Fluid purification device and its operation method

Abstract

To improve a lock release mechanism of a fluid purification device.SOLUTION: A fluid purification device includes a tank (104) having a hollow interior, a cover (130) sealingly coupled to the tank (104), and an a release assembly (142) pivotally coupled to the cover (130). The release assembly (142) includes a relief valve (140) fluidly coupled to the hollow interior, the release assembly (142) is movable between a first position and a second position, and the relief valve (140) is movable between an operating position, a released position, and a non-operational position.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 9

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a fluid purification device, and more particularly to a fluid purification device having an exchangeable media module.

Background Art

[0002] In various cleaning applications, it is desirable to use purified water (referred to herein as "clean water"). One common use of clean water is for cleaning surfaces such as windows, automobiles, buildings, and solar panels. For example, it is known to use clean water in the form of deionized (DI) water, also known as demineralized (DM) water, when cleaning smooth or reflective surfaces such as automobiles. Clean water can reduce water stains and water spots formed by impurities in untreated water that remain on the surface when the water dries.

[0003] Many clean water systems use one or more purification media alone or in combination with other devices / processes such as, but not limited to, particle filtration, distillation (i.e., distilled water), reverse osmosis, desalination, carbon filtration, filtration, microfiltration, ultrafiltration, ultraviolet oxidation, electrodialysis, nanofiltration, and combinations of any of these.

[0004] Some clean water systems improve the ease of replacing spent purification media with reduced (deteriorated) effectiveness by providing a media purification device that houses or contains the purification media. Still other clean water systems condition the water by adding or removing one or more components to the input water.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0005]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0006] Therefore, existing water regulation systems are suitable for their intended purposes, but there remains room for improvement, particularly in providing a fluid purification system having the features described herein.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0007] According to one aspect of the present invention, a fluid purification device is provided. The fluid purification device includes a tank, a cover, and a release assembly. The tank has a hollow interior. The cover is sealingly connected to the tank. The release assembly is rotatably connected to the cover and has a release valve fluidly connected to the hollow interior. The release assembly is movable between a first position and a second position, and the release valve is movable between an operating position, a release position, and a non-operating position.

[0008] Additionally or alternatively, in this or another aspect, the tank has a locking mechanism. The release assembly has a locking member that engages the locking mechanism in the operating position and the non-operating position and rotates away from and disengages from the locking mechanism in the release position. When the release assembly rotates from the operating position to the release position, the release valve opens and the locking member is disengaged.

[0009] Additionally or alternatively, a lever is provided that is connected between the locking member and the release valve, and this lever has a portion that is operatively connected to the release valve. Here, the release valve further includes a valve member having a cup portion disposed at a first end, and the open second end of this valve member selectively engages with the lever. Additionally or alternatively, in this embodiment or another embodiment, a first sealing member is further provided that is operably disposed between the cup portion and one of the cover or the tank, and this first sealing member engages in a sealing relationship with the cup portion and one of the cover or the tank when in the operating position. Additionally or alternatively, in this embodiment or another embodiment, a cap member is connected to the second end. A second sealing member is operably disposed between the cap member and one of the cover or the tank, and this second sealing member engages in a sealing relationship with one of the cover or the tank when in the non-operating position and the release position.

[0010] Additionally or alternatively, in this embodiment or another embodiment, the cup portion has a concave region at one end, and this concave region has an opening facing the hollow interior of the tank. Additionally or alternatively, in this embodiment or another embodiment, a biasing member is further provided that is connected between the cup portion and the cover, and this biasing member biases the valve member to the non-operating position. Additionally or alternatively, in this embodiment or another embodiment, the biasing member applies a force of 1 to 900 grams, 2 to 450 grams, 5 to 100 grams, or 21 grams to the valve member.

[0011] Additionally or alternatively, in this embodiment or another embodiment, the ratio of the surface area of the cup portion to the biasing force of the biasing member is 0.1 to 64 mm 2 / gram, 0.1 to 32 mm 2 / gram, 0.6 to 13 mm 2 / gram, or 3 mm 2 / gram.

