Embodiments of a gravity filter for potable water comprise a loose filter bed comprising ion exchange resin particles and activated carbon particles, and a porous non-woven filter substrate disposed downstream of the loose filter bed, wherein the porous non-woven filter substrate comprises an impregnated heavy metal scavenger.

A method of manufacturing a cartridge for a fluid treatment system, wherein the cartridge includes a housing defining at least one chamber for a fluid treatment medium, includes providing a cartridge housing part including at least one wall defining at least one opening closable by a filter element. The filter element includes a porous body for at least mechanically filtering fluid flowing into the filter element through at least one first surface area of the filter element, through the porous body and out through at least one second surface area of the filter element. The filter element includes a rim, covering at least a peripheral face of the porous body so as to frame the first and second surface areas. The filter element is combined with the cartridge housing part so as to close at least one of the at least one openings by bonding the rim to the cartridge housing part.

The invention relates to lid bodies configured to be used in filter-as-you-pour systems, where filtering is achieved as the user pours water from the container. Such lid bodies may be releasably attachable to the filter assembly through complementary locking structures of the lid body and the filter assembly so that the lid body may be selectively and releasably attached to the filter assembly. The lid bodies may also comprise a locking structure that is configured to releasably engage with a complementary locking structure of a container body. The lid bodies may also be configured to be directly connected to filter assemblies.

In one example, a fluid container includes a reservoir that includes a reservoir wall. A cover is configured to engage the reservoir, and the cover includes a spout configured and arranged for fluid communication with the reservoir, and the spout is disposed at one end of the cover. The fluid container also includes a filter cage configured to releasably engage the cover in a location near the spout. When the filter cage is engaged with the cover, and the cover is disposed on the reservoir, a small gap is defined between the front of the spout and the front of the filter cage.

A cartridge for treating drinking water, the cartridge comprising a mixture of an ion-exchange material, one part of which is a highly acidic ion-exchange material and another part of which is a weakly acidic ion-exchange material, wherein one of the materials is loaded with alkali ions or alkaline earth ions.

A portable drinking water filter system, such as a pitcher, having a sleeve and a floatable body including a filter opening configured to receive a water filter, the floatable body having a seal extending outward from an outer surface of the floatable body. The floatable body is disposed in a sleeve cavity such that a body seal engages the sidewall and restricts water from passing between the floatable body and the sidewall. The seal is configured to create friction with the sidewall, wherein the friction created when the floatable body rises in the sleeve is different than when the floatable body lowers in the sleeve. The friction created when the floatable body rises in the sleeve is greater than when the floatable body lowers in the sleeve, allowing the floatable body to auto-retract toward a cavity base without burping.

Systems and methods of eliminate filter air locks by maintaining a constant water table at the water head layer of the filter. The constant water table eliminates air locks in the filter as the filter drains. Water flows from the water head layer through a filtration medium in a filter cartridge, and the filtered water is output from a water outlet at the top of the cartridge. For a water table retention filter, where the water (or other liquid) being filtered, is re-directed to the top of the filter to the water head layer to avoid drawing air into the filter. Unfiltered water drains down the center of the filter to the water head layer and then flows up through the filter and is directed out near or at the top of the filter.

Miniature capacitive deionization devices and related systems and methods are generally described. The devices may be incorporated as part of a water treatment and process system. Humidifier systems comprising a humidifier unit and a capacitive deionization device fluidically coupled with the humidifier unit are also disclosed. For example, the miniature capacitive deionization devices may be incorporated into a point of use humidifier.

A water filter and infusion pitcher apparatus includes a pitcher housing, a water filter disposed within the pitcher housing, and an infusion apparatus disposed inside the pitcher housing and detachably connected to the water filter. The infusion apparatus constructed to contain and/or hold material such as, for example fruit, vegetables, tea, medicines, flavorings, vitamins, minerals, and/or other items to infuse, seep, and/or dissolve into a liquid within the pitcher housing.