Millions of Americans receive high quality drinking water every day from their public water systems. Nonetheless, drinking water safety cannot be taken for granted. There are a number of threats to drinking water: improper disposal of chemicals, animal wastes, pesticides, human wastes, wastes injected deep underground, and naturally-occurring substances can all contaminate drinking water. Likewise, drinking water that is not properly treated or disinfected, or which travels through an improperly maintained distribution system, may also pose health risks.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency reports that 90 percent of the world's water is contaminated in some way. There are a variety of microscopic organisms that can contaminate water supplies and cause potentially serious, even fatal, illnesses.
What is needed is a portable, economical and easy to use system for filtering water to remove bacteria, viruses, protozoa, particulates, chemicals and toxins to provide clean, safe and tasty drinking water from a variety of water sources.
The filter straw for drinking liquids includes a first open inlet end and a second open outlet end and a passageway extending between the first open inlet end and the second open outlet end.
According to certain illustrative embodiments, the filter straw comprises a first open inlet end and a second open outlet end and a passageway extending between the first open inlet end and the second open outlet end, and at least one metal or metal alloy filter screen disposed along at least a portion of the elongated passageway extending between the first open input and the second open output.
According to certain illustrative embodiments, the filter straw comprises a first open inlet end and a second open outlet end and a passageway extending between the first open inlet end and the second open outlet end, and at least one cloth micron filter disposed along at least a portion of the elongated passageway extending between the first open input and the second open output.
According to certain illustrative embodiments, the filter straw comprises a first open inlet end and a second open outlet end and a passageway extending between the first open inlet end and the second open outlet end, and a cloth micron filter disposed within the elongated passageway extending between the first open input and the second open output and positioned near the first open intake end and a second cloth micron filter disposed within the elongated passageway extending between the first open input and the second open output and positioned near the second open output end.
According to certain illustrative embodiments, the filter straw comprises a first open inlet end and a second open outlet end and a passageway extending between the first open inlet end and the second open outlet end, and at least one Birm filter disposed along at least a portion of the elongated passageway extending between the first open input and the second open output.
According to certain illustrative embodiments, the filter straw comprises a first open inlet end and a second open outlet end and a passageway extending between the first open inlet end and the second open outlet end, and at least one activated carbon filter disposed along at least a portion of the elongated passageway extending between the first open input and the second open output.
According to certain illustrative embodiments, the filter straw comprises a first open inlet end and a second open outlet end and a passageway extending between the first open inlet end and the second open outlet end, and at least one ultra-violet light region extending along at least of the elongated passageway extending between the first open input and the second open output.
According to certain illustrative embodiments, the filter straw comprises a first open inlet end and a second open outlet end and a passageway extending between the first open inlet end and the second open outlet end, wherein the inner surfaces of at least a portion of the length of the elongated passageway extending between the first open input and the second open output is plated with silver metal.
According to certain illustrative embodiments, the filter straw comprises a first open inlet end and a second open outlet end and a passageway extending between the first open inlet end and the second open outlet end, and wherein the straw further comprises a backwash connection for backwashing and cleaning the filter straw.
According to certain illustrative embodiments, the filter straw comprises a first open inlet end and a second open outlet end and a passageway extending between the first open inlet end and the second open outlet end, at least one metal or metal alloy filter screen disposed along at least a portion of the elongated passageway extending between the first open input and the second open output, and at least one Birm filter positioned within and along at least a portion of the elongated passageway extending between the first open input and the second open output.
According to certain illustrative embodiments, the filter straw comprises a first open inlet end and a second open outlet end and a passageway extending between the first open inlet end and the second open outlet end, at least one metal or metal alloy filter screen disposed along at least a portion of the elongated passageway extending between the first open input and the second open output, and at least one cloth micron filter positioned within and along at least a portion of the elongated passageway extending between the first open input and the second open output.
According to certain illustrative embodiments, the filter straw comprises a first open inlet end and a second open outlet end and a passageway extending between the first open inlet end and the second open outlet end, at least one metal or metal alloy filter screen disposed along at least a portion of the elongated passageway extending between the first open input and the second open output, and a cloth micron filter disposed within the elongated passageway extending between the first open input and the second open output and positioned near the first open intake end and a second cloth micron filter disposed within the elongated passageway extending between the first open input and the second open output and positioned near the second open output end.
