SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR WATER FILTRATION
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application claims the benefit of and priority to U.S. Application No.
14/168,342, filed January, 30 2014, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its
entirety.
FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE
[0002] The disclosure generally relates to water filtration and more particularly relates
to systems and methods for water filtration.
BACKGROUND
[0003] Due to increased levels of toxicity caused by chemicals found within the water
supply, water filtration has become widespread within many homes. Point-of-use (POU)
water treatment devices are designed to treat small amounts of drinking water for use in
the home. These devices can sit on the counter, attach to the faucet, or be installed under
the sink. They differ from point-of-entry (POE) devices, which are installed on the water
line as it enters the home and treats all the water in the building.
[0004] Many households today have Reverse-Osmosis (RO) units installed. Reverseosmosis
devices are usually installed underneath the sink, with the tap water connection
plumbed directly to the sink cold water supply line, and a waste water drain line connected
directly to the sink p-trap. These devices use a membrane that screens out chemicals, such
as chloride and sulfate as well as most other contaminates found in the water supply today.
A RO system can remove particles down to 1 Angstrom. However POU RO systems can
waste as much as 3 to 4 gallons of water for every gallon that is treated. This is due to a
continuous flow of water that is required across the membrane surface to remove
contamination and to keep the membrane from clogging up.
SUMMARY
[0005] Some or all of the above needs and/or problems may be addressed by certain
embodiments of the water filtration system disclosed herein. According to an
embodiment, the water filtration system may include a support base. A first receptacle
may be detachably disposed on the support base and configured to store source water. The
first receptacle may include an outlet port and an inlet port. A second receptacle may be
detachably disposed on the support base and configured to store supply water. The second
receptacle may include an inlet port. A filter system may be disposed between the first
receptacle and the second receptacle. The filter system may include an inlet port, a first
outlet port, and a second outlet port. In some instances, when the first and second
receptacles are attached to the support base, the outlet port of the first receptacle may be
disposed in fluid communication with the inlet port of the filter system, the first outlet port
of the filter system may be disposed in fluid communication with the inlet port of the first
receptacle, and the second outlet port of the filter system may be disposed in fluid
communication with the inlet port of the second receptacle.
[0006] Other features and aspects of the water filtration system will be apparent or will
become apparent to one with skill in the art upon examination of the following figures and
the detailed description. All other features and aspects, as well as other system, method,
and assembly embodiments, are intended to be included within the description and are
intended to be within the scope of the accompanying claims.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0007] The detailed description is set forth with reference to the accompanying
drawings. The use of the same reference numerals may indicate similar or identical items.
Various embodiments may utilize elements and/or components other than those illustrated
in the drawings, and some elements and/or components may not be present in various
embodiments. Elements and/or components in the figures are not necessarily drawn to
scale. Throughout this disclosure, depending on the context, singular and plural
terminology may be used interchangeably.
[0008] FIG. 1 schematically depicts a water filtration system in accordance with one
or more embodiments of the disclosure.
[0009] FIG. 2 schematically depicts a portion of a water filtration system in
accordance with one or more embodiments of the disclosure.
[0010] FIG. 3 schematically depicts a partially exploded view of a water filtration
system in accordance with one or more embodiments of the disclosure.
[0011] FIG. 4 schematically depicts a portion of a water filtration system in
accordance with one or more embodiments of the disclosure.
[0012] FIG. 5 schematically depicts a water filtration system in accordance with one
or more embodiments of the disclosure.
[0013] FIG. 6 schematically depicts a partially exploded view of a water filtration
system in accordance with one or more embodiments of the disclosure.
[0014] FIG. 7 schematically depicts a water filtration system in accordance with one
or more embodiments of the disclosure.
[0015] FIG. 8 is a flow diagram depicting an illustrative method for filtering water in
accordance with one or more embodiments of the disclosure.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
OVERVIEW
[0016] Described below are embodiments of a water filtration system (as well as
individual components of the water filtration system). Methods of using the water
filtration system are also disclosed. In some instances, the water filtration system may
comprise a countertop reverse osmosis water filtration system. The water filtration system
may provide the technical advantage and/or solution of working independent from any
water source and/or drain. That is, the water filtration system may have no external
connections. Moreover, the water filtration system may provide the technical advantage
and/or solution of little to no waste water. These and other technical advantages and/or
solutions will become apparent throughout the disclosure.
