Filtering device with magnetic floater for stopping overflow

Abstract

A filtration device and a method of using the same are provided. The filtration device may include a jug for removably engaging a base in fluid communication with a fluid source. The jug may include a magnetic floater assembly, and the base may include a sensor, such as a reed switch, for detecting when a magnetic floater of the magnetic floater assembly is within a detectable range of the sensor. When the sensor detects the magnetic floater within the detectable range, a controller of the filtration device may instruct a pump to pump fluid from the fluid source through a filtration system of the filtration device and into the jug. When the jug is filled with fluid, the magnetic floater will be outside the detectable range of the sensor such that fluid will stop transferring from the fluid source to the jug.

Description

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] This application claims priority to and the benefit of U.S. Application No. 17 / 934,316, filed on September 22, 2022, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. Background Art

[0003] Due to the increase in toxicity caused by chemicals found in water systems, water filtration has become common in many homes. Point-of-use (POU) water treatment devices are designed to treat small amounts of drinking water for use in the home. These devices can be placed on a counter, attached to a faucet, or installed under a sink. They are different from point-of-entry (POE) devices, which are installed on the water pipe that enters the home and treats all the water in the building.

[0004] Many homes today already have reverse osmosis (RO) units installed. RO units are typically installed under a sink, with the tap connection running directly perpendicular to the sink cold water supply line and the wastewater discharge line connected directly to the sink p-trap. These units use a membrane that screens out chemicals such as chlorides and sulfates, as well as most other contaminants found in today's water supplies. RO systems can remove particles down to 1 angstrom. However, a POU RO system can waste as much as 3 to 4 gallons of water for every gallon processed. This is due to the need for continuous water flow across the membrane surface to remove contaminants and prevent the membrane from clogging.

[0005] It is with respect to these and other considerations that the disclosure herein is presented. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0006] Detailed description is set forth with reference to the accompanying drawings. The use of the same reference numerals may indicate similar or identical items. Various embodiments may utilize elements and / or components other than those shown in the drawings, and some elements and / or components may not be present in various embodiments. The elements and / or components in the drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale. Throughout this disclosure, singular and plural terms may be used interchangeably, depending on the context.

[0007] Figure 1A A filtration device constructed according to the principles of the present disclosure is shown.

[0008] Figure 1B It shows Figure 1A Schematic diagram of some components of the filtration device.

[0009] Figure 2A and 2B The invention is shown in accordance with the principle of the present invention. Figure 1A The base of the filter device.

[0010] Figure 2C Shows Figure 2A and 2B The interior of the base.

[0011] Figure 3A The invention is shown in accordance with the principle of the present invention. Figure 1A A removable jug of the filtering device, and Figure 3B This is its top view.

[0012] Figures 4A to 4C The insertion of a removable pitcher into a base is shown in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure.

[0013] Figure 5A and 5B The invention is shown in accordance with the principle of the present invention. Figure 3A Removable pot lid.

[0014] Fig. 6A The insertion of a lid into a jug body of a removable jug is shown in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure.

[0015] Figure 6B The lid is shown attached to the kettle body.

[0016] Fig. 7A and 7B A magnetic float of a filtration device constructed according to the principles of the present disclosure is shown.

[0017] Fig. 8A and 8B The present invention shows the operation of the filter device according to the principles of the present invention. Fig. 7A and 7B The different stages of the magnetic float. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0018] Overview

[0019] A filtering device and method of using the same are provided. The filtering device may include a jug for removably engaging a base in fluid communication with a fluid source. The jug may include: a jug body for containing a fluid therein; a lid sized and shaped to cover the jug body and having an inlet for receiving the fluid into the jug body; and a magnetic float assembly having a magnetic float that moves in response to a liquid level within the jug body. For example, the magnetic float may move between a minimum position, such as when the liquid level within the jug body is less than a predefined threshold, and a maximum position, such as when the liquid level has reached a predefined capacity of the jug body.

