Title of Invention	"WATER TREATMENT DEVICES AND CARTRIDGES THEREFOR"
Abstract	A cartridge for treating water, the cartridge (20) capable of releasably engaging a water treatment device. The cartridge (20) includes a housing (22), an inlet for introducing untreated water into the cartridge, an outlet port for egress of treated water from the cartridge, and a treatment media (34) for treating untreated water. The treatment media (34) is in fluid communication with the inlet and the outlet port. The cartridge further includes a first tube (28) having an inside surface, an outside surface, a proximal end, and a distal end, where the inside surface and/or the outside surface is a sealing surface. The cartridge further includes a second tube (30) having an inside surface, an outside surface, a proximal end, and a distal end, where the inside surface and/or the outside surface is a sealing surface. The first tube (28) extends from the housing (22) and surrounds the outlet port. At least a portion of the first tube or the second tube (30) surrounds the other such that a gap (32) is formed between the first tube and the second tube (30). The gap (32) is capable of holding a volume of water. The first tube (28) extends outwardly from the housing (22) and surrounds the outlet port, and the second tube (30) extends outwardly from the housing and surrounds the first tube such that a gap is formed between the first and second tubes, the gap (32) capable of holding from about 0.1 ml to about 6 ml of water when the cartridge (20) is not sealingly engaged to the water treatment device, and such that the distal end of the second tube (30) extends a greater distance than the distal end of the first tube (28) from the housing (22), and such that at least one of the sealing surfaces of the second tube extends a greater distance than at least of one of the sealing surfaces of the first tube (28) from the housing (22).

Title of Invention

"WATER TREATMENT DEVICES AND CARTRIDGES THEREFOR"

Abstract

A cartridge for treating water, the cartridge (20) capable of releasably engaging a water treatment device. The cartridge (20) includes a housing (22), an inlet for introducing untreated water into the cartridge, an outlet port for egress of treated water from the cartridge, and a treatment media (34) for treating untreated water. The treatment media (34) is in fluid communication with the inlet and the outlet port. The cartridge further includes a first tube (28) having an inside surface, an outside surface, a proximal end, and a distal end, where the inside surface and/or the outside surface is a sealing surface. The cartridge further includes a second tube (30) having an inside surface, an outside surface, a proximal end, and a distal end, where the inside surface and/or the outside surface is a sealing surface. The first tube (28) extends from the housing (22) and surrounds the outlet port. At least a portion of the first tube or the second tube (30) surrounds the other such that a gap (32) is formed between the first tube and the second tube (30). The gap (32) is capable of holding a volume of water. The first tube (28) extends outwardly from the housing (22) and surrounds the outlet port, and the second tube (30) extends outwardly from the housing and surrounds the first tube such that a gap is formed between the first and second tubes, the gap (32) capable of holding from about 0.1 ml to about 6 ml of water when the cartridge (20) is not sealingly engaged to the water treatment device, and such that the distal end of the second tube (30) extends a greater distance than the distal end of the first tube (28) from the housing (22), and such that at least one of the sealing surfaces of the second tube extends a greater distance than at least of one of the sealing surfaces of the first tube (28) from the housing (22).

