Patent Abstract:
Single-use long-life faucet mounted water filtration devices are disclosed. A bathroom water filtration device having two outlets for filtered water is disclosed. Additionally, a fountain head is included for use in the bathroom water filtration device. The water filtration device is of unibody construction formed by ultrasonically welding certain parts thereof together. Since the devices disclosed are disposable, no filter replacement or other maintenance is performed. A gate, magnet, sensor and electronics provide an indication of filter performance enabling disposal of the water filtration device and installation of a new device. A kitchen water filtration device is larger than the bathroom device. Both the kitchen and bathroom water filtration devices are small and are mounted behind the faucet connection so as to facilitate full utilization of the sink or wash basin.

Full Description:
[0001]     This patent application claims priority of provisional patent application Ser. No. 60/438,457 filed Jan. 8, 2003 and provisional patent application No. 60/409,042 filed Sep. 9, 2002. 
     
    
     FIELD OF INVENTION  
       [0002]     The field of the invention is water filtration devices.  
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
       [0003]     The demand for pure water continues to grow rapidly due to increasing concerns about the quality and safety of tap water, the popularity of water as a beverage (instead of soda and alcohol) and the growing awareness that most people do not drink enough water as prescribed by the medical community.  
         [0004]     Water is supplied from municipal water systems (many of which are aging), private water systems and wells in the United States. Frequently, this water has poor taste, particulates, unwanted odors and in many cases contaminants contained in it. Municipal water is commonly treated with chlorine to eliminate bacterial contaminants. Chlorine adds what most people feel is an unpleasant taste and odor. Water conditions vary greatly according to the geographic area and therefore travelers may also experience these problems as they visit hotel and motel rooms around the country. It is desirous to remove bad tastes, odors, sediment and contaminants before ingesting the water or using it for cooking food.  
         [0005]     Water treatment devices of many varieties have proven effective in accomplishing water purification. Generally these devices work through chemical and mechanical actions that remove contaminants and impurities from water. These filters have a finite life. Sediment can eventually clog a filter and chemical reactions realized through adsorption (carbon media) and ion exchange (cation resin) have a limited capacity.  
         [0006]     U.S. Pat. No. 5,989,425 to Yonezawa et al. discloses a multi-way valve and water purifier. The multi-way valve is disclosed as a small-sized one which may be used with a small-sized water purifier. The device disclosed in the &#39;425 patent is a faucet mounted filter and it is designed for removing and exchanging valve bodies.  
         [0007]     U.S. Pat. No. 5,017,286 to Heiligman and U.S. Pat. No. Re. 35667 to Heiligman disclose a vertical filter enclosed in a housing and the housing is supported by a duct. The vertical filter may be permanently secured to the filter by hot melt adhesive which renders the filter non-removable. Further, the vertical filter may be pre-wrapped with a porous paper pre-filter. The device disclosed in the &#39;286 patent is a faucet mounted filter. If the filter is glued to the filter housing the filter housing must be removed and discarded together with the filter. A new filter housing (and filter) must then be mounted onto the duct of the diverter valve each time the filter housing is replaced. This involves time consuming labor in the case of each embodiment disclosed in the &#39;286 patent. In one embodiment of the &#39;286 patent, the filter housing is secured by a retaining clip. In another embodiment disclosed in the &#39;286 patent, the male duct of the filter housing is press-fit into an opening in the diverter valve. Alternatively, the male duct of the filter housing may be affixed to the diverter valve by a U-clip, cotter pin or the like. The filter housing as disclosed in the &#39;286 patent is disclosed as residing vertically in front of the faucet. In short, it is not a simple matter to change the filter housing of the device disclosed in the &#39;286 patent.  
         [0008]     U.S. Pat. No. 5,527,451 to Hembree et al. discloses a faucet mounted filter utilizing a replacement filter cartridge. The replacement filter cartridge resides within a larger rotatable housing which channels water flow either into the filter or through the diverter valve assembly. Hembree et al. also discloses a very complicated flow totalization mechanism which includes porting water to a turbine driven mechanism prior to filtering thereof.  
         [0009]     U.S. Pat. No. 6,571,960 B2 to Williamson et al. discloses a faucet-mounted water filtration device whose filter housing includes a valve therein and whose filter housing extends longitudinally rearwardly from the point of attachment to the faucet. The filters in Williamson et al. are replaceable filter cartridges.  
         [0010]     U.S. Pat. No. 6,284,129 B1 to Giordano et al. discloses a rotating a magnetized impeller actuating a reed switch.  
         [0011]     In each of the foregoing disclosures, the devices disclosed therein are designed for disassembly of some sort as a matter of maintenance of the filtration device. This requires labor and attendant time. Complex flow totalization mechanisms such as the one disclosed in Hembree et al. &#39;451 present maintenance problems. The need to change the filter and/or the filter housing and/or the diverter valve all require labor and attendant time.  
         [0012]     In each of the foregoing disclosures, the devices disclosed therein are designed for disassembly of some sort as a matter of maintenance of the filtration device. Filtration devices customarily employ replaceable filter cartridges of some type. These arrangements require either a coupling arrangement for attaching and detaching a replacement filter cartridge or a large chamber to entirely enclose the replacement filter cartridge. Both approaches require additional components and materials that add to the manufactured cost and complexity of the device. Furthermore, each of the foregoing disclosures, by requiring the replacement of the filter element, cause great inconvenience to the user by having him search for and procure replacement filter elements at considerable cost. This arrangement, while lucrative for the manufacturer, is a well documented nuisance for the consumer. In addition, most of the devices in the related art, owing to their need for easy access and maintenance are relatively large and obtrusive partially blocking the sink basin. Finally, the devices noted above and most others despite the availability of high capacity filter media are not designed for long life so as to maximize the frequency with which users must purchase replacement filter elements.  
         [0013]     It is therefore desirable to have a small faucet-mounted water filtration device which is a single-use, long-life water filtration device which includes an indicator of filter performance. By single use it is meant that it is discarded when its performance indicator reveals that the efficacy of the filter has been diminished. It is also desirable to have the filter housing of the water filtration device mounted behind the connection to the faucet to enable full access to the sink basin beneath the faucet.  
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
       [0014]     A single-use faucet-mounted water filtration device is provided. The device is of uni-body construction and has no removable or replaceable parts yet provides long life operation. This arrangement makes the device more convenient to use compared with other devices that require frequent replacement of filter cartridges. The device is constructed with a minimum of components making it relatively small in size and less costly to manufacture. While compact, the device is able to hold enough filter media to allow for long life operation. The life of the water filtration device is dependent upon the type of filter media used, sizing and geometry of the filter media, and the sizing and geometry of water flow paths. For instance, water filtration devices having a useful life of 300 gallons or more can be made utilizing the teachings of the instant invention. Water filtration devices having useful lives smaller than 300 gallons may also be made utilizing the teachings of the instant invention. Performance indications as a function of integrated flow are indicated by a light emitting diode.  