[0020] The base may include an outlet for transferring fluid to the pot when the pot is properly aligned with the base, and a container for containing the fluid therein. The base may further include a controller having a circuit system that is operably coupled to a sensor (e.g., a reed switch) to detect when the magnetic float of the magnetic float assembly is within the detectable range of the sensor and is operably coupled to a pump. In addition, the base may include a filtration system so that the controller can, for example, cause the pump to pump fluid from a fluid source through the filtration system and then into the pot when the sensor detects the magnetic float. When the liquid level in the pot reaches a predefined capacity, the magnetic float will reach its maximum position outside the detectable range of the sensor. Therefore, when the sensor no longer detects the magnetic float, for example, when the magnetic float is in its maximum position or when the pot is not engaged with the base or is not properly aligned with the base so that the magnetic float assembly is not within the detectable range of the sensor, the controller will stop instructing the pump to transfer fluid from the fluid source to the pot. The entire pot can then be removed from the base.

[0021] Illustrative Embodiments

[0022] The present disclosure will be described more fully below with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which example embodiments of the present disclosure are shown. However, the present disclosure can be implemented in many different forms and should not be construed as being limited to the example embodiments set forth herein. It is obvious to those skilled in the relevant art that various changes in form and detail can be made to various embodiments without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure. Therefore, the breadth and scope of the present disclosure should not be limited to any of the example embodiments described above, but should only be defined according to the following claims and their equivalents. The following description has been presented for illustrative purposes and is not intended to be exhaustive or limited to the precise form disclosed. It should be understood that alternative embodiments can be used in any combination to form additional hybrid embodiments of the present disclosure. For example, any functionality described with respect to a specific device / component can be performed by another device / component. In addition, although specific device characteristics have been described, embodiments of the present disclosure may involve a large number of other device characteristics. In addition, although embodiments have been described in a language specific to structural features and / or method actions, it should be understood that the present disclosure is not necessarily limited to the specific features or actions described. In fact, specific features and actions are disclosed as illustrative forms for implementing the embodiments.

[0023] Certain words and terminology are used herein for convenience only, and such words and terminology should be interpreted to refer to various objects and actions that are generally understood in various forms and equivalents by one of ordinary skill in the art.

[0024] Reference now Figure 1A and 1B , an exemplary filtering device is provided. Figure 1A and 1B As shown in , the filtering device 100 can include a base 200 and a removable pitcher 300. The pitcher 300 can be removably coupled to the base 200 to transfer a fluid (e.g., filtered water) from the base 200 to the pitcher 300 when the pitcher 300 is coupled to and aligned with the base 300, as described in further detail below. Thus, the base 200 can include a fluid filtration system, such as a filter 103, as described in US 9,517,958 to Spiegel, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. When the jug 300 is properly aligned with the base 200, the sensing mechanism of the base 200 (e.g., the sensor 222) can detect the liquid level within the jug 300, for example, via detection of the magnetic float of the magnetic float assembly 324 within the detectable range of the sensor 222, so that the controller 101 having a circuit system operably coupled to the sensor 222 and the pump 102 can cause the pump 102 to pump the fluid from the fluid source 204 through the filter 103 and into the jug 300 when the magnetic float is detected within the detectable range. In addition, when the sensor 222 does not detect the magnetic float of the magnetic float assembly 324, the controller 101 can cause the pump 102 to stop transferring the fluid to the jug 300, thereby indicating that the liquid level within the jug 300 has reached a predetermined threshold, such as when the jug 300 is "full", or the jug 300 is no longer properly aligned with the base 200, such as due to the jug 300 being removed from the base 200. Additionally, when the pitcher 300 is not coupled to the base 200 and is not properly aligned with the base 200 , the controller 101 may not instruct the pump 102 to transfer any fluid from the fluid source 204 .