Full Text	WATER TREATMENT DEVICES AND CARTRIDGES THEREFOR FIELD OF THE INVENTION The invention is generally related to the art of water treatment devices and cartridges for use in the same, and more specifically to preventing recontamination of treated water by the use of water treatment devices and cartridges. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Water may contain many different kinds of contaminants including, for example, particulates, harmful chemicals, and microbiological organisms, such as bacteria, parasites, protozoa, and viruses. In a variety of circumstances, these contaminants must be removed before the water can be used. Any harmful contaminants must be removed from water before it is potable, i.e., fit to consume. Despite modem water treatment means, the general population is at risk, and in particular infants and persons with compromised immune systems are at considerable risk. In the U.S. and other developed countries, municipally treated water typically includes one or more of the following impurities: suspended solids, bacteria, parasites, viruses, organic matter, heavy metals, and chlorine. Breakdown and other problems with water treatment systems sometimes lead to incomplete removal of bacteria and viruses. In non-developed countries, there are deadly consequences associated with exposure to contaminated water, as some of them have increasing population densities, increasingly scarce water resources, and no water treatment utilities. It is common for sources of drinking water to be in close proximity to human and animal waste, such that microbiological contamination is a major health concern. As a result of waterborne microbiological contamination, an estimated six million people die each year, half of which are children under 5 years of age. While many different water treatment medias have been developed to remove these contaminants, these medias are often placed into devices or systems that promote, or do not adequately guard against, recontamination of treated water. For instance, the interface between the cartridge and device of many water treatment systems often include only single barrier between the contaminated water being treated, and the treated water (See U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,735,716,4,857,189,4,948,505, and 5,486,288). Thus, any breach of the single barrier will most likely lead to recontamination of the treated water being consumed. Also, many systems are configured to allow for contamination of the device outlet when changing water treatment cartridges (See U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,735,716, 4,857,189, 4,948,505, and 5,486,288). That is, devices are often designed such that contaminated water directly contacts one or more parts of the device that is responsible for delivering treated water. Still further, the barriers of many water treatment cartridges are often oriented such that they may be easily contaminated by the user, or susceptible to being damaged as they are packaged, shipped, or otherwise handled (See U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,735,716, 4,857,189, 4,948,505, 5,695,168, 5,114,572, U.S. Pub. No. 2002/0100720, and WO 01/26772). Additionally, many water treatment cartridges are designed in a way that fails to allow the interface to mechanically function to actuate valves seated in the water treatment devices that the water treatment cartridges are being interfaced with, and those that do often fail to utilize a mechanical advantage in actuating an inlet and/or an outlet valve (See U.S. Patent Nos. 5,256,285, 5,607,582, and 5,753,111). Due to the above concerns and general interest in improving the quality of water, there is a continuing desire to provide a water treatment system which decreases the likelihood of re-contaminating treated water. Additionally, there is a desire to provide a water treatment cartridge that can accomplish the foregoing and is also capable of mechanically actuating valves. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In one aspect of the invention, a cartridge for treating water is provided. The cartridge is capable of releasably engaging with a water treatment device. The cartridge includes a housing, an inlet for introducing untreated water into the cartridge, an outlet port for egress of treated water from the cartridge, and a treatment media for treating untreated water. The treatment media is in fluid communication with the inlet and the outlet port. The cartridge further includes a first tube having an inside surface, an outside surface, a proximal end, and a distal end, where the inside surface and/or the outside surface is a sealing surface. The cartridge further includes a second tube having an inside surface, an outside surface, a proximal end, and a distal end, where the inside surface and/or the outside surface is a sealing surface. The first tube extends from the housing and surrounds the outlet port. At least a portion of the first tube or the second tube surrounds the other such that a gap is formed between the first tube and the second tube. The gap is capable of holding a volume of water. In another aspect of the invention, a device for releasably engaging a water treatment cartridge as mentioned above is provided. The device includes an outlet housing having an inside surface and an outside surface. The outlet housing includes at least one sealing surface. The device further includes a vent housing having an inside surface and an outside surface. The vent housing includes at least one sealing surface. At least a portion of the inside surface of the outlet housing forms and defines a treated water outlet passageway. At least a portion of the outside surface of the outlet housing and the inside surface of the housing forms and defines an air vent. The device engages with the cartridge such that the first tube sealingly engages the outlet housing. The second tube sealingly engages the vent housing such that the inside surface of the first tube and the inside surface of the outlet housing are in fluid communication. The outside surface of the first tube and the inside surface of the second tube are in fluid communication. Other aspects of the invention, including methods of using the cartridge, are apparent from the detailed description below. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS While the specification concludes with claims particularly pointing out and distinctly claiming the invention, it is believed that the present invention will be better understood from the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which: Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a water treatment cartridge made in accordance with the present invention. Fig. 2 is a bottom plan view of an alternate embodiment of the inlet and second end of the cartridge of Fig. 1. Fig. 3 is a top plan view of the water treatment cartridge of Fig. 1. Fig. 4 is a cross-sectional side view of the water treatment cartridge of Fig. 1 taken along the line A—A. Fig. 5-A is a top plan view of the water treatment cartridge of Fig. 1. Fig. 5-B is a cross-sectional side view of the water treatment cartridge of Fig. 1 taken along the line A—A. Fig. 6-A is a side view of an alternate embodiment of the second tube of Fig. 1, wherein the second tube extends outward from the first tube. Fig. 6-B is a side view of an alternate embodiment of the second tube of Fig. 1, wherein the second tube extends inward from the first tube. Fig. 7 is a perspective view of an alternate embodiment of the second tube of Fig. 1, wherein the second tube comprises a cam surface. Fig. 8 is a cross-sectional side view of the water treatment cartridge of Fig. 2 taken along the line A—A. Fig. 9 is a cross-sectional side view of the water treatment cartridge of Fig. 1 taken along the line A—A. Fig. 10 is a perspective view of the water treatment cartridge of Fig, 2. Fig. 11 is a cross-sectional side view of an alternate embodiment of the water treatment cartridge of Fig. 1 taken along the line A—A, wherein the cartridge comprises a third tube, and wherein the cartridge is engaged to a vent housing and an outlet housing of a countertop water treatment device, said device shown as a partial view of a crosssection. Fig. 12 is cross-sectional side view of a water treatment cartridge outside the scope of the present invention, having no second tube, engaged to an outlet housing of a device outside the scope of the present invention, said device having no vent housing. Fig. 13 is a partial view of the outlet housing of Fig. 12 without a water treatment cartridge engaged, and with an illustration of contaminated water running down the outside of and into the outlet housing. Fig. 14-A is a bottom plan view of the water treatment cartridge of Fig. 11. Fig. 14-B is a cross-sectional side view of the water treatment cartridge of Fig. 11, and an alternate embodiment of the pressure vessel of the device of Fig. 11. Fig. 15 is a cross-sectional side view of the water treatment cartridge of Fig. 2, and a partial cross-sectional side view of an alternate embodiment of the device of Fig. 11, said device having a valve. Fig. 16 is an exploded perspective view of the water treatment cartridge of Fig. 2, and an exploded perspective view of an alternate embodiment of the device of Fig, 11, said device being a faucet-mounted device. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION As used herein, the term "cam surface" refers to the sum of all surfaces that physically touch a follower of a valve for the purpose of actuating the valve. Cam surface is further defined and illustrated in U.S. Pat. Application No. 10/424,200 (Fluidic Cartridges And End Pieces Thereof). As used herein, the term "coaxial" means a first body being fully within a second body (e.g., a first cylinder being fully within a second cylinder, a first tube completely surrounding a second tube, etc.). As used herein, the term "concentric" means having a common center. As used herein, the term "fluid " refers to a gas or a liquid. As used herein, the phrase "sealingly engage(d)" or "sealing engagement" refers to the meeting of at least two sealing surfaces, or portions thereof, forming a barrier to the flow of a fluid. As used herein, the term "sealing surface " refers to a predetermined surface, or portion thereof, capable of forming a barrier to the flow of a fluid when engaged with another surface. The surface may include, but is not limited to, a smooth, highly polished surface or an o-ring that sealingly engages with said polished surface. As used herein, the term "surround" means to enclose at least a portion. As used herein, the term "tube" means a hollow elongated structure for conveying or holding fluids. A tube may be, but is not limited to being cylindrical. For instance, a tube of the present invention may be in the form of a pentagon, hexagon, octagon, etc. Other terms used herein are defined in the specification where discussed. Reference will now be made in detail to embodiments of the invention, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Numerals with the same last two digits represent the same or similar (not necessarily embodiments) elements throughout the figures (e.g., 22,122, 222, etc.). Water treatment devices and cartridges of the present invention may be used where potable water is desired, including, but not limited to, refrigerators having ice-makers and/or water ports; water stands or coolers; faucetmounted, counter-top, under-the-sink, and/or whole-house water treatment appliances; coffee makers, etc. As shown in Fig. I, an embodiment of a water treatment cartridge 20 comprises a housing 22, and an inlet 24, an outlet port 26, a first tube 28, a second tube 30, a gap 32, and a water treatment media 34. The housing 22, as shown in an embodiment of the invention, may be cylindrical, however, it may be various shapes and sizes. The housing 22 may be made from one or more of a variety of materials, including, but not limited to, one or a combination of plastics, metal and alloys thereof, fiberglass, etc. The housing 22 may consist of a cap at the end(s) of formed treatment media (e.g., 34), or may form a well-defined compartment that holds loose treatment media. The inlet 24, as shown in an embodiment of the invention, may be a portion of exposed media 34 capped by the housing 22 both ends. That is, water may enter the cartridge 20 through the exposed portion of the media 34. As shown in Fig. 2, the inlet 224 may optionally be a circular opening and located at the second end of the cartridge 220, opposite the location of the outlet port 26. The inlet 224 may have optionally been placed on the side or the first end of the cartridge 220. As illustrated in Fig. 3, the outlet port 26 may be a circular opening, concentric and coaxial with the longitudinal axis 36 of the cartridge 20. The inlet 24 and outlet port 26 may be of varying size and oriented in any manner that best serves the application. Thus, the inlet 24 and outlet port 26 can be oriented in the same proximity (e.g., sharing the same opening), in near proximity (e.g., sharing the same surface or end), or in distant proximities from one another (e.g., located at opposite ends). As shown in Fig. 3, the first tube 28 and second tube 30 extend from the housing 22 such that the first tube 28 surrounds the outlet port 26, and the second tube 30 surrounds the first tube 28, such that a gap 32 is formed between the outside surface of the first tube 28 and the inside surface of the second tube 30, where the top of the housing 22 acts as an uninterrupted floor 38 (that is, a floor without openings) for the gap 32. The first and second tubes 28 and 30 may extend from the housing 22 in such a