[0012] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a fluid purification device is provided. The device includes a tank, a cover, a lever, and a release valve. The tank has a hollow interior. The cover is sealingly connected to the tank. The lever is movably connected to one of the cover or the tank. The release valve is operatively connected to the lever and has a valve member with a cup portion disposed at one end, and forms a flow path between the hollow interior and the environment when in the open position. A biasing member is operatively connected to the release valve, and the biasing member biases the valve member to the open position when the cup portion is not in contact with the liquid.

[0013] Additionally or alternatively, in this aspect or another aspect, a first sealing member is operatively disposed on one of the cover or the tank, and the first sealing member seals the hollow interior from the environment when the cup portion is in contact with the liquid. Additionally or alternatively, in this aspect or another aspect, the release assembly further includes a cap connected to the end of the valve member opposite the cup portion. Additionally or alternatively, in this aspect or another aspect, the device further includes a second sealing member operatively disposed between one of the cover and the tank and the cap.

[0014] Additionally or alternatively, in this aspect or another aspect, the biasing member applies a force of 1 to 900 grams, 2 to 450 grams, 5 to 100 grams, or 21 grams to the valve member. Additionally or alternatively, in this aspect or another aspect, the ratio of the surface area of the cup portion to the biasing force of the biasing member is 0.1 to 64 mm 2 / gram, 0.1 to 32 mm 2 / gram, 0.6 to 13 mm 2 / gram, or 3 mm 2 / gram.

[0015] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a method of operating a fluid purification device is provided. The method biases a release valve to a non-operating position to form a flow path between the hollow interior of the tank and the exterior of the fluid purification device. In response to the tank being filled with fluid, the release valve is closed. During operation, the hollow interior is pressurized. In response to the movement of the release valve to the release position, pressure is released from the hollow interior and the cover is unlocked.

[0016] Additionally or alternatively, in this or another aspect, by closing the release valve, fluid pressure is applied to the cup portion of the release valve. Additionally or alternatively, in this or another aspect, the pressure release from the hollow interior and the unlocking of the cover occur simultaneously. Additionally or alternatively, in this or another aspect, in response to the hollow interior not being in contact with the fluid, the release valve moves to the non-operating position.

[0017] Additionally or alternatively, in this or another aspect, the release valve is sealed with a first sealing material when in the operating position. Additionally or alternatively, in this or another aspect, the release valve is sealed with a second sealing material when in the non-operating position. Additionally or alternatively, in this or another aspect, the ratio of the surface area of the release valve to the biasing force applied to the release valve is about 3 mm 2 / gram.

[0018] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a fluid purification system is provided. The system includes a tank having a first port and a hollow interior. A purification device is disposed at least partially within the hollow interior. A cover is sealingly connected to the tank, and the cover assembly has a second port that is fluidly connected to the purification device. A release assembly is rotatably connected to the cover, and the release assembly has a release valve that is fluidly connected to the hollow interior. The release assembly is rotatable between a first position and a second position, and the open valve is movable between an operating position, a release position, and a non-operating position.

[0019] Additionally or alternatively, in this or another aspect, the tank includes a locking mechanism. The release assembly has a locking member that engages the locking mechanism in an operative position and a non-operative position, and this locking member rotates away from the locking mechanism in a release position and is released. When the release assembly rotates from the operative position or the non-operative position to the release position, the release valve opens and the locking member disengages simultaneously.

[0020] Additionally or alternatively, in this or another aspect, a lever is connected between the locking member and the release valve, and the lever has a portion operatively connected to the release valve. The relief valve further has a valve member having a cup portion disposed at a first end and a second end on the opposite side of the valve member that selectively engages the lever.

[0021] Additionally or alternatively, in this or another aspect, a first sealant operatively disposed between the cup portion and one of the cover or the tank seals and engages the cup portion and one of the cover or the tank when in the operative position. Additionally or alternatively, in this or another aspect, a cap member is connected to the second end. A second sealant is operatively disposed between the cap member and one of the cover or the tank and seals and engages one of the cover or the tank when in the non-operative position and the release position.

[0022] Additionally or alternatively, in this or another aspect, the cup portion has a concave region at one end, and this concave region has an opening facing the hollow interior of the tank. Additionally or alternatively, in this or another aspect, a biasing member connected between the cup portion and the cover biases the valve member to the non-operative position.

