float water bath container in which the invention is to be used.

Abstract: A filtration system is described for a water garden having a reservoir 10. The reservoir includes a lid 14 and a tubular intake 26 connected to a water line 20 for receiving unfiltered water. The improvement includes a cup-shaped retainer 40 and one or more upright filters 60. The retainer includes a side wall tubular intake 48 mated to the reservoir intake 26 and a lower surface having an opening 50 supporting the filter upper end and may also include a handle 52 supported on the reservoir rim. The filter encompasses the opening so that substantially all unfiltered water entering the retainer intake portion flows downwardly into the upright filter. The retainer is removable from the reservoir and the filter may be removable from the retainer by handle 68.

Abstract: The present invention 10 discloses a plastic two-piece filter restraint housing 38 having a spring 32 within each two post portion of the device which spring is held therein when the portions of the restraint are joined together. The housing 38 utilizes four pivotal end tabs 16 that are removable, pivotal, circular wedge angled supports 16 or optional straight wedge shaped supports 40 that will accommodate the standard circular or square coffee filter holder assembly 20. The filter device of the present invention keeps a coffee filter from collapsing while brewing automatic drip coffee by compressing the tabs 16 on the device, inserting them inside the coffee filter 18 and holder assembly 20 and then releasing the tabs 16 of the device so that they will retain the filter 18 firmly in position. The interchangeable tabs 16, 40 will accommodate a circular or square type filter assembly.

Abstract: The present invention 10 discloses a plastic two-piece filter restraint housing 38 having a spring 32 within each two post portion of the device which spring is held therein when the portions of the restraint are joined together. The housing 38 utilizes four pivotal end tabs 16 that are removable, pivotal, circular wedge angled supports 16 or optional straight wedge shaped supports 40 that will accommodate the standard circular or square coffee filter holder assembly 20. The filter device of the present invention keeps a coffee filter from collapsing while brewing automatic drip coffee by compressing the tabs 16 on the device, inserting them inside the coffee filter 18 and holder assembly 20 and then releasing the tabs 16 of the device so that they will retain the filter 18 firmly in position. The interchangeable tabs 16, 40 will accommodate a circular or square type filter assembly.

Abstract: A new Invention, Filter Rite, would provide an innovative alternative to conventional coffee filters in the form of a reusable coffee filter designed for use in a percolator coffee pot. It would be ideal for owners of percolator coffee pots and would allow coffee drinks to save time, money and effort. In addition Filter Rite would be produced from high-quality, durable materials and could be easily stored when not in use. Filter Rite would be marketed to virtually all households. Possible secondary markets would be hotels, motels and restaurants.

Abstract: A tablet filter which can be attached to a standard grid covering that is attached to a drain like the kind found in homes, restaurants, factories and markets. The tablet filter will be suspended below the standard grid covering to trap any debris which is not trapped by the standard grid covering and, in addition, can be impregnated with various scents or sanitizing agents.

Abstract: A filter device for coffee or the like which includes an open frame 2 formed of sheet material having predetermined rigidity, such as thick paper, and which is smaller in diameter than a blind-end frame 3. Both the frames are connected by a tubular body part 5 formed of deformable sheet material provided with shape retaining ability having predetermined rigidity and flexibility such as thin paper, non-woven fabric, etc. to compose a cup-like container body 1 having a wider bottom in a shape of substantially truncated cone. The filter device can be placed on a coffee cup for use. When the filter device is not in use, the open frame 2 is folded and pushed into the blind-end frame 3 by means of flexibility of the body part 5 and contracted. For use, the open frame 2 is pulled up to expand the body part 5, and the container body is restored into the cup-like shape and prepared to be poured with hot water.

Abstract: A system for removal of water from a hydrocarbon fluid in a tank having a weight support body structured to hold a filter therein. The filter includes a super-absorbent hydrophilic, oleophobic substance bound with a medium. The support body structure is a porous ball. A line is connected to the support body structure so as to extend outwardly of the opening of the tank. A handle is attached to an end of the line opposite the support body structure.