manner that no leak path is created between the proximal ends of the first 28 or second 30 tubes and the housing 22. That is, water may only escape over the distal ends of either the first 28 or second 30 tubes (that is, the proximal portion of the gap 32 is open), otherwise, the water may be held in the gap 32 for an extended period of time (depending on other conditions) because there is no other means of escaping (that is, the distal portion of the gap 32 is water tight). The gap 32 may be capable of holding some volume of water when the cartridge 20 is not sealingly engaged to a device (as discussed below), preferably from about 0.1 milliliters (herein, "ml") to about 6 ml, more preferably from about 1.6 ml to about 4.5 ml, and most preferably from about 2.2 ml to about 3 ml. Additionally, the gap 32 may be capable of holding some volume of water when the cartridge 20 is sealingly engaged to a device (as discussed below), preferably from about 0.1 ml to about 5.5 ml, more preferably from about 0.5 ml to about 3 ml, and most preferably from about 0.8 ml to about 1.2 ml. As shown in Fig. 3, the first tube 28 may be circular, and may concentrically and coaxially surround the outlet port 26, but may surround the outlet port 26 in any manner. The first tube 28 may be made from one or more of a variety of materials, including, but not limited to, one or a combination of plastics, metal and alloys thereof, fiberglass, etc. As shown in Fig. 4, the first tube 28 acts as an uninterrupted extension of the outlet port 26. The inside or outside surface of the first tube 28 may be a sealing surface 44, and may comprise one or more o-rings, or other such sealing surface, and may be supported by one or more ribs 40 (See Fig. 16). As illustrated by an embodiment of the invention, the sealing surface 44 of the first tube 28 is a portion its inner surface that is highly polished for sealingly engaging with an o-ring. When the first tube 28 is without an o-ring, there is no chance of nicking or tearing, or in some other way breaching the integrity of the o-ring (packaging, shipping, consumer handling, etc.). Also, when the sealing surface of the first tube 28 is the inside surface, the diameter of the first tube 28 may be kept at a distance that prevents the average consumer from being able to touch the sealing surface, causing a scratch which might allow for a leak, or touching the sealing surface with contaminated hands, resulting in contaminated water, etc. When the sealing surface of the first tube 28 is the outside surface, the gap 32 between the first tube 28 and second tube 30 may be kept a distance that prevents the occurrence of these concerns. Additionally, the height of the first tube 28 in relation to its sealing surface 44 may be important in protecting the sealing surface of the first tube 28. That is, the sealing surface of the first tube 28, whether located on the inner or outer surface, may be oriented on the first tube 28 such that some portion of the first tube 28 extends beyond the sealing surface to protect it. The first tube 28 may preferably extend beyond the distal portion of the sealing surface 44 by distance LI, preferably from about 0.1 centimeters (herein, "cm") to about 2 cm, more preferably from about 0.2 cm to about 1 cm, and most preferably from about 0.3 cm to about 0.5 cm. Also, the height of the second tube 30 may protect the sealing surface 44 of the first tube 28 by extending beyond the sealing surface 44 of the first tube 28 and beyond the distal end of the first tube 28 itself. As illustrated in Figs. 5-A and 5-B, the second tube 30 may be circular, and may concentrically and coaxially surround the first tube 28 and or the outlet port 26, but may surround the first tube 28 and or the outlet port 26 in any manner. The second tube 30 may be made from one or more of a variety of materials, including, but not limited to, one or a combination of plastics, metal and alloys thereof, fiberglass, etc. The inside or outside surface of the second tube 30 may be a sealing surface 46. As shown in an embodiment of the invention, the sealing surface 46 is a portion of the inner surface of the second tube 30 and is highly polished for sealingly engaging with an o-ring. The second tube 30 may or may not comprise one or more o-rings, or other such sealing surface, and may or may not be supported by one or more ribs. As shown in Fig. 6-A, the second tube 6A30 need not extend from the housing 22, but may extend outward from the first tube 28, such that the floor 6A38 of the gap 6A32 is formed as part of the second tube 6A30 as it extends from the first tube 28. Additionally, as shown in Fig. 6-B, the second tube 6B30 may extend inward from the first tube 28. As shown in Fig. 7, the second tube 730 may also act as a cam surface 42, as described in U.S. Pat. Application No. 10/424,200 and as further described and illustrated below (See Fig. 15). When the second tube 30 is without an o-ring, there is no chance of nicking or tearing, or in some other way compromising the integrity of the o-ring. Also, when the sealing surface 46 of the second rube 30 is the inside surface, the diameter of the second tube 30 may be kept at a distance which keeps the gap 32 a distance that prevents the average consumer from being able to touch the sealing surface, causing a scratch which might allow for a leak, or touching the sealing surface 46 with contaminated hands, resulting in contaminated water, etc. When the outside surface of the second tube 30 is without an o-ring, and is not a sealing surface, it may be more readily used as a cam surface (e.g., 42) as described above. Additionally, the height of the second tube 30 in relation to the sealing surface 46 of the second tube 30 may be important in protecting the sealing surface 46. That is, the sealing surface 46 of the second tube 30, whether located on the inner or outer surface, may be oriented on the second tube 30 such that some portion of the second tube 30 extends beyond the sealing surface 46 to protect it. The second tube 30 may preferably extend beyond the distal portion of its sealing surface 46 a distance L2 (See Fig 5-B), preferably from about 0.1 cm to about 1.5 cm, more preferably from about 0.2 cm to about 0.9 cm, and most preferably from about 0.3 cm to about 0.5 cm. Further, as shown in Fig. 8, the height of the first tube 828 may also protect the sealing surface 846 of the second tube 830 by extending beyond the sealing surface 846 of the second tube 830 and beyond the distal end of the second tube 830 itself. As shown in Fig. 9, the distance L3 (the height of the housing 22), from the first end of the housing 22 to the second end of the housing 22 may be preferably from about 3 cm to about 20 cm, more preferably from about 5 cm to about 15 cm, and most preferably from about 6.7 cm to about 8.4 cm. The distance L4 (the height of the first tube 28), from the first end of the housing 22 to the distal end of the first tube 28 may preferably be from about 0.5 cm to about 3 cm, more preferably from about 1 cm to about 2 cm, and most preferably from about 1.2 cm to about 1.4 cm. The distance L5 (the height of the second tube 30), from the first end of the housing 22 to the distal end of the second tube 30 may preferably be from about 0.5 cm to about 3 cm, more preferably from about 0.7 cm to about 2 cm, and most preferably from about 1 cm to about 1.5 cm. The distance L6, from the distal end of the first tube 28 to the distal end of the second tube 30 may preferably be from about 0 cm to about 1 cm, more preferably from about 0.1 cm to about 0.5 cm, and most preferably from about 0.2 cm to about 0.3 cm. The distance L7 (the height of the second tube 30), from the proximal end of the first tube 28 to the distal end of the second tube 30 may preferably be from about 0.5 cm to about 3 cm, more preferably from about 0,7 cm to about 2.2 cm, and most preferably from about 1 cm to about 1.5 cm. The distance L8 (the height of the first tube 28), from the proximal end of the second tube 30 to the distal end of the first tube 28 may preferably be from about 0.5 cm to about 3 cm, more preferably from about 0.9 cm to about 2 cm, and most preferably from about 1 cm to about 1.5 cm. The distance L9, from the longitudinal axis 36 of the cartridge 20 to the inner surface first tube 28 may preferably be from about 0.3 cm to about 1.5 cm, more preferably from about 0.4 cm to about 1 cm, and most preferably from about 0.6 cm to about 0.8 cm. The first tube 28 may preferably have an inside diameter L10, from about 0.5 cm to about 3 cm, more preferably from about 0.9 cm to about 2.2 cm, and most preferably from about 1.2 cm to about 1.5 cm. The distance Lll, from the longitudinal axis 36 of the cartridge 20 to the inner surface of the second tube 30 may preferably be from about .5 cm to about 2.5 cm, more preferably from about 0.8 cm to about 2 cm, and most preferably from about 1 cm to about 1.3 cm. The second tube 30 may preferably have a diameter LI2, from about 1 cm to about 5 cm, more preferably from about 1.7 cm to about 4 cm, and most preferably from about 2 cm to about 2.5 cm. The gap 32 may have an inner diameter of preferably from about 0.5 cm to about 3.5 cm, more preferably from about 1 cm to about 2.5 cm, and most preferably from about 1.5 cm to about 2 cm, and an outer diameter of preferably from about 1 cm to about 5 cm, more preferably from about 1.5 cm to about 4 cm, and most preferably from about 2 cm to about 2.6 cm. The greatest distance LI3, between the outside surface of the first tube 28 and the inside surface of the second tube 30 may preferably be from about 0.1 cm to about 2.5 cm, more preferably from about 0.2 cm to about 1.2 cm, and most preferably from about 0.3 cm to about 0.5 cm. The distance LI4, from the first end of the housing 22 to the distal portion of the sealing surface 44 of the first tube 28 may preferably be from about 0.4 cm to about 2 cm, more preferably from about 0.5 cm to about 1.5 cm, and most preferably from about 0.8 cm to about 1 cm. The distance LI5, from the first end of the housing 22 to the distal portion of the sealing surface 46 of the second tube 30 may preferably be from about 0.4 cm to about 2.5 cm, more preferably from about 0.5 cm to about 2 cm, and most preferably from about 0.7 cm to about 1 cm. It may be desirable to, for reasons of cartridge 20 compactness, limit the height of the first and second tubes 28 and 30 as much as possible while maintaining a sealing surface 44 and 46 on each tube. The less the height of the tubes 28 and 30 for engaging a device are, the greater the height the housing 22 or the treatment media 34 may be per fixed distance (See U.S. Pat. Application No. 10/424,200). Thus, it is foreseeable that the first tube 28 and the second tube 30 may be the same minimum height. Additionally, it is foreseeable that each of the sealing surfaces 44 and 46 may extend from the first end of the housing 22 the same distance (thus, each of the tubes 28 and 30 would extend beyond each of the sealing surfaces 44 and 46, respectively, the same distance). As mentioned above, the height of the first tube 28 may be used to protect its sealing surface 44 and the sealing surface 46 of the second tube 30. Likewise, the height of the second tube 30 may be used to protect its sealing surface 46 and the sealing surface 44 of the first tube 28. Thus, the relationship between first tube 28 and second tube 30 height may be important. For instance, the second tube 30 may have a height preferably from about 1 time to about 2.5 times, more preferably from about 1.1 times to about 2 times, and most preferably from about 1.2 times to about 1.3 times the height of the first tube 28 (e.g., if the second tube 30 is 1.1 times the height of the first tube 28, and the first tube 28 is 1.2 cm high, then the second tube 30 will be 1.3 cm high). Conversely, the first tube 28 may have a height preferably from about 1 time to about 2.5 times, more preferably from about 1.1 times to about 2 times, and most preferably from about 1.2 times to about 1.3 times the height of the second tube 30. The distal end of the second tube 30 may extend from the first end of the cartridge housing 22 preferably from about 1 time to about 2.5 times, more preferably from about 1.1 times to about 2 times, and most preferably from about 1.2 times to about 1.3 times that of the distal end of the first tube 28 (e.g., if the distal end of the second tube 30 extends 1.1 times that of the distal end of the first tube 28 from the cartridge housing 22, and the distal end of the first tube 28 extends 1.2 cm from the cartridge housing 22, then the distal end of the second tube 30 will extend 1.3 cm from the cartridge housing 22). Conversely, the distal end of the first tube 28 may extend from the first end of the cartridge housing 22 preferably from about 1 time to about 2.5 times, more preferably from about 1.1 times to about 2 times, and most preferably from about 1.2 times to about 1.3 times that of the distal end of the second tube 30. The distal portion of the sealing surface 46 of the second tube 30 may extend from the cartridge housing 22 preferably from about 1 time to about 3 times, more preferably from about 1.1 times to about 2 times, and most preferably from about 1.3 times to about 1.4 times that of the distal portion of the sealing surface 44 of the first tube 28 (e.g., if the distal portion of the sealing surface 46 of the second tube 30 extends 1.1 times that of the distal portion of the sealing surface 44 of the first tube 28 from the cartridge housing 22, and the distal portion of the sealing surface 44 of the first tube 28 extends 0.9 cm from the cartridge housing 22, then the distal portion of the sealing