[0017] In certain embodiments, the water filtration system may include a support base.
The support base may be configured to support the various components of the water
filtration system. For example, a first receptacle may be detachably disposed on the
support base. The first receptacle may be configured to store source water therein. For
example, a user may pour water into the first receptacle, or a user may remove the first
receptacle from the support base and fill it with water. In this manner, the first receptacle
may include a fill opening configured to receive the water. In some instances, the first
receptacle may include an openable lid configured to open and close for providing access
to the fill opening. In addition, the first receptacle may include an outlet port and an inlet
port.
[0018] The water filtration system may include a second receptacle. The second
receptacle may be detachably disposed on the support base. The second receptacle may be
configured to store supply water therein. In certain embodiments, the second receptacle
may include a dispense opening configured to deliver the supply water to a user. In some
instances, the second receptacle may include a dispense actuator configured to open and
close access to the dispense opening. In this manner, a user may dispense the supply
water from the second receptacle. In some instances, the supply water may be used as
drinking water. In addition, the second receptacle may include an inlet port.
[0019] A filter system may be disposed between the first receptacle and the second
receptacle. The filter system may include an inlet port, a first outlet port, and a second
outlet port. In some instances, when the first and second receptacles are attached to the
support base, the outlet port of the first receptacle may be disposed in fluid communication
with the inlet port of the filter system. Moreover, the first outlet port of the filter system
may be disposed in fluid communication with the inlet port of the first receptacle. In
addition, the second outlet port of the filter system may be disposed in fluid
communication with the inlet port of the second receptacle.
[0020] In certain embodiments, the filter system may include a number of filters. For
example, the filter system may include a first filter, a second filter, and a third filter. The
first filter may be configured and disposed to receive water from the inlet port of the filter
system and to filter and deliver first filtered water to the second filter. In some instances,
the first filter may be a sediment filter or a combination of a sediment filter and a carbon
filter. Additional filters may be disposed upstream of the first filter.
[0021] The second filter may be configured and disposed to receive the first filtered
water from the first filter and to deliver a first portion of the first filtered water to the first
outlet port of the filter system. In this manner, the first portion of the first filtered water
may comprise waste water that is delivered back to the first receptacle. Moreover, the
second filter may be configured to filter and deliver a second portion of the first filtered
water to the third filter. The second portion of the first filtered water may comprise
second filtered water. In some instances, the second filter may be a reverse osmosis
membrane type filter or a nano-filter. In certain embodiments, one or more filters (e.g.,
the first filter) may be disposed upstream of the second filter. In some instances, one or
more filters (e.g. the third filter) may be disposed downstream of the second filter. In yet
other embodiments, no filters may be disposed downstream of the second filter.
[0022] The third filter may be configured and disposed to receive the second filtered
water from the second filter and to filter and deliver third filtered water to the second
outlet port of the filter system. In this manner, the third filtered water may comprise the
supply water that is delivered to the second receptacle. In some instances, the third filter
may be a carbon filter. In other instances, the third filter may be omitted. In such
instances, the second filter may be configured to filter and deliver the second portion of
the first filtered water to the second receptacle. In yet other instances, additional filters
may be disposed downstream of the third filter before the second receptacle.
[0023] In certain embodiments, 100% of the water that enters the first filter may pass
to the second filter. In another embodiment, less than 100% of the water that enters the
second filter may pass to the third filter. For example, about 1% to about 30% of the
water that enters the second filter may pass to the third filter, with the remaining water
constituting the waste water that is delivered back to the first receptacle. In yet another
embodiment, 100% of the water that enters the third filter may pass to the second
receptacle. Any percentage of water may enter the first filter, the second filter, or the third
filter.
[0024] The water filtration system may include a flow restrictor. The flow restrictor
may be disposed between and in fluid communication with the first outlet port of the filter
system and the inlet port of the first receptacle. The flow restrictor may be configured to
create a back pressure on the reverse osmosis membrane. The back pressure may enable
the second portion of the first filtered water to pass through the reverse osmosis membrane
to produce the second filtered water. Moreover, a return check valve may be disposed
between and in fluid communication with the flow restrictor and the inlet port of the first
receptacle. The return check valve may be configured to prevent water flow from the first
receptacle to the reverse osmosis membrane.
