Filtration device with magnetic floater to prevent overflow

Abstract

A filtering device and a method for using the same are provided. The filtering device may include a pitcher for removably engaging a base in fluid communication with a fluid source. The pitcher may include a magnetic float assembly, and the base may include a sensor, e.g., a reed switch, for detecting when a magnetic float of the magnetic float assembly is within a detectable range of the sensor. When the sensor detects the magnetic float within the detectable range, a controller of the filtering device may command a pump to pump fluid from the fluid source through a filtration system of the filtering device and into the pitcher. When the pitcher fills with fluid, the magnetic float moves out of the detectable range of the sensor, thereby ceasing to transfer fluid from the fluid source to the pitcher.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS This application claims priority to and benefit of U.S. Patent Application No. 17 / 934,316, filed September 22, 2022, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. [Background technology]

[0002] Due to increased toxicity levels caused by chemicals found in water supplies, water filtration has become popular in many homes. Point-of-use (POU) water filters are designed to treat small amounts of drinking water for use within the home. These devices can sit on a counter, be attached to a faucet, or be installed under a sink. They differ from point-of-entry (POE) devices, which are installed on the water pipes entering the home and treat all the water in the building.

[0003] Many homes today have reverse osmosis (RO) units installed. Reverse osmosis devices are typically installed under the sink, with the tap water connection plumbed directly into the sink's cold water supply and the wastewater drain directly connected to the sink's p-trap. These devices use membranes that screen out chemicals such as chlorides and sulfates, as well as most other contaminants found in water supplies today. RO systems can remove particles as small as 1 angstrom. However, POU RO systems can waste as much as 3–4 gallons of water for every gallon they process. This is due to the need for continuous water flow across the membrane surface to remove contaminants and prevent the membrane from clogging.

[0004] It is with respect to these and other considerations that the disclosure made herein is presented. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0005] The detailed description is set forth with reference to the accompanying drawings. The use of the same reference numbers may indicate similar or identical items. Various embodiments may utilize elements and / or components other than those illustrated in the drawings, and some elements and / or components may not be present in various embodiments. Elements and / or components in the figures are not necessarily drawn to scale. Throughout this disclosure, singular and plural terms may be used interchangeably where appropriate.

[0006] [Figure 1A] 1 illustrates a filtering device constructed in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure. [Figure 1B] FIG. 1B is a schematic diagram illustrating some of the components of the filtering device of FIG. 1A. [Figure 2A] 1B illustrates a base of the filtering device of FIG. 1A constructed in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure. [Figure 2B] 1B illustrates a base of the filtering device of FIG. 1A constructed in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure. [Figure 2C] 2A and 2B illustrate the inside of the base. [Figure 3A] 1B illustrates a removable pitcher of the filtering device of FIG. 1A constructed in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure. [Figure 3B] FIG. 1 is a top view of a removable pitcher. [Figure 4A] 10 illustrates the insertion of a removable pitcher into a base in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure. [Figure 4B] 10 illustrates the insertion of a removable pitcher into a base in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure. [Figure 4C] 10 illustrates the insertion of a removable pitcher into a base in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure. [Figure 5A] 3B illustrates a removable pitcher lid of FIG. 3A constructed in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure. [Figure 5B] 3B illustrates a removable pitcher lid of FIG. 3A constructed in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure. [Figure 6A]10 illustrates the insertion of a lid into a pitcher body of a removable pitcher in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure. [Figure 6B] 1 illustrates a lid attached to a pitcher body. [Figure 7A] 1 illustrates a magnetic float of a filtering device constructed in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure. [Figure 7B] 1 illustrates a magnetic float of a filtering device constructed in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure. [Figure 8A] 7C and 7D illustrate different stages of the magnetic float of FIGS. 7A and 7B during operation of a filtering device according to the principles of the present disclosure. [Figure 8B] 7C and 7D illustrate different stages of the magnetic float of FIGS. 7A and 7B during operation of a filtering device according to the principles of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0007] overview A filtering device and a method for using the same are provided. The filtering device may include a pitcher for removably engaging a base in fluid communication with a fluid source. The pitcher may include a pitcher body for holding a fluid therein, a lid sized and shaped to cover the pitcher body and having an inlet for receiving the fluid into the pitcher body, and a magnetic float assembly having a magnetic float that moves in response to the level of fluid in the pitcher body. For example, the magnetic float may move between a lowest position, e.g., when the fluid level in the pitcher body is below a predetermined threshold, and a highest position, e.g., when the fluid level reaches a predetermined volume of the pitcher body.