         [0015]     The main housing of the devices resides beneath the faucet neck and rearward of the water discharge point thus not obstructing the sink basin. A single-use device is provided for use in a kitchen sink and a device is provided for use in a bathroom sink. Unlike devices in the related art the bathroom embodiment of the single-use faucet filter is scaled to the small size of bathroom sinks and therefore practical for use in bathrooms. The bathroom filter device allows residential users to have the benefit of filtered water in close proximity to the bedroom avoiding the inconvenience of going to a kitchen sink for water during the night. In addition, because the bathroom device is small and disposable it may be taken with a traveler and installed in a hotel or motel room. Further, as travelers readily discern the differences between water and its tastes from one place to another it is highly desirable that the water filter be portable.  
         [0016]     The invention includes a front housing connectable to a water faucet and a filter housing having an inlet and an outlet. An end cap of the filter housing completes the filter housing. The front housing is non-removably affixed to the filter housing and the water filter is non-removably contained within the water filter housing. The water filter housing includes a chamber in communication with the water filter. The filter is preferably activated carbon and includes a filter pre-wrap. Other filter media may be used. The outlet resides in the chamber. Alternatively, a second outlet may also reside in the chamber in the embodiment of the bathroom filter.  
         [0017]     The single use water filtration device is small. The embodiment designed for bathroom use has a filter diameter less than or equal to 1.6 inches. The embodiment designed for kitchen use has a filter diameter less than or equal to 2.2 inches. The water filtration devices disclosed herein, namely the bathroom and kitchen embodiments, reside substantially rearwardly with respect to the water faucet. Other diameters and sizes of the water filtration devices disclosed herein may be made using the teachings hereof.  
         [0018]     The filter includes ends thereof each secured to an end cap. The end caps have peripheral seal portions which seal against the interior of the filter housing.  
         [0019]     A housing end cap is ultrasonically welded to the filter housing. Other welding methods such as microwave, radio frequency (RF), heat and induction welding may be employed to weld various portions of the water filtration devices disclosed herein together.  
         [0020]     The second outlet includes a valve seat and a valve interposed in the filter housing being operable against the valve seat of the second outlet for controlling the flow out of the second outlet. The valve includes a plunger having a foot and an elastomeric ball valve or boot residing over the foot. The foot of the plunger and the elastomeric ball valve reside within the housing. A handle is pivotally connected to the end cap of the filter housing and engages the plunger such that when the plunger is depressed the elastomeric ball valve moves inwardly toward the center of the housing and away from the seat of the second outlet. A fountain head is rotatably secured in the plunger and lever for communication with a passageway in the plunger.  
         [0021]     A spring is interposed between the plunger and the filter housing urging the elastomeric ball valve against the valve seat of the second outlet.  
         [0022]     A front housing having first and second passageways is non-removably affixed to the filter housing. The front housing includes a directional valve residing within the front housing and movable therein for directing water into the filter for filtering or through the front housing for direct use of the unfiltered water. The filter housing includes three protrusions which interengage corresponding apertures in the front housing. The front housing also includes a continuous periphery welded to the filter housing by one of the aforementioned methods. The filter housing includes a recess whose shape is the reciprocal of the continuous periphery of the front housing and the continuous periphery of the front housing fits snugly within the recess in the filter housing. The end cap of the filter housing is welded to the filter housing. Three parts or pieces, the filter housing, the front housing and the end cap of the filter housing are welded together to provide a unibody or integral construction.  
         [0023]     A gate having a magnet affixed therein resides in the chamber and swings between a first position and a second position. Spacers extending from the end cap serve to ensure that the gate remains in alignment with respect to the earth. These spacers also serve to ensure that the filter subassembly remains in proper position. The first end cap of the filter includes a first hinge member and the gate includes a second hinge member which coacts with the first hinge member to enable the gate to swing between first and second positions. A gate position sensor resides in a dry portion of the end cap of the water filter housing and is actuated when the gate swings to the second position and the magnet is in proximity to the sensor.  
         [0024]     An electronic package and a light emitting diode reside in the dry portion of the end cap of the water filter housing. The electronic package outputs a signal to the light emitting diode which indicates the performance of the water filtration device. The electronic package outputs three discrete signals to the light emitting diode to indicate three performance levels of the filter.  
         [0025]     A method of making a water filtration device is also disclosed and comprises the steps of: attaching end caps to the filter; inserting the filter within a filter housing; aligning the filter within the filter housing; inserting a portion of a gate into corresponding receptacles on one end of one of the end caps previously affixed to the filter; inserting a sensor and electronic package into an open end of a filter housing end cap; affixing the filter housing end cap to the filter housing forming a chamber between a closed end of the filter housing end cap and the one end of one of the end caps; and, affixing a front housing to the filter housing. The step of attaching end caps to said filter may be performed with adhesive. And, the steps of affixing the end cap of the filter housing, affixing the filter housing end cap to the filter housing and affixing the front housing to the filter housing may be performed by an ultrasonic welding process or one of the other welding processes identified herein.  
         [0026]     It is an object of the present invention to provide a water filtration device which is disposable and provides an indication as to when the filter should be disposed.  
         [0027]     It is a further object of the present invention to provide a water filtration device which is small in size and which resides substantially rearwardly with respect to the faucet to which it is mounted.  
         [0028]     It is a further object of the present invention to provide a water filtration device which is self-contained and which does not require maintenance and, in fact, which cannot be maintained because the parts thereof are non-removably affixed together or non-removably contained therein.  
         [0029]     It is an object of the present invention to provide a water filtration device at reasonable cost which is disposable and which is faucet mounted.  
         [0030]     It is an object of the present invention to provide a water filtration device which includes a swinging gate having a magnet therein which in combination with a sensor and an electronic package provides a visual indication as to the status or performance of the filter.  
         [0031]     It is an object of the present invention to provide a water filtration device which includes two filtered outlets.  
         [0032]     It is an object of the present invention to provide a water filtration device which includes a valved outlet with the valve operated by a lever.  
         [0033]     It is an object of the present invention to provide a water filtration device which includes an outlet having a rotatably mounted fountain head.  
         [0034]     It is an object of the present invention to provide a water filtration device which includes a lever actuated fountain.  
         [0035]     These and additional objects will become apparent when reference is made to the Brief Description of the Drawings, Description of the Invention and Claims which follow hereinbelow. 
     
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0036]      FIG. 1  is an exploded assembly view of a first embodiment of the water filtration device.  
         [0037]      FIG. 2  is a perspective view of a first embodiment of the water filtration device.  
         [0038]      FIG. 2A  is a perspective view of a first embodiment of the water filtration device with the handle of the valve pulled forward.  
         [0039]      FIG. 3  is a cross-sectional view of the first embodiment of the water filtration device taken along the lines  3 - 3  of  FIG. 2 . In  FIG. 3  the filter is not operating as no water is being directed into it.  
         [0040]      FIG. 3A  is an enlargement of a portion of  FIG. 3 .  
         [0041]      FIG. 3B  is a cross-sectional view of the first embodiment of the water filtration device with the fountain lever depressed and with water flowing through the filter.  
         [0042]      FIG. 3C  is an enlargement of a portion of  FIG. 3B .  
         [0043]      FIG. 3D  is a cross-sectional view of the first embodiment of the water filtration device similar to  FIG. 3  with an O-ring used as an additional seal for the filter subassembly.  
         [0044]      FIG. 4  is an enlargement of the front housing of the first embodiment of the water filtration device.  