[0025] In certain embodiments, a forward check valve may be disposed between and
in fluid communication with the second outlet port of the filter system and the inlet port of
the second receptacle. The forward check valve may be configured to prevent water flow
from the second receptacle to the filter system.
[0026] The water filtration system may include a pump disposed between and in fluid
communication with the outlet port of the first receptacle and the inlet port of the filter
system. In some instances, the pump may be automatically primed by the fluid flow from
the outlet port of the first receptacle. For example, the water supplied to the pump may be
gravity fed from the outlet port of the first receptacle. The pump may be the sole source
for generating hydraulic pressure that facilitates fluid flow from the first receptacle
through the filter system to the second receptacle. The pump may facilitate fluid flow
from the first receptacle through only a portion of the filter system back to the first
receptacle via the flow restrictor.
[0027] The water filtration system may include additional components and
functionality. For example, the water filtration system may include a UV treatment
device, a heater, a chiller, and/or a carbonator. In addition, the water filtration system may
include devices capable of adding vitamins to the water and/or re-mineralizing the water.
[0028] In certain embodiments, the water filtration system may include a supply of
electrical power, an electronic controller, a first sensor disposed and configured to sense a
water level in the first receptacle, and a second sensor disposed and configured to sense a
water level in the second receptacle. The electronic controller may be disposed in signal
communication with the supply of electrical power, the first sensor, the second sensor, and
the pump. In some instances, the electrical controller may be configured to sense (via the
first sensor) a water level in the first receptacle sufficient enough to enable activation of
the pump. The electrical controller also may be configured to sense (via the second
sensor) a water level in the second receptacle deficient enough to enable activation of the
pump. Moreover, the electrical controller may be configured to activate or deactivate the
pump in accordance with the respective water levels in the first and second receptacles.
[0029] The supply of electrical power may include an electrical cord connectable to an
alternating current (AC) line voltage. In some instances, the AC line voltage may be 120
VAC. In other instances, the supply of electrical power may include at least one direct
current (DC) battery. The at least one DC battery may be configured to provide 12 VDC
or 24 VDC. The supply of electrical power may include an electrical input port
configured to receive a DC voltage.
[0030] These and other embodiments of the disclosure will be described in more detail
through reference to the accompanying drawings in the detailed description of the
disclosure that follows. This brief introduction, including section titles and corresponding
summaries, is provided for the reader's convenience and is not intended to limit the scope
of the claims or the proceeding sections. Furthermore, the techniques described above and
below may be implemented in a number of ways and in a number of contexts. Several
example implementations and contexts are provided with reference to the following
figures, as described below in more detail. However, the following implementations and
contexts are but a few of many.
ILLUSTRATIVE EMBODIMENTS
[0031] FIGS. 1-7 schematically depict a water filtration system 100 (as well as
individual components of the water filtration system 100) in accordance with one or more
embodiments of the disclosure. In some instances, the water filtration system 100 may
comprise a countertop reverse osmosis water filtration system. That is, the water filtration
system 100 may be sized and shaped to fit on a countertop and/or within a refrigerator.
The water filtration system 100 may be any suitable size and shape. The water filtration
system 100 may work independent from any water source and/or drain. That is, the water
filtration system 100 may have no external connections. Moreover, the water filtration
system 100 may produce little to no waste water.
[0032] In certain embodiments, as depicted in FIG. 1, the water filtration system 100
may include a support base 102. The support base 102 may be configured to support
and/or house the various components of the water filtration system 100. For example, a
first receptacle 104 may be detachably disposed on the support base 102. The first
receptacle 104 may be configured to store source water therein. For example, a user may
pour water (e.g. tap water) into the first receptacle 104, or a user may remove the first
receptacle 104 from the support base 102 and fill it with water (e.g., tap water). In this
manner, the first receptacle 104 may include a fill opening 106 configured to receive the
water. In some instances, the first receptacle 104 may include an openable lid 108. The
openable lid 108 may be configured to open and close for providing access to the fill
opening 106. In one example, the openable lid 108 may be attached to the first receptacle
104 by way of a hinge 110 or the like. In some instances, the openable lid 108 may form a
lip 112 about the first receptacle 104. A user may engage the lip 112 to open and close the
openable lid 108. In addition, the first receptacle 104 may include vertical grooves 114 on
each side.