[0023] These and other advantages and features will become more apparent from the following description in conjunction with the drawings.

[0024] The invention according to the present disclosure is specifically pointed out and clearly claimed in the claims submitted together with this specification. The foregoing and other features and advantages of the present disclosure will become apparent from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0025]

Figure 1

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Figure 19A

Figure 19B

Figure 20A

Figure 20B

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0026] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings together with their advantages and features.

[0027] Embodiments of the present invention relate to a fluid purification system used for adjusting or generating purified water. Embodiments provide a technical effect in an assembly for releasing pressure from inside the system and simultaneously unlocking a cover assembly.

[0028] Referring to FIG. 1, this embodiment shows a fluid purification system (hereinafter also simply referred to as the "system") 100. It should be noted here that this embodiment is described as a fluid purification system 100 for generating purified water for use in a cleaning application, but this is for illustrative purposes only and the claims are not so limited. The fluid purification system 100 can also be used in other applications such as adjusting water for vehicle washing. The system 100 includes a base 105 that holds and supports a tank 104. The tank 104 has an inlet port 106 and a hollow interior 108 (FIG. 4). The tank 104 has an open end 110 (FIG. 4).

[0029] The hollow interior 108 has an inner surface with a diameter sized to receive a replaceable media module 112. This media module includes a purification media 113 (FIG. 20A) that is in a compressed state when inserted into the hollow interior 108. It should be noted here that in the embodiments described herein, the hollow interior 108 is circular for illustrative purposes only and the claims are not so limited. In one or more embodiments, the hollow interior 108 can be of any suitable shape, such as, but not limited to, square, rectangular, oval, or polygonal.

[0030] It should be noted here that in the embodiments described herein, the port 106 is described as an "inlet" and the port 118 as an "outlet" for illustrative purposes only and the claims are not so limited. In another embodiment, the liquid flow can be reversed and the port 118 can be the "inlet" and the port 106 the "outlet".

[0031] In one embodiment, the media module 112 includes a purification medium of an initial volume. For example, when the system 100 is operated to produce purified water, the water passes through the medium and is purified. Here, the terms "pure", "purified", and "purification" are used in the sense of removing and / or adding one or more components from water or any other fluid. The components to be removed or added can include, but are not limited to, soluble and / or insoluble materials such as minerals, salts, suspended particles, bacteria, etc., and soluble components are often referred to as total dissolved solids, i.e., TDS.

[0032] During operation, the purification medium gradually deteriorates due to the purification of the fluid. As the purification medium deteriorates, its volume also decreases. The term "deteriorated volume" as used here means the volume at which the operating state is such that the TDS level of the output water (e.g., at the outlet port 118) becomes substantially the same as that of the input water. It has been found that the deteriorated volume is approximately 10 to 20% less than the initial volume. Thus, in the exemplary embodiment, the initial volume of the purification medium is selected such that a 20% decrease in volume can be tolerated and it remains under compression even when it reaches the deteriorated volume.

[0033] In one embodiment, the purification medium is housed in a member made of a thin, porous, flexible and / or elastic material. In one embodiment, at least one of the materials is porous and elastic. In another embodiment, at least one of the materials is porous and flexible. In some such embodiments, the member is formed of a material having 5% to 25% elastane and 75% to 95% nylon, preferably a material formed of 10% to 20% elastane and 80% to 90% nylon. It is desirable to have 15% elastane and 85% nylon. In one embodiment, the flexible bag is 100% nylon or polyamide (PA).

[0034] In the illustrated embodiment, after the replaceable media module 112 is inserted into the tank 104, it has a tubular shape. It should be noted here that due to the elasticity of the first member 202, the module 112 has a bulbous shape when disposed on the outer surface of the tank 104. In another embodiment where the module 112 is flexible but has a relatively low elasticity, the module 112 can have a relatively straight side surface (e.g., not bulbous) when disposed on the outer surface of the tank 104. In some embodiments where the module 112 is configured to be used with a tank 104 having an inner diameter of 130 mm, the module 112 can have an outer diameter ranging from 100 mm to 300 mm, or from about 140 mm to 250 mm, and any partial range therebetween. In this way, the module 112 has an outer diameter that is within ±20% of, or within -10% to 0% of, about -4% of the inner diameter of the hollow interior 108, about -4% of the inner diameter of the hollow interior 108, and any partial range therebetween.