According to certain illustrative embodiments, the filter straw comprises a first open inlet end and a second open outlet end and a passageway extending between the first open inlet end and the second open outlet end, at least one metal or metal alloy filter screen disposed along at least a portion of the elongated passageway extending between the first open input and the second open output, and at least one activated carbon filter positioned within and along at least a portion of the elongated passageway extending between the first open input and the second open output.
According to certain illustrative embodiments, the filter straw comprises a first open inlet end and a second open outlet end and a passageway extending between the first open inlet end and the second open outlet end, at least one metal or metal alloy filter screen disposed along at least a portion of the elongated passageway extending between the first open input and the second open output, and at least one ultra-violet light region extending along at least of the elongated passageway extending between the first open input and the second open output.
According to certain illustrative embodiments, the filter straw comprises a first open inlet end and a second open outlet end and a passageway extending between the first open inlet end and the second open outlet end, at least one metal or metal alloy filter screen disposed along at least a portion of the elongated passageway extending between the first open input and the second open output, wherein the inner surfaces of at least a portion of the length of the elongated passageway extending between the first open input and the second open output is plated with silver metal.
According to certain illustrative embodiments, the filter straw comprises a first open inlet end and a second open outlet end and a passageway extending between the first open inlet end and the second open outlet end, at least one metal or metal alloy filter screen disposed along at least a portion of the elongated passageway extending between the first open input and the second open output, and a backwash connection for backwashing and cleaning the filter straw.
According to certain illustrative embodiments, the filter straw comprises a first open inlet end and a second open outlet end and a passageway extending between the first open inlet end and the second open outlet end, at least one metal or metal alloy filter screen disposed along at least a portion of the elongated passageway extending between the first open input and the second open output, and at least one cloth micron filter positioned within a portion of the elongated passageway.
According to certain illustrative embodiments, the filter straw comprises a first open inlet end and a second open outlet end and a passageway extending between the first open inlet end and the second open outlet end, at least one metal or metal alloy filter screen disposed along at least a portion of the elongated passageway extending between the first open input and the second open output, and at least one cloth micron filter positioned within a portion of the elongated passageway near the first open input end and at least one cloth micron positioned within a portion of the elongated passageway near the second open output end.
According to certain illustrative embodiments, the filter straw comprises a first open inlet end and a second open outlet end and a passageway extending between the first open inlet end and the second open outlet end, at least one metal or metal alloy filter screen disposed along at least a portion of the elongated passageway extending between the first open input and the second open output, at least one cloth micron filter positioned within a portion of the elongated passageway, and at least one Birm filter positioned within a portion of the elongated passageway.
According to certain illustrative embodiments, the filter straw comprises a first open inlet end and a second open outlet end and a passageway extending between the first open inlet end and the second open outlet end, at least one metal or metal alloy filter screen disposed along at least a portion of the elongated passageway extending between the first open input and the second open output, at least one cloth micron filter positioned within a portion of the elongated passageway near the first open input end, at least one cloth micron positioned within a portion of the elongated passageway near the second open output end, and at least one Birm filter positioned within a portion of the elongated passageway.
According to certain illustrative embodiments, the filter straw comprises a first open inlet end and a second open outlet end and a passageway extending between the first open inlet end and the second open outlet end, at least one metal or metal alloy filter screen disposed along at least a portion of the elongated passageway extending between the first open input and the second open output, at least one cloth micron filter positioned within a portion of the elongated passageway, and at least one activated carbon filter positioned within a portion of the elongated passageway.
According to certain illustrative embodiments, the filter straw comprises a first open inlet end and a second open outlet end and a passageway extending between the first open inlet end and the second open outlet end, at least one metal or metal alloy filter screen disposed along at least a portion of the elongated passageway extending between the first open input and the second open output, at least one cloth micron filter positioned within a portion of the elongated passageway near the first open input end, at least one cloth micron positioned within a portion of the elongated passageway near the second open output end, and at least one activated carbon filter positioned within a portion of the elongated passageway.
According to certain illustrative embodiments, the filter straw comprises a first open inlet end and a second open outlet end and a passageway extending between the first open inlet end and the second open outlet end, at least one metal or metal alloy filter screen disposed along at least a portion of the elongated passageway extending between the first open input and the second open output, at least one cloth micron filter positioned within a portion of the elongated passageway, wherein the inner surfaces of at least a portion of the length of the elongated passageway extending between the first open input and the second open output is plated with silver metal.
