US4441996A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Apparatus for producing bacteria free drinking water
Assignee: Individual
•
Filing: 1982-03-31
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Granted: 1984-04-10
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Expires: 2002-03-31
Abstract
Abstract An apparatus for producing drinking water from bacteria contaminated cold water is provided. The cold contaminated water is placed into a flexible collector having a sub-micron porous filter in the bottom. When the flexible collector is squeezed, the pressure forces the contaminated water through the filter and into a holding chamber. The drinkable filtered water is removed from the holding chamber through a sterile exit opening.
Inventors
- 👤 Richard F. Hurst
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-03 19:11
CPC Classifications
B; B01; B01D; B01D61/00; B01D61/14; B01D61/18; C; C02; C02F; C02F1/00; C02F1/001; C02F1/002
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 11
Claim 1
Independent Claim
164 words
A flexible and collapsible apparatus for producing bacteria free drinking water from contaminated water comprising: a sleeve shaped flexible non-porous contaminated water collector having a top open inlet end and a bottom closed filter end adapted to receive contaminated water therein, a sub-micron porous bacteria membrane filter permanently connected to said bottom closed filter end of said water collector, a flexible and expandable non-porous bacteria free holding chamber permanently connected to said bacteria filter and sealed on said water collection to form an axial extension of said water collector, said flexible water collector being adapted to be squeezed to generate a uniform force on top of said contaminated water in said collector and to force said contaminated water through said sub-micron filter and into said holding chamber where it accumulates by gravity, and bacteria free exit means connected to the bottom of said holding chamber for removing bacteria free drinking water from said holding chamber without subjecting said drinking water to said contaminated water.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
164 words
A flexible and collapsible apparatus for producing bacteria free drinking water from contaminated water comprising: a sleeve shaped flexible non-porous contaminated water collector having a top open inlet end and a bottom closed filter end adapted to receive contaminated water therein, a sub-micron porous bacteria membrane filter permanently connected to said bottom closed filter end of said water collector, a flexible and expandable non-porous bacteria free holding chamber permanently connected to said bacteria filter and sealed on said water collection to form an axial extension of said water collector, said flexible water collector being adapted to be squeezed to generate a uniform force on top of said contaminated water in said collector and to force said contaminated water through said sub-micron filter and into said holding chamber where it accumulates by gravity, and bacteria free exit means connected to the bottom of said holding chamber for removing bacteria free drinking water from said holding chamber without subjecting said drinking water to said contaminated water.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
63 words
Apparatus as set forth in claim 1 wherein said bacteria free exit means further comprises: a semi-rigid bacteria free flange collar connected to the bottom of said holding chamber, and a removable protective cap mounted over said flange collar for maintaining the portions of said flange collar under said protective cap bacteria free when said flexible apparatus is immursed in bacteria laden water.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
33 words
Apparatus as set forth in claim 2 wherein said flange collar further comprises an outlet, and a removable seal mounted over the outlet of said flange collar inside of said removable protective cap.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
27 words
Apparatus as set forth in claim 2 which further includes a semi-rigid ring connected to said top open inlet end of said flexible non-porous contaminated water collector.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
22 words
Apparatus as set forth in claim 4 which further includes a second removable seal mounted over the opening of said semi-rigid ring.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
28 words
Apparatus as set forth in claim 5 wherein said semi-rigid ring has an annular projection for coaxially coupling to said flange collar when said flexible apparatus is collapsed.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
21 words
Apparatus as set forth in claim 2 which further includes a flexible drinking tube mounted and extending from said holding chamber.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
20 words
Apparatus as set forth in claim 1 which further includes a drinking tube connected to said bacteria free exit means.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
18 words
Apparatus as set forth in claim 8 which further includes a flexible protector mounted over said drinking tube.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
21 words
Apparatus as set forth in claim 9 which further includes a removable seal mounted over an aperture in said flexible protector.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1987-04-10 | 1987-10-10 | 1988-04-10 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1991-04-10 | 1991-10-10 | 1992-04-10 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1995-04-10 | 1995-10-10 | 1996-04-10 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |