HK1248168B - Liquid filtration systems, components, and methods - Google Patents

Description

Liquid filtration systems, components, and methods

This application is a divisional application of the invention patent application with application date of January 21, 2014, application number 201480002173.5, and invention name “Liquid Filtration System, Components and Method”.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/754,843, filed January 21, 2013, the entire contents of which are expressly incorporated herein by reference without disclaimer.

Technical Field

The present invention relates generally to liquid filtration and, more particularly, but not exclusively, to liquid filtration systems, components, and methods having improved housing, filter, and filter cover configurations (eg, to facilitate filter replacement).

Background Art

Examples of filtration systems are disclosed in: (1) U.S. Patent No. 5,486,288; (2) U.S. Patent No. 7,147,772; and (3) U.S. Patent Application No. 11/013,269, filed December 14, 2004, and published as Publication No. US2005/0092673.

Summary of the Invention

The present invention includes embodiments of filtration systems, assemblies, apparatus, and methods.

Some embodiments of the present filter assembly include: a filter having a channel; and a body configured to be coupled to the filter, the body having an inner side, an outer side, and an opening extending between the inner side and the outer side, the outer side including a recess having a first transverse dimension and at least one second transverse dimension, the at least one second transverse dimension being smaller than and interior to the first transverse dimension; wherein the opening extends from the recess through a distal end of a protrusion. In some embodiments, the body includes a plurality of ribs disposed within the recess and defining the at least one second transverse dimension. In some embodiments, the outer side of the body includes an outer protrusion extending away from the inner side to an end configured to extend into a filter connection portion of a filter housing, the recess being disposed within the outer protrusion and extending from an end of the outer protrusion toward an end of the inner protrusion. In some embodiments, the inner side includes an inner protrusion having an end configured to extend into the filter channel, the opening extending through the inner protrusion, and the first transverse dimension being closer to the end of the inner protrusion than the first transverse dimension. In some embodiments, a filter cover is coupled to the filter.

In some embodiments of the present filter assembly, the filter assembly is disposed within a filter chamber of a filter housing. In some embodiments, the filter housing comprises: a first housing member; a second housing member configured to be coupled to the first housing member and having a connecting portion, the connecting portion having an inner side and an outer side configured to face away from the filter chamber, the outer side having a filter inlet and a filter outlet; and a filter valve coupled to at least one of the filter inlet and the filter outlet, the filter valve being biased toward a closed configuration in which fluid communication through the filter valve is substantially prevented.

Some embodiments of the present filter module include: a filter housing having a filter chamber (the filter housing including: a first housing member; a second housing member configured to be connected to the first housing member and having a connecting portion, the connecting portion having an inner side and an outer side configured to face away from the filter chamber, the outer side having a filter inlet and a filter outlet; and a filter valve connected to at least one of the filter inlet and the filter outlet, the filter valve being biased toward a closed configuration, in which fluid communication through the filter valve is substantially blocked); a filter configured to be disposed within the filter chamber; and a first filter cover configured to be disposed between the connecting portion of the second housing member and the filter so as to maintain the filter valve in an open position, so as to allow fluid communication through the filter valve between the filter chamber and at least one of the filter inlet and the filter outlet. In some embodiments, a filter valve includes: a valve body having a valve seat and coupled to a second housing member in a fixed relationship; a plunger having a first end, a second end, and a passage extending through the plunger and the second end, the plunger coupled to the valve body such that the plunger is movable between an open position and a closed position, wherein the second end of the plunger is spaced from the valve seat in the open position and the second end of the plunger is pressed against the valve seat in the closed position; and a spring configured to bias the plunger toward the closed position, wherein the filter valve is configured to allow fluid communication through the plunger passage if the plunger is in the open position. In some embodiments, the connection portion of the second filter housing member includes a valve coupling portion, the second filter housing being configured such that the valve coupling portion engages a filter coupling portion of a manifold assembly to allow the filter housing to be coupled to the manifold assembly.

18. The filter press of claim 17, wherein the filter press of claim 17 further comprises a filter housing and a filter element, the filter element comprising a filter chamber and a connection portion having a filter inlet and a filter outlet; a first filter valve coupled to at least one of the filter inlet and the filter outlet of the first filter housing, the first filter valve being biased toward a closed configuration in which fluid communication through the first filter valve is substantially blocked; a first filter configured to be disposed within the filter chamber of the first filter housing; a first filter cap configured to be disposed between the connection portion of the first filter housing and the first filter so as to maintain the first filter valve in an open configuration in which fluid communication through the first filter valve between the filter chamber and at least one of the filter inlet and the filter outlet of the first filter housing is permitted; and a manifold assembly comprising : A manifold body having a manifold inlet, a manifold outlet, and a first filter connecting portion configured to engage a first filter housing so as to couple the first filter housing to the manifold assembly; and a first valve member movably coupled to the manifold body, the first valve member having a valve outlet configured to communicate with the filter inlet of the first filter housing, and a valve inlet configured to communicate with the filter outlet of the first filter housing, the first valve member being configured to move between a closed position and an open position, in which the closed position substantially prevents fluid communication between the manifold inlet and the valve outlet of the first valve member, and in the open position permits fluid communication between the manifold inlet and the valve outlet of the first valve member; wherein the first filter connecting portion is configured to resist removal of the first filter housing when the first valve member is in the open position).

In some embodiments of the present system, a first valve member is rotatably coupled to the manifold body, and the first valve member is configured to engage the first filter housing, such that rotation of the first filter housing relative to the manifold body by 90 degrees or less simultaneously couples the first filter housing to the manifold assembly and rotates the first valve member to an open position. In some embodiments, the first filter valve comprises: a valve body having a valve seat and coupled to the filter housing in a fixed relationship; a plunger having a first end, a second end, and a passage extending through the plunger and the second end, the plunger coupled to the valve body such that the plunger is movable between an open position and a closed position, wherein in the open position, the second end of the plunger is spaced from the valve seat and in the closed position, the second end of the plunger is pressed against the valve seat; and a spring configured to bias the plunger toward the closed position; wherein if the plunger is in the open position, the filter valve is configured to allow fluid communication through the plunger passage. In some embodiments, the connection portion of the first filter housing comprises a valve coupling portion, the first valve member comprises a filter coupling portion, and if the filter housing is coupled to the manifold body, the filter coupling portion is configured to engage the valve coupling portion. In some embodiments, the first filter housing includes: a first housing member; and a second housing member configured to be coupled to the first housing member and having a connecting portion having an inner side and an outer side configured to face away from the filter chamber, the outer side having a filter inlet and a filter outlet.