According to certain illustrative embodiments, the filter straw comprises a first open inlet end and a second open outlet end and a passageway extending between the first open inlet end and the second open outlet end, at least one metal or metal alloy filter screen disposed along at least a portion of the elongated passageway extending between the first open input and the second open output, at least one cloth micron filter positioned within a portion of the elongated passageway near the first open input end, at least one cloth micron positioned within a portion of the elongated passageway near the second open output end, wherein the inner surfaces of at least a portion of the length of the elongated passageway extending between the first open input and the second open output is plated with silver metal.
According to certain illustrative embodiments, the filter straw comprises a first open inlet end and a second open outlet end and a passageway extending between the first open inlet end and the second open outlet end, at least one metal or metal alloy filter screen disposed along at least a portion of the elongated passageway extending between the first open input and the second open output, at least one cloth micron filter positioned within a portion of the elongated passageway, and at least one ultra-violet light region extending along at least of the elongated passageway extending between the first open input and the second open output.
According to certain illustrative embodiments, the filter straw comprises a first open inlet end and a second open outlet end and a passageway extending between the first open inlet end and the second open outlet end, at least one metal or metal alloy filter screen disposed along at least a portion of the elongated passageway extending between the first open input and the second open output, at least one cloth micron filter positioned within a portion of the elongated passageway near the first open input end, at least one cloth micron positioned within a portion of the elongated passageway near the second open output end, and at least one ultra-violet light region extending along at least of the elongated passageway extending between the first open input and the second open output.
According to certain illustrative embodiments, the filter straw comprises a first open inlet end and a second open outlet end and a passageway extending between the first open inlet end and the second open outlet end, at least one metal or metal alloy filter screen disposed along at least a portion of the elongated passageway extending between the first open input and the second open output, at least one cloth micron filter positioned within a portion of the elongated passageway, and a backwash connection.
According to certain illustrative embodiments, the filter straw comprises a first open inlet end and a second open outlet end and a passageway extending between the first open inlet end and the second open outlet end, at least one metal or metal alloy filter screen disposed along at least a portion of the elongated passageway extending between the first open input and the second open output, at least one cloth micron filter positioned within a portion of the elongated passageway near the first open input end, at least one cloth micron positioned within a portion of the elongated passageway near the second open output end, and a backwash connection.
According to certain illustrative embodiments, the filter straw comprises a first open inlet end and a second open outlet end and a passageway extending between the first open inlet end and the second open outlet end, at least one cloth micron filter positioned within a portion of the elongated passageway near the first open input end and at least one cloth micron positioned within a portion of the elongated passageway near the second open output end and least one Birm filter.
According to certain illustrative embodiments, the filter straw comprises a first open inlet end and a second open outlet end and a passageway extending between the first open inlet end and the second open outlet end, at least one cloth micron filter positioned within a portion of the elongated passageway near the first open input end, at least one cloth micron positioned within a portion of the elongated passageway near the second open output end, and at least one Birm filter positioned within a portion of the elongated passageway.
According to certain illustrative embodiments, the filter straw comprises a first open inlet end and a second open outlet end and a passageway extending between the first open inlet end and the second open outlet end, at least one cloth micron filter positioned within a portion of the elongated passageway, and at least one activated carbon filter positioned within a portion of the elongated passageway.
According to certain illustrative embodiments, the filter straw comprises a first open inlet end and a second open outlet end and a passageway extending between the first open inlet end and the second open outlet end, at least one cloth micron filter positioned within a portion of the elongated passageway near the first open input end, at least one cloth micron positioned within a portion of the elongated passageway near the second open output end, and at least one activated carbon filter positioned within a portion of the elongated passageway.
According to certain illustrative embodiments, the filter straw comprises a first open inlet end and a second open outlet end and a passageway extending between the first open inlet end and the second open outlet end, at least one cloth micron filter positioned within a portion of the elongated passageway, wherein the inner surfaces of at least a portion of the length of the elongated passageway extending between the first open input and the second open output is plated with silver metal.
According to certain illustrative embodiments, the filter straw comprises a first open inlet end and a second open outlet end and a passageway extending between the first open inlet end and the second open outlet end, at least one cloth micron filter positioned within a portion of the elongated passageway near the first open input end, at least one cloth micron positioned within a portion of the elongated passageway near the second open output end, wherein the inner surfaces of at least a portion of the length of the elongated passageway extending between the first open input and the second open output is plated with silver metal.