[0025] Reference now Figure 2A and 2B , an exemplary filter device base is provided. The base 200 may include a base body 202 that is sized and shaped to fit on, for example, a work surface via one or more legs 220, and may further include a handle 208 coupled to the base body 202 so that a user can easily carry and transport the base 200. Figure 2A, the base 200 may include a container 204 for containing a fluid therein to be filtered through the filtration system of the filtration device 100. The container 204 may be removably coupled to the base body 202, such as at a rear portion of the base body 202, such that a user may remove the container 204 from the base body 202 to fill the container 204 with fluid when necessary, such as when the liquid level within the container 204 is low or empty. For example, the container 204 may include a container lid 206 that may be lifted and / or removed from the container 204 to access the interior of the container 204. As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, in addition to or in lieu of the container 204, the base 200 may be fluidly coupled to another fluid source such that fluid from the fluid source may be pumped directly from the fluid source through the filtration system of the base 200 and into the pitcher 300.

[0026] In addition, the base 200 may include: a user interface 210 operably coupled to the controller 101 having one or more actuators (e.g., buttons) to allow a user to actuate specific functionality of the filtration device 100 associated therewith, such as on / off, fluid temperature, etc.; and an optional display for conveying information to the user. For example, the display may inform the user when the pitcher 300 is properly aligned with the base 200, the status of the filtration device 100, the current fluid temperature setting, when one or more filters of the filtration system of the base 200 need to be replaced, etc.

[0027] In addition, the base body 202 can have a geometry for receiving the jug 300 in an aligned configuration such that the outlet 213 of the base 200 is aligned with the inlet of the jug 300 such that fluid can be transferred from the base 200 to the jug 300. Thus, the geometry of the base body 202, such as the front side of the base body 202, can correspond to the geometry of the jug 300, such as the cylindrical body of the jug 300, and the spout of the jug 300. For example, as Figure 2A and 2B As shown in , the base body 202 can include a first inwardly-facing recessed portion 214 that is sized and shaped to receive at least a portion of the kettle 300, such as a bottom portion of the cylindrical kettle body of the kettle 300. The recessed portion 214 can extend circumferentially around the platform 215 of the base body 202. Thus, the kettle 300 can be received by the base 200 such that at least a portion of the kettle 300 can rest on top of the platform 215 within the recessed portion 214. The platform 215 can be sized and shaped to fully support the kettle 300, such as Figure 1A Therefore, the platform 215 may have a shape and size corresponding to the shape and size of the bottom of the kettle 300.

[0028] Reference again Figure 2A and 2B, the base 200 may further include a second inwardly recessed portion 216, which is sized and shaped to receive at least a portion of the jug 300, such as a side portion of the cylindrical jug body of the jug 300. The second inwardly recessed portion 216 may have the same radius of curvature as the first inwardly recessed portion 214 to accommodate the jug 300. In addition, the base 200 may further include a spout receiving portion 218, which is sized and shaped to receive the spout of the jug 300, so that when the jug 300 is properly received by the base 200 and aligned with the base 200, the spout of the jug 300 will be received by the spout receiving portion 218 and the body portion of the jug 300 will be received by the first inwardly recessed portion 214 and the second inwardly recessed portion 216. Therefore, the spout receiving portion 218 may have a geometry corresponding to the geometry of the spout of the jug 300.

[0029] like Figure 2A and 2B As shown in , the base 200 can include a protrusion 212 extending from the base body 202. For example, the protrusion 212 can extend from the underside of the upper portion of the base body 202 toward the platform 215, for example, from a surface opposite to the user interface 210. As further described below, the size and shape of the protrusion 212 can be set to be received in a corresponding groove of the lid of the kettle 300, so that the kettle 300 can be securely received by the base 200. For example, the protrusion 212 can have a cross-sectional area that decreases from the base body 202 toward the platform 215, for example, the outer side surface of the protrusion 212 can be concave inward. In addition, the base 200 can include an outlet 213 disposed on the protrusion 212, which is fluidly connected to a fluid source, for example, via a pump. Therefore, when the protrusion 212 is properly received by the groove of the kettle 300, the outlet 213 will align with the inlet on the lid of the kettle 300, as described in further detail below. Thus, first and second inwardly recessed portions 214 , 216 , spout receiving portion 218 , and protrusion 212 together facilitate proper alignment of pitcher 300 and base 200 during operation of filtering device 100 .