Some embodiments of the present system further include: a second filter housing comprising a filter chamber, a filter inlet and a filter outlet; and a second filter configured to be disposed within the filter chamber of the second filter housing; wherein the manifold body of the manifold assembly has a second filter connecting portion configured to engage the second filter housing so as to couple the second filter housing to the manifold assembly; and the manifold assembly further includes: a second valve member movably coupled to the manifold body, the second valve member having a valve outlet configured to communicate with the filter inlet of the second filter housing, and a valve inlet configured to communicate with the filter outlet of the first filter housing, the first valve member being configured to move between a closed position and an open position, in the closed position substantially preventing fluid communication between the manifold inlet and the valve outlet of the second valve member, and in the open position allowing fluid communication between the manifold inlet and the valve outlet of the second valve member; wherein when the second valve member is in the open position, the second filter connecting portion is configured to resist removal of the second filter housing. In some embodiments, the second filter housing includes a connecting portion having a filter inlet and a filter outlet of the second filter housing, and the system further includes: a second filter valve coupled to at least one of the filter inlet and the filter outlet of the second filter housing, the second filter valve being biased toward a closed configuration in which fluid communication through the second filter valve is substantially blocked; and a second filter cover configured to be disposed between the connecting portion of the second filter housing and the second filter so as to maintain the second filter valve in an open configuration so as to allow fluid communication through the second filter valve between the filter chamber and at least one of the filter inlet and the filter outlet of the second filter housing.

Some embodiments of the present system further include: a third filter housing, which includes a filter chamber, a filter inlet and a filter outlet; and a third filter configured to be disposed in the filter chamber of the third filter housing; wherein the manifold body of the manifold assembly has a third filter connecting portion, which is configured to engage the third filter so as to couple the third filter housing to the manifold assembly; and the manifold assembly further includes: a third valve member movably coupled to the manifold body, the third valve member having a valve outlet configured to communicate with the filter inlet of the third filter housing, and a valve inlet configured to communicate with the filter outlet of the first filter housing, the first valve member being configured to move between a closed position and an open position, in the closed position substantially preventing fluid communication between the manifold inlet and the valve outlet of the third valve member, and in the open position allowing fluid communication between the manifold inlet and the valve outlet of the third valve member; wherein when the third valve member is in the open position, the third filter connecting portion is configured to resist removal of the third filter housing. In some embodiments, the third filter housing includes a connecting portion having a filter inlet and a filter outlet of the third filter housing, and the system further includes: a third filter valve connected to at least one of the filter inlet and the filter outlet of the third filter housing, the third filter valve being biased toward a closed configuration in which fluid communication through the third filter valve is substantially blocked; and a third filter cover configured to be disposed between the connecting portion of the third filter housing and the third filter so as to maintain the third filter valve in an open configuration, thereby allowing fluid communication through the third filter valve between the first filter chamber and at least one of the filter inlet and the filter outlet of the third filter housing.

Any embodiment of any of the present systems, devices, and methods may consist of or consist essentially of any of the steps, elements, and/or features, rather than including/comprising/containing/having any of the steps, elements, and/or features. Thus, in any claim, the term "consisting of" or "consisting essentially of" may be replaced with any of the above-mentioned open-ended linking verbs to alter the scope of a given claim that otherwise uses an open-ended linking verb.

Details and other aspects associated with the above embodiments are described below.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The following figures are provided by way of example and are not intended to be limiting. For the sake of brevity and clarity, each feature of a given structure need not be labeled in each figure in which the structure appears. The same reference numerals do not necessarily indicate the same structure. Rather, the same reference numerals may be used to indicate similar features or features having similar functions, and different reference numerals may be used as appropriate. The figures are drawn to scale (unless otherwise indicated), meaning that the dimensions of the depicted elements are accurate relative to each other for at least the embodiments depicted in the figures.

1-7 are various views of one embodiment of the present filter module, wherein the filter module includes a filter housing and a filter disposed within the filter housing and is used in and/or with some embodiments of the present filter assembly.

8A-8E are various views of a plunger used in the valve assembly of some embodiments of the present filter housing.

9A-9E are various views of a valve body for use with the plunger shown in Figs. 8A-8E in a valve assembly of some embodiments of the present filter housing.

10A-10C are respective views of a first filter cover configured for use in the filter module shown in Figs. 1-7.

11A-11B are various views of a second filter cover configured for use in the filter module shown in Figs. 1-7.

12-19D are various views of a first embodiment of the present manifold assembly for use with the filter module shown in Figs. 1-7 in some embodiments of the present filtration system.

20A-20B are views of a first embodiment of the filtration system, wherein the filtration system includes the manifold assembly shown in FIGs. 12-19D and a filter module shown in FIGs. 1-7.

21 and 22 - 28D are respective views of a second embodiment of the present manifold assembly for use with the two filter modules shown in Figs. 1-7 in some embodiments of the present filtration system.

FIG. 21A illustrates an alternative variation of the manifold assembly shown in FIG. 21 .

29A-29B are views of a second embodiment of the filtration system, wherein the filtration system includes the manifold assembly shown in FIGs. 21-29B and the two filter modules shown in FIGs. 1-7.

30 and 31 - 37D are views of a third embodiment of the present manifold assembly for use with the three filter modules shown in Figs. 1-7 in some embodiments of the present filtration system.

FIG. 30A illustrates an alternative variation of the manifold assembly shown in FIG. 31 .

38A-38B are views of a third embodiment of the filtration system, wherein the filtration system includes the manifold assembly shown in FIGs. 31-37D and the three filter modules shown in FIGs. 1-7.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The term "coupled" is defined as connected, but not necessarily directly and not necessarily mechanically; two items that are "coupled" can be integral with each other. The term "a" is defined as one or more, unless otherwise expressly indicated in this disclosure. As understood by one of ordinary skill in the art, the term "substantially" is defined as primarily, but not necessarily entirely, specified (and includes specified; for example, approximately 90 degrees includes 90 degrees and approximately parallel includes parallel). In any disclosed embodiment, the terms "substantially," "approximately," and "about" may be replaced with "within [percentage]" of the specified range, where percentages include 0.1%, 1%, 5%, and 10%.

The terms "comprise" (and any form of comprising, such as "comprises" and "comprising"), "have" (and any form of having, such as "has" and "having"), "include" (and any form of including, such as "includes" and "including"), and "contain" (and any form of containing, such as "contains" and "containing") are open-ended conjunctive verbs. Thus, a system or apparatus that "comprises," "has," "includes," or "contains" one or more elements possesses those one or more elements, but is not limited to possessing only those elements. Similarly, a method that "comprises," "has," "includes," or "contains" one or more steps possesses those one or more steps, but is not limited to possessing only those one or more steps.

Furthermore, a structure (eg, a component of a device) that is configured in a certain way is configured in at least that way, but it may be configured in other ways outside of those specifically described.

