Abstract:
A fluid filter assembly including a flexible and formable enclosure so as to be useable in many filter applications. The enclosure defines a portion of a fluid flow path residing entirely within the filter assembly, eliminating any fluid contact within the remaining portions of the filter assembly. This flow path is advantageous to reduce the possibility of contamination and to ease in cleaning and maintenance of a device utilizing the filter assembly. The enclosure may be formed of UV-transparent material to allow for UV treatment of fluid passing though the filter assembly. Electronic controls may be combined with the filter assembly to control and monitor fluid flow. Check valves or other closure devices also may be included with the filter assembly to facilitate easy filter changes.

Description:
BACKGROUND 
       [0001]    The present invention relates to filters and more particularly to filters for potable water filtration systems. 
         [0002]    Fluids are rarely found in nature in a pure state. It is more likely that any fluid has some level of contamination, which may make it undesirable for its intended purpose. There are various methods and apparatuses for removing contaminants from fluids. For example, fluids can be distilled and the condensed vapor resulting in a purified fluid. Another approach is the use of a particulate filter to capture contaminants suspended in the fluid as it flows through the filter. 
         [0003]    Water is a fluid that is essential for human life. In many cases, however, naturally occurring water is non-potable (unfit for drinking) due to contaminants contained in the water. Many of these contaminants are particulates, and some are microorganisms. Particulates are easily captured by filters, and UV light is commonly used to deactivate microorganisms. 
         [0004]    In many places around the world, water is delivered to customers for consumption in homes, business, and public places. In other situations, water is drawn from local wells, streams, lakes, and other water sources. Naturally, the quality of the water varies widely, even from one municipal system to another, let alone an open body of water. Whether consumers pay for treated water from a municipality, or obtain their water for free from other sources, there is a strong desire for additional water treatment, especially water treatment using filters and UV light exposure. 
         [0005]    Water treatment systems, or devices generally consist of a water inlet, a filtering area, a water outlet, and optionally an ultraviolet (UV) light source exposure area for destroying living microorganisms. In many instances, water enters a treatment device and travels a circuitous route within that device before exiting. As a result, water contacts many interior surfaces within such a treatment device. Any surface that drinking water touches must pass a rigorous set of standards to insure that the surface does not contaminate the water. For example, a surface may contain oils from the manufacturing process that could leach into the water being treated. Also, some materials which may be good selections from an engineering standpoint have additional issues that make their use in a water treatment device undesirable, such as aluminum. Aside from defeating the purpose of using a water filter device, removing any contaminants from water-exposed surfaces greatly increases manufacturing cost and overall complexity. 
         [0006]    Water filter elements, commonly referred to as “filters”, are installed downstream of the water inlet of a treatment device. Filters are generally composed of carbon, various synthetic fibers, or filter membranes. Generally, a compartment is set aside within the device to house the filter, allowing for easy access when the filter is to be replaced. The user/operator of the treatment device may replace the filter manually in order to maintain the intended performance of the device. 
         [0007]    Many water filters include a rigid housing, with an internal filtering element designed to trap particles of various sizes. These filters often include components formed of plastic resins. Molding tools for making these filters are expensive, and may require a sizeable production run to be economically viable. Making changes to the treatment device likely results in changes to the filter and may be costly and preferably are avoided. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0008]    The aforementioned issues are addressed in the present invention in which the water flow path is constructed of one continuous plastic (such as PTFE) film sleeve, extending through the treatment device, and including a filter element at some point, enhancing the integrity of the water flow path. 