According to certain illustrative embodiments, the filter straw comprises a first open inlet end and a second open outlet end and a passageway extending between the first open inlet end and the second open outlet end, at least one cloth micron filter positioned within a portion of the elongated passageway, and at least one ultra-violet light region extending along at least of the elongated passageway extending between the first open input and the second open output.
According to certain illustrative embodiments, the filter straw comprises a first open inlet end and a second open outlet end and a passageway extending between the first open inlet end and the second open outlet end, at least one cloth micron filter positioned within a portion of the elongated passageway near the first open input end, at least one cloth micron positioned within a portion of the elongated passageway near the second open output end, and at least one ultra-violet light region extending along at least of the elongated passageway extending between the first open input and the second open output.
According to certain illustrative embodiments, the filter straw comprises a first open inlet end and a second open outlet end and a passageway extending between the first open inlet end and the second open outlet end, at least one cloth micron filter positioned within a portion of the elongated passageway near the first open input end, at least one cloth micron positioned within a portion of the elongated passageway near the second open output end, and a backwash connection.
According to certain illustrative embodiments, the filter straw comprises a first open inlet end and a second open outlet end and a passageway extending between the first open inlet end and the second open outlet end, at least one birm filter positioned within a portion of the elongated passageway near the first open input end and at least one cloth micron positioned within a portion of the elongated passageway near the second open output end and least one activated carbon filter.
According to certain illustrative embodiments, the filter straw comprises a first open inlet end and a second open outlet end and a passageway extending between the first open inlet end and the second open outlet end, at least one activated filter positioned within a portion of the elongated passageway, wherein the inner surfaces of at least a portion of the length of the elongated passageway extending between the first open input and the second open output is plated with silver metal.
According to certain illustrative embodiments, the filter straw comprises a first open inlet end and a second open outlet end and a passageway extending between the first open inlet end and the second open outlet end, a first activated carbon filter positioned within a portion of the elongated passageway, a second activated carbon filter positioned within a portion of the elongated passageway, and wherein the length of the elongated passageway extending between the first and second activated carbon filters is plated with silver metal.
According to certain illustrative embodiments, the filter straw comprises a first open inlet end and a second open outlet end and a passageway extending between the first open inlet end and the second open outlet end, a first activated carbon filter positioned within a portion of the elongated passageway, and at least one ultra-violet light region extending along at least of the elongated passageway.
According to certain illustrative embodiments, the filter straw comprises a first open inlet end and a second open outlet end and a passageway extending between the first open inlet end and the second open outlet end, a first activated carbon filter positioned within a portion of the elongated passageway, and a second activated carbon filter positioned within a portion of the elongated passageway, and at least one ultra-violet light region extending along at least of the elongated passageway and positioned between the first and second activated carbon filters.
According to certain illustrative embodiments, the filter straw comprises a first open inlet end and a second open outlet end and a passageway extending between the first open inlet end and the second open outlet end, at least one activated carbon filter positioned within a portion of the elongated passageway, at least one cloth micron positioned within a portion of the elongated passageway near the second open output end, and a backwash connection.
According to certain illustrative embodiments, the filter straw comprises a first open inlet end and a second open outlet end and a passageway extending between the first open inlet end and the second open outlet end, at least one cloth micron filter positioned within a portion of the elongated passageway, at least one Birm filter positioned within a portion of the elongated passageway, and at least one activated carbon filter positioned within a portion of the elongated passageway.
According to certain illustrative embodiments, the filter straw comprises a first open inlet end and a second open outlet end and a passageway extending between the first open inlet end and the second open outlet end, at least one cloth micron filter positioned within a portion of the elongated passageway, at least one Birm filter positioned within a portion of the elongated passageway, and at least one activated carbon filter positioned within a portion of the elongated passageway, and at least one cloth micron positioned within a portion of the elongated passageway near the second open output end.
According to certain illustrative embodiments, the filter straw comprises a first open inlet end and a second open outlet end and a passageway extending between the first open inlet end and the second open outlet end, at least one cloth micron filter positioned within a portion of the elongated passageway, at least one Birm filter positioned within a portion of the elongated passageway, at least one activated carbon filter positioned within a portion of the elongated passageway, and at least one region of the passageway coated with silver metal.