Referring now to the drawings, and more particularly to Figures 1-11B, an embodiment of the present filter module and its components is shown and designated generally by reference numeral 10, which may be used, for example, to filter tap water for drinking purposes, etc. (e.g., in at least some embodiments of the present filtration system, as described below). Figure 1 illustrates a perspective view of filter module 10; Figures 2 and 3 illustrate side views of filter module 10; Figure 4 illustrates a top view of filter module 10; Figure 5 illustrates an exploded perspective view of filter module 10; Figures 6A-6B illustrate enlarged side cross-sectional views of an upper portion of filter module 10; and Figure 7 illustrates a side cross-sectional view of filter module 10. In the illustrated embodiment, filter module 10 includes a filter housing 14 and a filter assembly 18. Filter housing 14 is configured to couple to (e.g., and/or receive, as shown) filter assembly 18 and includes a filter inlet 22 configured to receive liquid to be filtered, and a filter outlet 26 configured to allow the filtered liquid to exit the filter housing. In the illustrated embodiment, the inlet 22 and outlet 26 each include a protrusion (e.g., nipple) 30 or 34 having a circular cross-sectional shape and one or more (e.g., two, as shown) annular recesses or grooves 38, wherein each groove 38 is configured to receive an O-ring 42, as shown. In other embodiments, the inlet 22 and outlet 26 may include or extend through any suitable fitting (e.g., a fitting having a square cross-sectional shape, etc.).

In the illustrated embodiment, the housing 14 includes a filter chamber 46, a first housing member 50, and a second housing member 54 configured to couple to the first housing member 50 (e.g., via corresponding threaded portions 58 and 62). In this embodiment, the second housing member 54 has a connecting portion 66 having an inner side 70 and an outer side 74 configured to face away from the filter chamber 46. As shown, the outer side 74 includes the filter inlet 22 and the filter outlet 26 (as well as the protrusions or nipples 30 and 34). In the illustrated embodiment, the filter module 10 also includes a filter valve 78 coupled to at least one of the filter inlet and the filter outlet (e.g., coupled to the filter inlet 22, as shown). In some embodiments, such as the one illustrated embodiment, the filter valve 78 has a closed configuration ( FIG. 6A ) in which liquid flow through the filter valve is substantially prevented, and an open configuration ( FIG. 6B ) in which liquid flow through the filter valve is permitted, and the filter valve 78 is biased toward the closed configuration. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, the filter valve 78 includes a valve body 82 having a valve seat 86 (eg, having a rubber or other resilient seating surface, such as may be provided by a gasket 90 ) and coupled in fixed relation to the second housing member 54 .

In this embodiment, and as shown in detail in Figures 9A (perspective view), 9B-9C (side views), 9D (top view), and 9E (bottom view), the valve body 82 includes a frustoconical lower portion 94 having a flange 98 extending radially outward from a larger upper end of the frustoconical lower portion 94, and a cylindrical wall 102 extending upward from the flange 98. In this embodiment, an upper end 106 of the cylindrical wall 102 includes an upper edge 110 defined by the triangular cross-sectional shape of the cylindrical wall. In this embodiment, the cylindrical wall 102 is configured to fit around a corresponding cylindrical portion in the second housing member 54 (e.g., in a press-fit relationship) and/or fit into a corresponding groove in the second housing member 54 (e.g., as shown in Figures 6A-6B). In the illustrated embodiment, the valve body 82 includes a pair of guide slots 114 that extend vertically along a majority (e.g., the entirety) of the height of the frustoconical lower portion 94 and on opposing sides of the frustoconical lower portion 94. As shown, the sides 118 of the guide slots 114 may be non-parallel (relative to one another), such as, for example, radially inner portions of opposing sides 122 being closer together than radially outer portions of opposing sides 122. In this embodiment, the lower (and radially inner) end 122 of the guide slots 114 is narrower than the upper (and radially outer) end 126 of the guide slots 114, and the portion of the guide slots 114 disposed within the frustoconical lower portion 94 transitions linearly between the respective widths of the lower and upper ends 122, 126.

In this embodiment, the valve body 82 further includes a pair of valve openings 130 disposed on opposite sides of the lower portion of the frustoconical lower portion 94, each opening being disposed between the guide slots 114. In addition to the valve openings 130, the guide slots 114 are also configured to allow liquid to flow through the lower portion of the guide slots when the filter valve is in the open configuration (FIG. 6B). As shown, the sides 132 of the valve openings 130 can be parallel (relative to each other), such as, for example, with the radially inner portions of the opposing sides 132 spaced approximately the same distance from the radially outer portions of the opposing sides 132. In the illustrated embodiment, the valve body 82 further includes a lower cylindrical portion 134 extending downwardly from the smaller lower end of the frustoconical portion, and a bottom wall 138 extending across the bottom of the cylindrical portion 134 to retain the gasket 90. In this embodiment, the valve body 82 also includes a center post 142 extending upward from the center of the bottom wall 138, which is configured to center and/or retain the gasket 90 and center the plunger 146 of the filter valve when the filter valve is in the closed configuration (Figure 6A) as shown.

In this embodiment, and as shown in detail in Figures 8A (perspective view), 8B-8C (side views), 8D (top view), and 8E (bottom view), the plunger 146 has a first end 150, a second end 154, and a passage 156 extending through the plunger and the second end. The plunger 146 is configured to be slidably coupled to the valve body 82 so that the plunger can move between an open position (Figure 6B), in which the second end 154 of the plunger is spaced apart from the valve seat 86, and a closed position (Figure 6A), in which the second end 154 of the plunger is pressed against the valve seat 86. In the illustrated embodiment, the plunger 146 includes a hollow cylindrical portion 158 extending from the second end 154 toward the first end 150, and a separate extension portion 162 extending from the cylindrical body portion 158 to the first end 150. In this embodiment, the extension portion 162 has an X-shaped cross-section having four symmetrical quadrants about its longitudinal axis. In other embodiments, the extension 162 may have any suitable cross-sectional shape. In the illustrated embodiment, the cylindrical portion 158 includes a groove 166 that is closer to the extension 162 than the second end 154 and is configured to receive an O-ring 170 to provide a movable seal between the cylindrical portion 158 and the second housing portion 54 when the plunger 146 is disposed within the filter inlet 22. In this embodiment, the extension has a maximum transverse dimension 174 that is less than a maximum transverse dimension (diameter) 178 of the cylindrical portion 158. As used herein, "maximum" does not mean that the extension 162 must have multiple different transverse dimensions (it need not); rather, "maximum" means that the extension 162 should have multiple such transverse dimensions, but such transverse dimensions are greater than the maximum dimension 174 (the term "maximum" will be used in the same manner throughout this disclosure). In the illustrated embodiment, the filter inlet 22 has an outer portion 182 having a diameter corresponding to dimension 174 (e.g., larger than dimension 174 but smaller than dimension 178) and an inner portion 186 having a diameter corresponding to dimension 178 (e.g., larger than dimension 178 but smaller than the uncompressed dimension of the O-ring 170 when the O-ring 170 is positioned around the plunger 146 within the groove 166). The cylindrical portion 158 and the extension portion 162 (and their respective maximum transverse dimensions 174 and 178) are configured to center the plunger 146 within the filter inlet 22 to ensure that the plunger 146 can freely slide between its open and closed positions, as shown in Figures 6A-6B.