[0035] The tank includes a plurality of radial pins or ribs 120, 122 (FIG. 5), with the first plurality of ribs 120 being disposed closer to the open end 110. The second plurality of ribs 122 each include a protrusion 124 that extends radially outward therefrom. In the illustrated embodiment, the protrusion 124 is disposed at the center of each rib 122. More specifically described here, the ribs 120, 122 are dimensioned and positioned to engage slots within the cover assembly 126. It should be noted here that in the illustrated embodiment, the ribs 120, 122 are shown as being disposed on the outer diameter of the tank 104, but in another embodiment, the ribs 120, 122 may be disposed on the inner diameter of the tank 104. In yet another embodiment, the tank 104 has slots and the cover assembly 126 has corresponding ribs.

[0036] Referring to FIGS. 1 through 6, a cover assembly 126 is shown. This cover assembly 126 is sized to cover and seal the tank 104 when the ribs 120, 122 engage the slot 128 (FIG. 6) with the O-ring 137 (FIG. 9). The cover assembly 126 includes a body 130 to which a handle 132 is connected. The body 130 has a hollow inner portion 134 that is in fluid communication with the hollow interior 108 of the tank 104. In one embodiment, a diffuser element 136 can be connected to the body 130. The port 118 is in fluid communication with the hollow interior 108. The port 118 can be an outlet port that transfers conditioned water from the system 100 to the end use.

[0037] In the illustrated embodiment, the cover assembly 126 has a slot 128 formed in the inner diameter of the hollow inner portion 134. When the cover assembly 126 is placed on the tank 104 and rotated relative to each other about the longitudinal axis, the rib 120 is received within the slot 128 to form a fluid seal between the tank 104 and the cover assembly 126.

[0038] Referring to FIGS. 7 through 11, the cover assembly 126 further includes a pressure relief valve 140 and a release assembly 142. The release assembly 142 has a lever 144 and a lock member 146. In the illustrated embodiment, the lever 144 and the lock member 146 are two separate components that are fixedly connected to each other. It should be noted here that in another embodiment, the lever 144 and the lock member 146 can be manufactured as a single component. The release assembly 142 is connected to the body 130 so as to be rotatable about the shaft 148.

[0039] The lever 144 has a portion 150 that extends to cover the top of the main body 130. As will be discussed in more detail here, the end 152 of the portion 150 engages with and operates the release valve 140. The lever 144 further has a second portion 154 that extends along the side of the main body 130. In the illustrated embodiment, a lock member 146 is connected to the second portion 154. In one embodiment, the lock member 146 includes a first arm 156 and a second arm 158 (FIG. 8). Each of the arms 156, 158 has a trunnion 160. The trunnion 160 engages with a recess in the main body 130 to define the axis 148. Extending along and beyond the side surface of the main body 130 is a lock arm 162. The lock arm 162 has a protrusion 164 at its distal end. In one embodiment, the protrusion 164 extends substantially perpendicular to the lock arm 162 and has a slot 166 dimensioned to receive the protrusion 124 (FIG. 5). In the illustrated embodiment, the lock arm 162 is dimensioned to extend beyond the bottom edge 168 (FIG. 7) of the main body 130.

[0040] When the cover assembly 126 is placed on the tank 104 and rotated to engage the rib 120 in the slot 128, the inclined surface 170 contacts the rib 122 and rotates the release assembly 142 about the axis 148, whereby the protrusion 164 slides until the slot 166 aligns with the protrusion 124 beyond the end of the protrusion 124. When the slot 166 aligns with the protrusion 124, the release assembly 142 rotates in the reverse direction under the influence of the biasing member 172 (FIG. 9) to insert and engage the protrusion 124 into the slot 166. It should be noted here that the engagement between the protrusion 124 and the slot 166 prevents further rotation of the cover assembly 126. Since the ribs 120, 122 engage with the slots 128, the cover assembly 126 is sealingly connected to the tank 104 by the engagement of the ribs 120, 122 with the slots 128, and the connection of the O-ring 137 with the side wall 139 (FIG. 9) of the tank 104 forms a pressure seal.