According to certain illustrative embodiments, the filter straw comprises a first open inlet end and a second open outlet end and a passageway extending between the first open inlet end and the second open outlet end, at least one cloth micron filter positioned within a portion of the elongated passageway, at least one Birm filter positioned within a portion of the elongated passageway, and at least one activated carbon filter positioned within a portion of the elongated passageway, at least one region of the passageway coated with silver metal, and at least one cloth micron positioned within a portion of the elongated passageway near the second open output end.
According to certain illustrative embodiments, the filter straw comprises a first open inlet end and a second open outlet end and a passageway extending between the first open inlet end and the second open outlet end, at least one cloth micron filter positioned within a portion of the elongated passageway, at least one Birm filter positioned within a portion of the elongated passageway, at least one activated carbon filter positioned within a portion of the elongated passageway, and at least one region ultraviolet light region.
According to certain illustrative embodiments, the filter straw comprises a first open inlet end and a second open outlet end and a passageway extending between the first open inlet end and the second open outlet end, at least one cloth micron filter positioned within a portion of the elongated passageway, at least one Birm filter positioned within a portion of the elongated passageway, and at least one activated carbon filter positioned within a portion of the elongated passageway, at least one region of the passageway coated with silver metal, at least one ultraviolet light region, and at least one cloth micron positioned within a portion of the elongated passageway near the second open output end.
According to certain illustrative embodiments, the filter straw comprises a first open inlet end and a second open outlet end and a passageway extending between the first open inlet end and the second open outlet end, at least one cloth micron filter positioned within a portion of the elongated passageway, and at least one activated carbon filter positioned within a portion of the elongated passageway.
According to certain illustrative embodiments, the filter straw comprises a first open inlet end and a second open outlet end and a passageway extending between the first open inlet end and the second open outlet end, at least one cloth micron filter positioned within a portion of the elongated passageway, at least one activated carbon filter positioned within a portion of the elongated passageway, and at least one cloth micron positioned within a portion of the elongated passageway near the second open output end.
According to certain illustrative embodiments, the filter straw comprises a first open inlet end and a second open outlet end and a passageway extending between the first open inlet end and the second open outlet end, at least one cloth micron filter positioned within a portion of the elongated passageway, at least one activated carbon filter positioned within a portion of the elongated passageway, and at least one region of the passageway coated with silver metal.
According to certain illustrative embodiments, the filter straw comprises a first open inlet end and a second open outlet end and a passageway extending between the first open inlet end and the second open outlet end, at least one cloth micron filter positioned within a portion of the elongated passageway, at least one activated carbon filter positioned within a portion of the elongated passageway, at least one region of the passageway coated with silver metal, and at least one cloth micron positioned within a portion of the elongated passageway near the second open output end.
According to certain illustrative embodiments, the filter straw comprises a first open inlet end and a second open outlet end and a passageway extending between the first open inlet end and the second open outlet end, at least one cloth micron filter positioned within a portion of the elongated passageway, at least one activated carbon filter positioned within a portion of the elongated passageway, and at least one ultraviolet light region.
According to certain illustrative embodiments, the filter straw comprises a first open inlet end and a second open outlet end and a passageway extending between the first open inlet end and the second open outlet end, at least one cloth micron filter positioned within a portion of the elongated passageway, a at least one activated carbon filter positioned within a portion of the elongated passageway, at least one region of the passageway coated with silver metal, at least one ultraviolet light region, and at least one cloth micron positioned within a portion of the elongated passageway near the second open output end.
According to certain illustrative embodiments, the filter straw comprises a first open inlet end and a second open outlet end and a passageway extending between the first open inlet end and the second open outlet end, at least one cloth micron filter positioned within a portion of the elongated passageway, and at least one ultraviolet light region.
According to certain illustrative embodiments, the filter straw comprises a first open inlet end and a second open outlet end and a passageway extending between the first open inlet end and the second open outlet end, at least one cloth micron filter positioned within a portion of the elongated passageway, at least one ultraviolet light region, and at least one cloth micron positioned within a portion of the elongated passageway near the second open output end.
According to certain illustrative embodiments, the filter straw comprises a first open inlet end and a second open outlet end and a passageway extending between the first open inlet end and the second open outlet end, at least one cloth micron filter positioned within a portion of the elongated passageway, and at least one region of the elongated passageway that is coated with silver metal.