In the illustrated embodiment, the plunger 146 also includes a lateral protrusion 190 extending radially outward from the cylindrical portion 158. As shown, each of the protrusions 190 includes an inner end 194 having a width corresponding to (e.g., less than) the width of the lower end 122 of each guide slot 114 in the valve body 82 and an outer end 198 having a width corresponding to (e.g., less than) the width of the upper end 126 of each guide slot 114. Because the upper end 126 of the guide slot 114 is radially outward of the lower end 122, the protrusion 190 of the plunger 146 is configured to allow the plunger 146 to slide linearly along the longitudinal axis of the plunger 146 relative to the valve body 82 while helping to maintain the plunger in a centered position relative to the valve body (preventing the second end 154 of the plunger from deflecting). In the illustrated embodiment, the filter valve 78 also includes a spring 202 configured to bias the plunger toward the closed position. For example, the spring 202 can be compressed and disposed between the lateral protrusion 190 of the plunger and the inner side 70 of the second housing member 54 such that the tendency of the spring 202 to expand to its resting state pushes the plunger away from the inner side 70 of the second housing member. In this embodiment, the filter valve 78 is configured to allow fluid communication through the passage 156 of the plunger 146 if the plunger is in the open position ( FIG. 6B ).

In the illustrated embodiment, the filter assembly 18 includes a filter 206 having a central longitudinal passage 208 and configured to be disposed within the filter chamber 46, and a first filter cap 210. In some embodiments, such as the one illustrated embodiment, the first filter cap 210 is configured to be disposed between the connecting portion 66 of the second housing member 54 (e.g., the inner side 70 of the connecting portion 66) and the filter 206 to maintain the filter valve 78 in an open position ( FIG. 6B ) to allow fluid communication through the filter valve 78 between the filter chamber 46 and at least one of the filter inlet 22 and the filter outlet 26. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, the first filter cap 210 is configured to be disposed between the filter 206 and the inner side 70 of the connecting portion 66 to maintain the filter valve 78 in an open position to allow fluid communication (e.g., liquid flow) through the filter valve 78 between the filter inlet 22 and the filter chamber 46. In the illustrated embodiment, the filter 206 may be similar in any aspect of its construction and/or materials to the filters (e.g., any of the model numbers A and/or B) in the filter assemblies model numbers AQ-4000, AQ-4025, or AQ-4035 available from Aquasana, Inc. of Austin, Texas, U.S.A. Thus, the filter of the filter assembly 18 (similar to the filter in the Aquasana, Inc., filter assembly model numbers just described) may comprise carbon, and more specifically, may be an activated carbon filter (such as those configured to remove impurities from water), and/or may have one or more of the following characteristics: an operating pressure range of 20-50 psi, a rated capacity of 500 gallons, a maximum operating temperature of 90 degrees Fahrenheit, and a maximum flow rate of 0.4 gallons per minute.

10A (top view), 10B (bottom view), and 10C (side cross-sectional view), the first filter cover 210 has a first or inner end 214 configured to face the filter 206 and a second or outer end 218 configured to face away from the filter 206. In the illustrated embodiment, the filter cover 210 includes a generally cylindrical protrusion 222 that projects from the second end 218 and is configured to extend into a recess 226 of the second housing member 54 (e.g., defined by the cylindrical wall 230) if the filter assembly 18 is disposed in the filter chamber 46. In the illustrated embodiment, the protrusion 222 includes one or more (e.g., two as shown) circumferential grooves 234, each circumferential groove 234 being configured to receive an O-ring 238 to provide a seal between the protrusion 222 and a surface of the second housing member 54 defining the recess 226 (e.g., the inner surface of the cylindrical wall 230, as shown). In the illustrated embodiment, the inner end 214 of the filter cover 210 includes a cylindrical protrusion 242 configured to extend into the central passage of the filter 206 (e.g., the outer diameter of the protrusion 242 is substantially equal to the inner diameter of the central passage in the filter 206), and an annular recess 246 configured to receive a first end 250 of the filter 206 (e.g., the outer diameter of the annular recess is substantially equal to the outer diameter of the filter 206), both of which help ensure that substantially all water flowing through the filter inlet into the central passage of the filter 206 will flow through the cylindrical outer wall of the filter 206 (as described in more detail below), and help ensure that the filter 206 can be securely coupled to the filter cover 210 in a fixed relationship, at least when the filter assembly 18 is disposed within the filter chamber 46. As shown, the filter cover 210 also includes a channel 254 extending through the protrusion 222 and the protrusion 242 to allow water to flow through the first filter cover 210, as described in more detail below.

In some embodiments, the outer side 218 of the first filter cap 210 (e.g., the protrusion 222) includes a recess 258 having a first transverse dimension 262 and at least a second transverse dimension 266, the second transverse dimension 266 being smaller than the first transverse dimension 262 and closer to the end of the inner protrusion 242 than the first transverse dimension 262. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, the first filter cap 210 includes a plurality of ridges 260 extending radially inwardly into the recess 258 to define the second transverse dimension 262, and the second transverse dimension is larger than the bottom cylindrical portion 134 of the valve body 82 but smaller than the maximum transverse dimension 266 of the plunger 146 (e.g., defined by the lateral protrusion 190), such that the lower cylindrical portion 134 of the valve body 82 can extend into the recess 258 up to the upper end 270 of the ridges 260, but the lateral protrusion 190 cannot extend beyond the upper end 270 of the ridges. Thus, if the filter valve 78 is fully seated within the recess 258 and the protrusion 222 is fully seated within the recess 226 (as shown in Figure 6B), the plunger 146 moves to and/or remains in its open position to allow liquid to flow through the passage 156 of the plunger 146 and through the valve opening 130 and guide groove 114 of the valve body 82.

11A (top view) and FIG. 11B (side cross-sectional view), the filter assembly 18 can include a second filter cover 274 configured to be positioned between a second end 278 of the filter 206 and the first housing member 50. In the illustrated embodiment, the second filter cover 274 has a first or inner end 282 configured to face the filter 206 and a second or outer end 286 configured to face away from the filter 206. In the illustrated embodiment, the inner end 282 of the filter cap 274 includes a cylindrical protrusion 290 configured to extend into the central passage of the filter 206 (e.g., the outer diameter of the protrusion 290 is substantially equal to the inner diameter of the central passage in the filter 206) and an annular recess 294 configured to receive the second end 278 of the filter 206 (e.g., the outer diameter of the annular recess is substantially equal to the outer diameter of the filter 206). Both the cylindrical protrusion 290 and the annular recess 294 help ensure that the filter 206 can be securely coupled to the filter cap 274 in a fixed relationship, at least when the filter assembly 18 is disposed within the filter chamber 46. As shown, although the protrusion 290 may include the recess 298, the filter cap 274 does not include a passage extending through the protrusion 290, thereby not allowing water to flow through the cap 274. As shown, outboard end 286 of cover 274 can be substantially flat (e.g., to minimize and/or prevent liquid flow between second filter cover 274 and first housing member 250), and inboard end 282 of cover 274 can include a plurality of circular grooves 302 surrounding protrusions 290. In other embodiments, second filter cover 274 can be omitted and/or can be integral with first housing member 50 (e.g., first housing member 50 can include protrusions similar to protrusions 290).