         [0045]      FIG. 4A  is a cross-sectional view of the front housing taken along the lines  4 A- 4 A of  FIG. 4 .  
         [0046]      FIG. 4B  is a cross-sectional view of the front housing taken along the lines  4 B- 4 B of  FIG. 4 .  
         [0047]      FIG. 4C  is a top view of the front housing of the first embodiment.  
         [0048]      FIG. 4D  is an enlarged rear perspective view of the front housing of the first embodiment.  
         [0049]      FIG. 4E  is a cross-sectional view of the rotatable collar (faucet adapter) and the lock collar which is secured to the front housing.  
         [0050]      FIG. 4F  is a cross-sectional view of the aerator mounted into the front housing.  
         [0051]      FIG. 4G  is a cross-sectional view taken along the lines  4 G- 4 G of  FIG. 2  with the flow diverter valve inserted in the front housing in a first position, bypass position.  
         [0052]      FIG. 4H  is a cross-sectional view taken along the lines  4 H- 4 H of  FIG. 2A  with the flow diverter valve inserted in the front housing in a second position which directs flow into the filter.  
         [0053]      FIG. 5  is a front perspective view of the filter housing of the first embodiment of the water filtration device.  
         [0054]      FIG. 5A  is a front view of the filter housing of the first embodiment of the water filtration device.  
         [0055]      FIG. 5B  is a cross-sectional view of the filter housing taken along the lines  5 B- 5 B of  FIG. 5A .  
         [0056]      FIG. 5C  is a cross-sectional view of the filter housing taken along the lines  5 C- 5 C of  FIG. 5A .  
         [0057]      FIG. 5D  is a cross-sectional view of the filter housing taken along the lines  5 D- 5 D of  FIG. 5A .  
         [0058]      FIG. 5E  is a bottom view of the filter housing of the first embodiment of the water filtration device.  
         [0059]      FIG. 5F  is a left side view, the open end view, of the filter housing of the first embodiment of the water filtration device.  
         [0060]      FIG. 6  is a perspective view of the valve and its handle which are used in both the first embodiment and the second embodiment of the water filtration device.  
         [0061]      FIG. 6A  is a perspective view of the other side of the valve and its handle of  FIG. 6 .  
         [0062]      FIG. 7  is a perspective view of the electronic package (electric circuit), sensor and light emitting diode used in the first and second embodiments of the water filtration device.  
         [0063]      FIG. 7A  is a side view of the electronic package (electric circuit), sensor and light emitting diode package of  FIG. 7 .  
         [0064]      FIG. 8  is a side view of the housing end cap.  
         [0065]      FIG. 8A  is a perspective view of the other side, i.e., the wetted side, of the housing end cap illustrated in  FIG. 8 .  
         [0066]      FIG. 9  is a front view of the gate of the first embodiment.  
         [0067]      FIG. 9A  is a cross-sectional view taken along the lines  9 A- 9 A of  FIG. 9 .  
         [0068]      FIG. 10  is a front view of the left end cap of the filter.  
         [0069]      FIG. 10A  is cross-sectional view of the left end cap of the filter taken along the lines  10 A- 10 A of  FIG. 10 .  
         [0070]      FIG. 11  is a perspective view of the plunger used in conjunction with the lever and elastomeric ball valve.  
         [0071]      FIG. 11A  is a another perspective view of the plunger used in conjunction with the lever and elastomeric ball valve.  
         [0072]      FIG. 11B  is a top view of the plunger.  
         [0073]      FIG. 11C  is a cross-sectional view of the plunger taken along the lines  11 C- 11 C of  FIG. 11B .  
         [0074]      FIG. 11D  is a cross-sectional view taken along the lines  11 D- 11 D of  FIG. 11B .  
         [0075]      FIG. 12  is a front view of the ball valve.  
         [0076]      FIG. 12A  is a cross-sectional view taken along the lines  12 A- 12 A of  FIG. 12 .  
         [0077]      FIG. 13  is a top view of the lever used to operate the plunger of the first embodiment.  
         [0078]      FIG. 13A  is a cross-sectional view of the lever taken along the lines  13 A- 13 A of  FIG. 13 .  
         [0079]      FIG. 13B  is a perspective view of the underside of the lever of  FIG. 13 .  
         [0080]      FIG. 14  is a front view of the fountain head.  
         [0081]      FIG. 14A  is a cross-sectional view taken along the lines  14 A- 14 A of the fountain head of  FIG. 14 .  
         [0082]      FIG. 15  is an exploded perspective view of a second embodiment of the invention.  
         [0083]      FIG. 16  is a perspective view of a second embodiment of the water filtration device.  
         [0084]      FIG. 16A  is a perspective view of a second embodiment of the water filtration device with the valve handle pulled forward.  
         [0085]      FIG. 17  is a cross-sectional view of the second embodiment of the water filtration device taken along the lines  17 - 17  of  FIG. 16 .  
         [0086]      FIG. 17A  is a cross-sectional view of the second embodiment of the water filtration device similar to  FIG. 17  except the gate is shown rotated clockwise in the flow condition.  
         [0087]      FIG. 18  is a perspective view of the front housing of the second embodiment.  
         [0088]      FIG. 18A  is a cross-sectional view taken along the lines  18 A- 18 A of  FIG. 18 .  
         [0089]      FIG. 18B  is a cross-sectional view taken along the lines  18 B- 19 B of  FIG. 18 .  
         [0090]      FIG. 18C  is a top view of the front housing of the second embodiment.  
         [0091]      FIG. 18D  is a rear perspective view of the front housing of the second embodiment of the water filtration device.  
         [0092]      FIG. 18E  is a cross-sectional taken along the lines  18 E- 18 E of  FIG. 16  with the flow diverter valve inserted in the front housing in a first position, bypass position.  
         [0093]      FIG. 18F  is a cross-sectional view taken along the lines  18 F- 18 F of  FIG. 16A  with the flow diverter valve inserted in the front housing in a second position which directs flow into the filter.  
         [0094]      FIG. 19  is a front perspective view of the filter housing of the second embodiment of the water filtration device.  
         [0095]      FIG. 19A  is a bottom view of the of the filter housing of the second embodiment of the water filtration device.  
         [0096]      FIG. 19B  is a cross-sectional view taken along the lines  19 B- 19 B of  FIG. 19A .  
         [0097]      FIG. 19C  is a cross-sectional view taken along the lines  19 C- 19 C of  FIG. 19C .  
         [0098]      FIG. 19D  is a left side view, the open end view, of the filter housing of the second embodiment of the water filtration device.  
         [0099]      FIG. 20  is a front side view of the end cap of the housing of the second embodiment of the water filtration device.  
         [0100]      FIG. 20A  is a right side view of the end cap of  FIG. 20 .  
         [0101]      FIG. 20B  is a perspective view of the end cap of  FIG. 20 .  
         [0102]      FIG. 20C  is a view of the left side of the end cap of  FIG. 20 .  
         [0103]      FIG. 20D  is another perspective view of the end cap. 
     
    
       [0104]     A better understanding of the drawings will be had when reference is made to the Description of the Invention and Claims which follow hereinbelow.  
       DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION  
       [0105]     Referring to  FIG. 1 , an exploded assembly view of a first embodiment of the water filtration device  100 , the various components of the single-use faucet mounted water filter are shown. Filter  113  is illustrated having a longitudinal bore  129  therethrough. Filter  113  is illustrated without a filter pre-wrap in this view but such a pre-wrap  495  is specifically within the scope of this invention and is illustrated in  FIGS. 4G and 4H . The filter is preferably a carbon block but may be a fiber bundle or granular activated carbon. Further, the carbon block may include bacteriastic materials, ion exchange resins and zeolites to assist in its filtration activity. End caps  114  and  115  are affixed to said filter with a hot melt adhesive applied to the entire mating surfaces of end caps  114  and  115  including but not limited to the dowel portions thereof such as dowel  130 A on right end cap  130 . Once filter  113  is affixed to end caps of filter  114 ,  115 , the subassembly is inserted into the filter housing  101 . End caps  114 ,  115  include peripheral seal portions which seal annulus  301 . See  FIG. 3  for example. O-rings  375 ,  376  ensure that water entering annulus  301  flow through filter  113  and does not bypass the end caps  114 ,  115  and migrate into chamber  350 . See,  FIG. 3D . To ensure that the subassembly is properly oriented, gate hinges  132 ,  132 A must be aligned in relation to a mark  160  on the filter housing as the subassembly is inserted into the filter housing  101 . Gate hinges  132 ,  132 A are properly positioned when their axis is parallel to the earth or parallel to a tangent of the earth&#39;s surface.  
         [0106]     Referring to  FIG. 5F , the left side view (open end view) of the filter housing  101  of the first embodiment of the water filtration device, the concave right side wall  508  of the filter housing  101  is illustrated along with molded ribs  515 . In this the first embodiment the diameter of the filter housing  101  is approximately 1.6 inches and the length of the filter housing as viewed, for example, in  FIGS. 5 and 5 A, is approximately 4.2 inches. Other dimensions may be utilized in the construction of water filtration devices as taught herein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. When the filter subassembly is inserted into the filter housing the right end cap abuts ribs  515 .  
         [0107]     Gate  118  is rotatably affixed to gate hinges  132 ,  132 A by inserting prongs or knobs  133 ,  133 A in the hinges. Knobs or prongs  133 ,  133 A are snap-fit into apertures in the hinges  132 ,  132 A enabling rotation of the gate  118  when water pushes against it as it exits the filter. As will be explained in more detail hereinafter, gate  118  swings (rotates) in a clockwise direction about its axis of rotation (see  FIGS. 3B and 3C ) upon the application of pressure caused by water flow through the filter  113  and the longitudinal bore  129  therein.  
         [0108]     Referring to  FIGS. 1 and 3 , gate  118  includes a magnet  117  which is press fit into a recess  134  in the gate and hermetically sealed with either hot melt adhesive or potting compound.  FIG. 3  is a cross-sectional view  300  of the first embodiment of the water filtration device taken along the lines  3 - 3  of  FIG. 2 . Presence or absence of magnet  117  is sensed by reed switch (reed relay)  135 . Housing end cap  102  includes spacers  142  and  143 . See  FIG. 8A , a perspective view of the end cap to best view the spacer  142  which is not well illustrated in the exploded assembly view of  FIG. 1 . Spacers  142 ,  143  assist in correctly spacing the housing end cap  102  with respect to the left end cap  114  of the filter. Once housing end cap  102  is inserted into the filter housing  101 , spacers  142 ,  143  ensure that the filter subassembly comprising the filter  113 , left end cap  114  and right end cap  115  does not migrate leftwardly (See  FIG. 3 ) too far and remains in proximity to the mold ribs  515  of the interior of the housing. Housing end cap  102  includes a tapered portion  190  for insertion into the filter housing  101 . A chamber is formed between the end cap  114  and the closed end  803 A of the housing end cap  102 . See,  FIG. 3 . Water is expelled from passageway  141  in the left end cap  114  of the filter housing and exerts a force against gate  118  causing it to rotate in a clockwise direction. As gate  118  rotates in the clockwise direction the magnet  117  is urged toward the reed switch  135  (reed relay) causing it to effectively close which starts the electronic timer within electronic package  112  to continuously measure the time when the magnet  117  is in proximity to the switch. The electronic package (electric circuit or integrated circuit) measures the cumulative time of flow through the filter and outputs signals to the light emitting diode (LED) indicating filter performance. The LED indicates three colors representative of cumulative filter usage one of which indicates that the water filtration device should be discarded. The electric circuit outputs three discrete signals to the light emitting diode.  
         [0109]     The electronic package is secured in a dry well  170  which in turn is secured and closed by end plate  116 . After the housing end cap  102  is installed it is welded to the filter housing  101 . The end plate  116  is glued or ultrasonically welded to the housing end cap  102 . That is, the housing end cap  102  is welded to the filter housing and the end plate  116  is welded or glued to the housing end cap  102 . Reference numeral  139  represents the raised portions of the end plate  116  which are ultrasonically welded or glued to the housing end cap  102 .  
         [0110]     Referring to  FIG. 3  again, reference numerals  302 ,  303 ,  130 ,  131  signify peripheral edges or portions of the end caps  114 ,  115  of the filter which slidingly engage and seal against the interior walls of the filter housing  101 . Referring to  FIG. 3D , elastomeric seal  375  acts as an additional optional seal which resides between peripheral edge portions  302  and  131  and elastomeric seal  376  acts as an additional optional seal which resides between peripheral edge portions  303  and  130 .  
         [0111]     Still referring to  FIG. 1 , aperture  137  permits light emitting diode  136  which stems from the electronic package  112  to pass therethrough. A small amount of potting compound may be used around the light emitting diode to seal any space between the diode and the aperture  137  when the light emitting diode is installed in place. The electronic package  112  and the substrate upon which the electronics are mounted are housed in a dry space in the housing end cap  102 .  
         [0112]     Referring to  FIGS. 1 and 5 , the filter housing  101  including its inlet  125 , filtered outlet  107 A, and filtered outlet  180  are illustrated. Filtered outlet  107 A always expels filtered water whenever water enters the filter housing inlet  125 . See,  FIG. 4H . Inlet  125  is generally cylindrically shaped and includes a recess  126  for receiving an O-ring seal  502  and a passageway  505  for conducting unfiltered water to the interior of the filter housing so that it can be filtered by filter  113 . Filter  113  is a carbon block filter and it is necessary that the water to be filtered have a certain residence time in contact with the filter so that impurities therein can be removed.  
         [0113]     The preferred materials of the front housing  103 , filter housing  101  and housing end cap  102  are ABS (acrylonitrile butadiene styrene) plastic although other plastics may be used. The preferred adhesive to be used for securing the end caps  114 ,  115  to the filter is a hot melt adhesive. The gate material is HDPE (high density polyethylene). End caps  114 ,  115  are also HDPE and the material used for sealing. Lever  122  is preferably an acetyl material.  
         [0114]      FIG. 5  is a front perspective view  500  of the filter housing  101  of the first embodiment of the water filtration device, i.e., a bathroom filter.  FIG. 5  illustrates an inlet surface  504  adapted to receive a corresponding mating surface  190  from the housing end cap  102 . See,  FIG. 1  to identify the corresponding mating surface  190  on the housing end cap  102 .  