[0041] The release valve 140 includes a cap 174 disposed between the biasing member 172 and the end 152. A valve body 176 having a stem 178 and a head 180 is connected to the cap 174. In this embodiment, the stem 178 has threads that connect to an opening within the cap 174. In another embodiment, the stem 178 is connected to the cap 174 via other fixing means such as, but not limited to, compression fitting or adhesion. The stem 178 extends through an opening 182 within the body 130 to secure the release valve to the cover assembly. In one embodiment, a sealing member 184 is disposed between the head 180 and the surface 186 (FIG. 11) of the body 130. In one embodiment, the sealing member 184 is connected to the surface 186. The sealing member 184 provides a seal between the head 180 and the body 130 when the release valve 140 is in the closed position (FIGS. 9, 10).

[0042] During operation, the operator connects the cover assembly 126 to the tank 104 as described above. A fluid source is connected to one of the ports 106, 118 and an outlet conduit is connected to the other of the ports 106, 118. At this time, the system 100 operates by receiving fluid (e.g., water) from the input port, conditioning the fluid by passing it through a purification medium within the module 112, and supplying the conditioned fluid to the output port. It should be noted here that the operation of the system 100 pressurizes the internal volume of the system 100. This internal pressure increases the engagement force of the rib 120 against the slot 128. As a result, when the operator terminates the use of the system 100, the internal pressure makes it difficult or impossible to remove the cover assembly 126.

[0043] To solve this, when the operator attempts to remove the cover assembly 126, the operator presses on portion 150 of lever 144. Pressing down on portion 150 simultaneously causes two actions, as shown in FIG. 11. First, pressing down on portion 150 overcomes the biasing force of biasing member 172 via cap 174, such that valve body 176 translates in a direction towards base 105. This moves head 180 away from surface 186 to create a void 188 and allows the pressure within the internal volume of system 100 to be released through opening 182. Second, pressing down on portion 150 causes release assembly 142 to rotate (in a counterclockwise direction as viewed from the position in FIG. 11). This rotation moves lock arm 162 and projection 164 away from the sidewall of tank 104, disengaging projection 124 from slot 166. As slot 166 disengages from projection 124, cover assembly 126 can be rotated until rib 120 disengages from slot 128, allowing cover assembly 126 to be lifted from tank 104.

[0044] Referring to FIGS. 12 - 15, another embodiment of cover assembly 126 having an air release valve assembly 200 is shown. Cover assembly 126 has the same release assembly 142 as described in connection with FIGS. 7 - 11. In one embodiment, air release valve assembly 200 has a valve member 202 that extends through an opening 204 in the cover. Opening 204 is dimensioned to provide a gap between the inner diameter of opening 204 and the outer surface of valve member 202, such that a flow path is formed between the hollow interior of the tank and the surrounding environment at at least some positions of the release valve.

[0045] The valve member 202 further has a cup portion 206 at one end. In the illustrated embodiment, the cup portion 206 has a cylindrical wall 208 that defines a recessed region 210. The opening of the recessed region 210 faces the hollow interior of the tank 104. A sealing material 212 is disposed between the surface of the cup portion 206 and the surface 214 of the cover 127. In the illustrated embodiment, the sealing material 212 moves with the cup portion 206, and when the valve member 202 is in a non-closed position (e.g., when it is released or there is no water), the sealing material 212 is offset from the surface 214 (FIGS. 14 and 15), and the flow path through the opening 204 is exposed. It should be noted here that the cup portion 206 is shown with the recessed region 210, but this is for illustrative purposes only and does not limit the scope of the present invention. In another embodiment, the cup portion can have other shapes, and without limitation, it may have a flat or plate-shaped bottom surface. In a typical embodiment, the valve member 202 is made of polypropylene, and the sealing material 212 is made of neoprene with a durometer hardness of 60.