[0008] The base may include an outlet for transferring fluid to the pitcher when the pitcher is properly aligned with the base, and a container for holding the fluid therein. The base may further include a controller having circuitry operably coupled to a sensor, e.g., a reed switch, for detecting when a magnetic float of the magnetic float assembly is within the sensor's detectable range, and a pump. The base may also include a filtration system, such that, for example, in response to the sensor detecting the magnetic float, the controller may cause the pump to pump fluid from a fluid source, through the filtration system, and then into the pitcher. When the fluid level in the pitcher reaches a predetermined volume, the magnetic float reaches its highest position, which is outside the sensor's detectable range. Thus, if the sensor no longer detects the magnetic float, for example, if the magnetic float is at its maximum position, or if the pitcher is not engaged or properly aligned with the base such that the magnetic float assembly is not within the sensor's detectable range, the controller will cease commanding the pump to transfer fluid from the fluid source to the pitcher. The full pitcher can then be removed from the base.

[0009] Illustrative Embodiments The present disclosure is described more fully below with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which example embodiments of the present disclosure are shown. However, the present disclosure may be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the example embodiments set forth herein. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various changes in form and detail can be made in various embodiments without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure. Thus, the breadth and scope of the present disclosure should not be limited by any of the example embodiments described above, but should be defined only in accordance with the following claims and their equivalents. The description below is presented for illustrative purposes and is not intended to be exhaustive or to be limited to the precise forms disclosed. It should be understood that alternative implementations may be used in any combination to form additional hybrid implementations of the present disclosure. For example, any functionality described with respect to particular devices / components may be performed by another device / component. Furthermore, although specific device features are described, embodiments of the present disclosure may relate to numerous other device features. Furthermore, although the embodiments have been described in language specific to structural features and / or methodological acts, it is to be understood that the disclosure is not necessarily limited to the specific features or acts described. Rather, the specific features and acts are disclosed as illustrative forms of implementing the embodiments.

[0010] Certain words and phrases are used herein for convenience only, and such words and terms should be interpreted to refer to a variety of purposes and actions commonly understood in various forms and equivalents by those skilled in the art.

[0011] 1A and 1B, an exemplary filtration device is provided. As shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B, filtration device 100 may include a base 200 and a removable pitcher 300. Pitcher 300 may be removably coupled to base 200 to transfer fluid, e.g., filtered water, from base 200 to pitcher 300 when pitcher 300 is coupled and aligned with base 200, as described in further detail below. Accordingly, base 200 may include a fluid filtration system, e.g., filter 103, as described in U.S. Pat. No. 9,517,958 to Spiegel, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. When the pitcher 300 is properly aligned with the base 200, a sensing mechanism of the base 200, e.g., a sensor 222, can detect the level of fluid in the pitcher 300, for example, via detecting the magnetic float of the magnetic float assembly 324 within the detectable range of the sensor 222, such that when the magnetic float is detected within the detectable range, a controller 101 having circuitry operably coupled to the sensor 222 and the pump 102 can cause the pump 102 to pump fluid from the fluid source 204 through the filter 103 and into the pitcher 300. Furthermore, controller 101 may cause pump 102 to stop transferring fluid to pitcher 300 if sensor 222 does not detect the magnetic float of magnetic float assembly 324, thereby indicating that the level of fluid in pitcher 300 has reached a predetermined threshold, for example, if pitcher 300 is "full," or that pitcher 300 is no longer properly aligned with base 200, for example, due to pitcher 300 being removed from base 200. Additionally, if pitcher 300 is not coupled to and properly aligned with base 200, controller 101 may not command pump 102 to transfer any fluid from fluid source 204.

[0012] 2A and 2B, an exemplary filtering device base is provided. Base 200 may include a base body 202 sized and shaped to fit, for example, on a countertop via one or more legs 220 and may further include a handle 208 coupled to base body 202 so that a user may easily carry and transport base 200. As shown in FIG. 2A, base 200 may include a container 204 for holding fluid to be filtered through the filtration system of filtering device 100. Container 204 may be removably coupled to base body 202, e.g., a back portion thereof, so that a user may remove container 204 from base body 202 and fill container 204 with fluid when needed, for example, when the fluid level in container 204 is low or when the container is empty. For example, container 204 may include a container lid 206 that can be lifted and / or removed from container 204 to provide access to the interior of container 204. As will be understood by one skilled in the art, the base 200 may be fluidly coupled to another fluid source in addition to or instead of the container 204 so 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.