[0030] Reference now Figure 2C , describing the interior of the base 200. Figure 2CAs shown in , the base 200 may include a sensor 222, such as a reed switch. The sensor 222 may be configured to detect a magnetic field within a predefined detectable range, such as the magnetic field of a magnetic float of the kettle 300. Thus, the sensor 222 may determine whether the kettle 300 is properly engaged and aligned with the base 200, for example, by detecting whether the magnetic float is within the detectable range of the sensor 222, as described in further detail below. Thus, as will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, the sensor 222 may be positioned within the base body 202 such that the detectable range of the sensor 222 is capable of accurately detecting the magnetic float when the kettle 300 is received by the base 200 in an aligned configuration. For example, the sensor 222 is preferably positioned toward the front side of the base body 202, such as the side of the base 200 facing the kettle 300 when the kettle 300 is received by the base 200.

[0031] Reference now Figure 3A and 3B , an exemplary kettle is provided. The kettle 300 may include a kettle body 304 and a lid 302, the lid covering an opening at the top of the kettle body 304. The kettle body 304 may have an inner cavity for containing a fluid therein and a cylindrical tubular shape, the cylindrical tubular shape having a geometry corresponding to the geometry of the first and second inward recessed portions 214, 216, and the spout receiving portion 218, as described above. Alternatively, the kettle body 304 may have a different geometry, so that the first and second inward recessed portions 214, 216, and the spout receiving portion 218 may also have a corresponding geometry for receiving the kettle 300 in an aligned configuration. As Figure 3A and 3B As shown in , the kettle body 304 may further include a spout 306, the size and shape of which are set to allow fluid to flow out of the kettle body 304 in a controlled and precise manner. In addition, the kettle body 304 may have a handle 308 to allow the user to easily hold, lift and move the kettle body 304.

[0032] The lid 302 may be removably coupled to the kettle body 304 so that the inner cavity of the kettle body 304 may be periodically cleaned. Alternatively, the lid 302 may be fixedly coupled to the kettle body 304. Figure 3A and 3BAs shown in , the upper surface of the lid 302 can include a groove 310 that is sized and shaped to receive the protrusion 212 of the base 200, as described above. For example, the groove 310 can include a first receiving portion 314 that leads to a second locking portion 316. The first receiving portion 314 can have a greater width than the second locking portion 316, so that the first receiving portion 314 can receive the protrusion 212 over a wider range of insertion angles. When the user inserts the pot 300 into the base 200, the first receiving portion 314 guides the protrusion 212 toward the second locking portion 316 and guides the protrusion 212 into the second locking portion 316. The second locking portion 316 is sized and shaped to securely receive the protrusion 212 while preventing at least some movement of the protrusion 212 when the pot 300 is properly aligned with the base 200. For example, the second locking portion 316 can prevent rotational movement of the pot 300 in the aligned configuration. In addition, the second locking portion 316 can prevent the jug 300 from further moving toward the base 200 in the aligned configuration, while allowing the jug 300 to retract in the opposite direction to separate from the base 200. Therefore, the second locking portion 316 can have a geometry corresponding to the geometry of at least a portion of the protrusion 212, for example, at least three sides of the protrusion 212.

[0033] Additionally, the cover 302 can include an inlet 312 disposed in the second locking portion 316. The inlet 312 can be sized and shaped to receive fluid from the outlet 213 of the base 200. For example, the inlet 312 can have a diameter equal to or greater than the outlet 213. Thus, in the aligned configuration, when the protrusion 212 is fully received by the second locking portion 316, the inlet 312 will be aligned with the outlet 213 and in fluid communication.