Abstract: A filter plate for use in biological or chemical applications, and its method of manufacture, are disclosed. The filter plate comprises a plurality of structurally interconnected wells which comprise a matrix of wells having a uniform diameter, each well having a side wall which defines a vertically extending, generally cylindrical cavity; a bottom wall which closes the cavity, the bottom wall having a drainage opening formed therein; a filter sheet extending across and resting on top of the bottom wall; the filter sheet being irremovably fixed in position as a result of engagement with the side wall; a conical nozzle having an external surface and an internal passage communicating with the drainage opening in the bottom wall; and a membrane supporting surface across the internal passage extending from the walls of the internal passage to a plane normal to the bottom wall.

Abstract: A gravity-flow cyst-reducing water filtration device, comprising a removable high surface area cyst-reducing filtration member that provides at least 99.95% removal of 3-4 &mgr;m particles when tested in accordance with NSF standard 53, Drinking Water Treatment Units—Health Effects (September 1997). The cyst-reducing filtration member is adapted for connection to a bottom rim of a filtration cartridge sleeve of a water filter carafe, the cartridge sleeve being integral with a bottom surface of an untreated water reservoir of the water filter carafe. The cartridge sleeve further comprises an air vent hole that is located proximate to a top rim of the cartridge sleeve, wherein the cartridge sleeve further contains a filtration cartridge that is filled with an ion-exchange resin and carbon granules.

Abstract: A water kettle and filter includes a receptacle having an interior for holding a quantity of liquid, the receptacle having a base and side walls, the side walls having a handle for enabling liquid to be poured out of the receptacle, a spout opposite the handle through which liquid can exit the receptacle, and a filter which comprises a filter plate and a water treatment cartridge mounted thereto. The filter plate is slidably mounted to the interior of the receptacle and the water treatment cartridge is slidably mounted and frictionally retained to the filter plate.

Abstract: A system for removal of water from a hydrocarbon fluid flowing through a conduit having a support body structured to hold a filter within the conduit. The filter includes a super-absorbent, hydrophilic, oleophilic substance bound with a medium. The support body is attachable to a tank opening. The support body has a longitudinal part with an adjustable length so as to extend toward a bottom of the tank. The support body is telescopic with perforations formed thereon so as to allow hydrocarbon fluid to encounter the filter.

Abstract: ‘A Portable Multi-Strainer (11)’ for a kitchen sink comprising a filter screen (14) having a top and bottom surface, a top grid (12) having openings therein abutting the top surface of the filter screen (14), a bottom grid (15) having openings therein abutting the bottom surface of the filter screen (14), said strainer (11) being sized to cover the entire bottom of said kitchen sink and having a thin edge (18) border (17) adapted for a tight fit to the walls of said sink. The top grid (12) openings therein comprise numerous cells (13) all having top and bottom openings. Cells' (13) bottom openings abutting the top surface of the filter screen (14), ‘coinciding’ with the bottom grid's (15) openings abutting the bottom surface of the filter screen (14), resulting with all cells (13) functioning as many individual strainers, having waste particles retaining inside the cells (13) as water drains through filter screen (14) and the bottom grid's (15) openings.

Abstract: A filter use device is adapted for use with various types of containers, such as, liquid containers for water coolers in which the device includes a cap to be threaded onto an open end of the container, a filter cartridge in the cap which retains a conventional filter and a resilient pawl which is engageable with a disk having an indicator aligned with a slot in the cap and engageable with ratchet teeth to incrementally advance the indicator each time that the cap is threaded onto the end of the container; and when the indicator reaches the end of the slot is shifted to prevent any further advancement of the disk or passage of water through the filter or device and thereby signify the end of the life of the filter and the need for replacement of the filter.