[0013] Additionally, base 200 may include a user interface 210 operably coupled to controller 101 having one or more actuators, e.g., buttons, for allowing a user to activate specific functions associated with controller 101 of filtering device 100, e.g., on / off, fluid temperature, etc., as well as an optional display for communicating information to the user. For example, the display may inform the user that pitcher 300 is properly aligned with base 200, the status of filtering device 100, the current fluid temperature setting, the need to replace one or more filters in the filtration system of base 200, etc.

[0014] Further, the base body 202 may have a geometry for receiving the pitcher 300 in an aligned configuration such that the outlet 213 of the base 200 is aligned with the inlet of the pitcher 300 so that fluid can be transferred from the base 200 to the pitcher 300. Thus, the geometry of the base body 202, e.g., the front side of the base body 202, may match the geometry of the pitcher 300, e.g., the cylindrical body of the pitcher 300, and of the spout of the pitcher 300. For example, as shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B , the base body 202 may include a first inwardly concave portion 214 sized and shaped to receive at least a portion of the pitcher 300, e.g., a bottom portion of the cylindrical pitcher body of the pitcher 300. The concave portion 214 may extend circumferentially around a platform 215 of the base body 202. Thus, pitcher 300 may be received by base 200 such that at least a portion of pitcher 300 may rest on top of platform 215 within recessed portion 214. Platform 215 may be sized and shaped to fully support pitcher 300, as shown in FIG. 1A. Thus, platform 215 may have a shape and size that matches the shape and size of the bottom of pitcher 300.

[0015] 2A and 2B , base 200 may further include a second inwardly concave portion 216 sized and shaped to receive at least a portion of pitcher 300, such as a lateral portion of a cylindrical pitcher body of pitcher 300. Second inwardly concave portion 216 may have the same radius of curvature as first inwardly concave portion 214 to accommodate pitcher 300. Additionally, base 200 may further include a spout-receiving portion 218 sized and shaped to receive a spout of pitcher 300, such that when pitcher 300 is properly received and aligned by base 200, the spout of pitcher 300 is received by spout-receiving portion 218 and the body portion of pitcher 300 is received by first inwardly concave portion 214 and second inwardly concave portion 216. Thus, the spout receiving portion 218 may have a geometric shape that corresponds to the geometric shape of the spout of the pitcher 300 .

[0016] 2A and 2B , the base 200 may include a protrusion 212 extending from the base body 202. For example, the protrusion 212 may extend from an underside of an upper portion of the base body 202, e.g., from a surface opposite the user interface 210, toward the platform 215. As described in further detail below, the protrusion 212 may be sized and shaped to be received within a corresponding groove in a lid of the pitcher 300 so that the pitcher 300 can be securely received by the base 200. For example, the protrusion 212 may have a cross-sectional area that decreases inwardly from the base body 202 toward the platform 215, e.g., the outer surface of the protrusion 212 may be inwardly concave. Further, the base 200 may include an outlet 213 disposed on the protrusion 212 that is in fluid communication with a fluid source, e.g., via a pump. Thus, as described in further detail below, when protrusion 212 is properly received by the groove of pitcher 300, outlet 213 is aligned with the inlet on the lid of pitcher 300. Thus, during operation of filtering device 100, first inwardly concave portion 214, second inwardly concave portion 216, spout receiving portion 218, and protrusion 212 together facilitate proper alignment of pitcher 300 and base 200.

[0017] Referring now to FIG. 2C , the inside of base 200 is described. As shown in FIG. 2C , base 200 may include sensor 222, e.g., a reed switch. Sensor 222 may be configured to detect a magnetic field, e.g., the magnetic field of a magnetic float of pitcher 300, within a predetermined detectable range. Thus, as described in further detail below, sensor 222 may determine whether pitcher 300 is properly engaged and aligned with base 200 by, for example, detecting whether the magnetic float is within the detectable range of sensor 222. Thus, as will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, sensor 222 may be positioned within base body 202 such that the detectable range of sensor 222 can accurately detect the magnetic float when pitcher 300 is received by base 200 in the aligned configuration. For example, the sensor 222 is preferably positioned toward the front side of the base body 202 , e.g., the side of the base 200 that faces the pitcher 300 when the pitcher 300 is received by the base 200 .