         [0009]    In a current embodiment, a film sleeve begins at the water point of entry into the device, whereupon a connection or port would be secured to the front of the sleeve, to provide a watertight seal with the water supply line. Next, the film extends into the device, around and through various internal components, such as a UV light source, before entering the section of the film sleeve containing the filter element. Downstream of the filter element, the film sleeve makes its way through the device until the exit, whereupon the sleeve is terminated with a connection or port using a watertight seal, as used in the entry port. This flow path according to this embodiment also avoids exposing the water to any surface or material within the device, and additionally eliminates any leakage from seals, gaskets, or other means of maintaining water tightness within the device. An added benefit of this embodiment pertains to ease of maintenance and improved serviceability. When the filter element is to be replaced, the user opens the device and removes the entire flow path—the sleeve and the filter element together as a unit—and installs an entirely new flow path with integrated filter element. The result of which is a completely new, water flow path which contrasts with other treatment devices using seals, gaskets or the like which age over time, become brittle, and generally lose their ability to seal, resulting in water leakage. 
         [0010]    Alternatively, a flow path using the film sleeve may have a segmented approach. The flow path through the treatment device includes several segments. For example, one segment begins at the entry connection port, where a watertight seal secures the connection to the film sleeve. The sleeve then enters the device and arrives at the filter element, contained in a film sleeve section. Another watertight connection port is secured to the film sleeve to allow the filter element sleeve segment to be detached for replacement. On the other side of the filter element sleeve section is another connection port for connecting to the downstream film sleeve section. A watertight connection secures the film sleeve to the water dispensing line. In this approach, the film sleeve has several segments connected using sonic welding or other plastic-to-plastic joining techniques common in the art. The filter element can then be replaced while the remaining film sleeve sections stay within the device. 
         [0011]    The present invention reduces the number of joints requiring watertight seals, or in some instances eliminates them altogether. 
         [0012]    As further disclosed, the present invention includes a bag path fluid filter assembly that is the direct fluid water flow path for a water treatment device, and which is made of a plastic formable material, at least some portion of which is UV-permeable, has at least one inlet and outlet flow port connection for water entry and exit, contains a filter element for capturing particles, is optionally equipable with a UV light source and control unit with display, optionally has a flow detector measuring device, and is capable of withstanding varied levels of water pressure. The bag path fluid filter assembly reduces production and material costs, is easier and faster to manufacture, and provides for easy device maintenance. 
         [0013]    The present invention optionally includes a flow detector turbine within the flow path. 
         [0014]    In at least one embodiment, the plastic film sleeve is preferably made of at least one piece of formable material, such as polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), but may be constructed of other plastic materials now known or as may become available or offer physical characteristics which are applicable to film sleeve construction. 
         [0015]    In at least one embodiment, the plastic film sleeve material is UV-light permeable, allowing for UV light to permeate the film sleeve to deactivate microorganisms that may be in the fluid flow path. Additionally, the film sleeve material withstands the UV light exposure without degradation. This embodiment isolates the water within the film sleeve that is UV permeable and can withstand the affects of UV light. 
         [0016]    In another embodiment, check valves are added to each inlet and outlet connection port to prevent water from escaping and contaminants from entering during filter changes or other maintenance and assembly. 
         [0017]    In another embodiment, water flow paths are added to the bag path fluid filter enclosure to accommodate a UV light source. The enclosure with flow paths is made of a material that allows UV light to pass through without degrading the enclosure material. Electronic controls with display are optionally located on enclosure surface, so as to control and measure the UV light source output, water flow, and other parameters. 
         [0018]    In another embodiment, the bag path fluid filter assembly contains a filter element, a water flow detector or measurement device, such as a turbine, and is sealed along with a reinforcing sealing band. Water flow fittings are located on the filter element enclosure. One fluid flow path on the enclosure includes a UV light source exposure area and a UV light source (e.g., in a circular or annular bulb shape). Near the UV light source area are located the electronic controls, including an optional user display. A UV transparent pressure window in the UV light exposure area optionally provides additional strength to the water flow area for high water pressure installations and situations while still allowing UV light to contact the water to be treated. 
         [0019]    For a better understanding, together with other and further features and advantages thereof, reference is made to the following description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. 