Abstract: A filter box of the type used for separating solid materials from liquid having an outer shell constructed of a liquid impervious material and an inner shell having perforated sides and flooring and being disposed within said outer shell and spaced therefrom so as to define a material collection area between the two shells. Upon loading liquid-laden material into the filter box through the open upper end thereof, liquid and smaller particles pass through the perforated sides and flooring of the inner shell into the collection area leaving the larger solids within the inner shell for removal. One end of the filter box defines a hinge-mounted door for providing access to the interior of the filter box for removal of the larger solids as well as access to one end of the material collection area.

Abstract: A sump and filter device for use in drain inlets is disclosed. The device comprises a platform having one or more openings for receiving fluid flow. The platform is positioned and supported above the drain exits situated in the lower portion of the drain inlet. The platform is dimensioned for cooperative engagement with the interior perimeter or wall of the particular inlet involved. To inhibit fluid from entering the area of the inlet below the platform, a gasket or bladder may be positioned around the outer perimeter of the platform. An upwardly oriented fluid-receiving member having an upper end and a lower end and an opening therethrough is engaged with at least one of the openings of the platform. The opening in the fluid-receiving member is in fluid communication via its lower end with at least one of the openings in the platform.

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

Abstract: A coffee maker and a method of preparing coffee in which steam is applied to the coffee grinds prior to passing hot water through the coffee grinds. The coffee maker includes a controllable outlet valve disposed within a fluid path, between a water reservoir and a flow-through heater. In a first position, the outlet valve has a flow opening dimensioned sufficiently small that water exiting the outlet valve evaporates completely in the flow-through heater. In a second position, the outlet valve has a flow opening dimensioned sufficiently large that water exiting the outlet valve is heated in the flow-through heater without appreciable development of steam.

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

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

Abstract: An apparatus for straining or rinsing is constructed with a bowl portion having an upper rim, the bowl portion being provided with a plurality of perforations through the wall thereof. The bowl portion provided with an engagement portion, which may be integrally formed therewith, for engaging with a predeterminable portion of a kitchen sink. Various embodiments of the invention engage with sink wall intermediate of a dual sink arrangement, or a standardsink faucet or valve. The employment of the engagement portion obviates the need to occupy the bottom surface of the sink during such straining or rinsing. In addition, the invention includes a method of employing a colander.

Abstract: A filter use device is adapted for use with various types of containers, such as, liquid containers for water coolers in which the device includes a cap to be threaded onto an open end of the container, a filter cartridge in the cap which retains a conventional filter and a resilient pawl which is engageable with a disk having an indicator aligned with a slot in the cap and engageable with ratchet teeth to incrementally advance the indicator each time that the cap is threaded onto the end of the container; and when the indicator reaches the end of the slot is shifted to prevent any further advancement of the disk or passage of water through the filter or device and thereby signify the end of the life of the filter and the need for replacement of the filter. The number of rachet teeth may be varied in accordance with the number of containers with which the filter is to be used.

Abstract: A split air conditioner unit having a distributor located indoors for delivering refrigerant to a plurality of evaporator flow circuits. The distributor is connected to an outdoor condenser by a refrigerant line containing an expansion device. A strainer is located at the entrance to the distributor that homogenizes the expanded two phase mixture so that refrigerant of equal quality is delivered to each of the evaporator flow circuits.

Abstract: The invention provides a filter for separating red blood cells from a whole blood sample to form plasma. The filter includes a solid phase support and an agglutinin for red blood cells. The agglutinin is insoluble in the whole blood sample and is immobilized on the solid phase support. The present invention also includes a device and method for determining the presence of at least one of a plurality of analytes in a sample of whole blood.

Abstract: A strainer device for use in straining a liquid such as paint from a container into an open receptacle, said strainer device having a side wall with a top end and a bottom end, an outwardly and circumferentially extending lip that is integral with the side wall at said top end and is adapted to be engageable with the top end of an open top container so as to support the strainer device in the open top of the container and a screen mesh member fixed to a flange on the bottom end of said side wall.