12-20B, in some embodiments of the present filtration system 500, a first embodiment of the present manifold assembly for use with the filter module 10 is shown and designated by reference numeral 400. FIG12 illustrates a perspective view of the manifold assembly 400. Figures 13 and 14 respectively show a front view and a rear view of the manifold assembly 400; Figure 15 shows a left side view of the manifold assembly 400; Figure 16 shows a top view of the manifold assembly 400; Figures 17A and 17B show a bottom view of the manifold assembly 400, in which the valves are in closed and open structures, respectively; Figure 18 shows an exploded perspective view of the manifold assembly 400; Figures 19A and 19B show a front side sectional view of the manifold assembly 400, in which the valves are in closed and open structures, respectively; Figures 19C and 19D show a side sectional view of the manifold assembly 400, in which the valves are in closed and open structures, respectively; Figures 20A and 20B respectively show a perspective view and a front side sectional view of the filtration system 500 including the manifold assembly 400 and the filter module 10.

In the illustrated embodiment, the manifold assembly 400 includes a manifold body 404 having a manifold inlet 408, a manifold outlet 412, and a first filter connection portion 414 configured to engage the first filter housing 14 to couple the filter module 10 to the manifold assembly (e.g., to the manifold body 404). In this embodiment, the manifold assembly 400 also includes a valve member 416 movably coupled to the manifold body. As shown, the first valve member 416 includes a valve outlet 420 configured to communicate with the filter inlet 22 of the filter housing 14 (of the first filter module 10), and a valve inlet 424 configured to communicate with the filter outlet 26 of the filter housing 14 (of the first filter module 10). In some embodiments, such as the one illustrated, the first valve member 416 is configured to move between a closed position (FIGS. 19A and 19C) in which fluid communication between the manifold inlet 408 and the valve outlet 420 of the first valve member is substantially prevented, and an open position (FIGS. 19B and 19D) in which fluid communication is permitted between the manifold inlet 408 and the valve outlet 420 of the first valve member. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, the first valve member 416 is rotatably coupled to the manifold body 404 such that the first valve member 416 is configured to rotate (e.g., 90 degrees, as shown) between the closed position (FIGS. 19A and 19C) and the open position (FIGS. 19B and 19D).

In the illustrated embodiment, the first valve member 416 has a generally (circular) cylindrical shape and includes a manifold mating surface 428 configured to face the first valve mating surface 432 of the manifold body 404. As shown, the manifold mating surface 428 includes a central protrusion 436 configured to extend into a central recess 440 in an upper portion 444 of the valve mating surface 432 to maintain centered alignment of the first valve member relative to the rotational axis 448. In this embodiment, the manifold mating surface 428 of the first valve member includes a first opening 452 offset from the rotational axis 448, and a second opening 456 offset from the rotational axis 448 and positioned 180 degrees about the rotational axis 448 relative to the first opening 452. Similarly, the first valve mating surface 432 of the manifold body includes a first opening 460 corresponding to the first opening 452, an O-ring or other (e.g., elastomeric) seal 462 disposed within a groove in the valve mating surface 432 or otherwise coupled to the valve mating surface 432 around the first opening 460, a second opening 464 corresponding to the second opening 456, and an O-ring or other (e.g., elastomeric) seal 466 disposed within a groove in the valve mating surface 432 or otherwise coupled to the valve mating surface 432 around the second opening 464, such that: (1) the first opening 452 is aligned with the first opening 460 and the second opening 456 is aligned with the second opening 464 when the valve member 416 is in the open position (Figures 19A and 19C); and (2) the first opening 452 is not aligned with the first opening 460 (the first opening 452 is aligned with the first opening 460) when the valve member 416 is not in the closed position (Figures 19B and 19D). 464 (the second opening 456 is positioned 90 degrees about the rotational axis 448 relative to the second opening 464). In the illustrated embodiment, the first valve mating surface 432 of the manifold body 404 also includes a third opening 468 disposed between the first opening 460 and the second opening 464, such that the second opening 456 of the manifold mating surface 428 can be aligned with the third opening 468 of the valve mating surface 432 to allow fluid to flow through the third opening 466 during insertion of the fittings 30 and 34 of the first filter housing 14 into the valve member 416 (e.g., to prevent air from interfering with such insertion). In the illustrated embodiment, an O-ring or other (e.g., elastomeric) seal 470 is disposed within a groove in the valve mating surface 432 or otherwise coupled to the valve mating surface 432 around the third opening 468. In the illustrated embodiment, the first opening 452 of the first valve body 416 is offset from and in fluid communication with the filter outlet 420 via the passage 468 , and the second opening 456 of the first valve body 416 is aligned with and in fluid communication with the filter inlet 424 .

The first valve member 416 can be configured to engage the filter housing 14 such that rotation of the filter housing causes the first valve member to rotate. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, the first valve member 416 includes a first recess 472 configured to receive the fitting 30 of the first filter housing 14 and a second recess 476 configured to receive the fitting 34 of the first filter housing 14. Thus, if the fittings 30 and 34 extend into the recesses 472 and 476, rotation of the first filter housing 14 also causes the first valve member 416 to rotate. In the illustrated embodiment, the recesses 472 and 476 have a substantially circular cross-sectional shape and a diameter sized to compress the O-ring 42, thereby sealing the space between the fittings 30 and 34 and the surface of the first valve member defining the recesses 472 and 476. In the illustrated embodiment, the first valve member 416 also includes a filter coupling portion 480 configured to engage a valve coupling portion 484 of the filter housing 14, such as to prevent use of a filter housing that does not include the valve coupling portion 484. In the illustrated embodiment, the filter coupling portion 480 of the first valve member includes a protrusion protruding from the first valve member 416, the protrusion having a lower end 488 that extends below the lower ends of the recesses 472 and 476, wherein the lower end 488 has a U-shaped cross-section, as shown. In this embodiment, the valve coupling portion 484 includes a recess 492 (e.g., disposed within a protrusion 496 that is shorter than the connectors 30 and 34, as shown), having a U-shaped cross-section corresponding to the cross-sectional shape of the end 488 of the filter coupling portion 480, such that the filter coupling portion 480 can engage the valve coupling portion 484 if the first filter housing 14 is coupled to the manifold body 404.