[0034] Figures 4A to 4C The jug 300 is shown inserted into the base 200 to operate the filtering device 100. Figure 4A As shown in , the user can position the kettle 300 relative to the base 200 so that the protrusion 212 is received by the first receiving portion 314. As described above, due to the large width of the first receiving portion 314, the protrusion 212 can be received by the first receiving portion 314 at various insertion angles of the kettle 300. For example, the kettle 300 can be inserted as shown in FIG. Figure 4A The insert may be inserted directly toward the base 200 as shown in FIG. 1 , or alternatively, may be inserted from the right or left side of the base 200 at an angle of up to, for example, 45 degrees or more. Figure 4B As shown in , when the jug 300 is inserted into the base 200, the first receiving portion 314 guides the protrusion 212 toward the second locking portion 316, thereby properly aligning the jug 300 with the base 200 so that further insertion of the jug 300 is in a direction directly toward the base 200. In addition, as shown in Figure 4BAs shown in , the kettle body 304 can be inserted into the base 200 so that the kettle body 304 rests on top of the platform 215. Figure 4C The jug 300 is shown fully inserted into the base 200 in an aligned configuration such that the inlet 312 is aligned with the outlet 213 and in fluid communication. Figure 4C In the aligned configuration shown in , the magnetic float of the kettle 300 is aligned with the sensor 222 of the base 300 so that the sensor 222 can detect the magnetic float when the magnetic float is within the detectable range of the sensor 222 in the aligned configuration.

[0035] Reference now Figure 5A and 5B , an exemplary lid of a pot 300 is provided. Lid 302. As described above, the lid 302 may include a groove 310 sized and shaped to receive the protrusion 212 when the pot 300 is received by the base 200 so that the pot 300 is aligned with the base 200 during insertion. Figure 5A and 5B As shown in , the lid 302 may include a surface 318 extending downward from the bottom surface of the lid 302, for example, extending toward the bottom of the kettle body 304 when the lid 302 is coupled to the kettle body 304. The surface 318 may extend circumferentially along the lid 302 near the outer edge of the lid 302, and its outer diameter is equal to or slightly smaller than the diameter of the inner cavity of the kettle 304. Therefore, when the lid 302 is coupled to the kettle body 304, the surface 318 is inserted into the inner cavity of the kettle body 304, so that the surface 318 can contact or nearly contact the inner wall of the kettle body 304. Figure 5A As shown in FIG, surface 318 may include a spout outlet 322 for providing fluid communication between the interior cavity of the kettle body 304 and the spout 306 when the lid 302 is coupled to the kettle body 304. Thus, the spout outlet 322 is sized and shaped to allow fluid to be transferred out of the kettle body 304 toward the spout 306 in a controlled manner.

[0036] like Figure 5A and 5B As shown in FIG, surface 318 may include an extension 319 having a length sufficient to accommodate magnetic float assembly 324. Figure 5A As shown in FIG. 3 , the spout outlet 322 can be positioned on the extension portion 319. The extension portion 319 can extend circumferentially along only a portion of the outer edge of the lid 302, such as adjacent to the first receiving portion 314 of the lid 302, and when the kettle 300 is properly aligned with the base 300 in the aligned configuration, the magnetic float assembly 324 is positioned toward the sensor 222. In some embodiments, the extension portion 319 can extend along a portion of the outer edge of the lid 302. Figure 5A and 5BThe smaller or larger portion shown in FIG. 304 extends, for example, completely along the outer edge of the cover 302 .

[0037] like Figure 5B As shown in , the extension 319 may include retaining features such as a track 326, a flange 327, and a clip 328 for retaining the magnetic float assembly 324 relative to the cover 302. The track 326 may include a pair of rails extending vertically along the extension 319 to support the sides of the magnetic float assembly 324. During the manufacture of the cover 302, the magnetic float assembly 324 may be slid into position along the track 326 until the clip 328 engages with the magnetic float assembly 324 and locks the magnetic float assembly 324 in position. The flange 327 may be coupled to the track 326 and / or the magnetic float assembly 324 to support the bottom of the magnetic float assembly 324. Alternatively, the magnetic float assembly 324 may be formed integrally with the cover 302. As shown in FIG. Figure 5B As shown in FIG. 3 , the magnetic float assembly 324 can include a frame 332 and a magnetic float 336 movably disposed within the frame 332. Thus, the retaining member of the cover 302 can be configured to retain the frame 332 of the magnetic float assembly 324.