[0018] 3A and 3B, an exemplary pitcher is provided. Pitcher 300 may include a pitcher body 304 and a lid 302 covering an opening at the top of pitcher body 304. Pitcher body 304 may have an inner cavity for holding a fluid therein and a cylindrical tubular shape having a geometry matching the geometries of first inwardly concave portion 214, second inwardly concave portion 216, and spout receiving portion 218, as described above. Alternatively, pitcher body 304 may have different geometries such that in the aligned configuration, first inwardly concave portion 214, second inwardly concave portion 216, and spout receiving portion 218 may also have corresponding geometries for receiving pitcher 300. 3A and 3B, the pitcher body 304 may further include a spout 306 that is sized and shaped to allow fluid to flow out of the pitcher body 304 in a controlled and precise manner. Additionally, the pitcher body 304 may have a handle 308 to allow a user to easily hold, lift, and move the pitcher body 304.

[0019] The lid 302 may be removably coupled to the pitcher body 304 so that the interior cavity of the pitcher body 304 can be periodically cleaned. Alternatively, the lid 302 may be fixedly coupled to the pitcher body 304. As shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B , the top surface of the lid 302 may include a groove 310 sized and shaped to receive the protrusion 212 of the base 200, as described above. For example, the groove 310 may include a first receiving portion 314 that leads into a second locking portion 316. The first receiving portion 314 may have a width wider than the second locking portion 316 so that the first receiving portion 314 can receive the protrusion 212 over a wide range of insertion angles. When a user inserts the pitcher 300 into the base 200, the first receiving portion 314 guides the protrusion 212 toward and into the second locking portion 316. Second locking portion 316 is sized and shaped to securely receive protrusion 212 and prevent at least some movement of protrusion 212 while pitcher 300 is properly aligned with base 200. For example, second locking portion 316 may prevent rotational movement of pitcher 300 in the aligned configuration. Additionally, second locking portion 316 may prevent further movement of pitcher 300 toward base 200 in the aligned configuration while allowing pitcher 300 to retract in the opposite direction to disengage from base 200. Thus, second locking portion 316 may have a geometric shape that matches the geometric shape of at least a portion of protrusion 212, e.g., at least three sides of protrusion 212.

[0020] Additionally, the lid 302 may include an inlet 312 disposed in the second locking portion 316. The inlet 312 may be sized and shaped to receive fluid from the outlet 213 of the base 200. For example, the inlet 312 may have a larger diameter than the outlet 213. Thus, when the protrusion 212 is fully received by the second locking portion 316 in the aligned configuration, the inlet 312 is aligned with and in fluid communication with the outlet 213.

[0021] 4A-4C illustrate the insertion of pitcher 300 into base 200 to operate filtering device 100. As shown in FIG. 4A, a user can position pitcher 300 relative to base 200 so that protrusion 212 is received by first receiving portion 314. As described above, due to the wide width of first receiving portion 314, protrusion 212 can be received by first receiving portion 314 at various angles of insertion of pitcher 300. For example, pitcher 300 can be inserted directly into base 200 as shown in FIG. 4A, or alternatively, pitcher 300 can be inserted from the right or left side of base 200, for example, at an angle of 45 degrees or greater. As shown in Figure 4B, when pitcher 300 is inserted into base 200, first receiving portion 314 may guide protrusion 212 toward second locking portion 316, thereby properly aligning pitcher 300 with base 200 so that further insertion of pitcher 300 is in a direction directly toward base 200. Further, as shown in Figure 4B, pitcher body 304 may be inserted into base 200 such that pitcher body 304 seats on top of platform 215. Figure 4C shows pitcher 300 inserted into base 200 in a fully aligned configuration, such that inlet 312 is aligned with and in fluid communication with outlet 213. As described above, in the aligned configuration shown in FIG. 4C , the magnetic float of the pitcher 300 is aligned with the sensor 222 of the base 300 such that in the aligned configuration, the sensor 222 can detect the magnetic float when the magnetic float is within the detectable range of the sensor 222.