         [0115]     Referring again to  FIG. 5 , the filter housing  101  includes a recessed region  501  for receiving the front housing  103  as best seen in  FIGS. 1, 2  and  4 G. Engagement pins  127 ,  128  assist in positioning the front housing  103  with respect to the recessed region  501  for ultrasonic welding thereto. It is the ultrasonic welding of the front housing  103  to the filter housing which secures the parts together and makes them into an integral unit.  
         [0116]     Pins  127 ,  128  fit snugly into corresponding receptacles  420 ,  419  in the front housing. Referring to  FIG. 4D , a rear perspective view  400 D of the front housing of the first embodiment (bathroom filter) is illustrated along with the receptacles  420 ,  419 . Reference numerals  415 ,  417  and  418  indicate mold cavities which are formed as a part of the molding process of the front housing  103 . Joint  421  is welded to the filter housing  101 . Further, referring to  FIGS. 4G and 5 , O-ring seal  502  which resides in recess  126  mates with cylindrical recess  410  in the front housing  103  as illustrated in  FIG. 4D  to prevent leakage of water as it is being directed into the filter housing as will be explained hereinbelow.  
         [0117]      FIG. 5A  is a front view  500 A of the filter housing  101  of the first embodiment of the water filtration device. The right end  508  is closed and is convexly shaped when viewed from the outside of the filter housing. Viewing the interior of the right end  508  as in  FIG. 5F , it is shaped concavely. During assembly of the device, the water filter  113  with end caps attached thereto is inserted from the left side, the open side, of the filter housing  101 .  
         [0118]      FIG. 5B  is a cross-sectional view  500 B of the filter housing taken along the lines  5 B- 5 B of  FIG. 5A .  FIG. 5B  provides a good illustration of recess  126  in inlet  125  and of pin  128 . Outlets  180  and  107 A are also illustrated in  FIG. 5B .  
         [0119]      FIG. 5C  is a cross-sectional view  500 C of the filter housing taken along the lines  5 C- 5 C of  FIG. 5A . Outlet port  180  is illustrated in cross-section as having two diametrical sections  503  and  506 . Likewise, outlet port  107 A is illustrated as having two diametrical sections  519  and  507 .  
         [0120]      FIG. 5D  is a cross-sectional view  500 D of the filter housing taken along the lines  5 D- 5 D of  FIG. 5A .  FIG. 5D  illustrates the recessed region  501  in filter housing  101 . Also illustrated in  FIG. 5D  is the inlet  125  having passageway  505  therein.  
         [0121]      FIG. 5E  is a bottom view  500 E of the filter housing of the first embodiment of the water filtration device illustrating diametrical portions  507 ,  519  of outlet  107 A.  FIG. 5E  illustrates that outlet  107 A resides generally forwardly in the filter housing. Outlet  107 A includes spout  107  which is affixed through an ultrasonic weld or by gluing same to the filter housing  101 . See,  FIG. 1 .  
         [0122]      FIG. 2  is a perspective view  200  of a first embodiment of the water filtration device. Referring to  FIGS. 1, 2 ,  4 , and  4 E, collar lock  105  is inserted within collar  104  and is welded to surface  401  of front housing  103 .  FIG. 4  is an enlargement  400  of the front housing of the first embodiment of the water filtration device.  FIG. 4E  is a cross-sectional view  400 E of the collar  104 , collar lock  105  and screen  110 . Screen  110  includes an elastomeric generally circular periphery and a convexly shaped screen portion  110 A. Collar  104  may rotate with respect to collar lock  105  in the connection and disconnection process with a faucet. The faucet (not shown) seals on the elastomeric portion of the screen  110 . Screen  110  assists in removing large particulate matter.  
         [0123]     Referring still to  FIG. 2 , front housing  103  is illustrated in its assembled condition welded to the filter housing  101 . Valve and valve handle  108  are illustrated in the first or bypass position.  FIG. 4G  is a cross-sectional view  400 G taken along the lines  4 G- 4 G of  FIG. 2  with the flow diverter valve  108  inserted in the front housing in a first position, bypass position. Flow arrow  470  indicates the path flow will take through the front housing when the water bypasses the filter.  FIG. 4H  is a cross-sectional view  400 H taken along the lines  4 H- 4 H of  FIG. 2A  with the flow diverter valve  108  inserted in the front housing in a second position which directs flow into the filter. Flow arrow  471  indicates the path of flow through the front housing when the diverter valve  108  is rotated counterclockwise when viewing  FIG. 4H  to a second position. Referring to  FIG. 2A , valve and valve handle  108  are pulled forward to the second position when it is desired to filter the water.  
         [0124]     Referring again to  FIGS. 4G  and H, elastomeric seal  450  is illustrated as sealing passageways  603  and  610  in valve  108 . Passageway  610  is formed by wall  611  and passageway  603  is formed by wall  605  which is horn shaped. See,  FIG. 6 , a perspective view  600  of the valve and its handle  108  which are used in both the first embodiment and the second embodiment of the water filtration device. The handle portion of the valve includes an insert  109  which may glued to a corresponding recess  109 A in the handle. See,  FIG. 1 .  
         [0125]      FIG. 4A  is a cross-sectional view  400 A taken along the lines  4 A- 4 A of  FIG. 4  illustrating the generally cylindrical wall  401  to which the collar lock  105  is welded.  FIG. 4E  is a cross-sectional view  400 E illustrating the collar lock  105  secured to the wall  401  with the collar  104  being rotatable and movable slightly vertically for engagement with a faucet. Screen  110  is also illustrated in  FIG. 4A .  
         [0126]     Referring again to  FIG. 4A , valve  108  is not shown therein so as to view the valve stop  407  which controls the rotation of the valve between its first (bypass position) and its second (filter) position. Valve cavity  430  is tapered as it extends inwardly as indicated by circular lines  412  and  431 . See,  FIGS. 4A and 4B . Ports  403  and  408  join to form a water inlet to the valve cavity  430 . Water outlet  409  conveys water to be filtered when the front housing is nonremovably affixed to the filter housing  101  and the valve  108  is in its second position.  FIG. 4B  is a cross-sectional view  400 B taken along the lines  4 B- 4 B of  FIG. 4  and also illustrates the taper of valve cavity  430 .  
         [0127]     Referring again to  FIGS. 4A and 4B , recess  416  is illustrated for receiving a seal  640  on the valve  108  illustrated in  FIG. 6 . Bypass port or passageway  414  is illustrated in  FIGS. 4A and 4B . Stop  407  is also illustrated in  FIG. 4B  as is recess  410  for receiving inlet  125  of the filter housing  101 . Referring to  FIG. 4A  mold aperture  415  from the molding process is illustrated in cross section.  FIG. 4C  is a top view  400 C of the front housing  103  of the first embodiment and also illustrates the ports  403  and  408 .  
         [0128]      FIG. 4  is an enlargement  400  of the front housing  103  of the first embodiment of the water filtration device illustrating wall  401  to which the collar lock  105  is welded. Ports.  403 ,  408  in floor  404  are shown in the top of the housing as are mold openings  402 . Recess  416  in valve cavity  431  is shown as is rim  406  which is welded to the filter housing  101 . Recess  416  receives seal  640  on valve  108  so as to prevent leakage about valve  108 .  