[0046] The valve member 202 is biased by a biasing member such as a compression spring 216. In one embodiment, the spring 216 is disposed between the surface 214 and a flange 218 on the cup portion 206. In a typical embodiment, the spring 216 is made of 316 stainless steel. The dimensions of the spring 216 are such that it applies sufficient force to the flange 218 to move the valve member 202 to the open position (FIG. 14) when the water source is not connected to the system 100. The dimensions of the spring 216 are further such that when a fluid / water source is connected to the system and fills the hollow interior of the tank 104, the valve member 202 moves from the open position to the closed position (FIG. 12). In other words, the valve assembly 200 is a normally open system that automatically closes whenever the fluid / water level 215 within the system 100 contacts the cup portion 206. In one embodiment, the spring force is from 1 gram to 900 grams, and the surface area of the cup portion 206 with respect to the spring force is 0.1 mm 2 / gram to 64 mm 2 / gram. In another embodiment, the spring force is from 2 grams to 450 grams, and the surface area of the cup portion with respect to the spring force is 0.1 mm 2 / gram to 32 mm 2 / gram. In yet another embodiment, the spring force is from 5 grams to 100 grams, and the surface area of the cup portion with respect to the spring force is 0.6 mm 2 / gram to 13 mm 2 / gram. In yet another embodiment, the spring force is about 21 grams, and the surface area of the cup portion 206 with respect to the spring force is about 3 mm 2 / gram. In one embodiment, the surface area of the cup portion 206 is about 64 mm 2 Here, the surface area of the cup portion 206 refers to the outer surface area on which the pressure of the fluid / contact substance / water in the system 100 acts.

[0047] It should be noted here that the example of the fluid / water level 215 shown in FIG. 13 shows its high level, i.e., the operating level. However, when the operation is started, the fluid / water level starts from the bottom of the tank 104 and is gradually filled towards the cover assembly 126. When the tank 104 is filled, the air in the tank 104 is discharged through the opening 204. When the fluid / water level is filled to the level where it contacts the cup portion 206, the valve member 202 moves so that the fluid / water level continues to rise until it reaches approximately the surface 214. At this point, the valve member 202 moves to the closed position, i.e., the operating position, and the opening 204 is sealed.

[0048] In one embodiment, the cap 220 is connected to the end of the valve member 202 opposite to the cup portion 206. In an exemplary embodiment, the cap 220 is made of polypropylene or glass-filled polypropylene. The cap 220 is larger than the opening 204, thereby restricting the movement of the valve member 202 when the valve member 202 moves to the open position. In one embodiment, the cap 220 is connected to the valve member 202 by a snap fit. In one embodiment, the cup portion 206 has a surface area sufficient for the fluid / water contacting the cup portion 206 to overcome the biasing force of the spring 216 and move the valve member 202 to the closed position. In one embodiment, the cup portion 206 can have a surface area of 5 to 400 mm 2 In some embodiments, the cup portion 206 can have a surface area of 20 to 120 mm 2 Without being bound by a particular theory, the conditions for overcoming the biasing force of the spring 216 depend on the buoyancy of the valve member 202, the water contacting the valve member 202, the water pressure of the fluid within the system 100, or a combination thereof.

[0049] It should be noted here that the operation of the air release valve assembly 200 is to create a high pressure level that causes the engagement between the slot 128 and the rib 120 inside the system 100, and with sufficient force, prevent the cover assembly from coming off. According to one embodiment, the system 100 is configured to release the inner pressure and at the same time release the slot 166 from the protrusion 124 (FIG. 7) to unlock the cover assembly 126 from the tank 104. Thereby, the end 152 engages with the cap 220 and applies a force to the valve member 202. This force linearly displaces the valve member 202 towards the inside of the tank, separating the sealant 212 from the surface 214. Thereby, the flow path between the opening 204 and the valve member 202 is opened, allowing the pressure within the system 100 to escape to the surroundings and enabling water to flow out of the system 100. Further, when the release assembly rotates, the slot 166 disengages from the protrusion 124, enabling the user to rotate the cover assembly 126 relative to the tank 104 and remove it from the tank 104.