surface 46 of the second tube 30 will extend 1 cm from the cartridge housing 22). Conversely, the distal portion of the sealing surface 46 of the first tube 28 may extend from the cartridge housing 22 preferably from about 1 time to about 3 times, more preferably from about l.l times to about 2 times, and most preferably from about 1.3 times to about 1.4 times that of the distal portion of the sealing surface 46 of the second tube 30. At least one sealing surface of the second tube 30 may extend from the cartridge housing 22 preferably from about 1 time to about 3 times, more preferably from about 1.1 times to about 2 times, and most preferably from about 1.3 times to about 1.4 times that of at least one sealing surface of the first tube 28. Conversely, at least one sealing surface of the first tube 28 may extend from the cartridge housing 22 preferably from about 1 time to about 3 times, more preferably from about 1.1 times to about 2 times, and most preferably from about 1.3 times to about 1.4 times that of at least one sealing surface of the second tube 30. Water treatment media 34 may be contained within the cartridge housing 22, and may function in a variety of ways as known in the art, including, but not limited to, the removal or neutralization of contaminants such as by size exclusion, electrolysis, absorption, adsorption, oxidation, reduction, chemical disinfection, ion exchange, etc. Examples of contaminants include microorganisms, viruses, bacteria, pathogens, protozoa, organic matter, inorganic material, etc. Also, beneficial additives such as flavorants, vitamins, minerals, nutrients, etc. may also be added. Examples of suitable water treatment medias known in the art are described in U.S. Patent Nos. 2,167,225, 2,335,458, 4,172,796, 4,493,772, 4,764,274, 4,025,438, 4,094,779, and 6,337,015. For example, water treatment medias may include, but are not limited to, one or a combination of carbon (e.g., activated carbon, such as a tube of porous carbon, or a block of porous carbon, or carbon powder sintered with a plastic binder or the like), ion exchange media (e.g., in the form of resin beads, flat filtration membranes, fibrous filtration structures, etc.), zeolite particles or coatings (e.g., silver loaded), polyethylene, or charge-modified melt-blown or micro-fiber glass webs, alumina, diatomaceous earth, etc. The water treatment media 34 of this invention may comprise other conventional water treatment medias as described in U.S. Pat. App, Nos. 09/935,810, 09/935,962, 09/628,632, 09/832,581, 09/832,580, 09/736,749, 09/574,456, 09/564,919, and 09/347,223. As shown in Fig. 10, the housing 1022 may additionally comprise a channel 48, a notch 50, a cam 52, a shoulder 54, and an o-ring 56 as described in U.S. Pat. Nos, 5,525,214,5,527,451, 5,928,504, and 6,241,103. As shown in Fig. 11, the cartridge 20 may be used in a water treatment device 60 comprising an inlet housing 62, a pressure vessel 64, a vent housing 66, and an outlet housing 68. A water treatment cartridge and device may collectively be referred to as a "water treatment system". A first 70 and second 72 o-ring may surround each of the inner or outer surfaces of the outlet 68 and vent 66 housings, respectively. These o-rings 70 and 72 may be protected from the user, such that the first 70 and second 72 o-rings may be oriented within the device 60 such that they are out of reach of the average user so that he/she may not damage or contaminate the o-rings 70 and 72. The first tube 28 of the cartridge 20 may sealingly engage the outlet housing 68 and the second tube 30 may sealingly engage a vent housing 66. The first tube 28 may fit over or into the outlet housing 68, such that the inside of the first tube 28 and the inside of the outlet housing 68 are in fluid communication. Likewise, the second tube 30 may fit over or into the vent housing 66, such that the inside of the second tube 30 and the inside of the vent housing 66 are in fluid communication. The function of the water treatment device 60 and cartridge 20 will now be described. Once the cartridge 20 is sealingly engaged to the device 60 as shown in Fig. 11, the pressure vessel 64 may be secured (e.g., friction fitted, threadably fitted, bolted, screwed, fastened, snap fitted, latched, etc.) to the device 60 such that contaminated water enters the system through the inlet housing 62 and fills the pressure vessel 64, surrounds the cartridge housing 22 and the outside surface of the second tube 30, and enters the cartridge 20 via the treatment media 34. Water is treated as it moves through the treatment media 34, and then exits the cartridge 20 through the outlet port 26. Treated water is forced along the inside surface of the first tube 28, unable to penetrate the first oring 70, and is forced through the outlet housing 68. There are several situations that might occur in any water treatment system that allow contaminated water to be mixed with treated water. The cartridge 20 of the present invention, however, protects against many of such potential problems. For example, the contaminated water, as it fills the pressure vessel 64, challenges the integrity of the second o-ring 72. If there is a tear in the second o-ring 72, or the second tube 30 fails to sealingly engage the vent housing 66, the first tube 28 being sealingly engaged to the outlet housing 68 will act to prevent contaminated water from penetrating the outlet housing 68 and the treated water. Before contaminated water that passed by the second o-ring 72 challenges the integrity of the first o-ring 70, the gap 32 will be filled with contaminated water. The gap 32 will act to safely hold the contaminated water, depending on the size of the gap 32 and the volume of contaminated water leaking past the second o-ring 72. The water treatment device 60 may also be designed to prevent, or lessen the extent by which contaminated water challenges the integrity of the first o-ring 70 by venting contaminated water that overfills the gap 32 safely away from the treated water supply. Contaminated water might be mixed with treated water when changing the water treatment cartridge 20. As shown in Fig. 12, in a cartridge 1220 and device 1260 that are different from the ones previously described and not examples of embodiments of the invention, or alternatives thereof, the cartridge 1220 has only a first tube 28 between contaminated water and the outlet port 26. Such will most certainly contribute to the recontamination of treated water. For instance, as shown in Fig. 13, when changing the water treatment cartridge 1220, after the pressure vessel 64 has been removed, water adheres around the area where sealing engagement occurred, such that when the cartridge 1220 is removed, contaminated water 74 drips and runs from the outside surface of the outlet housing 68, even rolling to the inside surface of the outlet housing 68. Thus, when a new cartridge is inserted, contaminated water 74 below the site of sealing engagement will be pushed through the outlet housing 68 where it is able to re-contaminate already treated water. However, in the water treatment device 60 and cartridge 20 previously illustrated in Fig. 11, such collection of water occurs outside of the second tube 30, such that the first tube 28 and the outlet housing 68 should remain free from contact with contaminated water. Any contaminated water that is trapped by the sealing engagement of a new water treatment cartridge 20 may rest in the gap 32. As shown in Figs. 14-A and 14-B, the cartridge 1420 may also have a third tube 76 which sealingly engages a plug housing 78 of the pressure vessel 1464. The plug housing 78 may be located on the pressure vessel 1464 such that an opening 80 through the pressure vessel 1464 is formed. An o-ring 82 may surround the plug housing 78, such that the third tube 76 of the cartridge 1420 may seal the opening 80 of the pressure vessel 1464. Thus, if contaminated water entered the device 1460, and no cartridge 1420 was inserted, contaminated water would egress through the opening 80. However, if the cartridge 1420 comprising a third tube 76 was inserted into the pressure vessel 1464, the pressure vessel 1464 would fill with contaminated water as described above. The third tube 76 and the plug housing 78 would prevent one from mistakenly operating the water treatment device 1460 without a water treatment cartridge 1420 in place. As shown in Fig. 15, and as mentioned above, a portion of the second tube 30 of the cartridge 20 may function as a cam surface (e.g., 42), such that it contacts and actuates a follower 84 of a valve 86 as the cartridge 20 is inserted into the device 1560, such that the valve 86 is actuated. The term "actuate" or "actuated" refers to mechanical action or motion and/or maintaining a position against a force (e.g., moving a follower or holding a follower in an open position). As shown in Fig. 16, the cartridge 1620 may also be used in other devices 1660 utilizing a pressure vessel 1664. However, the cartridge 20 of the present invention need not be used in a device having a pressure vessel. The present invention may additionally include information that will communicate to the consumer, by words and/or by pictures, that use of the present invention will provide benefits that include assuring the integrity of a treated water supply, and this information may include the claim of superiority over other water treatment products. In a highly desirable variation, the information may include that use of the invention protects against re-contamination of already treated water. Accordingly, the use of packages in association with information that will communicate to the consumer, by words and or by pictures, that use of the invention will provide the particular and related benefits as previously mentioned. The information can include, e.g., advertising in all of the usual media, as well as statements and icons on the package, or the filter itself, to inform the consumer. All documents cited are, in relevant part, incorporated herein by reference; the citation of any document is not to be construed as an admission that it is prior art with respect to the present invention. While particular embodiments of the present invention have been illustrated and described, it would be obvious to those skilled in the art that various other changes and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. It is therefore intended to cover in the appended claims all such changes and modifications that are within the scope of this invention. We claim 1. A water treatment cartridge (20) for treating water, said water treatment cartridge (20) capable of sealingly and releasably engaging a water treatment device, characterized in that said water treatment cartridge (20) comprises: (a) a housing (22), an inlet (24) for introducing water into said water treatment cartridge (20), an outlet port (26) for egress of treated water from said water treatment cartridge (20), and a treatment media (34) for treating water, said treatment media (34) being in fluid communication with said inlet (24) and said outlet port (26); (b) a first tube (28) comprising an inside surface, an outside surface, a proximal end, and a distal end, wherein at least one of said inside surface and said outside surface is a sealing surface; and (c) a second tube (30) comprising an inside surface, an outside surface, a proximal end, and a distal end, wherein at least one of said inside surface and said outside surface is a sealing surface; wherein said first tube (28) extends from said housing (22) and surrounds said outlet port (26), and wherein at least a portion of said first tube (28) or said second tube (30) surrounds the other such that a gap (32) having a floor being capable of holding a volume of water is formed between said first tube (28) and said second tube (30). 2. The water treatment cartridge as claimed in claim 1, wherein at least one said sealing surface of said second tube (20) and at least one said sealing surface of said first tube (28) are coplanar. 3. The water treatment cartridge as claimed in claim 1 or 2, wherein at least a portion of said inside surface of said first tube (28) and at least a portion of said inside surface of said second tube (30) are sealing surfaces. 4. The water treatment cartridge as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein said first (28) and second tubes (30) are without o-rings. 5. The water treatment cartridge as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the diameter of said inside surface of said second tube (30) is from about 1 cm to about 5 cm, and wherein the diameter of said outside surface of said first tube (28) is from about 0.5 cm to about 3 cm. 6. The water treatment cartridge as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein said second tube (30) extends from said first tube (28), and said first tube (28) extends from said water treatment cartridge housing (22). 7. The water treatment cartridge as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein a portion of said outside surface of said second tube (30) is a cam surface. 8. The water treatment cartridge as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein said treatment media (34)comprises a radial flow carbon block. 9. The water treatment cartridge as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein said distal end of said second tube (30) extends from said water treatment cartridge housing (22) a greater distance than said distal end of said first tube (28). 10. The water treatment cartridge as claimed in claim 1, wherein said distal end of said first tube (28) extends from said water treatment cartridge housing (22) a greater distance than said distal end of said second tube (30).