[0038] Fig. 6A and 6B The lid 302 is shown inserted into the kettle body 304. Fig. 6A As shown in , the lid 302 may include alignment features, such as protrusions 322a, 322b, to facilitate proper alignment of the lid 302 with the kettle body 304, so that when the kettle 300 is inserted into the base 200, the magnetic float assembly 324 can be properly aligned with the kettle body 304 and the sensor 222. For example, the lid 302 may include a pair of protrusions 322a, 322b, which are adjacent to the first receiving portion 314 of the groove 310 and are spaced apart so that the protrusions 322a, 322b can be aligned with the opening of the spout 306 of the kettle body 304. Therefore, when the lid 302 is fully engaged with the kettle body 304, the protrusions 322a, 322b will be located within the opening of the spout 306, thereby preventing the lid 302 from rotating relative to the kettle body 304 to ensure that the lid 302 and, accordingly, the magnetic float assembly 324 are properly aligned with the kettle body 304 during operation of the filtration device 100. For example, the projection 322a may prevent the lid 302 from rotating in a clockwise direction relative to the kettle body 304, and the projection 322b may prevent the lid 302 from rotating in a counterclockwise direction relative to the kettle body 304. Thus, the projections 322a, 322b may facilitate proper insertion of the lid 302 into the kettle body 304, as the projections 322a, 322b will prevent the lid 302 from being fully inserted into the kettle body 304 unless the projections 322a, 322b are aligned with the spout 306. Figure 6BThe lid 302 is shown properly engaged with the kettle body 304.

[0039] Reference now Fig. 7A and 7B , an exemplary magnetic float assembly is provided. The magnetic float assembly 324 may include a frame 332 and a magnetic float 336 movably disposed within the frame 332. The frame 332 may include a cavity 330, the size and shape of which are set to receive the magnetic float 336 therein, so that the magnetic float can move, for example vertically, within the cavity 330 of the frame 332. In addition, the frame 332 may include one or more vertically extending openings 334 for receiving at least a portion of the magnetic float 336 to guide and stabilize the magnetic float 336 as the magnetic float 336 moves within the cavity 330 of the frame 332. Therefore, the magnetic float 336 may include one or more portions for slidably engaging with the openings 334. As shown Figure 7B As shown in , the magnetic float 336 may have a U-shape for engaging with the opening 334. Alternatively, the magnetic float 336 need not engage with the frame 334 and may move freely within the cavity 330 of the frame 332 in response to the liquid level within the kettle body 304.

[0040] The magnetic float 336 may be made of, for example, a ferrous material, so that when the magnetic float 336 is within the detectable range of the sensor 222, the magnetic float 336 may have a magnetic field that can be detected by the sensor 222. In addition, the magnetic float 336 has a density selected so that the magnetic float 336 can float on the fluid in the kettle body 304. Therefore, when the liquid level in the kettle body 304 is lower than the bottom of the magnetic float assembly 324, such as the flange 327, the magnetic float 336 may not be in contact with the fluid and will therefore be located at the bottom of the frame 332 in the cavity 330 in the minimum position, such as Fig. 8A . At the minimum position, the magnetic float 336 will be within the detectable range of the sensor 222, so that the sensor 222 can detect the magnetic float 336. Therefore, when the sensor 222 detects the magnetic float 336, the sensor 222 can generate one or more signals indicating the detection of the magnetic float 336, and transmit the one or more signals to the controller 101 that can be operably coupled to the sensor 222 and the pump 102. Upon receiving the one or more signals from the sensor 222, the controller 101 can instruct the pump 102 to transfer the fluid from the fluid source (e.g., the container 204) through the filter 103, and into the kettle body 304 via the outlet 213 of the base 200 and the inlet 312 of the kettle 300.