[0033] The first receptacle 104 also may include a handle 116. In some instances, the
handle 116 may be in rotatable communication with the first receptacle 104. For example,
the handle 116 may be attached to an inner portion of the first receptacle 104. That is, the
handle 116 may include a protrusion 118 (e.g., a threaded portion) extending through a
hole 120 in the first receptacle 104. A fastener 122 (e.g., a screw) may be disposed (or
threaded) into the protrusion 118. In some instances, a cap 124 may be disposed over the
fastener 122. The handle 116 may include a stop 126 configured to engage a notch 128 in
the first receptacle 104. The stop 126 and notch 128 may limit the rotation of the handle
116.
[0034] The first receptacle 104 may include an outlet port 130 and an inlet port 132.
In some instances, water may exit the first receptacle 104 through the outlet port 130.
Water also may enter the first receptacle 104 by way of the inlet port 132.
[0035] The water filtration system 100 may include a second receptacle 134. The
second receptacle 134 may be detachably disposed on the support base 102. In some
instances, the second receptacle 134 may include a handle 136 for removing and inserting
the second receptacle 134 to the support base 102. The second receptacle 134 may be
configured to store supply water (e.g., filtered drinking water) therein. In certain
embodiments, the second receptacle 134 may include a dispense opening 138 configured
to deliver the supply water to a user. In some instances, the second receptacle 134 may
include a dispense actuator 140 configured to open and close access to the dispense
opening 138. In one example embodiment, the dispense actuator 140 may be disposed on
the handle 136. In this manner, a user may dispense the supply water from the second
receptacle 134. In other instances, as depicted in FIG. 2, a user may dispense the supply
water from an opening 142 disposed about a lid 144 of the second receptacle 134. In some
instances, the lid 144 may be removable from the second receptacle 134. The lid 144 also
may form a lip 146 about the second receptacle 134. In some instances, the supply water
may be used as drinking water. For example, a user may dispense the supply water from
the second receptacle 134 to a cup 148 or the like. In addition, referring back to FIG. 1,
the second receptacle 134 may include an inlet port 150. In some instances, the inlet port
150 may be disposed away from the handle 136 side of the second receptacle 134 to
stabilize the second receptacle 134 when docked on the support base 102.
[0036] As depicted in FIG. 3, the support base 102 may include a filter compartment
152. At least a portion of a filter system 154 may be disposed between the first receptacle
104 and the second receptacle 134 within the filter compartment 152. The filter
compartment 152 may include a removable panel 156 for accessing the filter system 154.
In some instances, the filter compartment 152 may include a cutout portion 155 for
removing the panel 156.
[0037] As depicted in FIG. 4, the filter system 154 may include an inlet port 158, a
first outlet port 160, and a second outlet port 162. In some instances, when the first
receptacle 104 and the second receptacle 134 are attached to the support base 102, the
outlet port 130 of the first receptacle 104 may be disposed in fluid communication with the
inlet port 158 of the filter system 154. Moreover, the first outlet port 160 of the filter
system 154 may be disposed in fluid communication with the inlet port 132 of the first
receptacle 104. In addition, the second outlet port 162 of the filter system 154 may be
disposed in fluid communication with the inlet port 150 of the second receptacle 134.
[0038] In certain embodiments, the filter system 154 may include a first filter 164, a
second filter 166, and a third filter 168. Additional or fewer filters may be used. The first
filter 164 may be configured and disposed to receive water from the inlet port 158 of the
filter system 154 and to filter and deliver first filtered water to the second filter 166. In
some instances, the first filter 164 may be a sediment filter or a combination of a sediment
filter and a carbon filter. The first filter 164 may comprise any suitable filter. In some
instances, additional filters may be disposed upstream of the first filter 164.