Full Text

WATER TREATMENT DEVICES AND CARTRIDGES THEREFOR
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The invention is generally related to the art of water treatment devices and
cartridges for use in the same, and more specifically to preventing recontamination of
treated water by the use of water treatment devices and cartridges.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Water may contain many different kinds of contaminants including, for example,
particulates, harmful chemicals, and microbiological organisms, such as bacteria,
parasites, protozoa, and viruses. In a variety of circumstances, these contaminants must
be removed before the water can be used. Any harmful contaminants must be removed
from water before it is potable, i.e., fit to consume. Despite modem water treatment
means, the general population is at risk, and in particular infants and persons with
compromised immune systems are at considerable risk.
In the U.S. and other developed countries, municipally treated water typically
includes one or more of the following impurities: suspended solids, bacteria, parasites,
viruses, organic matter, heavy metals, and chlorine. Breakdown and other problems with
water treatment systems sometimes lead to incomplete removal of bacteria and viruses.
In non-developed countries, there are deadly consequences associated with exposure to
contaminated water, as some of them have increasing population densities, increasingly
scarce water resources, and no water treatment utilities. It is common for sources of
drinking water to be in close proximity to human and animal waste, such that
microbiological contamination is a major health concern. As a result of waterborne
microbiological contamination, an estimated six million people die each year, half of
which are children under 5 years of age.
While many different water treatment medias have been developed to remove
these contaminants, these medias are often placed into devices or systems that promote,
or do not adequately guard against, recontamination of treated water. For instance, the
interface between the cartridge and device of many water treatment systems often include
only single barrier between the contaminated water being treated, and the treated water
(See U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,735,716,4,857,189,4,948,505, and 5,486,288). Thus, any breach of
the single barrier will most likely lead to recontamination of the treated water being
consumed.
Also, many systems are configured to allow for contamination of the device outlet
when changing water treatment cartridges (See U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,735,716, 4,857,189,
4,948,505, and 5,486,288). That is, devices are often designed such that contaminated
water directly contacts one or more parts of the device that is responsible for delivering
treated water.
Still further, the barriers of many water treatment cartridges are often oriented
such that they may be easily contaminated by the user, or susceptible to being damaged as
they are packaged, shipped, or otherwise handled (See U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,735,716,
4,857,189, 4,948,505, 5,695,168, 5,114,572, U.S. Pub. No. 2002/0100720, and WO
01/26772).
Additionally, many water treatment cartridges are designed in a way that fails to
allow the interface to mechanically function to actuate valves seated in the water
treatment devices that the water treatment cartridges are being interfaced with, and those
that do often fail to utilize a mechanical advantage in actuating an inlet and/or an outlet
valve (See U.S. Patent Nos. 5,256,285, 5,607,582, and 5,753,111).
Due to the above concerns and general interest in improving the quality of water,
there is a continuing desire to provide a water treatment system which decreases the
likelihood of re-contaminating treated water. Additionally, there is a desire to provide a
water treatment cartridge that can accomplish the foregoing and is also capable of
mechanically actuating valves.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
In one aspect of the invention, a cartridge for treating water is provided. The
cartridge is capable of releasably engaging with a water treatment device. The cartridge
includes a housing, an inlet for introducing untreated water into the cartridge, an outlet
port for egress of treated water from the cartridge, and a treatment media for treating
untreated water. The treatment media is in fluid communication with the inlet and the
outlet port. The cartridge further includes a first tube having an inside surface, an outside
surface, a proximal end, and a distal end, where the inside surface and/or the outside
surface is a sealing surface. The cartridge further includes a second tube having an inside
surface, an outside surface, a proximal end, and a distal end, where the inside surface
and/or the outside surface is a sealing surface. The first tube extends from the housing
and surrounds the outlet port. At least a portion of the first tube or the second tube
surrounds the other such that a gap is formed between the first tube and the second tube.
The gap is capable of holding a volume of water.
In another aspect of the invention, a device for releasably engaging a water
treatment cartridge as mentioned above is provided. The device includes an outlet
housing having an inside surface and an outside surface. The outlet housing includes at
least one sealing surface. The device further includes a vent housing having an inside
surface and an outside surface. The vent housing includes at least one sealing surface. At
least a portion of the inside surface of the outlet housing forms and defines a treated water
outlet passageway. At least a portion of the outside surface of the outlet housing and the
inside surface of the housing forms and defines an air vent. The device engages with the
cartridge such that the first tube sealingly engages the outlet housing. The second tube
sealingly engages the vent housing such that the inside surface of the first tube and the
inside surface of the outlet housing are in fluid communication. The outside surface of
the first tube and the inside surface of the second tube are in fluid communication.
Other aspects of the invention, including methods of using the cartridge, are
apparent from the detailed description below.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
While the specification concludes with claims particularly pointing out and
distinctly claiming the invention, it is believed that the present invention will be better
understood from the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying
drawings in which:
Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a water treatment cartridge made in accordance
with the present invention.
Fig. 2 is a bottom plan view of an alternate embodiment of the inlet and second
end of the cartridge of Fig. 1.
Fig. 3 is a top plan view of the water treatment cartridge of Fig. 1.
Fig. 4 is a cross-sectional side view of the water treatment cartridge of Fig. 1
taken along the line A—A.
Fig. 5-A is a top plan view of the water treatment cartridge of Fig. 1.
Fig. 5-B is a cross-sectional side view of the water treatment cartridge of Fig. 1
taken along the line A—A.
Fig. 6-A is a side view of an alternate embodiment of the second tube of Fig. 1,
wherein the second tube extends outward from the first tube.
Fig. 6-B is a side view of an alternate embodiment of the second tube of Fig. 1,
wherein the second tube extends inward from the first tube.
Fig. 7 is a perspective view of an alternate embodiment of the second tube of Fig.
1, wherein the second tube comprises a cam surface.
Fig. 8 is a cross-sectional side view of the water treatment cartridge of Fig. 2
taken along the line A—A.
Fig. 9 is a cross-sectional side view of the water treatment cartridge of Fig. 1
taken along the line A—A.
Fig. 10 is a perspective view of the water treatment cartridge of Fig, 2.
Fig. 11 is a cross-sectional side view of an alternate embodiment of the water
treatment cartridge of Fig. 1 taken along the line A—A, wherein the cartridge comprises a
third tube, and wherein the cartridge is engaged to a vent housing and an outlet housing
of a countertop water treatment device, said device shown as a partial view of a crosssection.
Fig. 12 is cross-sectional side view of a water treatment cartridge outside the
scope of the present invention, having no second tube, engaged to an outlet housing of a
device outside the scope of the present invention, said device having no vent housing.
Fig. 13 is a partial view of the outlet housing of Fig. 12 without a water treatment
cartridge engaged, and with an illustration of contaminated water running down the
outside of and into the outlet housing.
Fig. 14-A is a bottom plan view of the water treatment cartridge of Fig. 11.
Fig. 14-B is a cross-sectional side view of the water treatment cartridge of Fig. 11,
and an alternate embodiment of the pressure vessel of the device of Fig. 11.
Fig. 15 is a cross-sectional side view of the water treatment cartridge of Fig. 2,
and a partial cross-sectional side view of an alternate embodiment of the device of Fig.
11, said device having a valve.
Fig. 16 is an exploded perspective view of the water treatment cartridge of Fig. 2,
and an exploded perspective view of an alternate embodiment of the device of Fig, 11,
said device being a faucet-mounted device.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
As used herein, the term "cam surface" refers to the sum of all surfaces that
physically touch a follower of a valve for the purpose of actuating the valve. Cam surface
is further defined and illustrated in U.S. Pat. Application No. 10/424,200 (Fluidic
Cartridges And End Pieces Thereof).
As used herein, the term "coaxial" means a first body being fully within a second
body (e.g., a first cylinder being fully within a second cylinder, a first tube completely
surrounding a second tube, etc.).
As used herein, the term "concentric" means having a common center.
As used herein, the term "fluid " refers to a gas or a liquid.
As used herein, the phrase "sealingly engage(d)" or "sealing engagement" refers
to the meeting of at least two sealing surfaces, or portions thereof, forming a barrier to the
flow of a fluid.
As used herein, the term "sealing surface " refers to a predetermined surface, or
portion thereof, capable of forming a barrier to the flow of a fluid when engaged with
another surface. The surface may include, but is not limited to, a smooth, highly polished
surface or an o-ring that sealingly engages with said polished surface.
As used herein, the term "surround" means to enclose at least a portion.
As used herein, the term "tube" means a hollow elongated structure for conveying
or holding fluids. A tube may be, but is not limited to being cylindrical. For instance, a
tube of the present invention may be in the form of a pentagon, hexagon, octagon, etc.
Other terms used herein are defined in the specification where discussed.
Reference will now be made in detail to embodiments of the invention, examples
of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Numerals with the same last two
digits represent the same or similar (not necessarily embodiments) elements throughout
the figures (e.g., 22,122, 222, etc.). Water treatment devices and cartridges of the present
invention may be used where potable water is desired, including, but not limited to,
refrigerators having ice-makers and/or water ports; water stands or coolers; faucetmounted,
counter-top, under-the-sink, and/or whole-house water treatment appliances;
coffee makers, etc.
As shown in Fig. I, an embodiment of a water treatment cartridge 20 comprises a
housing 22, and an inlet 24, an outlet port 26, a first tube 28, a second tube 30, a gap 32,
and a water treatment media 34. The housing 22, as shown in an embodiment of the
invention, may be cylindrical, however, it may be various shapes and sizes. The housing
22 may be made from one or more of a variety of materials, including, but not limited to,
one or a combination of plastics, metal and alloys thereof, fiberglass, etc. The housing 22
may consist of a cap at the end(s) of formed treatment media (e.g., 34), or may form a
well-defined compartment that holds loose treatment media.
The inlet 24, as shown in an embodiment of the invention, may be a portion of
exposed media 34 capped by the housing 22 both ends. That is, water may enter the
cartridge 20 through the exposed portion of the media 34. As shown in Fig. 2, the inlet
224 may optionally be a circular opening and located at the second end of the cartridge
220, opposite the location of the outlet port 26. The inlet 224 may have optionally been
placed on the side or the first end of the cartridge 220.
As illustrated in Fig. 3, the outlet port 26 may be a circular opening, concentric
and coaxial with the longitudinal axis 36 of the cartridge 20. The inlet 24 and outlet port
26 may be of varying size and oriented in any manner that best serves the application.
Thus, the inlet 24 and outlet port 26 can be oriented in the same proximity (e.g., sharing
the same opening), in near proximity (e.g., sharing the same surface or end), or in distant
proximities from one another (e.g., located at opposite ends).
As shown in Fig. 3, the first tube 28 and second tube 30 extend from the housing
22 such that the first tube 28 surrounds the outlet port 26, and the second tube 30
surrounds the first tube 28, such that a gap 32 is formed between the outside surface of
the first tube 28 and the inside surface of the second tube 30, where the top of the housing
22 acts as an uninterrupted floor 38 (that is, a floor without openings) for the gap 32. The
first and second tubes 28 and 30 may extend from the housing 22 in such a manner that
no leak path is created between the proximal ends of the first 28 or second 30 tubes and
the housing 22. That is, water may only escape over the distal ends of either the first 28
or second 30 tubes (that is, the proximal portion of the gap 32 is open), otherwise, the
water may be held in the gap 32 for an extended period of time (depending on other
conditions) because there is no other means of escaping (that is, the distal portion of the
gap 32 is water tight). The gap 32 may be capable of holding some volume of water
when the cartridge 20 is not sealingly engaged to a device (as discussed below),
preferably from about 0.1 milliliters (herein, "ml") to about 6 ml, more preferably from
about 1.6 ml to about 4.5 ml, and most preferably from about 2.2 ml to about 3 ml.
Additionally, the gap 32 may be capable of holding some volume of water when the
cartridge 20 is sealingly engaged to a device (as discussed below), preferably from about
0.1 ml to about 5.5 ml, more preferably from about 0.5 ml to about 3 ml, and most
preferably from about 0.8 ml to about 1.2 ml.
As shown in Fig. 3, the first tube 28 may be circular, and may concentrically and
coaxially surround the outlet port 26, but may surround the outlet port 26 in any manner.
The first tube 28 may be made from one or more of a variety of materials, including, but
not limited to, one or a combination of plastics, metal and alloys thereof, fiberglass, etc.
As shown in Fig. 4, the first tube 28 acts as an uninterrupted extension of the outlet port
26. The inside or outside surface of the first tube 28 may be a sealing surface 44, and may
comprise one or more o-rings, or other such sealing surface, and may be supported by one
or more ribs 40 (See Fig. 16). As illustrated by an embodiment of the invention, the
sealing surface 44 of the first tube 28 is a portion its inner surface that is highly polished
for sealingly engaging with an o-ring. When the first tube 28 is without an o-ring, there is
no chance of nicking or tearing, or in some other way breaching the integrity of the o-ring
(packaging, shipping, consumer handling, etc.). Also, when the sealing surface of the
first tube 28 is the inside surface, the diameter of the first tube 28 may be kept at a
distance that prevents the average consumer from being able to touch the sealing surface,
causing a scratch which might allow for a leak, or touching the sealing surface with
contaminated hands, resulting in contaminated water, etc. When the sealing surface of
the first tube 28 is the outside surface, the gap 32 between the first tube 28 and second
tube 30 may be kept a distance that prevents the occurrence of these concerns.
Additionally, the height of the first tube 28 in relation to its sealing surface 44
may be important in protecting the sealing surface of the first tube 28. That is, the sealing
surface of the first tube 28, whether located on the inner or outer surface, may be oriented
on the first tube 28 such that some portion of the first tube 28 extends beyond the sealing
surface to protect it. The first tube 28 may preferably extend beyond the distal portion of
the sealing surface 44 by distance LI, preferably from about 0.1 centimeters (herein,
"cm") to about 2 cm, more preferably from about 0.2 cm to about 1 cm, and most
preferably from about 0.3 cm to about 0.5 cm. Also, the height of the second tube 30 may
protect the sealing surface 44 of the first tube 28 by extending beyond the sealing surface
44 of the first tube 28 and beyond the distal end of the first tube 28 itself.
As illustrated in Figs. 5-A and 5-B, the second tube 30 may be circular, and may
concentrically and coaxially surround the first tube 28 and or the outlet port 26, but may
surround the first tube 28 and or the outlet port 26 in any manner. The second tube 30
may be made from one or more of a variety of materials, including, but not limited to, one
or a combination of plastics, metal and alloys thereof, fiberglass, etc. The inside or
outside surface of the second tube 30 may be a sealing surface 46. As shown in an
embodiment of the invention, the sealing surface 46 is a portion of the inner surface of the
second tube 30 and is highly polished for sealingly engaging with an o-ring. The second
tube 30 may or may not comprise one or more o-rings, or other such sealing surface, and
may or may not be supported by one or more ribs. As shown in Fig. 6-A, the second tube
6A30 need not extend from the housing 22, but may extend outward from the first tube
28, such that the floor 6A38 of the gap 6A32 is formed as part of the second tube 6A30 as
it extends from the first tube 28. Additionally, as shown in Fig. 6-B, the second tube
6B30 may extend inward from the first tube 28. As shown in Fig. 7, the second tube 730
may also act as a cam surface 42, as described in U.S. Pat. Application No. 10/424,200
and as further described and illustrated below (See Fig. 15).
When the second tube 30 is without an o-ring, there is no chance of nicking or
tearing, or in some other way compromising the integrity of the o-ring. Also, when the
sealing surface 46 of the second rube 30 is the inside surface, the diameter of the second
tube 30 may be kept at a distance which keeps the gap 32 a distance that prevents the