         [0020]    It will be readily understood that the components of the present disclosure, as generally described and illustrated in the figures herein, may be arranged and designed in a wide variety of different configurations. Thus, the following more detailed description of the embodiments of the apparatus, system, and method of the present disclosure, as represented in  FIGS. 1  through  16 , is not intended to limit the scope, as claimed, but is merely representative of selected embodiments. 
         [0021]    Reference throughout this specification to “one embodiment” or “an embodiment” (or similar) means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment thus described. Thus, appearances of the phrases “in one embodiment” or “in an embodiment” in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment. 
         [0022]    Furthermore, the described features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments. In the following description, numerous details are provided, such as examples of bag path fluid filters, etc., to provide a thorough understanding of the embodiments. One skilled in the art will recognize, however, that the disclosure can be practiced without one or more of the specific details, or with other methods, components, materials, etc. In other instances, well-known structures, materials, or operations are not shown or described in detail to avoid obscuring aspects of the disclosure. 
         [0023]    The illustrated embodiments of the disclosure will be best understood by reference to the drawings, wherein like parts are designated by like numerals or other labels throughout. The following description is intended only by way of example, and simply illustrates certain selected embodiments of devices, systems, and processes that are consistent with the disclosure as claimed herein. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0024]      FIG. 1  is a cutaway view of one embodiment. 
           [0025]      FIG. 2  is another cutaway view of one embodiment. 
           [0026]      FIG. 3  is an exploded view of one embodiment. 
           [0027]      FIG. 4  is a cross-sectional view of one embodiment. 
           [0028]      FIG. 5  is a perspective view of one embodiment. 
           [0029]      FIG. 6  is a perspective view of one embodiment. 
           [0030]      FIG. 7  is a cross-sectional view of one embodiment. 
           [0031]      FIG. 8  is a cross-sectional view of one embodiment. 
           [0032]      FIG. 9  is a perspective view of one embodiment. 
           [0033]      FIG. 10  is a cross-sectional view of one embodiment. 
           [0034]      FIG. 11  is a cross-sectional view of one embodiment. 
           [0035]      FIG. 12  is an exploded view and complete assembly view of one embodiment. 
           [0036]      FIG. 13  is an exploded view and complete assembly view of one embodiment. 
           [0037]      FIG. 14  is an exploded view and complete assembly view of one embodiment. 
           [0038]      FIG. 15  is a cross-sectional view of one embodiment. 
           [0039]      FIG. 16  is a cross-sectional view of one embodiment. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0040]    In the present specification, specific embodiments are described. However, one of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that various modifications and changes can be made without departing from the scope as set forth in the claims. Accordingly, the specification and figures are to be regarded in an illustrative rather than a restrictive sense, and all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the disclosure. The benefits, advantages, solutions to problems, and any element(s) that may cause any benefit, advantage, or solution to occur or become more pronounced are not to be construed as a critical, required, or essential features or elements of any or all the claims. 
         [0041]    Referring now to  FIG. 1 , one embodiment is provided. Bag path fluid filter assembly  1  is shown. Plastic film sleeve  2  is formed by extrusion or other plastic forming techniques, to create a cylindrical or annular shape. Other shapes may be used, such as oval, as is desired. The plastic comprising the film may be any type which is formable into sheet films, preferably PTFE, but other suitable plastics may be used. PTFE is a preferred material for its inert properties and its UV properties. Once the film sleeve is formed in the desired shape, sealing band  3  is placed about the outside diameter of the sleeve  2  in the location where filter element  4  will be located. Sealing band  3  is preferably constructed of a plastic material and is secured to the film sleeve by sonic welding or other appropriate joining method. Once sealing band  3  is located and secured, filter element  4  is positioned within the film sleeve  2  such that sealing band  3  is directly in-line with the filter element  4 . Sealing band  3  acts as a reinforcement and strengthening member as the fluid flows through the filter element  4 . 