In the illustrated embodiment, the valve body 404 includes a first cylindrical valve recess 504 configured to receive the first valve member 416. In this embodiment, the first valve member 416 includes a circumferential groove 508 configured to receive an O-ring 512 to provide a seal between the periphery of the first valve member 416 and the manifold body 404 in the valve recess 504, as shown. In this embodiment, the manifold assembly 400 also includes a first retainer (e.g., a plate) 516 that is coupled to the manifold body 404 (e.g., via one or more screws) to resist removal of the first valve member 416 from the first valve recess 504. As shown in Figures 17A and 17B, the retainer 516 includes one or more openings configured to allow the fittings 30 and 34 of the first filter housing 14 and the filter coupling portion 480 of the first valve member 416 to extend through the retainer 516 and to allow the first valve member and the first filter housing to rotate relative to the retainer 516. In some embodiments, when the first valve member 416 is in the open position ( FIGS. 19A and 20B ), the first filter connection portion 414 is configured to resist removal of the first filter housing 14. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, the first filter connection portion 414 includes a plurality (e.g., two, as shown) of circumferential flanges 520 extending inwardly from and surrounding a portion of the inner circumference of the manifold body 404. In this embodiment, the second housing member 54 of the first filter housing 14 includes a plurality (e.g., two, as shown) of flanges 524 extending outwardly from and surrounding a portion of the outer circumference of the second housing member 54. As shown, the flanges 524 are configured to be positioned between the flanges 520 (thus, passing over the flanges 520 when the valve member 416 is in the closed position ( FIG. 19A )) to allow the filter module 10 to be separated from the manifold housing 400. Similarly, if the first valve member 416 is in the open position (Figure 19A) and the first filter housing 14 is pressed inward to engage the first filter member 416, the first filter housing 14 can be rotated 90 degrees in a clockwise direction so that the flange 524 overlaps the flange 520, thereby resisting removal of the filter module 10 from the manifold assembly 400.

Thus, in the illustrated embodiment, the first valve member 416 (recesses 472 and 476, and lower end 488) is configured to engage the first filter housing 14 (via the nipples 30 and 34, and the recess 492 of the valve coupling portion 484) such that the first filter housing is rotated 90 degrees or less relative to the manifold body (from the closed position of the first valve member 416 shown in FIG. 19A to the closed-open position of the first valve member 416 shown in FIG. 19B), so that coupling the first filter housing to the manifold assembly and rotating the first valve member 416 to the open position ( FIG. 19B) occur simultaneously. By coupling the filter module 10 to the manifold assembly 400 with the first valve member 54 in the open position shown in FIG. 19B, water (or other liquid) entering the manifold inlet 408 is directed through the openings 460 and 452 and out of the manifold assembly via the valve outlet 420. As the water (or other liquid) exits the manifold assembly, it is directed into the filter module 10 via the filter inlet 22, into the annular space between the exterior of the filter 206 and the interior of the first filter housing 14, and is forced inwardly through the filter 206. The water (or other liquid) then flows into the passage 208, through the valve 78 (via xx156 of the plunger 146), and exits the filter module 10 via the filter outlet 26. As the water (or other liquid) exits the filter module, it is directed back into the manifold assembly 400 via the valve inlet 424, through the openings 456 and 464, and out via the manifold outlet 412.

In the illustrated embodiment, valve body 404 includes a flange 528 having a plurality of elongated openings 532, each of which has a circular portion 536 and an elongated portion 540. In this embodiment, each opening 532 is configured such that the head of a screw or nail can pass through the circular portion 536 but not through the elongated portion 540. Thus, a screw or nail can be driven into a (e.g., vertical) surface where a user wishes to hang assembly 400 in a position corresponding to circular portion 536, and valve body 404 can be positioned such that the head of the screw or nail passes through circular portion 536. Valve body 404 can then be moved downwardly such that the shaft of the nail or screw extends through elongated portion 540 of opening 532, thereby preventing valve body 404 from moving away from the surface. In the illustrated embodiment, assembly 400 also includes a shroud 550 configured to be positioned over at least a portion of valve body 404, as shown. For example, in this embodiment, the shroud 450 extends over substantially all of the top and front of the valve body 404 and over a portion of the back and left and right sides, but does not extend over or cover the bottom of the valve body 404 .

Referring now to Figures 21-29B and 21-28D, which are views of a second embodiment of a manifold assembly 600 for use with two filter modules 10a and 10b, and Figures 30 and 30A, which are views of a second embodiment of a filtration system 500a including the manifold assembly 600 and the two filter modules 10a and 10b, respectively. Figures 26A, 27, 28A, and 28C illustrate valve members 416a and 416b in a closed position relative to valve housing 604, preventing liquid flow between inlet 408 and outlet 412, and Figures 26B, 28B, 28D, and 29B illustrate valve members 416a and 416b in an open position relative to valve housing 604, allowing liquid flow between inlet 408 and outlet 412. In the illustrated embodiment, filter modules 10a and 10b are identical to filter module 10. Manifold assembly 600 is substantially similar to manifold assembly 400 in many respects, with the primary difference being that manifold assembly 600 is configured to couple to two filter modules 10a and 10b, and thus manifold body 604 is configured to receive two valve members 416a and 416b (e.g., identical to valve member 416). As such, like reference numerals (e.g., 10, 10a, 10b; 416, 416a, 416b, etc.) are used to designate structures identical to corresponding structures in manifold assembly 400, and the following description primarily focuses on features of manifold assembly 600 that differ from manifold assembly 400. In the illustrated embodiment, manifold body 604 includes a hollow chamber 608 extending between opening 464a (through which water or other liquid can flow from the filter outlet of first filter module 10a) and opening 460b (through which water or other liquid can flow into the filter inlet of second filter module 10b), thereby allowing water or other liquid to flow serially through both filter modules 10a and 10b. Similar to assembly 400, assembly 600 includes a shroud 650 configured to be positioned over at least a portion of valve body 604, as shown. For example, in this embodiment, shroud 650 extends over substantially all of the top and front of valve body 604, as well as over a portion of the rear and left and right sides, but does not extend beyond or cover the bottom of valve body 604. FIG21 illustrates an alternative two-stage embodiment 600a substantially similar to assembly 600, except that assembly 600a includes shroud 650a having a shape different from that of shroud 650, as shown.

30-37D, Figures 31-37D are views of a third embodiment of the present manifold assembly 700 for use with three filter modules 10a, 10b, and 10c; and Figures 38A-38B are views of a third embodiment of the present filtration system 500b including the manifold assembly 700 and the three filter modules 10a, 10b, and 10c. Figures 35A, 36, 37A, and 37C illustrate valve members 416a, 416b, and 416c in a closed position relative to valve housing 704, in which liquid flow between inlet 408 and outlet 412 is prevented; and Figures 35B, 37B, 37D, and 38 illustrate valve members 416a, 416b, and 416c in an open position relative to valve housing 704, in which liquid flow between inlet 408 and outlet 412 is permitted. In the illustrated embodiment, filter modules 10a, 10b, and 10c are identical to filter module 10. Manifold assembly 700 is substantially similar in many respects to manifold assemblies 400 and 600, with the primary difference being that manifold assembly 700 is configured to couple to three filter modules 10a, 10b, and 10c, and thus manifold body 704 is configured to receive three valve members 416a, 416b, and 416c (e.g., identical to valve member 416). As such, like reference numerals (e.g., 10, 10a, 10b, 10c; 416, 416a, 416b, 416c, etc.) are used to designate structures identical to corresponding structures in manifold assemblies 400 and 600, and the following description focuses primarily on features of manifold assembly 700 that differ from those of manifold assemblies 400 and 600. In the illustrated embodiment, manifold body 704 includes a first hollow chamber 708 extending between opening 464a (through which water or other liquid can flow from the filter outlet of first filter module 10a) and opening 460b (through which water or other liquid can flow into the filter inlet of second filter module 10b), and a second hollow chamber 712 extending between opening 464b (through which water or other liquid can flow from the filter outlet of second filter module 10b) and opening 460c (through which water or other liquid can flow into the filter inlet of third filter module 10c), thereby allowing water or other liquid to flow serially through filter modules 10a, 10b, and 10c. As with assemblies 400 and 600, assembly 700 includes a shroud 750 configured to be disposed over at least a portion of valve body 704, as shown. For example, in this embodiment, the shroud 750 extends over substantially all of the top and front of the valve body 704, as well as over a portion of the back and left and right sides, but does not extend over or cover the bottom of the valve body 704. Figure 30A shows an alternative three-stage embodiment 700a that is substantially similar to the assembly 700, except that the assembly 700a includes a shroud 750a having a shape that differs from the shape of the shroud 750, as shown.