average consumer from being able to touch the sealing surface, causing a scratch which
might allow for a leak, or touching the sealing surface 46 with contaminated hands,
resulting in contaminated water, etc. When the outside surface of the second tube 30 is
without an o-ring, and is not a sealing surface, it may be more readily used as a cam
surface (e.g., 42) as described above.
Additionally, the height of the second tube 30 in relation to the sealing surface 46
of the second tube 30 may be important in protecting the sealing surface 46. That is, the
sealing surface 46 of the second tube 30, whether located on the inner or outer surface,
may be oriented on the second tube 30 such that some portion of the second tube 30
extends beyond the sealing surface 46 to protect it. The second tube 30 may preferably
extend beyond the distal portion of its sealing surface 46 a distance L2 (See Fig 5-B),
preferably from about 0.1 cm to about 1.5 cm, more preferably from about 0.2 cm to
about 0.9 cm, and most preferably from about 0.3 cm to about 0.5 cm. Further, as shown
in Fig. 8, the height of the first tube 828 may also protect the sealing surface 846 of the
second tube 830 by extending beyond the sealing surface 846 of the second tube 830 and
beyond the distal end of the second tube 830 itself.
As shown in Fig. 9, the distance L3 (the height of the housing 22), from the first
end of the housing 22 to the second end of the housing 22 may be preferably from about 3
cm to about 20 cm, more preferably from about 5 cm to about 15 cm, and most preferably
from about 6.7 cm to about 8.4 cm. The distance L4 (the height of the first tube 28), from
the first end of the housing 22 to the distal end of the first tube 28 may preferably be from
about 0.5 cm to about 3 cm, more preferably from about 1 cm to about 2 cm, and most
preferably from about 1.2 cm to about 1.4 cm. The distance L5 (the height of the second
tube 30), from the first end of the housing 22 to the distal end of the second tube 30 may
preferably be from about 0.5 cm to about 3 cm, more preferably from about 0.7 cm to
about 2 cm, and most preferably from about 1 cm to about 1.5 cm. The distance L6, from
the distal end of the first tube 28 to the distal end of the second tube 30 may preferably be
from about 0 cm to about 1 cm, more preferably from about 0.1 cm to about 0.5 cm, and
most preferably from about 0.2 cm to about 0.3 cm. The distance L7 (the height of the
second tube 30), from the proximal end of the first tube 28 to the distal end of the second
tube 30 may preferably be from about 0.5 cm to about 3 cm, more preferably from about
0,7 cm to about 2.2 cm, and most preferably from about 1 cm to about 1.5 cm. The
distance L8 (the height of the first tube 28), from the proximal end of the second tube 30
to the distal end of the first tube 28 may preferably be from about 0.5 cm to about 3 cm,
more preferably from about 0.9 cm to about 2 cm, and most preferably from about 1 cm
to about 1.5 cm.
The distance L9, from the longitudinal axis 36 of the cartridge 20 to the inner
surface first tube 28 may preferably be from about 0.3 cm to about 1.5 cm, more
preferably from about 0.4 cm to about 1 cm, and most preferably from about 0.6 cm to
about 0.8 cm. The first tube 28 may preferably have an inside diameter L10, from about
0.5 cm to about 3 cm, more preferably from about 0.9 cm to about 2.2 cm, and most
preferably from about 1.2 cm to about 1.5 cm.
The distance Lll, from the longitudinal axis 36 of the cartridge 20 to the inner
surface of the second tube 30 may preferably be from about .5 cm to about 2.5 cm, more
preferably from about 0.8 cm to about 2 cm, and most preferably from about 1 cm to
about 1.3 cm. The second tube 30 may preferably have a diameter LI2, from about 1 cm
to about 5 cm, more preferably from about 1.7 cm to about 4 cm, and most preferably
from about 2 cm to about 2.5 cm. The gap 32 may have an inner diameter of preferably
from about 0.5 cm to about 3.5 cm, more preferably from about 1 cm to about 2.5 cm, and
most preferably from about 1.5 cm to about 2 cm, and an outer diameter of preferably
from about 1 cm to about 5 cm, more preferably from about 1.5 cm to about 4 cm, and
most preferably from about 2 cm to about 2.6 cm. The greatest distance LI3, between the
outside surface of the first tube 28 and the inside surface of the second tube 30 may
preferably be from about 0.1 cm to about 2.5 cm, more preferably from about 0.2 cm to
about 1.2 cm, and most preferably from about 0.3 cm to about 0.5 cm.
The distance LI4, from the first end of the housing 22 to the distal portion of the
sealing surface 44 of the first tube 28 may preferably be from about 0.4 cm to about 2 cm,
more preferably from about 0.5 cm to about 1.5 cm, and most preferably from about 0.8
cm to about 1 cm. The distance LI5, from the first end of the housing 22 to the distal
portion of the sealing surface 46 of the second tube 30 may preferably be from about 0.4
cm to about 2.5 cm, more preferably from about 0.5 cm to about 2 cm, and most
preferably from about 0.7 cm to about 1 cm.
It may be desirable to, for reasons of cartridge 20 compactness, limit the height of
the first and second tubes 28 and 30 as much as possible while maintaining a sealing
surface 44 and 46 on each tube. The less the height of the tubes 28 and 30 for engaging a
device are, the greater the height the housing 22 or the treatment media 34 may be per
fixed distance (See U.S. Pat. Application No. 10/424,200). Thus, it is foreseeable that the
first tube 28 and the second tube 30 may be the same minimum height. Additionally, it is
foreseeable that each of the sealing surfaces 44 and 46 may extend from the first end of
the housing 22 the same distance (thus, each of the tubes 28 and 30 would extend beyond
each of the sealing surfaces 44 and 46, respectively, the same distance).
As mentioned above, the height of the first tube 28 may be used to protect its
sealing surface 44 and the sealing surface 46 of the second tube 30. Likewise, the height
of the second tube 30 may be used to protect its sealing surface 46 and the sealing surface
44 of the first tube 28. Thus, the relationship between first tube 28 and second tube 30
height may be important. For instance, the second tube 30 may have a height preferably
from about 1 time to about 2.5 times, more preferably from about 1.1 times to about 2
times, and most preferably from about 1.2 times to about 1.3 times the height of the first
tube 28 (e.g., if the second tube 30 is 1.1 times the height of the first tube 28, and the first
tube 28 is 1.2 cm high, then the second tube 30 will be 1.3 cm high). Conversely, the first
tube 28 may have a height preferably from about 1 time to about 2.5 times, more
preferably from about 1.1 times to about 2 times, and most preferably from about 1.2
times to about 1.3 times the height of the second tube 30.
The distal end of the second tube 30 may extend from the first end of the cartridge
housing 22 preferably from about 1 time to about 2.5 times, more preferably from about
1.1 times to about 2 times, and most preferably from about 1.2 times to about 1.3 times
that of the distal end of the first tube 28 (e.g., if the distal end of the second tube 30
extends 1.1 times that of the distal end of the first tube 28 from the cartridge housing 22,
and the distal end of the first tube 28 extends 1.2 cm from the cartridge housing 22, then
the distal end of the second tube 30 will extend 1.3 cm from the cartridge housing 22).
Conversely, the distal end of the first tube 28 may extend from the first end of the
cartridge housing 22 preferably from about 1 time to about 2.5 times, more preferably
from about 1.1 times to about 2 times, and most preferably from about 1.2 times to about
1.3 times that of the distal end of the second tube 30.
The distal portion of the sealing surface 46 of the second tube 30 may extend from
the cartridge housing 22 preferably from about 1 time to about 3 times, more preferably
from about 1.1 times to about 2 times, and most preferably from about 1.3 times to about
1.4 times that of the distal portion of the sealing surface 44 of the first tube 28 (e.g., if the
distal portion of the sealing surface 46 of the second tube 30 extends 1.1 times that of the
distal portion of the sealing surface 44 of the first tube 28 from the cartridge housing 22,
and the distal portion of the sealing surface 44 of the first tube 28 extends 0.9 cm from the
cartridge housing 22, then the distal portion of the sealing surface 46 of the second tube
30 will extend 1 cm from the cartridge housing 22). Conversely, the distal portion of the
sealing surface 46 of the first tube 28 may extend from the cartridge housing 22
preferably from about 1 time to about 3 times, more preferably from about l.l times to
about 2 times, and most preferably from about 1.3 times to about 1.4 times that of the
distal portion of the sealing surface 46 of the second tube 30.
At least one sealing surface of the second tube 30 may extend from the cartridge
housing 22 preferably from about 1 time to about 3 times, more preferably from about 1.1
times to about 2 times, and most preferably from about 1.3 times to about 1.4 times that
of at least one sealing surface of the first tube 28. Conversely, at least one sealing surface
of the first tube 28 may extend from the cartridge housing 22 preferably from about 1
time to about 3 times, more preferably from about 1.1 times to about 2 times, and most
preferably from about 1.3 times to about 1.4 times that of at least one sealing surface of
the second tube 30.
Water treatment media 34 may be contained within the cartridge housing 22, and
may function in a variety of ways as known in the art, including, but not limited to, the
removal or neutralization of contaminants such as by size exclusion, electrolysis,
absorption, adsorption, oxidation, reduction, chemical disinfection, ion exchange, etc.
Examples of contaminants include microorganisms, viruses, bacteria, pathogens,
protozoa, organic matter, inorganic material, etc. Also, beneficial additives such as
flavorants, vitamins, minerals, nutrients, etc. may also be added. Examples of suitable
water treatment medias known in the art are described in U.S. Patent Nos. 2,167,225,
2,335,458, 4,172,796, 4,493,772, 4,764,274, 4,025,438, 4,094,779, and 6,337,015. For
example, water treatment medias may include, but are not limited to, one or a
combination of carbon (e.g., activated carbon, such as a tube of porous carbon, or a block
of porous carbon, or carbon powder sintered with a plastic binder or the like), ion
exchange media (e.g., in the form of resin beads, flat filtration membranes, fibrous
filtration structures, etc.), zeolite particles or coatings (e.g., silver loaded), polyethylene,
or charge-modified melt-blown or micro-fiber glass webs, alumina, diatomaceous earth,
etc. The water treatment media 34 of this invention may comprise other conventional
water treatment medias as described in U.S. Pat. App, Nos. 09/935,810, 09/935,962,
09/628,632, 09/832,581, 09/832,580, 09/736,749, 09/574,456, 09/564,919, and
09/347,223.
As shown in Fig. 10, the housing 1022 may additionally comprise a channel 48, a
notch 50, a cam 52, a shoulder 54, and an o-ring 56 as described in U.S. Pat. Nos,
5,525,214,5,527,451, 5,928,504, and 6,241,103.
As shown in Fig. 11, the cartridge 20 may be used in a water treatment device 60
comprising an inlet housing 62, a pressure vessel 64, a vent housing 66, and an outlet
housing 68. A water treatment cartridge and device may collectively be referred to as a
"water treatment system". A first 70 and second 72 o-ring may surround each of the
inner or outer surfaces of the outlet 68 and vent 66 housings, respectively. These o-rings
70 and 72 may be protected from the user, such that the first 70 and second 72 o-rings
may be oriented within the device 60 such that they are out of reach of the average user
so that he/she may not damage or contaminate the o-rings 70 and 72. The first tube 28 of
the cartridge 20 may sealingly engage the outlet housing 68 and the second tube 30 may
sealingly engage a vent housing 66. The first tube 28 may fit over or into the outlet
housing 68, such that the inside of the first tube 28 and the inside of the outlet housing 68
are in fluid communication. Likewise, the second tube 30 may fit over or into the vent
housing 66, such that the inside of the second tube 30 and the inside of the vent housing
66 are in fluid communication.
The function of the water treatment device 60 and cartridge 20 will now be
described. Once the cartridge 20 is sealingly engaged to the device 60 as shown in Fig.
11, the pressure vessel 64 may be secured (e.g., friction fitted, threadably fitted, bolted,
screwed, fastened, snap fitted, latched, etc.) to the device 60 such that contaminated water
enters the system through the inlet housing 62 and fills the pressure vessel 64, surrounds
the cartridge housing 22 and the outside surface of the second tube 30, and enters the
cartridge 20 via the treatment media 34. Water is treated as it moves through the
treatment media 34, and then exits the cartridge 20 through the outlet port 26. Treated
water is forced along the inside surface of the first tube 28, unable to penetrate the first oring
70, and is forced through the outlet housing 68.
There are several situations that might occur in any water treatment system that
allow contaminated water to be mixed with treated water. The cartridge 20 of the present
invention, however, protects against many of such potential problems. For example, the
contaminated water, as it fills the pressure vessel 64, challenges the integrity of the
second o-ring 72. If there is a tear in the second o-ring 72, or the second tube 30 fails to
sealingly engage the vent housing 66, the first tube 28 being sealingly engaged to the
outlet housing 68 will act to prevent contaminated water from penetrating the outlet
housing 68 and the treated water. Before contaminated water that passed by the second
o-ring 72 challenges the integrity of the first o-ring 70, the gap 32 will be filled with
contaminated water. The gap 32 will act to safely hold the contaminated water,
depending on the size of the gap 32 and the volume of contaminated water leaking past
the second o-ring 72. The water treatment device 60 may also be designed to prevent, or
lessen the extent by which contaminated water challenges the integrity of the first o-ring
70 by venting contaminated water that overfills the gap 32 safely away from the treated
water supply.
Contaminated water might be mixed with treated water when changing the water
treatment cartridge 20. As shown in Fig. 12, in a cartridge 1220 and device 1260 that are
different from the ones previously described and not examples of embodiments of the
invention, or alternatives thereof, the cartridge 1220 has only a first tube 28 between
contaminated water and the outlet port 26. Such will most certainly contribute to the
recontamination of treated water. For instance, as shown in Fig. 13, when changing the
water treatment cartridge 1220, after the pressure vessel 64 has been removed, water
adheres around the area where sealing engagement occurred, such that when the cartridge
1220 is removed, contaminated water 74 drips and runs from the outside surface of the
outlet housing 68, even rolling to the inside surface of the outlet housing 68. Thus, when
a new cartridge is inserted, contaminated water 74 below the site of sealing engagement
will be pushed through the outlet housing 68 where it is able to re-contaminate already
treated water. However, in the water treatment device 60 and cartridge 20 previously
illustrated in Fig. 11, such collection of water occurs outside of the second tube 30, such
that the first tube 28 and the outlet housing 68 should remain free from contact with
contaminated water. Any contaminated water that is trapped by the sealing engagement
of a new water treatment cartridge 20 may rest in the gap 32.
As shown in Figs. 14-A and 14-B, the cartridge 1420 may also have a third tube 76
which sealingly engages a plug housing 78 of the pressure vessel 1464. The plug housing
78 may be located on the pressure vessel 1464 such that an opening 80 through the
pressure vessel 1464 is formed. An o-ring 82 may surround the plug housing 78, such that
the third tube 76 of the cartridge 1420 may seal the opening 80 of the pressure vessel
1464. Thus, if contaminated water entered the device 1460, and no cartridge 1420 was
inserted, contaminated water would egress through the opening 80. However, if the
cartridge 1420 comprising a third tube 76 was inserted into the pressure vessel 1464, the
pressure vessel 1464 would fill with contaminated water as described above. The third
tube 76 and the plug housing 78 would prevent one from mistakenly operating the water
treatment device 1460 without a water treatment cartridge 1420 in place.
As shown in Fig. 15, and as mentioned above, a portion of the second tube 30 of
the cartridge 20 may function as a cam surface (e.g., 42), such that it contacts and
actuates a follower 84 of a valve 86 as the cartridge 20 is inserted into the device 1560,
such that the valve 86 is actuated. The term "actuate" or "actuated" refers to mechanical
action or motion and/or maintaining a position against a force (e.g., moving a follower or
holding a follower in an open position).
As shown in Fig. 16, the cartridge 1620 may also be used in other devices 1660
utilizing a pressure vessel 1664. However, the cartridge 20 of the present invention need
not be used in a device having a pressure vessel.
The present invention may additionally include information that will communicate
to the consumer, by words and/or by pictures, that use of the present invention will
provide benefits that include assuring the integrity of a treated water supply, and this
information may include the claim of superiority over other water treatment products. In
a highly desirable variation, the information may include that use of the invention
protects against re-contamination of already treated water. Accordingly, the use of
packages in association with information that will communicate to the consumer, by
words and or by pictures, that use of the invention will provide the particular and related
benefits as previously mentioned. The information can include, e.g., advertising in all of
the usual media, as well as statements and icons on the package, or the filter itself, to
inform the consumer.
All documents cited are, in relevant part, incorporated herein by reference; the
citation of any document is not to be construed as an admission that it is prior art with
respect to the present invention.
While particular embodiments of the present invention have been illustrated and
described, it would be obvious to those skilled in the art that various other changes and
modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.
It is therefore intended to cover in the appended claims all such changes and
modifications that are within the scope of this invention.