[0022] 5A and 5B, an exemplary lid for pitcher 300 is provided. Lid 302. As described above, lid 302 may include a groove 310 sized and shaped to receive protrusion 212 when pitcher 300 is received by base 200 so that pitcher 300 is aligned with base 200 during insertion. As shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B, lid 302 may include a surface 318 extending downward from a bottom surface of lid 302, e.g., toward the bottom of pitcher body 304 when lid 302 is coupled to pitcher body 304. Surface 318 may extend circumferentially along lid 302 near an outer edge of lid 302, the outer edge having an outer diameter equal to or slightly smaller than the diameter of the interior cavity of pitcher 304. 5A , surface 318 may include a spout outlet 322 for providing fluid communication between the internal cavity of pitcher body 304 and spout 306 when lid 302 is coupled to pitcher body 304. Accordingly, when lid 302 is coupled to pitcher body 304, surface 318 is inserted into the internal cavity of pitcher body 304 such that surface 318 may contact or nearly contact the interior wall of pitcher body 304. As shown in FIG. 5A , surface 318 may include a spout outlet 322 for providing fluid communication between the internal cavity of pitcher body 304 and spout 306 when lid 302 is coupled to pitcher body 304. Accordingly, spout outlet 322 may be sized and shaped to allow fluid to be transferred from pitcher body 304 toward spout 306 in a controlled manner.

[0023] 5A and 5B, the surface 318 may include an extension portion 319 having a length sufficient to accommodate the magnetic float assembly 324. As shown in FIG. 5A, the spout outlet 322 may be positioned on the extension portion 319. The extension portion 319 may extend only along a portion of the outer edge of the lid 302, e.g., circumferentially adjacent the first receiving portion 314 of the lid 302, such that the magnetic float assembly 324 is positioned toward the sensor 222 when the pitcher 300 is properly aligned with the base 300 in the aligned configuration. In some embodiments, the extension portion 319 may extend along a smaller or larger portion of the outer edge of the lid 302 than shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B, e.g., completely along the outer edge of the lid 302.

[0024] As shown in FIG. 5B , extension portion 319 may include retaining members, such as rails 326, ledges 327, and clips 328, for holding magnetic float assembly 324 relative to lid 302. Rails 326 may include a pair of guide rails extending vertically along extension portion 319 to support the sides of magnetic float assembly 324. During manufacture of lid 302, magnetic float assembly 324 may slide into position along rails 326 until clips 328 engage and lock magnetic float assembly 324 in place. Ledge 327 may be coupled to rails 326 and / or magnetic float assembly 324 to support the bottom of magnetic float assembly 324. Alternatively, magnetic float assembly 324 may be integrally formed with lid 302. As shown in FIG. 5B , magnetic float assembly 324 may include a frame 332 and a magnetic float 336 movably disposed within frame 332. Thus, the retaining member of the lid 302 may be configured to retain the frame 332 of the magnetic float assembly 324 .

[0025] 6A and 6B illustrate the insertion of the lid 302 into the pitcher body 304. As shown in FIG. 6A, the lid 302 may include alignment features, such as nubs 322a, 322b, to facilitate proper alignment of the lid 302 and the pitcher body 304 such that the magnetic float assembly 324 may be properly aligned with the pitcher body 304 and the sensor 222 when the pitcher 300 is inserted into the base 200. For example, the lid 302 may include a pair of nubs 322a, 322b adjacent to the first receiving portion 314 of the groove 310 and spaced apart such that the nubs 322a, 322b may be aligned with the opening of the spout 306 of the pitcher body 304. Thus, when the lid 302 is fully engaged with the pitcher body 304, the nubs 322a, 322b seat within the openings of the spout 306, thereby preventing the lid 302 from rotating relative to the pitcher body 304 and ensuring that the lid 302, and therefore the magnetic float assembly 324, are properly aligned with the pitcher body 304 during operation of the filtering device 100. For example, the nub 322a may prevent the lid 302 from rotating in a clockwise direction relative to the pitcher body 304, and the nub 322b may prevent the lid 302 from rotating in a counterclockwise direction relative to the pitcher body 304. Thus, the nubs 322a, 322b may facilitate proper insertion of the lid 302 into the pitcher body 304, as the nubs 322a, 322b will prevent full insertion of the lid 302 into the pitcher body 304 unless the nubs 322a, 322b are aligned with the spout 306. FIG. 6B illustrates the lid 302 in proper engagement with the pitcher body 304.

