Multiple barrier filter apparatus

US7182858B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• KINETICO INCORPORATED · US

Inventors

• Keith E. Brown · Redditch, GB
• Paul Peterson · Cuyahoga Falls, US
• Stuart Park · Chardon, US
• Ron Kindel · Chardon, US
• Eric Sklar · Northville, US
• John W. Miller · Bel Air, US
• Ken Weight · Winchester, GB

Key dates

• Filing date: Mar 4, 2003
• Grant date: Feb 27, 2007
• Expiry date: Jul 1, 2023

Classification

• Technology area (CPC Y): Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
• CPC primary: Y10T137/9682
• WIPO field: Chemical engineering
• WIPO sector: Chemistry

Abstract

A filter apparatus is provided which includes a first filter membrane element (40a), and a second bacterial filter membrane element. The first viral filter element (40a) is capable of treating water at a first second flow rate and is adapted to remove contaminants which are larger than a first size, while the second bacterial filter element (40b) is capable of treating water at a second higher flow rate and is adapted to remove contaminants which are larger than a second contaminant size. The first and second filter elements (40a), (40b) may be commonly housed within a sealed housing. An accumulating vessel (60) is placed in fluid communication with an outlet of the first filter element (40a) and an outlet of the second filter element (40b). The filter apparatus includes a duck bill type check valve (75) made of an antimicrobial material intermediate the second filter element (40b) and a dispensing faucet (70).