According to certain illustrative embodiments, the filter straw comprises a first open inlet end and a second open outlet end and a passageway extending between the first open inlet end and the second open outlet end, at least one cloth micron filter positioned within a portion of the elongated passageway, at least one region of the elongated passageway that is coated with silver metal, and at least one cloth micron positioned within a portion of the elongated passageway near the second open output end.
According to certain illustrative embodiments, the filter straw comprises a first open inlet end and a second open outlet end and a passageway extending between the first open inlet end and the second open outlet end, at least one cloth micron filter positioned within a portion of the elongated passageway, at least one region of the elongated passageway that is coated with silver metal, and at least one ultraviolet light treating region.
According to certain illustrative embodiments, the filter straw comprises a first open inlet end and a second open outlet end and a passageway extending between the first open inlet end and the second open outlet end, at least one cloth micron filter positioned within a portion of the elongated passageway, at least one region of the elongated passageway that is coated with silver metal, at least one ultraviolet light treating region, and at least one cloth micron positioned within a portion of the elongated passageway near the second open output end.
The filter straw for drinking liquids includes a first open inlet end and a second open outlet end and a passageway extending between the first open inlet end and the second open outlet end, a metal or metal alloy screen filter positioned at the first open intake end, a first cloth micron filter positioned within the elongated passageway near the first intake end, a Birm filter positioned within the elongated passageway, a first activated carbon filter positioned within the elongated passageway, a region of the elongated passageway having inner surfaces coated with silver metal, an ultraviolet light region, a second activated carbon filter positioned within the elongated passageway, and a second cloth micron filter positioned near the second open output end.
Filter Screen.
The filter straw may include one or more filtering screens positioned at or near the open intake end of the filter straw. According to certain embodiments, a fine mesh filtering screen is positioned at the top of the straw opening to block any coarse material from entering the filter. The filtering screens can efficiently remove particulate matter that could potentially obstruct flow through the finer filter elements. The filter screen or mesh may be manufactured from a metal, a metal alloy, a polymer material, or a composite material. Without limitation, and only by way of illustration, the filtering screen maybe a copper screen filter.
BIRM Filtration Media.
Birm® medium is an efficient and economical media for the reduction of dissolved iron and manganese compounds from raw water supplies. It may be used in either gravity fed or pressurized water treatment systems. Birm® acts as an insoluble catalyst to enhance the reaction between dissolved oxygen (D.O.) and the iron compounds. In ground waters the dissolved iron is usually in the ferrous bicarbonate state due to the excess of free carbon dioxide and is not filterable. Birm®, acting as a catalyst between the oxygen and the soluble iron compounds, enhances the oxidation reaction of Fe++ to Fe+++ and produces ferric hydroxide which precipitates and may be easily filtered. The physical characteristics of Birm® provide an excellent filter media which is easily cleaned by backwashing to remove the precipitant. Birm® is not consumed in the iron removal operation and therefore offers a tremendous economic advantage over many other iron removal methods. Other advantages of Birm® include; long material life with relatively low attrition loss, a wide temperature performance range and extremely high removal efficiency. Negligible labor costs are involved because Birm® does not require chemicals for regeneration, only periodic backwashing is required
Carbon Filter.
Depth Filters use thick porous materials such as carbon or ceramic to trap particles as water flows through the material. Activated carbon filters also remove a range of organic chemicals and heavy metals. Activated carbon filters represent an outstanding material for applications requiring taste, odor and dissolved organic chemical removal from water with suspended matter present. The activated carbon filter may be used for filtering waters having a wide range of pH levels. The large surface area of the activated carbon results in an exceptionally high capacity and efficiency. The balanced pore structure of the activated carbon provides a more efficient adsorbtion range. It is important to note that chlorine, pesticides and organic impurities adhere to the charcoal, which eliminates foul tastes and odors from the drinking water that is drawn into the filter straw.
Silver.
The present filter straw may include one or more regions of the elongated passageway that are plated or otherwise coated with silver metal. Silver ions and silver compounds show a toxic effect on some bacteria, viruses, algae and fungi, typical of heavy metals like lead or mercury, but without the high toxicity to humans that is normally associated with these other metals. Silver is widely known as a broad-spectrum antimicrobial, and its germicidal effects kill many microbial organisms, eliminates or kills forms of microbial life, contained in a fluid. The silver helps to kill or incapacitate bacteria and prevent the growth of mold and algae in the body of the filter. Filter is impregnated with silver and will not permit the growth of bacteria because the silver provides a hostile environment for microbiological organisms. Silver-impregnated inner surfaces to inhibit bacterial growth inside its pores. Silver is known to be an extremely general agent so it can be expected that this device will also work over a wide array of organisms
Ultraviolet Light Region.