We claim
1. A water treatment cartridge (20) for treating water, said water treatment
cartridge (20) capable of sealingly and releasably engaging a water treatment
device, characterized in that said water treatment cartridge (20) comprises:
(a) a housing (22), an inlet (24) for introducing water into said water treatment cartridge (20), an outlet port (26) for egress of treated water from said water treatment cartridge (20), and a treatment media (34) for treating water, said treatment media (34) being in fluid communication with said inlet (24) and said outlet port (26);
(b) a first tube (28) comprising an inside surface, an outside surface, a proximal end, and a distal end, wherein at least one of said inside surface and said outside surface is a sealing surface; and
(c) a second tube (30) comprising an inside surface, an outside surface, a proximal end, and a distal end, wherein at least one of said inside surface and said outside surface is a sealing surface;
wherein said first tube (28) extends from said housing (22) and surrounds said outlet port (26), and wherein at least a portion of said first tube (28) or said second tube (30) surrounds the other such that a gap (32) having a floor being capable of holding a volume of water is formed between said first tube (28) and said second tube (30).
2. The water treatment cartridge as claimed in claim 1, wherein at least one said sealing surface of said second tube (20) and at least one said sealing surface of said first tube (28) are coplanar.
3. The water treatment cartridge as claimed in claim 1 or 2, wherein at least a portion of said inside surface of said first tube (28) and at least a portion of said inside surface of said second tube (30) are sealing surfaces.