         [0042]    Supply water can vary in line pressure, depending upon location and infrastructure, among other reasons. Because of this potential for pressures to be high, low, or varied, the bag path fluid filter must be able to withstand pressure within reasonable limits. Based on research and experimentation, water pressure can vary from a few pounds per square inch (psi) to as much as 120 psi (over 8 atmospheres) in some localities. Thus, the strength of the enclosure material, the sealing band, and the filter preferably are selected to withstand such pressures. The enclosure halves are fused together using traditional plastic joining techniques, such as heat welding, and the sealing band, located about the filter, is joined to the connected halves in a similar manner or other manner as appropriate. As a result, the filter is now watertight, and also importantly, the water path is restricted to the filter and not any other component of the filter device, thus reducing undesirable issues with surface contact and contamination and safety regulations. 
         [0043]    Any contaminants are therefore substantially confined, reducing the need to clean the water path (or any other component) of the water treatment device in periodic maintenance or service. A treatment system user simply disconnects the water inlet and outlet connections, discards the exhausted filter and accompanying water path and replaces with a new filter/water path combination. Contaminants within the removed flow path remain in the removed flow path, and the cleanliness of the device is enhanced. Seals or gaskets are eliminated along the water path of the device because the assembly is the sole water path. Thus, the manufacture of a device incorporating the present disclosure can be simpler and less costly, while still providing desired levels of water purification, and can be much simpler to maintain and operate. 
         [0044]      FIG. 2  illustrates the construction of another embodiment. Bag path fluid filter assembly  10  is shown. The originally open ends of film sleeve  11  are sealed about inlet/outlet ports  14  using sonic or heat welding or other appropriate plastic joining methods, such as adhesives if desired. Preferably, sonic welding or other plastic-melting type sealing is used to avoid introduction of other components to the fluid flow path. Sealing band  12  is disposed about filter  13  located within the cavity formed by film sleeve  11 . Inlet and outlet ports  14  are preferably made of plastic and allow for fluid to flow into and out of the treatment device, and provide locations where fluid pipes or lines may be connected. Additionally, ports  14  may include check valves to prevent fluid from leaking out of the device during service, such as when the device is replaced with a new example (e.g., when the filter element is full). 
         [0045]      FIG. 3  illustrates another embodiment. Bag path fluid filter assembly  20  is shown complete, and in an exploded view. In this embodiment, plastic film sleeve  21  is formed in two halves, but may be formed in a plurality of portions as desired for particular applications using plastic forming methods such as pressure molding. Film sleeve halves  21  are formed so as to be adaptably joined together with sealing band  22 , also made of a plastic material. Disposed within the two halves of film sleeves  21  is filter element  23  of a shape that coincides with the shape of the film sleeve so that the filter element  23  nests within the two film sleeve halves  21 . Attached to either half of film sleeve  21  is an inlet or outlet port  24 , which optionally may also include an integral check valve to prevent fluid from leaking out of the filter assembly  20 , such as during filter replacements or other service or installation activities. 
         [0046]      FIG. 4  is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment including a bag path fluid filter assembly  30 . Plastic film sleeves  31 , formed in half sections in this embodiment, are joined together by sealing band  32 , enclosing filter element  33 . Sleeve halves  31  and sealing band  32  are joined together to form a watertight seal, using joining methods such as sonic or heat welding or other methods appropriate for water or other fluid connections. On either half of sleeves  31  is at least one inlet/outlet ports  34 , allowing fluid to enter and exit the filter assembly  30 . Optionally, the ports  34  include a check valve or other quick-connect style attachment for easy installation, service, or maintenance. 
         [0047]      FIG. 5  illustrates another embodiment. Bag path fluid filter assembly  40  is shown, with two film sleeves  41  joined together with sealing band  42 , enclosing filter element  43 . Inlet/outlet ports  44  are shown attached to film sleeves  41  to provide for fluid entry and exit from the enclosed filter element  43 . Fluid delivery lines  45  (inbound and outbound) are shown attached to ports  44 , which transport fluid to and from the treatment device. The inbound, or supply line, may be attached to a water supply line, for example, as in a residence or restaurant. The outbound line, carrying filtered and treated water, may be attached to a dispenser faucet, cooking apparatus, or ice maker, among many possible uses. 