[0039] The second filter 166 may be configured and disposed to receive the first
filtered water from the first filter 164 and to deliver a first portion of the first filtered water
to the first outlet port 160 of the filter system 154. In this manner, the first portion of the
first filtered water may comprise waste water 170 that is delivered back to the first
receptacle 104. Moreover, the second filter 166 may be configured to filter and deliver a
second portion of the first filtered water to the third filter 168. The second portion of the
first filtered water may comprise second filtered water. In some instances, the second
filter 166 may be a reverse osmosis membrane type filter. The second filter 166 may be
any suitable filter.
[0040] The third filter 168 may be configured and disposed to receive the second
filtered water from the second filter 166 and to filter and deliver third filtered water to the
second outlet port 162 of the filter system 154. In this manner, the third filtered water may
comprise the supply water 172 that is delivered to the second receptacle 134. In some
instances, the third filter 168 may be a carbon filter. The third filter 168 may be any
suitable filter. In other instances, the third filter 168 may be omitted. In such instances,
the second filter 166 may be configured to filter and deliver the second portion of the first
filtered water to the second receptacle 134. In yet other instances, additional filters may
be disposed downstream of the third filter 168 before the second receptacle 134.
[0041] In certain embodiments, about 100% of the water that enters the first filter 164
may pass to the second filter 166. In another embodiment, less than 100% of the water
that enters the second filter 166 may pass to the third filter 168. For example, about 1% to
about 30% of the water that enters the second filter 166 may pass to the third filter 168,
with the remaining water constituting the waste water 170 that is delivered back to the first
receptacle 104. In yet another embodiment, about 100% of the water that enters the third
filter 168 may pass to the second receptacle 134. This process is repeated as needed.
[0042] The water filtration system 100 may include a flow restrictor 174. The flow
restrictor 174 may be disposed between and in fluid communication with the first outlet
port 160 of the filter system 154 and the inlet port 132 of the first receptacle 104. The
flow restrictor 174 may be configured to create a back pressure in the second filter 166
(e.g., on the reverse osmosis membrane). The back pressure may enable the second
portion of the first filtered water to pass through the reverse osmosis membrane to produce
the second filtered water. Moreover, a return check valve 176 may be disposed between
and in fluid communication with the flow restrictor 174 and the inlet port 132 of the first
receptacle 104. The return check valve 176 may be configured to prevent water flow from
the first receptacle 104 to the filter system 154.
[0043] In certain embodiments, a forward check valve 178 may be disposed between
and in fluid communication with the second outlet port 162 of the filter system 154 and
the inlet port 150 of the second receptacle 134. The forward check valve 178 may be
configured to prevent water flow from the second receptacle 134 to the filter system 154.
[0044] The water filtration system 100 may include a pump 180 disposed between and
in fluid communication with the outlet port 130 of the first receptacle 104 and the inlet
port 158 of the filter system 154. In some instances, the pump 180 may be automatically
primed by the fluid flow from the outlet port 130 of the first receptacle 104. For example,
the water supplied to the pump 180 may be gravity fed from the outlet port 130 of the first
receptacle 104. The pump 180 may be the sole source for generating hydraulic pressure
that facilitates fluid flow from the first receptacle 104 through the filter system 154 to the
second receptacle 134. In some instances, the pump 180 may facilitate fluid flow from the
first receptacle 104 through only a portion of the filter system 154 and back to the first
receptacle 104 via the flow restrictor 174.
[0045] In certain embodiment, the water filtration system 100 may include a supply of
electrical power 182, an electronic controller 184, a first sensor 186 disposed and
configured to sense a water level in the first receptacle 104, and a second sensor 188
disposed and configured to sense a water level in the second receptacle 134. The
electronic controller 184 may be disposed in signal communication with the supply of
electrical power 182, the first sensor 186, the second sensor 188, and the pump 180. In
some instances, the electrical controller 184 may be configured to sense, via the first
sensor 186, a water level in the first receptacle 104 sufficient enough to enable activation
of the pump 180. The electrical controller 184 also may be configured to sense, via the
second sensor 188, a water level in the second receptacle 134 deficient enough to enable
activation of the pump 180. Moreover, the electrical controller 184 may be configured to
activate or deactivate the pump 180 in accordance with the respective water levels in the
first receptacle 104 and the second receptacle 134. In other instances, the electric power
182 and/or the electrical controller 184 may be in communication with one or more of the
filter system 154, the flow restrictor 174, the return check valve 176, and/or the forward
check valve 178.