         [0129]     Referring again to  FIGS. 1 and 4 A, bottom portion  103 A of the front housing is illustrated along with bore  422  having stepped portions  429  and  413 . Bore  422  receives aerator assembly  111 / 111 A and spout  106  secures the aerator assembly in place as it is welded to the bottom portion  103 A of the housing  103 . See,  FIG. 4F , a cross-sectional view  400 F of the aerator assembly  111 / 111 A mounted into the front housing.  
         [0130]     Referring to  FIGS. 3-3D , reference numerals  302 ,  303 ,  131 , and  130  indicate sliding engagement of the filter end caps  114 ,  115  with the filter housing  101 . Referring again to  FIGS. 1 and 3 , second outlet  180  in the filter housing  101  is disclosed. Alignment mark  160  is also illustrated well in  FIG. 1  and it is this mark which is used during assembly to ensure that the left filter end cap  114  and hinges  132 / 132 A are positioned such that the axis of the hinges are parallel to the earth enabling gate  118  to swing freely upon the application of pressure thereto and not to bind. Plunger  120  having a passageway  120 A therein fits somewhat snugly within second outlet  180  and is slidingly movable therein. Lever  122  resides in engagement with the plunger  120  such that the plunger  120  and lever  122  move together. Referring to  FIG. 2 , lever  122  is hinged and pivotal on prongs or protrusions  138  of the housing end cap  102 . Like lever  108 , lever  122  has a decorative insert  123  which resides in a corresponding recess. Fountain head  119  resides in and through passageway  122 A in lever  122 . Fountain  119  includes a passageway  119 A in communication with passageway  120 A in plunger  120 . Passageway  120 A is exposed to fluid under pressure in chamber  350  when the plunger is depressed by lever  122 .  
         [0131]     Plunger  120  includes a shoe portion  1104 .  FIG. 11  is a perspective view  1100  of the plunger  120  used in conjunction with the lever  122  and elastomeric ball valve  121 . Plunger  120  includes a cylindrical portion  1103  and a shaft  1105  with a shoe  1104  on the end thereof. A flat extending portion  1101  of the plunger resides against a corresponding surface of the lever  122 . A taper  1102  leads to passageway  120 A.  
         [0132]      FIG. 11A  is a another perspective view  1100 A of the bottom side of the plunger  120  used in conjunction with the lever  122  and elastomeric ball valve  121 . Contoured side edge portion  1150  of plunger  120  engages lever  122 . Passageway  120 A and bottom side  1106  of the flat extending portion  1101  are best viewed in  FIG. 11A . Spring  124  is operable between the bottom side  1106  of plunger and a lip  570  of the filter housing. See  FIG. 3 , a cross-sectional view  300  of the first embodiment of the water filtration device taken along the lines  3 - 3  of  FIG. 2 . In  FIG. 3 , the filter is not operating meaning that the diverter valve  108  is in the bypass (first) position.  
         [0133]      FIG. 11B  is a top view  1100 B of the plunger  120  illustrating the passageway  120 A.  FIG. 11C  is a cross-sectional view  1100 C of the plunger  120  taken along the lines  11 C- 11 C of  FIG. 11B .  FIG. 11D  is a cross-sectional view  1100 D taken along the lines  11 D- 11 D of  FIG. 11B .  
         [0134]      FIG. 12  is a front view  1200  of the ball valve  121 .  FIG. 12A  is a cross sectional view  1200 A taken along the lines  12 A- 12 A of  FIG. 12 . Shoe  1104  is covered by elastomeric valve  121  which includes a cavity which is substantially reciprocally shaped to the shape of the shoe. Elastomeric valve of boot  121  includes a surface  1202  which engages the interior of the filter housing around passageway  506 . See,  FIGS. 5C and 3 .  
         [0135]      FIG. 3A  is an enlargement  300 A of a portion of  FIG. 3  illustrating the valve  121  engaged with the inner wall of housing  101 . Spring  124  is operable between filter housing  101  and plunger  120  and urges the plunger and the lever upwardly when viewing  FIGS. 3 and 3 A.  
         [0136]     Still referring to  FIG. 3 , an annular space  301  between the filter  113  and the filter housing  101  is illustrated. Water occupies this annular space  301  during operation of the filter. Water resides in this annulus and flows through filter  113  into passageway  129  and out port  141  impinging upon gate  118  rotating it clockwise. When the water filtration device of the first embodiment is operable, water will be expelled from both outlets  107 A and  180  if lever  122  is depressed. If the lever is not depressed then elastomeric valve  121  is seated against the curved inner surface of the filter housing  101  and water will be expelled just from the outlet  107 A. Valve  121  is preferably elastomeric but may be made of other materials such as metal. Similarly, the filter housing may be made of metal if desired and the valve can be made of metal as well.  FIG. 3  illustrates spacer  142  extending from the closed end  803 A of housing end cap  102  near the filter left end cap  114 .  FIG. 8  is a side view  800  of housing end cap  102 . Closed end  803  is a wall or boundary between the wetted chamber  350  and the electronic package  112  and sensor  135 . Guide ribs  801 ,  802  and  810  enable placement of the generally-rectangularly shaped electronic package within the drywell  811  of the housing end cap  102 . End plate  116  fits over the opening  811  of the end cap and is either welded or glued  139  to the end cap for hermetic sealing thereof. During assembly the light emitting diode  136  is carefully placed within the aperture  137  first followed by the electronic package  112  which is placed within opening  811 .  FIG. 8A  is a perspective view  800 A of the other side, i.e., the wetted side, of the end illustrated in  FIG. 8 . Sloped surface  190  which is welded to filter housing  101  is illustrated in  FIG. 8A .  
         [0137]      FIG. 3B  is a cross-sectional view  300 B of the first embodiment of the water filtration device with the fountain lever  122  depressed and valve  121  off its seat. It will be noticed that plunger  120  bends slightly when lever  122  is depressed. This bending tends to seal the passageway denoted by reference numeral  506 . Gate  118  is shown rotated clockwise due to water flow out of passageway  141 . In this position, gate  118  and magnet  117  are in proximity to reed switch  135 .  FIG. 3C  is an enlargement  300 C of a portion of  FIG. 3B  and illustrates the flow path  391  of water past valve  121 , through passageway  120 A of plunger  120  and through passageway  199 A of fountain  119 . It will be noticed in  FIGS. 3, 3A ,  3 B and  3 C that outlet  107 A is not shown therein as it is located fore (ahead) with respect to the cross-section of these drawing figures.  
         [0138]      FIG. 6  is a perspective view  600  of the valve  108  and its handle which are used in both the first embodiment and the second embodiment of the water filtration device.  FIG. 6  illustrates the underside (the side that is not exposed) when viewing  FIG. 2 . Reference numeral  612  illustrates a cavity from the molding process. Reference numeral  609  indicates the handle portion of the valve  108  and reference numeral  608  indicates the other or second end of the valve  108 . Ridges  602  engage stop  407  to limit the rotation of the valve between its first bypass position and its second filter position. A horn shaped passageway  603  is formed by wall  605 . Wall  606  creates an annulus  604  in which a seal (not shown in  FIG. 6 ) is positioned. A seal  450  is positioned in annulus  604  as indicated in  FIGS. 4G and 4H . A groove  607  resides in the valve  108  for receiving a seal (not shown in  FIG. 6 ) which prevents leakage of water from the valve  108  when it inserted in the front housing  103 .  FIG. 6A  is a perspective view  600 A of the exposed side of the valve and its handle  108  as viewed in  FIG. 2 .  FIG. 6A  illustrates seal  640  in groove  607  for sealing the valve  108  which is snap fit in the front housing.  