[0050] It should be noted here that when the user releases the pressure from the portion 150, the release assembly 142 rotates back to its original position by the biasing force of the spring 222. Further, when the release assembly 142 is released by the user, the valve assembly 200 moves to the non-operating position (FIG. 14), and the cup portion 206 and the sealing material 212 are offset from the surface 214 under the biasing force of the spring 216. It should be noted here that in the embodiment described herein, the sealing material 212 is shown as being connected to or moving with the cup portion 206 for illustrative purposes only, and the claims should not be so limited. In another embodiment, the sealing material 212 may be connected to the surface 214, and a seal is formed when the upper surface of the cup portion moves to contact the sealing material 212 in the closed position.

[0051] It should be noted here that in some embodiments, releasing the air pressure within the system 100 will involve fluid / water particles being discharged through the opening 204 by the pressure. In one embodiment, the dimensions of the lever 144 are set such that it extends beyond the opening 204 to a sufficient extent to protect the user from the water / fluid being sprayed from the system 100.

[0052] Referring to FIGS. 16 through 19B, another embodiment of the valve assembly 300 is shown. This valve assembly 300 is the same as the valve assembly 200 except that a second sealing material 302 is added between the cap 220 and the surface 304 of the cover 127. When the system 100 is in the release position (FIG. 19A) or the non-operating / dry position (FIG. 18), the second sealing material 302 engages the surface 304 and seals the opening 204. Similar to the valve assembly 200, when the assembly 300 is in the closed position, the sealing material 212 engages the surface 214 and the opening 204 is closed inside the tank 104.

[0053] In one embodiment, the rotation of the release assembly 142 is limited to prevent the second sealant 302 from contacting the surface 304 and sealing the opening 204. In one embodiment, the lever 144 has at least one rib 312 (FIG. 19B). In the illustrated embodiment, the lever 144 has two ribs extending along opposite sides of the lever 144. The ribs 312 extend downward from the body of the lever and are arranged to engage with projections 314 extending from the surface of the cover 127 in the region below the lever 144. The projections 314 and the ribs 312 cooperate to stop the rotation of the lever 144 at a location where there is a gap 316 between the sealant 302 and the surface 304. It should be noted here that the gap 316 allows the pressure inside the system 100 to continue to be released when the release assembly 142 is in the release position.

[0054] In some embodiments, the system 100 can include a purification medium 133 (FIG. 20A) that contains a certain amount of moisture, and it is desirable to maintain the medium at a predetermined level of moisture content. Incorporating the second sealant 302 (FIG. 18) is advantageous for preventing or reducing the risk of evaporation or leakage of moisture or other fluids from inside the tank 104 and the purification medium 133 when the system 100 is not in use, such as during transportation or shipping of the system 100.

[0055] The embodiments provided herein provide a fluid regulation system having a pressure relief configuration. The embodiments provided herein further provide a fluid regulation system having a lock that couples a cover assembly to a tank. Further embodiments provided herein further provide a release assembly that releases pressure from an internal volume and simultaneously unlocks the cover assembly from the tank.

[0056] It should be noted here that the embodiments described herein describe the features of one embodiment, but this is for illustrative purposes and the features can be combined with another disclosed embodiment.

[0057] The term "about" is intended to include the degree of error associated with the measurement of a particular quantity based on the equipment available at the time of filing. For example, "substantially" or "about" can include a range near a given value.

[0058] Also, it should be noted here that terms such as "first", "second", "third", "upper", "lower", etc. are used to modify various elements. These modifiers do not, unless otherwise specified, imply a spatial order, an order of sequence, or a hierarchical order with respect to the modified elements.

[0059] The terms used herein are for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and are not intended to limit the disclosure. As used herein, the singular forms "a", "an", and "the" are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. As used herein, the terms "comprising" and / or "comprises" specify the presence of the stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and / or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, wholes, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or groups thereof.

[0060] Although the present disclosure has been provided in detail in connection with only a limited number of embodiments, it should be readily understood that the present disclosure is not limited to such disclosed embodiments. Rather, the present disclosure can be modified to incorporate any number of variations, alterations, substitutions, or equivalent configurations that heretofore have not been described but are within the spirit and scope of the present disclosure. Further, although various embodiments of the present disclosure have been described, it should be understood that the exemplary embodiments may include only some of the described exemplary aspects. Accordingly, the present disclosure should not be considered to be limited by the foregoing description, but only by the appended claims.