[0041] As the liquid level in the kettle body 204 increases above the bottom of the magnetic flow assembly 324, the fluid will cause the magnetic float 336 to move vertically upward in the cavity 330 due to the floating nature of the magnetic float 336. Figure 1BAs shown in FIG, the detectable range of the sensor 222 may not include the uppermost portion of the magnetic float assembly 324, so that when the magnetic float 336 floats to the top of the cavity 330 in the maximum position in response to the rising liquid level in the kettle body 304, as shown in FIG. Figure 8B , the magnetic float 336 can leave the detectable range of the sensor 222, so that the sensor 222 cannot detect the magnetic float 336 in the maximum position. Therefore, when the magnetic float 336 is in the maximum position, the sensor 222 will not generate any signal indicating the detection of the magnetic float 336 to transmit to the controller 101, so that the controller 101 will stop instructing the pump 102 to pump fluid from the container 204 to the jug 300. The "full" jug 300 can then be removed from the base 200. According to the principles of the present disclosure, the jug 300 can be removed at any time during the operation of the filtration device 100, for example, when the fluid is transferred from the base 200 to the jug 300, and at the time of removal, the magnetic float 336 will no longer be within the detectable range of the sensor 222, so that the fluid will stop being pumped from the container 204 by the pump 102.

[0042] In the above disclosure, reference has been made to the accompanying drawings that form a part of the present invention, which illustrate specific embodiments in which the present disclosure may be practiced. It should be understood that other embodiments may be utilized and structural changes may be made without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. References to "one embodiment," "embodiment," "example embodiment," "example embodiment," etc. in this specification indicate that the described embodiments may include specific features, structures, or characteristics, but not every embodiment necessarily includes specific features, structures, or characteristics. In addition, such phrases do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment. In addition, when describing specific features, structures, or characteristics in conjunction with an embodiment, those skilled in the art will identify such features, structures, or characteristics in conjunction with other embodiments (whether or not explicitly described).

[0043] The embodiments of the systems, devices, apparatuses and methods disclosed herein may include or utilize one or more devices comprising hardware, such as one or more processors and system memory, as discussed herein. The embodiments of the apparatus, systems and methods disclosed herein may communicate via a computer network. "Network" is defined as one or more data links that can realize the transmission of electronic data between a computer system and / or module and / or other electronic device. When information is transmitted or provided to a computer via a network or another communication connection (hardwired, wireless, or a combination of hardwired or wireless), the computer appropriately regards the connection as a transmission medium. The transmission medium may include a network and / or a data link, which may be used to carry a desired program code device in the form of a computer executable instruction or a data structure, and may be accessed by a general or special computer system. The above combination should also be included in the scope of non-temporary computer-readable media.

[0044] Computer executable instructions include, for example, instructions and data that cause the processor to perform a specific function or group of functions when executed at a processor. Computer executable instructions can be, for example, binary, intermediate format instructions (e.g., assembly language) or even source code. Although the subject matter has been described in a language specific to structural features and / or method actions, it should be understood that the subject matter defined in the appended claims is not necessarily limited to the features or actions described above. In fact, the described features and actions are disclosed as example forms of implementing the claims. Specific terms are used throughout the description and the claims refer to specific system components. As will be understood by those skilled in the art, components may be referred to by different names. This document is not intended to distinguish between components that differ in name but not in function.

[0045] Although various embodiments of the present disclosure have been described above, it should be understood that they are given only by way of example and not limitation. It will be apparent to those skilled in the relevant art that various changes in form and detail may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure. Therefore, the breadth and scope of the present disclosure should not be limited to any of the example embodiments described above, but should only be limited according to the following claims and their equivalents. The foregoing description has been presented for the purpose of illustration and description. The foregoing description is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the present disclosure to the precise form disclosed. In view of the above teachings, many modifications and changes are possible. In addition, it should be noted that any or all of the foregoing alternative embodiments can be used in any desired combination to form additional hybrid embodiments of the present disclosure. For example, any functionality described with respect to a particular device or component can be performed by another device or component. In addition, although specific device characteristics have been described, embodiments of the present disclosure may involve a large number of other device characteristics. In addition, although embodiments have been described in language specific to structural features and / or method actions, it should be understood that the present disclosure is not necessarily limited to the specific features or actions described. In fact, specific features and actions are disclosed as illustrative forms for implementing the embodiments. Conditional language, such as "can, could, might, may", etc., unless otherwise expressly stated or otherwise understood in the context of use, is generally intended to convey that certain embodiments may include certain features, elements, and / or steps, while other embodiments may not include certain features, elements, and / or steps. Therefore, such conditional language is generally not intended to imply that features, elements, and / or steps are in any way essential to one or more embodiments.

