A valve member having a first flow path and a second flow path, and configured to control both flow paths through a filter assembly. The valve member allows control of the two flow streams in a compact space compared to traditional valves. The valve member may require less space to operate due to its compact nature as compared to traditional external valves with multiple handles that each require space to rotate. The valve member may also be used to easily shut-off flow to a filter of a filter assembly without limiting use of another filtration assembly in the same filtration system. Alternatively, the valve member may shut off flow to a corresponding filter of a stand-alone filter assembly that is not connected to another filter assembly. Also, the valve member allows less expensive and more lightweight filtration systems.

In exemplary embodiments, a bi-directional valve for a bi-flow filter drier includes a valve body and a movable valve member disposed within the valve body. The movable valve member is movable within the valve body between a first position and a second position. In the first position, the movable valve member permits fluid flow in a first or forward flow direction through the valve while blocking or inhibiting fluid flow in a second or reverse flow direction through the valve. In the second position, the movable flow member permits fluid flow in the second or reverse flow direction through the valve while blocking or inhibiting fluid flow in the first or forward flow direction through the valve. The direction of fluid flow through the other filter drier components may be essentially the same whether the movable valve member is in the first position or the second position.

In exemplary embodiments, a bi-directional valve for a bi-flow filter drier includes a valve body and a movable valve member disposed within the valve body. The movable valve member is movable within the valve body between a first position and a second position. In the first position, the movable valve member permits fluid flow in a first or forward flow direction through the valve while blocking or inhibiting fluid flow in a second or reverse flow direction through the valve. In the second position, the movable flow member permits fluid flow in the second or reverse flow direction through the valve while blocking or inhibiting fluid flow in the first or forward flow direction through the valve. The direction of fluid flow through the other filter drier components may be essentially the same whether the movable valve member is in the first position or the second position.

A filter arrangement for an aquarium is disclosed. The filter arrangement can include a filter housing assembly, a pump assembly, and a transfer tube assembly. In one aspect, the housing assembly and the pump assembly are separately constructed assemblies that are connected to each other via a first dampening member to prevent vibration and sound from being transmitted from the pump assembly to the filter housing assembly. The filter arrangement can further include a second dampening member connecting the pump assembly with the transfer tube assembly to further prevent vibration and sound from being transmitted from the pump assembly to the filter housing assembly. A third dampening member can be provided at a location where the transfer tube assembly is supported within the filter housing assembly to further isolate vibration and sound from being transmitted from the pump assembly to the filter housing assembly via the transfer tube assembly.

Filter assemblies, filter modules, and filtration systems and methods.

A filter assembly including an RFID tag, for use in monitoring fluid processing, as well as a system and a method for monitoring fluid processing, and a filter for use in the filter assembly, are disclosed.

A filter assembly including an RFID tag, for use in monitoring fluid processing, as well as a system and a method for monitoring fluid processing, and a filter for use in the filter assembly, are disclosed.

Systems and apparatuses for allowing passive urine recovery are disclosed. An exemplary commode liner that allows for passive urine recovery comprises a first layer comprising a first top side configured to receive a bio-waste material, a first bottom side, and a plurality of apertures spanning the first top side and the first bottom side, wherein the plurality of apertures passively promote a unidirectional movement of a liquid portion of the bio-waste material from the first top side to the first bottom side. The liner further comprises a second layer attached to the first layer, wherein the second layer is attached to the first layer such that a space is created between a second top side of the second layer and the first bottom side of the first layer, wherein the space is configured to hold a liquid portion of the bio-waste material received at the first top side.

A liquid-submersible vacuum system includes a housing canister enclosing a filtration element and a water pump. Power comes from a power converter that plugs into a standard AC power supply. The vacuum system further includes a diffuser cap and a discharge hose cap, with each providing the vacuum system with a discrete mode of operation.

A pool skimming system for removing debris from a pool water surface comprising a pool water skimmer; a stationary back plate removably connected to the pool water skimmer, the back plate comprising a front, a back, and an aperture; and a vertically mobile, buoyant front module comprising a rear slot disposed vertically, an aperture and a weir, the front module being slideably connected to the front of the back plate by connecting means at the vertical rear slot, wherein the front module moves up and down with the level of water in the pool to maintain a substantially constant position of the weir relative to the pool water surface.