         [0139]      FIG. 7  is a perspective view  700  of the electronic package  112 , battery  701 , sensor  135 , leads  702 ,  703  and light emitting diode  136  used in the first and second embodiments of the water filtration device. In the preferred embodiment sensor  135  is a reed switch also known as a reed relay. However, those skilled in the art will readily recognize that different, sensors based on capacitance principles, piezoelectric principles, or induction principles may be employed with some modifications.  FIG. 7A  is a side view  700 A of the electronic package illustrated in  FIG. 7 .  
         [0140]      FIG. 9  is a front view  900  of gate  118  of the first embodiment. Recess  134  receives magnet  117  which actuates reed switch  135  when in proximity therewith. Prongs or knobs  134  interengage corresponding hinges  134  as illustrated in  FIGS. 1 and 3 .  FIG. 9A  is a cross-sectional view  900  taken along the lines  9 A- 9 A of  FIG. 9 .  FIG. 9A  illustrates the contour of the gate  118  which includes front  903  and rear  902  surfaces. Sloping surface  904  diverges to body  905  having recess  134  in which magnet  117  is housed. Locks  901  secure magnet  117  in place. The magnet is installed by simply pushing on the magnet to orient it past the locks  901  which are plastic and somewhat malleable enabling insertion of the magnet into the plastic. The magnet is then hermetically sealed with potting compound.  
         [0141]      FIG. 10  is a front view  1000  of the left end cap  114  of the filter  113 . Hinges  132 / 132 A are illustrated in  FIGS. 10 and 10 A.  FIG. 10A  is cross-sectional view  1000 A of the left end cap of the filter taken along the lines  10 A- 10 A of  FIG. 10  illustrating the hinges  132 / 132 A, passageway  141 , dowel  1001 , and protrusions  1002  and  1003  which slidingly seal with respect to the filter housing. Peripheral end portion such as the one denoted by reference numeral  131  are relatively soft and seal against the interior of the filter housing.  
         [0142]      FIG. 13  is a top view  1300  of the lever  122  used to operate the plunger  120  of the first embodiment. Reference numeral  1301  indicates a recess in which insert  123  is secured by adhesive. Apertures or hinges  140 / 140 A engage prongs or protrusions  138  for pivoting as previously described.  FIG. 13A  is a cross-sectional view of the lever  122  taken along the lines  13 A- 13 A of  FIG. 13  also illustrates the aperture  140 A. Cavities  1302  and  1303  are illustrated in  FIG. 13A . Cavity  1303  fits over flat portion  1101  of plunger  120 . See,  FIG. 11 .  
         [0143]      FIG. 13B  is a perspective view  1300 B which illustrates the underside of the lever  122  of  FIG. 13 . Cavity  1303  and wall  1304  of cavity  1303  are illustrated. Flat portion  1101  of plunger  120  fits into cavity  1303 .  
         [0144]      FIG. 14  is a front view  1400  of the fountain head  119  illustrating flanges  1401  and  1402 .  FIG. 14A  is a cross-sectional view  1400 A taken along the lines  14 A- 14 A of the fountain head  119  of  FIG. 14 . Flange  1402  is snap-fit into place in lever  122  as is best seen in  FIG. 3 . Fountain head  119  is made of plastic. Spring  124  is illustrated in  FIG. 1  as operable between seat  570  and surface  1106 . See,  FIGS. 3, 5C  and  11 C.  FIG. 3  illustrates valve  121  seated against seat  330 .  
         [0145]      FIGS. 1-14  are directed toward the first embodiment of the invention. Some of the uses of the first embodiment of the invention are in bathrooms, hotel and motel rooms. The device disclosed is small and convenient for storage on vacations and business trips.  FIGS. 15-20  are directed toward the second embodiment of the invention. Use of the second embodiment include kitchen and bar uses. Both embodiments are designed such that the filter sits rearwardly with respect to the faucet so that access to the faucet and the filter is permitted.  
         [0146]     The reference numerals used in  FIG. 15  correspond generally to the reference numerals used in  FIG. 1  such that for example reference numerals  101  and  1501  both indicate filter housings.  
         [0147]      FIG. 15  is an exploded perspective view  1500  of a second embodiment of the invention. Filter housing  1501  may have, for example, a diameter of 2.40 inches and a length of approximately 3.90 inches. One of the principal differences in the kitchen filter of the second embodiment is that it has only one filtered outlet  1507 A whereas the bathroom unit has two filtered outlets  107 A and  180 . Filters  1513  and  113  may be pre-wrapped  495  using a hot seal method. See,  FIGS. 4G and 4H . Adhesive is applied to the filter end caps  1514 ,  1515 , then attached to the filter after which the subassembly is inserted into the filter housing. Peripheral seal portions of end caps  1514 ,  1515  seal the filter. Optionally, O-rings  375 ,  376  may be used to seal the filter so as to prevent unfiltered water from entering chamber  1750 . See,  FIG. 17 . As in the case of the bathroom filter, the aerator assembly  1511  and spout  1506  are affixed in the front housing  1503  as previously illustrated. As also in the case of the bathroom filter, the collar lock  1505  is welded to the front housing  1503  and collar  1504  is permitted to rotate with respect to the collar lock. The screen assembly is inserted into the assembly atop the collar lock. Gate  1518  is slightly dimensionally different than the gate  118  previously described but it functions in the same way as gate  118 . Spacers  1542  and  1543  extend from end cap  1502  and serve to ensure that gate  1518  remains in alignment.  
         [0148]     Electronic package  112  is the same package used in the first embodiment. Reed switch  135  (or reed relay as it sometimes known) senses the proximity of magnet  1517  and the electronic package measures the total time of flow. Instead of a reed switch which is a magnetically coupled device, a capacitance based device or a pressure-sensitive device may be used instead. The pressure sensitive device would have to mounted in the closed end of the housing end cap  1502 .  
         [0149]     Valve  108  illustrated in  FIG. 15  is the same valve used in the bathroom filter of the first embodiment. Spacers  1542 ,  1543  of the housing end cap  1502  assist in ensuring that the filter subassembly is in place. Referring to  FIG. 17 , a gap (unnumbered) exists between the spacer  1543  and the end cap  1514  of the filter. Spacer limits the movement of the filter subassembly such that it cannot move leftwardly too far before engaging the spacers. End plate  1516  is glued or welded to the housing end cap  102 . Housing end cap  102  is glued or welded to the filter housing  1501 .  
         [0150]      FIG. 16  is a perspective view  1600  of the second embodiment of the water filtration device.  FIG. 17  is a cross-sectional view  1700  of the second embodiment of the water filtration device taken along the lines  17 - 17  of  FIG. 16 .  FIG. 17A  is a cross-sectional view  1700 A of the second embodiment of the water filtration device similar to  FIG. 17  except the gate  1518  is shown rotated clockwise in the flow condition. Annulus  1701  is illustrated in  FIG. 17A . Water resides in this annulus and flow thru filter  1513  into passageway  1529  and out port  1541  impinging upon gate  1518  rotating it clockwise.  