[0046] The supply of electrical power 182 may include an electrical cord connectable
to an alternating current (AC) line voltage. In some instances, the AC line voltage may be
120 VAC. In other instances, the supply of electrical power 182 may include at least one
direct current (DC) battery. The at least one DC battery may be configured to provide 12
VDC or 24 VDC. The supply of electrical power 182 may include an electrical input port
configured to receive a DC voltage.
[0047] In certain embodiments, as depicted in FIG. 5, the water filtration system 100
may include a control panel 190. In some instances, the control panel 190 may be
disposed on the support base 102. The control panel 190 may include one or more user
accessible buttons for controlling the water filtration system 100. For example, the control
panel 190 may enable a user to turn the water filtration system 100 on or off. Moreover,
the control panel 190 may include one or more indicators configured to provide the user
with an indication of the status of the water filtration system 100. For example, the
indicators may denote that the water filtration system 100 is actively filtering water, that
the second receptacle 134 is full, that the first receptacle 104 is empty, and/or that the filter
system 154 (e.g., the first filter 164, the second filter 166, and/or the third filter 168)
should be replaced or cleaned, etc.
[0048] In some instances, as depicted in FIGS. 5 and 6, the support base 102 may
include a utility compartment 192 configured to house at least a portion of the filter system
154, the flow restrictor 174, the return check valve 176, the forward check valve 178,
and/or the pump 180. The utility compartment 192 may include a removable panel 194
for accessing one or more of the various components of the water filtration system 100. In
certain embodiments, as depicted in FIG. 7, the openable lid 108 and the removable lid
144 may be angled downward towards the dispense actuator 140.
ILLUSTRATIVE METHODS
[0049] FIG. 8 is a flow diagram depicting an illustrative method 200 for filtering water
with the water filtration system 100 in accordance with one or more embodiments of the
disclosure.
[0050] At block 202 of method 200, the first receptacle 104 may be removed from the
support base 102, filled with water, and returned back to the support base 102. For
example, a user may pour water (e.g. tap water) into the first receptacle 104, or a user may
remove the first receptacle 104 from the support base 102 and fill it with water (e.g., tap
water). The user may open the openable lid 108 and pour water into the fill opening 106.
In some instances, a user may engage the lip 112 to open and close the openable lid 108.
[0051] Upon returning the first receptacle filled with water back to the support base at
block 202, the water may be filtered by the filter system at block 204. That is, when the
first receptacle 104 and the second receptacle 134 are attached to the support base 102, the
outlet port 130 of the first receptacle 104 may be disposed in fluid communication with the
inlet port 158 of the filter system 154. Moreover, the first outlet port 160 of the filter
system 154 may be disposed in fluid communication with the inlet port 132 of the first
receptacle 104. In addition, the second outlet port 162 of the filter system 154 may be
disposed in fluid communication with the inlet port 150 of the second receptacle 134.
[0052] The first filter 164 may be configured and disposed to receive water from the
inlet port 158 of the filter system 154 and to filter and deliver first filtered water to the
second filter 166. In some instances, the first filter 164 may be a sediment filter or a
combination of a sediment filter and a carbon filter. The first filter 164 may comprise any
suitable filter.
[0053] The second filter 166 may be configured and disposed to receive the first
filtered water from the first filter 164 and to deliver a first portion of the first filtered water
to the first outlet port 160 of the filter system 154. In this manner, the first portion of the
first filtered water may comprise waste water 170 that is delivered back to the first
receptacle 104. Moreover, the second filter 166 may be configured to filter and deliver a
second portion of the first filtered water to the third filter 168. The second portion of the
first filtered water may comprise second filtered water. In some instances, the second
filter 166 may be a reverse osmosis membrane type filter. The second filter 166 may be
any suitable filter.
[0054] The third filter 168 may be configured and disposed to receive the second
filtered water from the second filter 166 and to filter and deliver third filtered water to the
second outlet port 162 of the filter system 154. In this manner, the third filtered water may
comprise the supply water 172 that is delivered to the second receptacle 134. In some
instances, the third filter 168 may be a carbon filter. The third filter 168 may be any
suitable filter.