4. The water treatment cartridge as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein said first (28) and second tubes (30) are without o-rings.
5. The water treatment cartridge as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the diameter of said inside surface of said second tube (30) is from about 1 cm to about 5 cm, and wherein the diameter of said outside surface of said first tube (28) is from about 0.5 cm to about 3 cm.
6. The water treatment cartridge as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein said second tube (30) extends from said first tube (28), and said first tube (28) extends from said water treatment cartridge housing (22).
7. The water treatment cartridge as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein a portion of said outside surface of said second tube (30) is a cam surface.
8. The water treatment cartridge as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein said treatment media (34)comprises a radial flow carbon block.
9. The water treatment cartridge as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein said distal end of said second tube (30) extends from said water treatment cartridge housing (22) a greater distance than said distal end of said first tube (28).
10. The water treatment cartridge as claimed in claim 1, wherein said distal end
of said first tube (28) extends from said water treatment cartridge housing (22)
a greater distance than said distal end of said second tube (30).

Documents:

5443-delnp-2003-abstract.pdf

5443-delnp-2003-assignments.pdf

5443-delnp-2003-claims.pdf

5443-delnp-2003-correspondence-others.pdf

5443-delnp-2003-description (complete)-22-09-2008.pdf

5443-delnp-2003-description (complete).pdf

5443-delnp-2003-drawings.pdf

5443-delnp-2003-form-1.pdf

5443-delnp-2003-form-18.pdf

5443-delnp-2003-form-2.pdf

5443-delnp-2003-form-3.pdf

5443-delnp-2003-form-5.pdf

5443-delnp-2003-pct-210.pdf

5443-delnp-2003-pct-304.pdf

5443-DELNP-2005-Abstract-(22-09-2008).pdf

5443-DELNP-2005-Claims-(22-09-2008).pdf

5443-DELNP-2005-Correspondence-Others-(22-09-2008).pdf

5443-DELNP-2005-Drawings-(22-09-2008).pdf

5443-DELNP-2005-Form-2-(22-09-2008).pdf

5443-DELNP-2005-Form-3-(22-09-2008).pdf

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Patent Number

224460

Indian Patent Application Number

5443/DELNP/2005

PG Journal Number

46/2008

Publication Date

14-Nov-2008

Grant Date

15-Oct-2008

Date of Filing

25-Nov-2005

Name of Patentee

PUR WATER PURIFICATION PRODUCTS INC

Applicant Address

ONE PROCTER & GAMBLE PLAZA, CINCINNATI, OH 45202, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA.

Inventors:

#	Inventor's Name	Inventor's Address
1	TANNER, JOHN, D.	16305 8TH AVENUE, NORTH PLYMOUTH, MN 55447, USA
2	EMMONS, DAVID, JAMES	670 WINDMERE CURVE, PLYMOUTH, MN 55441, USA

PCT International Classification Number

B01D 35/30

PCT International Application Number

PCT/US2004/016551

PCT International Filing date

2004-05-24

PCT Conventions:

#	PCT Application Number	Date of Convention	Priority Country
1	60/473,271	2003-05-23	U.S.A.
2	10/665,948	2003-09-18	U.S.A.