[0026] 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 sized and shaped to receive the magnetic float 336 therein so that the magnetic float may move, e.g., vertically, within the cavity 330 of the frame 332. Further, 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 it moves within the cavity 330 of the frame 332. Accordingly, the magnetic float 336 may include one or more portions for slidably engaging with the openings 334. As shown in FIG. 7B, the magnetic float 336 may have a U-shape for engaging with the openings 334. Alternatively, the magnetic float 336 need not engage the frame 334 and may move freely within the cavity 330 of the frame 332 depending on the level of fluid within the pitcher body 304 .

[0027] The magnetic float 336 may be made of, for example, an iron-based material such that the magnetic float 336 has a magnetic field that is detectable by the sensor 222 when the magnetic float 336 is within the detection range of the sensor 222. Furthermore, the magnetic float 336 has a density selected such that the magnetic float 336 can be levitated in the fluid within the pitcher body 304. Thus, as shown in FIG. 8A , when the level of the fluid within the pitcher body 304 is below the bottom of the magnetic float assembly 324, e.g., ledge 327, the magnetic float 336 cannot contact the fluid and therefore rests on the bottom of the frame 332 within the cavity 330 at its lowest position. At the lowest position, the magnetic float 336 is within the detection range of the sensor 222 such that the sensor 222 can detect the magnetic float 336. Thus, in response to detection of magnetic float 336 by sensor 222, sensor 222 may generate one or more signals indicative of the detection of magnetic float 336 and may transmit the one or more signals to controller 101, which may be operatively coupled to sensor 222 and pump 102. In response to receiving the one or more signals from sensor 222, controller 101 may instruct pump 102 to transfer fluid from a fluid source, such as container 204, through filter 103, via outlet 213 of base 200 and inlet 312 of pitcher 300, and into pitcher body 304.

[0028] As the fluid level within the pitcher body 204 increases above the bottom of the magnetic flow assembly 324, the fluid causes the magnetic float 336 to move vertically upward within the cavity 330 due to the levitation properties of the magnetic float 336. As shown in FIG. 1B, the detectable range of the sensor 222 may not include the top portion of the magnetic float assembly 324, such that when the magnetic float 336 levitates to the top of the cavity 330 at its highest position in response to an increase in the fluid level within the pitcher body 304, as shown in FIG. 8B, the magnetic float 336 may fall out of the detectable range of the sensor 222, such that the sensor 222 is unable to detect the magnetic float 336 at its highest position. Thus, when magnetic float 336 is in its highest position, sensor 222 does not generate any signal to send to controller 101 indicating the detection of magnetic float 336, causing controller 101 to cease commanding pump 102 to pump fluid from container 204 to pitcher 300. The “full” pitcher 300 may then be removed from base 200. In accordance with the principles of the present disclosure, pitcher 300 may be removed at any time during operation of filtration device 100, for example, when fluid is being transferred from base 200 to pitcher 300, at which point magnetic float 336 is no longer within detectable range of sensor 222, thereby causing pump 102 to cease pumping fluid from container 204.

[0029] In the above disclosure, reference is made to the accompanying drawings, which form a part hereof, and which illustrate specific implementations in which the present disclosure may be practiced. It is to be understood that other implementations may be utilized and structural changes may be made without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. References herein to "one embodiment," "an embodiment," "exemplary embodiment," "exemplary embodiment," etc., indicate that the described embodiment may include a particular feature, structure, or characteristic, but not all embodiments necessarily include the particular feature, structure, or characteristic. Moreover, such phrases do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment. Furthermore, when a particular feature, structure, or characteristic is described in connection with an embodiment, one of ordinary skill in the art will recognize such feature, structure, or characteristic in connection with other embodiments, whether or not explicitly described.

[0030] Implementations of the systems, apparatus, devices, and methods disclosed herein may comprise or utilize one or more devices, including hardware such as, for example, one or more processors and system memory, as discussed herein. Implementations of the devices, systems, and methods disclosed herein may communicate over a computer network. A "network" is defined as one or more data links that enable the transfer of electronic data between computer systems and / or modules and / or other electronic devices. When information is transferred or provided to a computer over a network or another communications connection (either hardwired, wireless, or a combination of hardwired and wireless), the computer properly views the connection as a transmission medium. Transmission media may include networks and / or data links that can be used to carry desired program code means in the form of computer-executable instructions or data structures and that can be accessed by a general-purpose or special-purpose computer. Combinations of the above should also be included within the scope of non-transitory computer-readable media.