[0055] At block 206 of method 200, the filtered water may be dispensed from the
second receptacle. For example, the second receptacle 134 may be configured to store
supply water (e.g., filtered drinking water) therein. A user may dispense the supply water
from the second receptacle 134 by manipulating the dispense actuator 140. In other
instances, a user may dispense the supply water from the opening 142 disposed about the
lid 144 of the second receptacle 134. For example, a user may dispense the supply water
from the second receptacle 134 to a cup 148 or the like.
[0056] In certain embodiments, the steps described in blocks 202-206 of method 200
may be performed in any order. The steps described in blocks 202-206 of method 200 are
but one example of several embodiments. For example, certain steps may be omitted,
while other steps may be added.
[0057] Although specific embodiments of the disclosure have been described,
numerous other modifications and alternative embodiments are within the scope of the
disclosure. For example, any of the functionality described with respect to a particular
device or component may be performed by another device or component. Further, while
specific device characteristics have been described, embodiments of the disclosure may
relate to numerous other device characteristics. Further, although embodiments have been
described in language specific to structural features and/or methodological acts, it is to be
understood that the disclosure is not necessarily limited to the specific features or acts
described. Rather, the specific features and acts are disclosed as illustrative forms of
implementing the embodiments. Conditional language, such as, among others, "can,"
"could," "might," or "may," unless specifically stated otherwise, or otherwise understood
within the context as used, is generally intended to convey that certain embodiments could
include, while other embodiments may not include, certain features, elements, and/or
steps. Thus, such conditional language is not generally intended to imply that features,
elements, and/or steps are in any way required for one or more embodiments.

CLAIMS
THAT WHICH IS CLAIMED IS:
1. A water filtration system, comprising:
a support base;
a first receptacle detachably disposed on the support base and configured to store
source water, the first receptacle comprising an outlet port and an inlet port;
a second receptacle detachably disposed on the support base and configured to
store supply water, the second receptacle comprising an inlet port; and
a filter system disposed between the first receptacle and the second receptacle, the
filter system comprising an inlet port, a first outlet port, and a second outlet port;
wherein, when the first and second receptacles are attached to the support base, the
outlet port of the first receptacle is disposed in fluid communication with the inlet port of
the filter system, the first outlet port of the filter system is disposed in fluid
communication with the inlet port of the first receptacle, and the second outlet port of the
filter system is disposed in fluid communication with the inlet port of the second
receptacle.
2. The water filtration system of Claim 1, wherein:
the first receptacle further comprises a fill opening configured to receive source
water; and
the second receptacle further comprises a dispense opening configured to deliver
supply water to a user.
3. The water filtration system of Claim 2, wherein:
the first receptacle further comprises an openable lid configured to open and close
access to the fill opening; and
the second receptacle further comprises a dispense actuator configured to open and
close access to the dispense opening.
4. The water filtration system of Claim 1, wherein the filter system further comprises:
a first filter and a second filter;
wherein the first filter is configured and disposed to receive water from the inlet
port of the filter system and to filter and deliver first filtered water to the second filter; and
wherein the second filter is configured and disposed to receive the first filtered
water from the first filter, to deliver a first portion of the first filtered water to the first
outlet port of the filter system, the first portion of the first filtered water being waste water
that is delivered back to the first receptacle, and to filter and deliver a second portion of
the first filtered water, the second portion of the first filtered water being second filtered
water.
5. The water filtration system of Claim 4, wherein the filter system further comprises
a third filter, wherein the third filter is configured and disposed to receive the second
filtered water from the second filter and to filter and deliver third filtered water to the
second outlet port of the filter system.
6. The water filtration system of Claim 5, wherein:
the first filter comprises a sediment filter or a combination of a sediment filter and
a carbon filter;
the second filter comprises a reverse osmosis membrane or a nano-filter; and
the third filter comprises a carbon filter.
7. The water filtration system of Claim 5, wherein:
100% of the water that enters the first filter passes to the second filter;
less than 100% of the water that enters the second filter passes to the third filter;
and
100% of the water that enters the third filter passes to the second receptacle.