Description of Reference Numerals

[0061] 100 Fluid purification system 104 Tank 105 Base 106 Port (inlet port) 108 Hollow interior 110 Open end 112 Media module 113 Purification media 118 Port (outlet port) 120, 122 Rib 124 Projection 126 Cover assembly 128 Slot 130 Body 132 Handle 134 Hollow inner part 136 Diffuser element 137 O-ring 139 Side wall 140 Release valve 142 Release assembly 144 Lever 146 Locking member 148 Shaft 150 Portion 152 End 154 Second portion 156 First arm 158 Second arm 160 Trunnion 162 Locking arm 164 Projection 166 Slot 168 Bottom edge 170 Inclined surface 172 Biasing member 174 Cap 176 Valve body 178 Stem 180 Head 182 Opening 184 Sealing member 186 Surface 200, 300 Valve assembly 202 Valve member 204 Opening 206 Cup portion 208 Cylindrical wall 210 Concave region 212 Sealing material 214 Surface 216 Spring 218 Flange 220 Cap 302 Second sealing material 304 Surface 316 Gap

Claims

1. a cover assembly having a body including a hollow inner portion, a diffuser coupled to the body within the hollow inner portion, the cover assembly having a plurality of slots formed in the body within the hollow inner portion, and a second port fluidly coupled to the hollow inner portion; a tank having a hollow interior and a sidewall removably coupled to said cover assembly, said sidewall having a plurality of ribs sized and positioned to engage said plurality of slots when said cover assembly is coupled to said tank, at least one of said plurality of ribs having a protrusion positioned such that when said plurality of ribs engage said slots, said protrusion engages said cover assembly to prevent rotation of said cover assembly; a module containing a purification medium disposed within the hollow interior of the tank; a first port fluidly connected to a hollow interior of the tank at an end of the tank opposite the cover assembly and in fluid communication with the second port; Equipped with the first port is configured to receive a fluid into the hollow interior of the tank and the second port is configured to transfer a fluid from the hollow interior of the tank. A purified water generating system.

2. The purified water generating system according to claim 1, At least one of the projections extends radially from the side wall. A purified water generating system.

3. The purified water generating system according to claim 2, The diffuser has a plurality of radially extending slots. A purified water generating system.

4. The purified water generating system according to claim 3, a sealing member disposed between the body and an inner surface of the hollow interior of the tank; A purified water generating system.

5. The purified water generating system according to claim 4, a base connected to an end of the tank opposite the cover assembly; A purified water generating system.

6. The purified water generating system according to claim 5, The cover assembly further includes a handle coupled to the body. A purified water generating system.

7. The purified water generating system according to claim 6, the diffuser is disposed between the module and the second port. A purified water generating system.

8. The purified water generating system according to claim 1, the second port being in fluid communication with the first port through a hollow interior of the tank; A purified water generating system.

9. The purified water generating system according to claim 1, The cover assembly is coupled to the tank by placing the cover assembly on the tank and rotating the cover assembly and the tank relative to one another about a longitudinal axis of the purified water generating system. A purified water generating system.

10. 10. The purified water generating system according to claim 9, The cover assembly is coupled to the tank to provide a fluid seal. A purified water generating system.

11. a cover assembly having a body including a hollow inner portion, a diffuser coupled to the body within the hollow inner portion, the cover assembly having a plurality of slots formed in the body within the hollow inner portion, and a second port fluidly coupled to the hollow inner portion; a tank having a hollow interior and a sidewall removably coupled to said cover assembly, said sidewall having a plurality of ribs sized and positioned to engage said plurality of slots when said cover assembly is coupled to said tank, at least one of said plurality of ribs having a protrusion positioned such that when said plurality of ribs engage said slots, said protrusion engages said cover assembly to prevent rotation of said cover assembly; a module containing a purification medium disposed within the hollow interior of the tank; a first port fluidly connected to the hollow interior of the tank at an end of the tank opposite the cover assembly and in fluid communication with the second port; Equipped with one of the first port and the second port is configured to transfer fluid from the hollow interior of the tank and the other of the first port and the second port is configured to receive fluid into the hollow interior of the tank; The flow direction of the fluid is reversible between the first port and the second port. A purified water generating system.

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