The filter straw may also include one or more ultraviolet light treating regions. Ultraviolet light energy in the one or more treating regions maybe used to minimize or eradicate microbiological contamination. Ultraviolight light is light having short waves between x-rays and visible light wavelengths, and which destroys the DNA of microbes in seconds. Without functional DNA, microbes can't reproduce. The ultraviolet light can be used against microorganisms including bacteria and viruses to algae and protozoa. The ultraviolet light is also desirable as it does not impart any foul chemical taste, smell, or side effects. Without limitation, and only by way of illustration, the filter straw includes at least one light-emitting diode capable of emitting ultraviolet light. The ultraviolet light lamp or diode may be provided in any suitable share so long as it can carryout it intended function of minimizing or eradicating microorganisms present in the drinking fluid that is passing through the straw. Without limitation, and only by way of illustration, the ultraviolet lighting emitting lamp or diode may be provided in a tubular or hollow cylindrical shape. The outer tubular ultraviolet light emitting lamp or diode may be provided with an outer circumference which is slightly smaller that the inner circumference of the drinking straw so that the diode or lamp may be positioned at a desired location along the elongated passageway of the drinking straw. The ultraviolet emitting lamp or diode may also be positioned on the outside of the elongated passageway of the drinking straw so long that there is also provided mean by which the ultraviolet light may be able to effectively treat the fluid passing through the drinking straw. The filter straw also includes a power source such as a battery, electrical switches, and electrical circuitry required to operate the ultraviolet light treating region. The power source and electrical switch(es) are in electrical communication via suitable electrical circuitry to operate the ultraviolet light treatment region of the drinking straw.
Backwash.
The filter straw may require periodic backwashing to eliminate accumulated suspended matter and to re-grade the filter bed. The filter straw may be connected to a container containing a source of backwashing fluid. The backwashing may include utilizing a flexible hosing or tubing having connectors attached to opposite ends. One of the connectors is adapted to be connected to a backwash connector on the filter straw. The other of the two connectors of the backwashing tubing is adapted to be connected to the source of the backwashing fluid. To clean the filter, one connector of the backwashing tubing is connected to the backwash connection located on the filter straw. The second connector of the backwashing tubing is connection to the source of the backwashing fluid, which maybe a squeeze bottle containing a sufficient amount of backwashing fluid. The user squeezes the squeeze bottle thereby passing the backwashing fluid quickly upward through the filter straw, opposite the normal direction (called backflushing or backwashing) to remove embedded particles. Quick-connect backwash fittings permit easy installation and removal of input and output hoses. Once the backwashing is completed, the backwashing tubing is disconnected from the filter straw.
The filter straw outer housing may be manufactured from metals, metal alloys, polymer materials, or composite materials. According to certain illustrative embodiments, the filter straw outer housing is manufactured from a polymer material. Without limitation, and only by way of illustration, the filter straw outer housing is manufactured from polyvinyl chloride (PVC).
The filter straw and backwashing apparatus may be provided together as a kit. The it may further include one or more backwashing solutions. The backwashing solutions may be selected from water, bleach, pH increasing agents, and the like. The kit may further include a container, such as a carrying case, for housing the filter straw and the backwashing apparatus. The carrying case may include opening or loops for easy attachment to the clothing or belt of the user.
The bearing structure will now be described in greater detail with reference to the drawing FIGURES. It should be noted that the bearing structure is not intended to be limited to the illustrative embodiments shown in the drawing FIGURES.
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The filter straw and related methods for using the filter straw not limited to the specific embodiments described above, but includes variations, modifications and equivalent embodiments defined by the following claims. The embodiments described above are not necessarily in the alternative, as various embodiments may be combined to provide the desired characteristics.
This application claims the benefit of the filing date under 35 U.S.C. 119(e) of U.S. Provisional Application For Patent Ser. No. 61/589,982 filed Jan. 24, 2012.
Filing Document | Filing Date | Country | Kind |
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PCT/US13/22188 | 1/18/2013 | WO | 00 |
Number | Date | Country | |
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61589982 | Jan 2012 | US |