Claims

1. A filtering device, comprising: A kettle, comprising: a jug body configured to contain a liquid; a lid configured to cover the kettle body and comprising an inlet; and a magnetic float assembly including a magnetic float configured to move in response to a liquid level within the kettle body; a base configured to removably receive the jug such that a geometry of the jug is configured to align with a geometry of the base in an aligned configuration, the base comprising: exit; a pump operably coupled to a fluid source; and a sensor comprising a detectable range and configured to detect the magnetic float in the aligned configuration when the magnetic float is within the detectable range; and A circuit system is operably coupled to the pump and the sensor and is configured to cause the pump to transfer fluid from the fluid source to the kettle body via the outlet and the inlet only when the sensor detects the magnetic float within the detectable range. 2 . The filtering device according to claim 1 , wherein the lid is configured to removably cover the kettle body.

3. A filtering device according to claim 2, wherein the kettle body includes a spout, and wherein the lid includes an alignment feature, which is configured to be received by the spout to align the lid and the kettle body and prevent rotational movement of the lid relative to the kettle body. The filter device of claim 3 , wherein the alignment feature comprises a pair of bumps.

5. The filtration device of claim 1, wherein the magnetic float assembly is coupled to a cover.

6. The filtration device of claim 5, wherein the lid includes a surface extending vertically from the lid toward the pitcher body, and wherein the magnetic float assembly is coupled to the surface.

7. The filtration device of claim 6, wherein the surface includes a plurality of adapters configured to retain the magnetic float assembly.

8. The filtration device of claim 6, wherein the surface comprises a geometric shape corresponding to an inner surface of the pitcher body.

9. The filtration device of claim 1, wherein the magnetic float assembly comprises a frame configured to slidably receive the magnetic float.

10. The filtration device according to claim 1, wherein the magnetic float is configured to move between a minimum position and a maximum position in response to the liquid level in the kettle body, and wherein in the maximum position, the magnetic float is not within the detectable range.

11. The filtration device of claim 1, wherein the magnetic float is configured to float on the fluid in the kettle body.

12. The filtration device of claim 1, wherein the base comprises a container, the container comprising the fluid source.

13. The filtration device of claim 1, wherein the geometry of the base includes a cavity configured to receive a spout of the pitcher body in the aligned configuration.

14. The filtration device of claim 1, wherein the geometry of the base includes an inwardly concave surface configured to receive a cylindrical outer surface of the pitcher body in the aligned configuration.

15. The filter device of claim 1, wherein the geometry of the base includes a protrusion configured to be slidably received by a groove of the cover in the aligned configuration.

16. The filtering device of claim 15, wherein the recess comprises a first receiving portion and a second locking portion, the first receiving portion and the second locking portion being configured to prevent at least some movement of the pitcher relative to the base in the aligned configuration.

17. The filter device of claim 15, wherein the inlet is disposed on the protrusion, and the inlet is disposed in the recess such that the inlet is in fluid communication with the outlet in the aligned configuration.

18. A method for providing a filtered fluid, the method comprising: receiving a jug by a base such that a geometry of the jug is aligned with a geometry of the base in an aligned configuration; detecting, by a sensor, whether a magnetic float coupled to the pot is within a detectable range of the sensor, the magnetic float being configured to move in response to a liquid level in the pot; When the magnetic float is within the detectable range of the sensor, the server causes a pump to transfer fluid from a fluid source to the kettle; as well as When the magnetic float is not within the detectable range of the sensor, the transfer of fluid from the fluid source to the jug via the pump is stopped by the server.

19. The method of claim 18, wherein receiving the jug by the base such that the geometric shape of the jug is aligned with the geometric shape of the base in an aligned configuration comprises: The protrusion of the base is slidably received by the groove of the lid of the pot.

20. The method of claim 18, wherein the magnetic float is configured to move between a minimum position and a maximum position in response to the liquid level within the jug, and wherein in the maximum position, the magnetic float is not within the detectable range.

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