         [0048]      FIG. 6  is another illustration of one embodiment. Bag path fluid filter assembly  50  is shown, with two plastic film sleeve halves  51  joined together with sealing band  52 . Enclosed within the cavity formed by the two sleeve halves  51  is filter element  53 . At least one inlet and outlet port  54  is provided, attached to film sleeves  51 . All connections are fluid and watertight, using joining methods as disclosed above. Ports  54  may optionally include check valves, quick-connects, or other connecting methods that are suitable for fluid connections and prevent leakage. Delivery lines  55  are shown, positioned to be connected to inlet/outlet ports  54 . On either end of delivery lines  55  is provided another set of ports  56  that selectively engage ports  54 , allowing for fluid to be delivered to the device and to be removed from it as well, after filtering and treatment. Lines  55  may be flexible, and constructed of a material which allows for flexibility while providing strength and durability, such as plastic. Optionally, lines  55  may be located within a treatment device, following the contours and routing within the device, to isolate the fluid from directly contacting the surfaces of the water treatment device. For replacement, the assembly is removed from the device, including the lines  55 , and a new assembly of the present disclosure is inserted into the vacated cavity, connected to water supply and delivery (inbound and outbound) lines, and the device is then closed around the assembly disclosed herein and is ready to resume treating and dispensing water for consumption (further illustrated below). 
         [0049]      FIG. 7  illustrates another embodiment. Treatment device  60  is shown, with cavity  66 . Within cavity  66  is a bag path fluid filter assembly embodiment. Film sleeves  61  joined together by sealing band  62  and enclosing filter element  63  are shown. Inlet/outlet ports  64  are connected to sleeves  61  providing for fluid entry and exit from the enclosure formed by sleeves  61 . Delivery lines  65  are shown connected to ports  64 . Lines  65  follow the flow path  67  within device  60 , isolating the fluid and preventing it from contacting any surface of device  60  directly. Lines  65  may include connection ports of their own, for ease of installation and service, or the lines may be integral to the installation location where device  60  is located (e.g., hard-connected). 
         [0050]      FIG. 8  illustrates another embodiment. Treatment device  70  is shown, with cavity  76 . Within cavity  76  is an embodiment of the bag path fluid filter assembly. Film sleeves  71  are joined together by sealing band  72  and enclose filter element  73  as shown. Inlet/outlet ports  74  are connected to sleeves  71  providing for fluid entry and exit from the enclosure formed by sleeves  71 . Delivery lines  75  are shown connected to ports  74 . Lines  75  follow the flow path  77  within device  70 , isolating the fluid and preventing it from contacting any surface of device  70  directly. Lines  75  may include connection ports of their own, for ease of installation and service, or the lines may be integral to the installation location where device  70  is located (e.g., hard-connected). Ultraviolet (UV) light source  78  is provided, within device  70  and along flow path  77 , exposing fluid in delivery line  75  to UV radiation to deactivate microorganisms contained within. 
         [0051]      FIG. 9  illustrates another embodiment. Delivery line  80 , which is connected to bag path fluid filter assembly (not shown), includes plastic film sleeve  81  (constructed identically as said assembly), inlet/outlet ports  82 , and UV exposure window  83 . The connection joints between sleeve  81 , ports  82 , and window  83  is watertight, using such methods as disclosed above. UV light source  84  emits UV light, which passes through window  83 , wherein fluid passing through is irradiated, thus deactivating microorganisms contained therein. Line  80  may be installed in a treatment device flow path (not shown), isolating the fluid within from contacting the surfaces of the device. 