Abstract: This invention provides a "one-size-fits-all" water-removing funnel insert having a filter and a supporting body, comprising a porous surface, that upholds the filter. When inserted into a base funnel, the water-removing finnel insert moves automatically to a position that provides maximal stability for the water-removing funnel insert. Hydrocarbon emulsions are poured into the base funnel and dehydrated by the water-removing funnel insert upon passing through the filter placed on the supporting body. The supporting body may be attached to a support tube, to an upwardly-extending bar or to both the support tube and the upwardly-extending bar. Another option in designing the supporting body is to use a support tube that is an extension of the upwardly-extending bar. For the dehydrated hydrocarbon stream to flow through the upwardly-extending bar into the support tube, openings are needed in a section of the upwardly-extending bar existing below the porous surface of the supporting body.

Abstract: A water permeable disposable filter, the filter including a side wall having an open top region and a sealed bottom region with indicia means is provided. The filter is provided with interior and exterior surfaces, the indicia means located on the interior surface of the side wall of the filter for indicating the amount of ground coffee to be filled into said filter in order to produce a desired quantity of the brewed coffee beverage. The indicia means may include both numbering and level graduations.

Abstract: A biological particle filter has an upper body with an interior chamber for receiving a suspension to be filtered, the upper body having a central axis and a lower end with a bottom surface lying in a tilted plane forming an angle of between about 75.degree. and about 85.degree. with the central axis. A lower body has a chamber for receiving the lower end and bottom surface of the upper body with an upwardly facing annular support surface. The upwardly facing support surface lies in a plane parallel with said bottom surface. A passage extends downwardly below the screen for carrying away filtered suspension. An air inlet passage extends generally radially in at an upper end of the downwardly extending passage. A filter screen is between the bottom surface and the upwardly facing support surface and lies in a plane parallel with the tilted plane of the bottom surface, the tilted plane and the air passage promoting flow of filtered suspension through and away from the filter.

Abstract: The point-of-use water treatment system for treating water to be dispensed from a container includes a filter media positioned adjacent a water input opening of the container, through which water is filtered into the container. The filter media includes a water soluble disinfectant positioned thereon or therein, with the preferred disinfectant tetraglycine hydroperiodide, chloramine-T, or calcium hypochlorite. The disinfectant dissolves in the water as it passes through the filter, and reduces the biological activity of microbiological agents in the water. A point-of-use method of the present invention which reduces microbiological contamination in a predetermined volume of water to be dispensed from a container which utilizes a filter media containing a water soluble disinfectant impregnated thereon is also disclosed.

Abstract: A reservoir of a water filtration system carries a projection such as a fin on its outer surface. The reservoir is removably received in a housing, such as a pitcher, such that the projection engages a shelf in the housing. A passage in the reservoir can have a nonuniform taper that corresponds to the outer surface of a water filtration cartridge. A grippable member such as an indicator dial can be movably attached to the outer surface of the housing. For each orientation, use indicia on the grippable member align with use indicia on the outer surface of the housing in a unique visual configuration. A water filter cartridge for the filtration system can have an inner surface that extends between a water inlet and a water outlet. One portion of the inner surface starts at the water inlet and joins at its other end to a second portion of the inner surface. The second portion of the inner surface is about as long as the first portion, and is tapered.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a water filter designed to be inserted into a drinking water circuit. The water filter has a support designed to house removably one or more different filters each having a different filtering property and adapted to be mounted either independently of each other or associated in a particular combination so as to effect a filtration of the drinking water according to its composition.

Abstract: A funnel for filtering particulate from a liquid with improved filtration flow rate using flow paths through a filtering interface defined by a filter element and orifices predominantly on the wall of a conical inner funnel member. Particulate accumulates at the vertex of the inner funnel member. Filtered liquid passes through a collecting chamber between the inner funnel member and an outer funnel member and discharges through a spout. Filtration through the funnel may be assisted by application of a vacuum suction on the filtered liquid side of the filter element or application of a positive pressure on the unfiltered liquid side of the filter element. The inner and outer funnel members can be easily disassembled for cleaning.