In the illustrated embodiment, manifold assembly 700 also includes a usage meter 716 configured to detect flow through filter units 10a, 10b, 10c, such as to alert a user when filter 206 of a filter unit is due for replacement. For example, in this embodiment, usage meter 716 includes a controller 720 (e.g., mounted on a circuit board) and a switch 724. In the illustrated embodiment, switch 724 includes a movable (e.g., pivotable) member (e.g., a tube) 728 disposed within chamber 712 and configured to rotate counterclockwise (when viewed from inlet 408 toward outlet 412) if liquid flows from opening 464b to opening 464c. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, the movable member 728 is pivotally coupled to a rectangular end plate 730 configured to slide into the chamber 712, thereby preventing rotation of the end plate 730 relative to the manifold housing but allowing rotation of the movable member 728 relative to the end plate and the manifold housing. In this embodiment, a spring 732 is coupled to the movable member 728 and the end plate 730 and is configured to bias the movable member toward a rest position such that when liquid is not flowing from the opening 464b to the opening 464c, the movable member returns to the rest position, and when liquid is flowing, the opening rotates clockwise relative to the position occupied by the movable member 728.

In this embodiment, the switch 724 includes a fixed portion 734 that is fixed relative to the manifold body 704, and a movable (e.g., pivotable) portion 736 that is movable relative to the manifold body 704 (e.g., pivotable as shown). In the illustrated embodiment, the movable portion 736 of the switch is coupled to the pivotable member 728 via a rigid wire 740 such that if water flows from opening 464b to opening 460c, the pivotable member 728 rotates counterclockwise and pushes the movable member 736 upward toward the fixed member 734 (via the wire 740) to close the switch 724 (e.g., by bringing together magnetic or other contacts carried by the movable and fixed members 736, 734, respectively). When the switch 724 is closed, the controller 720 (e.g., a counter of the controller) counts and monitors the approximate time the assembly has been in use, during which time liquid has flowed through the filter element. The time in use can be indicated by the number of gallons filtered. For example, in the embodiment that is designed to about 1 gallon per minute flow (for example, under the average operating pressure that is suitable for residential application) and filter element has the running life of 500 gallons, use meter can be configured to after recording flow through assembly 500 minutes and remind the user to replace filter element.For example, in the embodiment shown, use meter 716 to comprise the LED lamp 744 that is communicated with controller 720, and when the predetermined time period of use has passed, lamp can be lit or can change color, to provide the indication that filter element should be replaced to the user.In the embodiment shown, use meter 716 also comprises button 748, so that when filter element is replaced, allow the user to reset counter (for example, by pressing button once or by pressing button and keep a period of time, such as 2 seconds).In other embodiments, the use meter of any suitable type, switch, and/or indicator (for example, audible indicator) can be used.Similarly, other embodiments (for example, 200,400) of single-stage filter assembly can comprise use meter 716 or other use meter. In the illustrated embodiment, the button 748 is coupled to a battery carrier 752 that is configured to be removably inserted into an opening 756 in the shroud 750 such that a battery 760 carried by the battery carrier 752 extends into a receptacle 764 in the body 704 and is in electrical communication with the controller 720 .

The structures of the present systems, components and devices, such as housings, manifold bodies, valve components, filter covers, and guards can be made of standard materials (e.g., plastics) and using standard manufacturing techniques (e.g., injection molding), and/or are commercially available (e.g., O-rings, socket fittings, seals, etc.).

The above description and examples provide a complete description of the structure and the use of exemplary embodiments. Although certain embodiments have been described above with some degree of specificity or with reference to one or more separate embodiments, those skilled in the art may make many changes to the disclosed embodiments without departing from the scope of the invention. Therefore, the various exemplary embodiments of the present invention are not intended to be limited to the specific forms disclosed. Instead, they include all changes and substitutions that fall within the scope of the claims and the embodiments shown as possibly including some or all of the changes and substitutions of the features of the depicted embodiments. For example, the components may be combined as an integral structure, and/or the connection may be replaced (for example, the thread may be replaced by a press fit or welding). Further, where appropriate, any aspect of the above examples may be combined with any aspect of the other examples described to form further examples having comparable or different characteristics and addressing the same or different problems. Similarly, it should be understood that the benefits and advantages described above may relate to one embodiment or may relate to several embodiments.

The claims are not intended to include, and should not be interpreted as including, means-plus-function or step-plus-function limitations unless such limitations are expressly recited in a given claim using the phrase “means for” or “step for” respectively.

Claims (9)