         [0052]      FIG. 10  illustrates another embodiment. Film sleeve  90  is shown, including delivery line  91 , formed of a plastic. Flow detector  92  is located within line  91 , and measures the fluid flow rate passing through line  91 . The flow detector may be integrated within any portion of the device disclosed herein, either before or after the filter element, or both, to measure the rate of fluid flow. The measurement of fluid flow is useful for several reasons, such as filter life measurement, fluid pressure, and usage. Flow detector  92  includes a plurality of vanes  93 , which are positioned in the fluid flow path, so as to be acted upon by the force of the fluid flowing through line  91 . At least one of the vanes  93  includes a measuring device, such as a magnet  94 , which allows for a measuring device (not shown) positioned outside and adjacent to line  91  to measure the flow rate electronically. Alternatively, other means for measuring rotational movement and/or velocity may be used, such as a laser, short range radio transmitter, or other rotational velocity detector as appropriate. Flow detector  92  rotates about an axle  95 , which is secured to the flow detector chassis (not shown) and allows free rotation within the fluid flow. 
         [0053]      FIG. 11  illustrates another embodiment. Film sleeve  100  is shown in cross-section, including delivery line  101 , formed of plastic. Flow detector  102  is positioned within line  101 , such that no fluid may bypass it. The only path for fluid to follow is to flow through the vaned wheel of flow detector  102 , which includes vanes  103 . As disclosed previously, at least one vane  103  also includes magnet  104  attached to vane  103 . The axle  105  of flow detector  102  allows for the rotation of the vaned wheel. As the wheel rotates, the magnet  104  passes by measuring device  106 , located adjacent to flow detector  102  but outside delivery line  101 . The passing of the magnet is detected by the device, which records, measures, and outputs the data to the treatment device (not shown). The data may be used to measure filter life, flow rate, or usage, among other relevant data that can be calculated using fluid flow information. 
         [0054]      FIG. 12  illustrates a filter assembly  110  according to one embodiment. Filter element (not shown) is enclosed by the two enclosure halves  111  and securely sealed by sealing band  112 . A pair of fluid fittings  113  are shown, one on either enclosure half  111  for accepting supply water and allowing treated water to exit the assembly. Ultraviolet light source  114  is disposed within a cavity formed into water flow path  115 . A flow detector (not shown) may be located within flow path  115  to measure the flow rate of the treated water. Reflector  116  is disposed adjacent to UV light source  114  to reflect UV light not directed at the water to be treated, and to shield the outside environment from UV light exposure. The reflector  116  may be made of metal, such as aluminum or stainless steel, or any other suitably reflective material, such as plated plastic and is secured about the UV light source  114  using a variety of fastening means. Electronic controls  117  are located adjacent UV light source  114 , and may include equipment for monitoring fluid flow rate as measured by the flow detector, and also provide additional controls and displays for operating the treatment device, such as power on/off, filter life remaining display, and other controls and displays as appropriate for a treatment device. 
         [0055]    The embodiment shown in  FIG. 12  includes UV water treatment and particulate filtering as in the previous embodiment. Incoming water enters a flow path  115 , via entry port  113 , and is routed through paths adjacent to the UV light source  114 . As the enclosure material allows UV light to be transmitted through without degrading the PTFE material, the microorganisms that may be present in the water are deactivated. Before the water passes the UV treatment portion of the flow path, the water enters the enclosure formed by halves  111 , is filtered for particulate matter by the filter (not shown), then exits the enclosure through the outlet fitting  113 , and to the final dispensing location, such as a faucet or other dispenser. A reflector  116  is positioned outboard of the UV light source  114 , to direct any light not originally projecting toward the enclosure and the water flow path back toward the water flow path. Additionally, the reflector prevents any UV light from escaping beyond the filter. Arranged near the UV light source  114  and reflector  116  are the control electronics  117  for the light source and the monitoring device for the flow detector turbine, if so equipped. The control electronics monitor the flow rate of the water, the UV light source, and provide additional functions such as on/off and filter life remaining. A display is located adjacent to the control electronics which provides visual and/or audio information to a user and enables the user to make selections based on desired operational modes. 