         [0151]     Referring to  FIGS. 15 and 17 , filter end caps  1514  and  1515  have peripheral end portions (i.e.,  1531  and  1530 ) which are seals which seal against the interior diameter of the filter housing  1501 . Although not shown in  FIG. 17 , optional elastomeric O-ring seals similar to  375 ,  376  may be used between the peripheral end seals as illustrated in  FIG. 3D .  
         [0152]      FIG. 18  is a perspective view  1800  of the front housing of the second embodiment.  FIG. 18  employs reference numerals like  FIG. 4 .  FIG. 18A  is a cross-sectional view taken along the lines  18 A- 18 A of  FIG. 18 . Reference numeral  1801  indicates the wall to which the collar lock  1505  is welded and reference numeral  1804  indicates the floor upon which the collar lock  1804  sits at the time it is welded. Mold recesses  1802  are from the molding process. Groove or recess  1816  receives the seal from the valve  108 . Cavity  1831  receives the valve  108 . Referring to  FIG. 18A , stop  1807 A is illustrated which engages ridges  602  on valve  108 . Stop  1807 A is also illustrated in  FIG. 18B , a cross-sectional view taken along the lines  18 B- 18 B of  FIG. 18 . Tapered bore  1812  is illustrated by the circular lines in  FIG. 18A .  
         [0153]     Bore  1822  includes stepped portions  1813  and  1829 . Inlet  1808  is shown leading to valve cavity  1831 . Outlet  1814  and outlet  1809  are also shown in  FIG. 18A . When valve  108  is positioned as illustrated in  FIG. 18E  inlet  1808  is connected to outlet  1814  and the water passes through front housing  1503  and is expelled unfiltered. Flow arrow  1870  depicts the path of flow through front housing  1503 . When the valve  108  is positioned as illustrated in  FIG. 18F  inlet  1808  is connected to outlet  1809  where it is directed into the filter by inlet  1525  of the filter housing  1501 . See,  FIG. 16A  a perspective view of a second embodiment of the water filtration device with the valve handle pulled forward. Flow arrow  1871  depicts the path of flow through front housing  1503  and into inlet  1525  of the filter housing.  
         [0154]     Referring to  FIG. 18B , valve cavity  1831  is illustrated as is stop  1807 A and the cross-sectional portion  1807  of the stop. Unfiltered outlet  1814  is also depicted.  FIG. 18C  is a top view  1800 C of the front housing  1503  of the second embodiment.  FIG. 18D  is a rear perspective view  1800 D of the front housing of the second embodiment of the water filtration device.  FIG. 18D  illustrates receptacles  1819  and  1820  of the front housing which engage pins  1528  and  1527  respectively. Mold recesses from the molding process are indicated by reference numerals  1817 ,  1818 ,  1823 ,  1824  and  1825 . Joint  1821  is welded to the filter housing.  
         [0155]      FIG. 19  is a front perspective view  1900  of the filter housing of the second embodiment of the water filtration device. Surface  1904  engages the corresponding surface on the housing end cap  1502 . Recess  1901  engages the perimeter of the front housing.  FIG. 19A  is a bottom view  1900 A of the of the filter housing  1501  of the second embodiment of the water filtration device.  FIG. 19B  is a cross-sectional view  1900 B taken along the lines  19 B- 19 B of  FIG. 19A  illustrating port  1907  from which filtered water is expelled.  
         [0156]      FIG. 19C  is a cross-sectional view  1900 C taken along the lines  19 C- 19 C of  FIG. 19C  illustrating passageway  1905  in inlet  1525  of the filter housing  1501 .  FIG. 19D  is a left side view  1900 D, the open end view, of the filter housing  1501  of the second embodiment of the water filtration device illustrating mold prongs in the end housing. These prongs or ribs  1906  restrict the insertion depth of the filter sub assembly.  
         [0157]      FIG. 20  is a front side view  2000  of the end cap of the housing  1502  of the second embodiment of the water filtration device. Surface  2007  of the housing end cap engages surface  1904  of the filter housing and is welded or glued thereto.  FIG. 20A  is a right side view  2000 A of the end cap of  FIG. 20  illustrating the closed end  2003 .  FIG. 20B  is a perspective view  2000 B of the end cap of  FIG. 20  illustrating the closed end and spacers  1543 ,  1542 .  FIG. 20C  is a view  2000 C of the left side of the end cap of  FIG. 20  illustrating supports  2001 ,  2002  and  2010  which restrict the movement of the electronic package in place.  FIG. 20D  is another perspective view  2000 D of the end cap illustrating the housing  2011  in which the electronic package resides.  
         [0158]     To assemble the water filtration devices, insert the aerator into the through spout and then insert the through spout and ultrasonically weld the aerator/spout assembly to the front housing. Place the threaded collar into the seat on top of the front housing and press the lock collar through the threaded collar and seat the lock collar into the housing. Clamp and ultrasonically weld the lock collar to the front housing.  
         [0159]     Insert the filtered spout into the filter housing and clamp and weld it to the filter housing. Insert the front housing into position with respect to the filter housing and then clamp and ultrasonically weld it to the filter housing.  
         [0160]     A prefilter may be wrapped around the filter and sealed using the hot seal method. Next, the left and right end caps with adhesive applied to the contact surfaces thereof are inserted in the filter. Uniform pressure is applied to the left and right filter end caps  114 ,  115 ,  1514 ,  1515  to spread the adhesive and allow it to set. Approximate time for applying pressure is 2-5 seconds. The magnet is installed into the gate under the pressure of a person&#39;s finger or a tool such as pliers or the equivalent then hermetically sealed in place.  
         [0161]     Next, the gate  118 ,  1518  is snapped into the hinges with the magnet facing outwardly. Indicia on the left end cap of the filter subassembly is aligned with a mark or other indicia on the filter housing and the filter subassembly is inserted into the filter housing. Indicia on the housing end cap  102 ,  1502  is aligned with indicia on the filter housing and inserted therein. Once the housing end cap is in place it is clamped and ultrasonically welded to the filter housing non-removably retaining the filter within the filter housing.  
         [0162]     The lever is installed by snapping it into place in the valve cavity. To install the end of life electronic package, the light emitting diode is inserted into and through the aperture  137 . Optionally, adhesive may be used when installing the diode in the aperture  137  to secure it into position and to ensure that the diode is hermetically sealed. The electronic package is installed into the reservoir in the open end of the housing end cap with the glass reed switch facing inwardly. End plate  116 ,  1516  is next snap-fit into place to hermetically seal the electronic package. Optionally, adhesive may be used around the perimeter of the end plate to ensure a hermetic seal. Or, the end plates may be welded to the housing end caps.  
         [0163]     The materials which are ultrasonically welded should be amenable to welding such as ABS or other plastics.  
         [0164]     The invention has been described herein by way of example only. Those skilled in the art will readily recognize that changes and modifications may be made to the invention without departing from the spirit and scope of the appended claims which follow hereinbelow.

Technology Classification (CPC): 1