1. A filtration system comprising: A filter with channels; A filter housing (14) comprising a first housing portion (50) and a second housing portion (54) connectable to the first housing portion, the second housing portion including a connecting portion having a filter inlet, a filter outlet, and a filter valve connected to at least one of the filter inlet and the filter outlet, the filter valve (78) including a valve body (82) having a valve seat (86) and a pair of guide grooves (114), and a hollow cylindrical portion (158) having a defined longitudinal axis and a... 8) A plunger (146) extending radially and through a pair of lateral protrusions (190) in the guide groove (114) of the valve body (82), the plunger (146) being longitudinally movable between a closed position and an open position as the lateral protrusions (190) move along the guide groove (114), in the closed position being seated on the valve seat (86), and in the open position being disengaged from the valve seat to allow water flow through the hollow cylindrical portion (158); and A cover (210) having an inner side (214) engageable with the filter (206) and an outer side (218) having a generally cylindrical outer projection (222) defining a solid outer wall having an outer surface having at least one outer sealing groove (234). The cylindrical outer projection (222) is adapted to receive the valve body (82) within a space within the solid outer wall when the filter (206) and the cover (210) are disposed in the filter housing (14). The cylindrical outer projection (222) defines a first lateral inner dimension (262) and includes a defined... A plurality of inner ridges (260) smaller than the first lateral inner dimension (262) and a second lateral inner dimension (266), the cylindrical outer protrusions (222) defining a channel (254) through the cover (210) between the inner side surface (214) and the outer side surface (218), the inner ridges (260) engaging the lateral protrusions (190) of the plunger (146) when the first housing portion (50) and the second housing portion (54) are joined to move the lateral protrusions (190) from the closed position to the open position to allow water to flow out of the filter through the hollow cylindrical portion (158); and A seal, which is located in the outer sealing groove (234) and adapted to form a watertight seal between the outer surface of the cylindrical outer protrusion (222) and the surface of the filter housing (14), such that when the filter (206) and the cover (210) are installed in the filter housing (14), all water flowing through the channel (254) must also flow through the hollow cylindrical portion (158) of the filter valve (78). 2. The filtration system of claim 1 further includes a cylindrical inner protrusion (242) that also defines the channel (254) of the cover (210), wherein the channel of the cover is in fluid communication with the channel of the filter so that all liquid entering the channel of the filter exits through the channel of the cover. 3. The filtration system of claim 1, wherein the plunger is biased to the closed position. 4. The filtration system of claim 1, further comprising a manifold assembly, the manifold assembly comprising: A manifold body having a manifold inlet, a manifold outlet, and a filter connection portion configured to engage the filter housing for connecting the filter housing to the manifold assembly; and A valve member movably coupled to the manifold body, the valve member having a valve outlet configured to communicate with the filter inlet of the filter housing, and a valve inlet configured to communicate with the filter outlet of the filter housing, the valve member being movable between a closed position and an open position, in which fluid communication between the manifold inlet and the valve outlet of the valve member is substantially prevented, and in which fluid communication between the manifold inlet and the valve outlet of the valve member is allowed; When the valve component is in the open position, the filter connection portion is configured to resist removal of the filter housing. 5. The filtration system of claim 4, wherein the valve member is rotatably coupled to the manifold body, and the valve member is configured to engage the filter housing such that rotation of the filter housing relative to the manifold body at an angle of 90 degrees or less simultaneously engages the filter housing to the manifold assembly and rotates the valve member to the open position. 6. A method for assembling a filtration system, the method comprising: Configure a filter with channels; A cover is provided having an inner side, an outer side, and a cylindrical outer projection, the cylindrical outer projection defining a solid outer wall having an outer surface having an outer circumferential groove configured to receive a seal. The cylindrical outer projection (222) also includes a space within the solid outer wall having a first lateral inner dimension (262), and a plurality of inner ridges (260) defining a second lateral inner dimension (266) smaller than the first lateral inner dimension (262). The cover also has a cylindrical inner projection on the inner side, and a channel extending through the inner and outer projections to allow water to flow between the inner and outer sides, the channel having an outer channel portion formed in the outer projection and an inner channel portion formed in the inner projection. The inner side of the cover is joined to the end of the filter; The seal is fitted into the outer circumferential groove of the cylindrical outer protrusion; and The filter and the cover are positioned within a filter chamber defined by a filter housing comprising a first housing portion and a second housing portion, the second housing portion including a connecting portion having a filter inlet, a filter outlet, and a filter valve connected to at least one of the filter inlet and the filter outlet, the filter valve including a valve body (82) and a plunger (146), the valve body (82) including a valve seat (86) and a pair of guide grooves (114), the plunger (146) including a hollow cylindrical portion (158) defining a longitudinal axis. The plunger (146) comprises a pair of lateral protrusions (190) extending radially from the cylindrical portion (158) and through the guide groove (114) in the valve body (82), the plunger (146) being longitudinally movable between a closed position and an open position as the lateral protrusions (190) move along the guide groove (114), in which the cylindrical portion (158) is seated on the valve seat (86) and in the open position, the cylindrical portion (158) is disengaged from the valve seat to allow water flow through the hollow cylindrical portion (158); and Engaging the first housing portion with the second housing portion to move the plunger (146) to the open position; and A watertight seal is formed between the outer surface of the cylindrical outer protrusion (222) and the surface of the filter housing (14), such that when the filter assembly (18) is installed in the filter housing (14), all water flowing through the channel (254) must also flow through the hollow cylindrical portion (158) of the filter valve (78). 7. The method of claim 6, wherein the cylindrical inner protrusion extends into the channel of the filter such that the channel of the cap is in fluid communication with the channel of the filter, so that all liquid entering the channel of the filter exits through the channel of the cap. 8. The method of claim 6, further comprising engaging the filter housing with a manifold valve member of a manifold body having a manifold inlet, a manifold outlet, and a filter connection portion, wherein engaging the filter housing with the filter connection portion includes engaging the filter inlet with the outlet of the manifold valve member, engaging the filter outlet with the inlet of the manifold valve member, and moving the manifold valve member from a closed position to an open position to allow fluid communication between the filter housing and the manifold. 9. A filter assembly (18) for a filter housing (14) having a filter chamber (46), the filter housing (14) comprising: a first housing member (50); a second housing member (54) configured to be coupled to the first housing member (50) and having a filter inlet (22) and a filter outlet (26); and a filter valve (78) coupled to at least one of the filter inlet (22) and the filter outlet (26), the filter valve (78) comprising a valve body (82) and a plunger (146), the valve body (82) comprising a valve seat (86) and a pair of guide grooves (114), the plunger (146) comprising a valve body (82) and a plunger (146) thereof. 46) The filter assembly (18) includes a hollow cylindrical portion (158) defining a longitudinal axis and a pair of lateral protrusions (190) extending radially from the cylindrical portion (158) and through the guide groove (114) in the valve body (82), the plunger (146) being longitudinally movable between a closed position and an open position as the lateral protrusions (190) move along the guide groove (114), in the closed position the cylindrical portion is seated on the valve seat (86), and in the open position the cylindrical portion (158) is disengaged from the valve seat (86) to allow water flow through the hollow cylindrical portion (158), the filter assembly (18) comprising: A filter (206) configured to be disposed in the filter chamber (46); A filter cover (210), which is engageable with the filter (206) and includes an outer side (218), the outer side (218) including a cylindrical outer projection (222) defining a solid outer wall having an outer surface, the outer surface having at least one outer sealing groove (234), the cylindrical outer projection (222) being adapted to receive the valve body (82) within a space within the solid outer wall when the filter assembly (18) is disposed in the filter chamber (46) of the filter housing (14), a plurality of inner ridges (260) within the outer projection (222) in the filter housing (14) are provided with a valve body (82). When the first and second housing members (50; 54) are coupled, they engage the lateral protrusion (190) of the plunger (146) to move the lateral protrusion (190) from the closed position to the open position, attaching to the end of the filter (206) and including an inner side (214) of an inner protrusion (242) extending into the filter, and a channel (254) extending through the outer protrusion (222) and the inner protrusion (242) to allow water to flow from the filter (206) through the filter cover (210) and through the filter inlet (22) or the filter outlet (26); and A seal, which is located in the outer sealing groove (234) and adapted to form a watertight seal between the outer surface of the cylindrical outer protrusion (222) and the surface of the filter housing (14), such that when the filter assembly (18) is installed in the filter housing (14), all water flowing through the channel (254) must also flow through the hollow cylindrical portion (158) of the filter valve (78).