         [0056]      FIG. 13  illustrates one embodiment, a cutaway view of complete filter assembly  120  with filter element  122  located between enclosure halves  121  and sealing band  123 . Water flow path  125  is shown in two halves prior to welding the halves, after which it is connected to a mating pair of holes in one of the halves  121  and aligned parallel to the joined halves as shown. 
         [0057]      FIG. 14  illustrates another embodiment, an exploded view and assembled view of filter assembly  130  with filter element  132  and flow detector  141  enclosed by two enclosure halves  131 , sealed and reinforced by sealing band  133 . A pair of fluid fittings  134  are located one on each enclosure half  131 . Each enclosure half  131  also includes an integrated water flow path  136 . Ultra-violet light source  135  is disposed around reflectors  137  and UV-transparent pressure windows  140 . Flow detector  141  measures and directs water to flow around the pressure windows  140  for UV light exposure and treatment. Controls  138  and display  139  are located within the circular cavity created by the UV light/reflector/flow detector layout for compactness in this embodiment. Controls  138  provide power to the UV light and monitor the flow rate of the fluid, filter life, and other water treatment appropriate information. 
         [0058]    Water flows into the fluid inlet fitting of the filter, and enters the flow detector. There, the water moves through the flow detector, which causes it to spin, much like a turbine or a propeller in some embodiments. Sensors in the control electronics monitor the revolutions of the flow detector and use that information to conduct other operations, such as displaying the flow rate for the user. Water enters the filter element where particulate matter is removed. Water then moves around the flow detector and is exposed to UV light from the UV light source that surrounds the flow detector. A reflector directs wayward light back toward the UV transparent pressure window, which separates the UV light source from the water and the flow detector. Treated water then exits the enclosure through the fluid outlet fitting, to a tube attached to a dispensing unit (not shown) for consumption or other purpose by the user. 
         [0059]      FIG. 15  is a cross-sectional view according to one embodiment. Bag path fluid filter assembly  150  is shown, with enclosure halves  151  shown banded together and reinforced by sealing band  153 . Included in one half of enclosure  151  is flow detector  161 . As water flows through sealed enclosure half  151 , it causes the vanes, paddles, or other water engagement devices of the flow detector  161  to be disposed in the flow path  156 , resulting in the rotation of the flow detector, the speed of which is monitored by electronics  158  and displayed to the user by display  159 . Additionally, the flow detector insures that the water flows evenly about the UV light source  155  so that all water is exposed for proper treatment. One portion of enclosure  151  includes UV transparent pressure window  160  which allows ultraviolet light from light source  155  to pass through it and treat the water as it flows through the filter  152 . Light from light source  155  is reflected by reflector  157  located outboard of UV light source  155 , so as to directed light received from light source  155  back toward UV transparent window  160  and then into the water passing through the UV treatment section. Water enters and exits the assembly through flow ports  154 . 
         [0060]      FIG. 16  is a cross-sectional view according to one embodiment. Assembly  170  is shown, with enclosure halves  171 , enclosing filter element  172 , sealed together and reinforced with sealing band  173 . Water fittings or ports  174  are shown connected to enclosure halves  171 , with at least one for water intake and at least one for water outtake. UV light source  175  is of an annular type in this embodiment, and is shown adjacent to fluid flow path  176 . Fluid path  176  also includes a plurality of UV transparent pressure windows  180 . In order to enhance the UV light exposure to the fluid to be treated, reflector  177  is used to direct UV light that does not directly project into the water fluid flow path  176 , back towards the flow path  176 . Reflector  177  also has the additional effect of shielding UV light from escaping the assembly  170 . Electronic controls  178  are located adjacent to UV light source  175  along with display  179  which enables a user to operate and monitor the assembly. 
         [0061]    Although illustrative embodiments of the present disclosure have been described herein with reference to the accompanying drawings, it is to be understood that the disclosure is not limited to those precise embodiments, and that various other changes and modifications may be effected therein by one skilled in the art without departing from the scope or spirit of the disclosure.