[0031] Computer-executable instructions include, for example, instructions and data that, when executed on a processor, cause the processor to perform a particular function or group of functions. Computer-executable instructions may be, for example, binaries, intermediate format instructions such as assembly language, or even source code. While the present subject matter has been described in language specific to structural features and / or methodological acts, it should be understood that the subject matter defined in the appended claims is not necessarily limited to the features or acts described above. Rather, the described features and acts are disclosed as exemplary forms of implementing the claims. Certain terms are used throughout the specification, and the claims refer to particular system components. As one skilled in the art will recognize, components may be referred to by different names. This document does not intend to distinguish between components that differ in name but not function.

[0032] While various embodiments of the present disclosure have been described above, it should be understood that these embodiments are presented by way of example only, and not limitation. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various changes in form and detail can be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure. Thus, the breadth and scope of the present disclosure should not be limited by any of the above-described exemplary embodiments, but should be defined only in accordance with the following claims and their equivalents. The foregoing description has been presented for purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the disclosure to the precise form disclosed. Many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teachings. It should be noted that any or all of the above-described alternative implementations may be used in any combination desired to form additional hybrid implementations of the present disclosure. For example, any of the functionality described with respect to particular devices or components may be performed by another device or component. Moreover, while specific device features are described, embodiments of the present disclosure may relate to numerous other device features. Furthermore, while embodiments have been described in language specific to structural features and / or methodological acts, it should be understood that the disclosure is not necessarily limited to the specific features or acts described. Rather, the specific features and acts are disclosed as exemplary forms for implementing the embodiments. Unless otherwise specifically stated or understood within the context in which they are used, conditional language such as "can," "could," "might," or "may," among others, is generally intended to convey that certain embodiments may include particular features, elements, and / or steps, while other embodiments may not. Thus, such conditional language is generally not intended to imply that features, elements, and / or steps are in any way required for one or more embodiments.

Claims

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

2. The filtering device of claim 1 , wherein the lid is configured to removably cover the pitcher body.

3. 3. The filtering device of claim 2, wherein the pitcher body includes a spout and the lid includes an alignment feature configured to be received by the spout to align the lid and the pitcher body and to prevent rotational movement of the lid relative to the pitcher body.

4. The filtering device of claim 3 , wherein the alignment features comprise a pair of nubs.

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

6. 6. The filtering device of claim 5, wherein the lid comprises a surface extending vertically from the lid toward the pitcher body, the magnetic float assembly being coupled to the surface.

7. The filtering device of claim 6 , wherein the surface comprises a plurality of engagers configured to retain the magnetic float assembly.

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

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

10. 2. The filtering device of claim 1, wherein the magnetic float is configured to move between a lowest position and a highest position depending on the level of the fluid in the pitcher body, and wherein in the highest position, the magnetic float is not within the detectable range.

11. The filtering device of claim 1 , wherein the magnetic float is configured to float in a fluid within the pitcher body.

12. The filtering device of claim 1 , wherein the base comprises a container that includes the fluid source.

13. The filtering device of claim 1 , wherein the geometric shape of the base comprises a cavity configured to receive a spout of the pitcher body in the aligned configuration.

14. 2. The filtering device of claim 1, wherein the geometric shape of the base comprises an inwardly concave surface configured to receive a cylindrical outer surface of the pitcher body in the aligned configuration.

15. The filtering device of claim 1 , wherein the geometric shape of the base comprises a protrusion configured to be slidably received by a groove in the lid in the aligned configuration.

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

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

18. 1. A method for providing a filtered fluid, the method comprising: receiving the pitcher with a base such that in an aligned configuration the geometry of the pitcher is aligned with the geometry of the base; detecting, with a sensor, whether a magnetic float coupled to the pitcher is within a detectable range of the sensor, the magnetic float being configured to move in response to a level of fluid within the pitcher; causing a pump, by a server, to transfer fluid from a fluid source to the pitcher when the magnetic float is within the detectable range of the sensor; and stopping, by the server, the transfer of fluid from the fluid source to the pitcher via the pump if the magnetic float is not within the detectable range of the sensor.

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

20. 20. The method of claim 18, wherein the magnetic float is configured to move between a lowest position and a highest position depending on the level of the fluid in the pitcher, and in the highest position, the magnetic float is not within the detectable range.

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