8. The water filtration system of Claim 5, wherein:
about 1% to about 30% of the water that enters the second filter passes to the third
filter, the remaining water constituting the waste water that is delivered back to the first
receptacle.
9. The water filtration system of Claim 4, further comprising:
a flow restrictor disposed between and in fluid communication with the first outlet
port of the filter system and the inlet port of the first receptacle, the flow restrictor being
set to create a back pressure on the second filter that enables the second portion of the first
filtered water to pass through the second filter to produce the second filtered water.
10. The water filtration system of Claim 9, further comprising:
a return check valve disposed between and in fluid communication with the flow
restrictor and the inlet port of the first receptacle, the return check valve being configured
to prevent water flow from the first receptacle to the reverse osmosis membrane.
11. The water filtration system of Claim 1, further comprising:
a forward check valve disposed between and in fluid communication with the
second outlet port of the filter system and the inlet port of the second receptacle, the
forward check valve being configured to prevent water flow from the second receptacle to
the filter system.
12. The water filtration system of Claim 1, further comprising:
a pump disposed between and in fluid communication with the outlet port of the
first receptacle and the inlet port of the filter system.
13. The water filtration system of Claim 12, wherein the pump is automatically primed
by the fluid flow from the outlet port of the first receptacle to the pump being configured
to be gravity fed.
14. The water filtration system of Claim 12, further comprising:
a supply of electrical power;
an electronic controller;
a first sensor disposed and configured to sense a water level in the first receptacle;
a second sensor disposed and configured to sense a water level in the second
receptacle; and
wherein the electronic controller is disposed in signal communication with the
supply of electrical power, the first sensor, the second sensor, and the pump, and is
responsive to executable instructions which when executed by the controller facilitates:
sensing via the first sensor a water level in the first receptacle sufficient enough
to enable activation of the pump;
sensing via the second sensor a water level in the second receptacle deficient
enough to enable activation of the pump; and
activation or deactivation of the pump in accordance with the respective water
levels in the first and second receptacles.
15. The water filtration system of Claim 14, wherein the supply of electrical power
comprises an electrical cord connectable to a power source or at least one battery.
16. The water filtration system of Claim 14, wherein the supply of electrical power
comprises an electrical input port configured to receive a direct current (DC) voltage.
17. The water filtration system of Claim 12, wherein the pump is the sole source for
generating hydraulic pressure that facilitates fluid flow from the first receptacle through
the filter system to the second receptacle, and that facilitates fluid flow from the first
receptacle through only a portion of the filter system back to the first receptacle via a flow
restrictor.
18. A point-of-use countertop water filtration system, comprising:
a support base;
a first receptacle detachably disposed on the support base and configured to store
source water, the first receptacle comprising an outlet port and an inlet port;
a second receptacle detachably disposed on the support base and configured to
store supply water, the second receptacle comprising an inlet port;
a filter system disposed between the first receptacle and the second receptacle, the
filter system comprising an inlet port, a first outlet port, and a second outlet port; and
a flow restrictor disposed between and in fluid communication with the first outlet
port of the filter system and the inlet port of the first receptacle.
19. The water filtration system of Claim 18, wherein, when the first and second
receptacles are attached to the support base, the outlet port of the first receptacle is
disposed in fluid communication with the inlet port of the filter system, the first outlet port
of the filter system is disposed in fluid communication with the inlet port of the first
receptacle, and the second outlet port of the filter system is disposed in fluid
communication with the inlet port of the second receptacle.
20. A water filtration method, comprising:
providing a support base;
providing a first receptacle detachably disposed on the support base and configured
to store source water, the first receptacle comprising an outlet port and an inlet port;
providing a second receptacle detachably disposed on the support base and
configured to store supply water, the second receptacle comprising an inlet port; and
providing a filter system disposed between the first receptacle and the second
receptacle, the filter system comprising an inlet port, a first outlet port, and a second outlet
port;
wherein, when the first and second receptacles are attached to the support base, the
outlet port of the first receptacle is disposed in fluid communication with the inlet port of
the filter system, the first outlet port of the filter system is disposed in fluid
communication with the inlet port of the first receptacle, and the second outlet port of the
filter system is disposed in fluid communication with the inlet port of the second
receptacle.