Abstract: In a filter well having an inlet portion and an outlet portion and a filter arranged between these, the filter is carried by a support surface having a number of flow channels, extending radially towards an outlet. The ridges between the flow channels have a width of not more than about 0.2 mm whereby essentially the entire upper surface of the filter becomes active at filtration. The filter well is formed by forming of plastic in a forming device, whereby the flow channel pattern in the support surface for the filter is formed by a forming part in the forming device, wherein a negative corresponding to the flow channel pattern has been made in the surface of the forming part by a photolithographic etching process or by laser machining.

Abstract: The invention provides for filter apparatus comprising a receptacle for liquid to be filtered and having outlet means by which filtered liquid can be dispensed therefrom, plunger means having filter means and arranged for movement within said receptacle and through said liquid so as to filter said liquid, said plunger means being provided with a skirt portion for contacting the inner surface of said receptacle during said movement of said plunger within said receptacle, and wherein said skirt portion is arranged to extend away from said filter means and in the direction of movement of said plunger means during the filtering of said liquid, said skirt means being arranged to be biased towards the inner surface of said receptacle by the pressure of the liquid being filtered during said movement.

Abstract: A filter (32) is provided for a medical sterilization container (10) having a port (18,22,24) allowing fluid communication between the interior of container (10) and the surrounding environment. A peripheral frame (44) is adapted to cooperate with the port (18,22,24). A plurality of cross-members (54) span an aperture (48) formed by a frame (44). A filter medium (58) is disposed across the aperture (48) so as to be interposed between the interior of the container and the cross-members (54).

Abstract: A tea maker structure is disclosed. It includes a percolator cup as an upper layer of the tea maker and a tea cup as a lower layer of the tea maker. A bottom of the percolator cup is formed with a water outlet communicating with the tea cup. A filter mesh is disposed above the water outlet to prevent tea grounds from blocking the water outlet. The opening/closing of the water outlet is controlled by a controlling mechanism coaxially disposed in the percolator cup, whereby the tea can flow into the tea cup with the tea grounds remaining in the percolator cup. Also, this tea maker is prevented from falling down due to improper application.

Abstract: A greatly simplified improved vacuum filter funnel consists of two pieces, namely an upper reservoir member and a lower spout member. The upper reservoir member has an annular ring downwardly extending from the bottom thereof which fits inside an annular rim upwardly extending from the top of the lower spout member. A filter disk rests on an integral grid at the top of the lower spout member and is held in place between the upper and lower members by solely the weight of the upper member. The filter disk is readily removed after simply lifting up the upper reservoir member. Both the reservoir and spout members are preferably constructed of a chemical and heat resistant organic plastic, for example polysulfone, so that the parts may be sterilized in an autoclave.

Abstract: An improved salt basket for dewatering solids, particularly salts resulting from evaporation of industrial wastewaters. The salt basket system includes a pressurizable vessel having a screen floor situated above a bottom liquid collection head, an inlet for the brine/solids slurry from which solids are to be separated and dried, an inlet for air, an inlet for steam (the latter two inlets may be combined, where convenient), an inlet for solids free feed, and a drain outlet (these two may be combined where convenient into a combination feed/drain connection). Preferably, an automated system for introducing feed brine and for removing the solids product is provided. For safety, a pivotally attached lower door has a hydraulic failsafe closure mechanism and locking safety latches to prevent the door from inadvertently opening.

Abstract: Filter holder having a dish (1) designed to be mounted on an "espresso" coffee machine and having a cup (2) whose bottom wall forms a filtering surface (3) and which is designed to receive a quantity of coffee, the fineness of whose grounds may vary. The dish also has a collection chamber for froth (4) provided between its bottom (10) and the filtering surface (3), and communicating via an exit passage (5) with distribution funnels (6) enabling the infusion to flow out of the dish (1). The cup (2) has structure for partially blocking the filtering surface (3) of the bottom wall of the cup (2), this structure being formed by at least one blocking area (9) arranged in the bottom (10) of the dish (1) and distant from the bottom (10) at a certain level (A).

Abstract: A collection and transfer device including a collection vessel having an opening on one end and a closure apparatus engageable therewith which has a collection device receivable within the collection vessel, and a passage therethrough for transferring a collected sample from within the collection vessel to a centrifuge or other type of vessel or microscope slide.

Abstract: A disposable filter bag for preparation of hot brewed beverages, particularly for the preparation of American coffee, comprises a double layer of water permeable paper material in which a chamber is delimited by weak weldings with a batch of ground coffee contained therein. The filter bag features wings foldable inwards over the chamber for reduction of the package size. To use the filter bag the wings are opened and the upper edges are separated so as to allow the weak weldings to be peeled off for complete opening of the filter bag inside a basket.

Abstract: A filter unit for brewing filtered coffee which uses basket filter bags. A special design of the filter openings of the basket filter assures an even discharge of the brewed coffee. Hot water is poured into a special distributing cover which is placed on the filter basket. Suitably designed distributing holes cause the hot water to form drops and distribute the hot water evenly over the entire amount of powdered coffee in the basket filter bag. The brewing and filtering operation is performed continuously and evenly because of these distributing holes, and thus the quality of the filtered coffee is improved.

Abstract: A gravity percolation water purifier assembly. The assembly includes a covered storage container having a dispensing spigot. A flanged filtration chamber is supported beneath the cover to receive untreated water. A porous filter cartridge is sealed to an outlet port. A purifier cartridge is threaded to the outlet port and supports multiple fibrous spacers and treatment chambers containing beds of treatment media, including a multi-valent iodine media, granular activated carbon, and a halogen scavenger media. In one purification cartridge, water passes from multiple inlet ports at an inlet bore through adjoining concentric chambers and to the storage container via outlet ports at the periphery of the purifier cartridge.

Abstract: A coffee filter retaining insert including a retaining body having a first section that is slidably positionable with respect to a second section thereof to provide a variable diameter enclosure area, at least four resilient standoff arms having a first end secured to the exterior of the retaining body, a plurality of spaced, parallel oriented, coffee ground level indicators disposed along the interior wall of the retaining body, and a indicator assembly secured to the interior wall adjacent the spaced level indicators having a marking bead positionable along a rod member running perpendicular to the orientation of the level indicators.

Abstract: A kit for preparing batches of filtered water includes a container, a reservoir/funnel and a filter cartridge. The reservoir funnel is dimensioned to conform to a predetermined surface of the container to fit thereon during storage of the kit and the reservoir funnel further includes a tapered outlet designed to cooperate with the filler opening on the top of the container so as to be rigidly supported by the container. The funnel/reservoir includes a well into which a cartridge carrying a filter media can be inserted. The configuration is such that water poured into the funnel/reservoir must pass through the filter cartridge before entering the container.

Abstract: An apparatus and method to simplify and accelerate the transfer of tissue biopsy samples from fixative to automatic tissue processing cassettes comprises a strainer device and a preformed filter. The strainer device is constructed from a perforated material such as stainless steel screen and is substantially conical in shape. The device is provided with a support ring attached to an upper edge of the cone; the ring is designed for positioning the device on a fixative collection container and for attaching a convenient handle. The tip of the cone is truncated, providing a planar collection surface. A preformed filter, also of conical shape with a flattened tip matching the collection surface, is inserted into the strainer device. Fixative, containing tissue biopsy samples, is poured into the device, and the samples rest on the flat bottom and sides near the bottom while the fixative flows through into the fixative collection container.