Patent Abstract:
An automatic water filtration and purification system will allow a continuous water flow to downstream fixtures while simultaneously and automatically regularly flushing and cleaning in-path filter media. The automatic water filtration and purification system has at least one filter to remove impurities from a water in-path through-put. A cleaner is coupled to the at least one filter to clean the at least one filter. A controller is coupled to the at least one filter to regulate automatic operation of the cleaner wherein continuous operation of water flow to fixtures downstream of the at least one filter is essentially uninterrupted during the operation of the cleaner and the controller.

Full Description:
RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This patent application is claiming the benefit of the U.S. Provisional Application having an application No. of 60/279,464, filed Mar. 26, 2001, in the name of Farvell M. Mark, and entitled “FILTRATION AND PURIFICATION SYSTEM”. This application is a continuation-in-part and also related to U.S. patent application entitled “Filtration and Purification System and Method Therefor,” having a Ser. No. 10/082,632, filed Feb. 22, 2002, now abandoned also in the name of Farvell M. Mark. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     This invention relates water filters and, more specifically, to an improved water filtering and purification system that will extend or maximize the lifetime of the filter media, will reduce the difficulties attendant to replacing the filter media, and maintain water flow through the system at all times, particularly while renewing the filter media, or replacing the filter media. 
     2. Description of the Prior Art 
     Filtered and purified water is desired and needed by many people. These people spends enormous amounts of money to purchase this type of water. The reasons for such desires and needs include: filtered and purified water is perceived by many to have a superior taste or flavor; filtered and purified water eliminates minerals that are carried from sources, such as tap water, thus reducing mineral deposits, scaling, etc.; and, filtered and purified water removes undesirable contaminants, such as: organics, pesticides, chemicals, cysts, and protozoa, thus minimizing waterborne sickness and disease, etc. Most modern water filtering and purifying systems comprise mechanical filtration in combination with some form of purification, e.g., chlorine-type additives, ultraviolet exposure, ozonation, etc. Such systems, however, require frequent maintenance. For example, the mechanical filtration components require that the filters be replaced after a certain number of through-put or hours of usage. The time interval for such filter replacement, although variable, is typically on the order of three months of usage for the replacement of each filter. Three months is a relatively short time frame that requires either (1) an expensive visit from a maintenance technician or (2) that the owner of the water filtering and purifying system have the new filters on hand and remembers to change the filters when due. 
     Also, an additional hardship attendant to the replacement of a filter includes the physical difficulty with removing a tall housing and filter assembly that is filled with water and located with contaminants. Consequently, many users of such systems fail to follow through with the required action of replacing the filters. The failure to replace the filters when required leads to (1) the overloading of the filter media, which results in the filter media possibly clogging, and thus, having a reduced water flow, or (2) the filter media allowing contaminants to begin passing through the system. Furthermore, it is generally true that when performing such filter replacements, the filter system must have the water flow shut off. Therefore, when renewing or replacing the filters, the facility being served by the system is deprived of water flow for the duration of the filter renewal/replacement procedure. 
     Therefore, a need exists for a filtration and purification system that will extend or maximize the lifetime of the filter media. Another need exists for a filtration and purification system that will automatically extend or maximize the lifetime of the filter media. A further needs exists for a filtration and purification system that will reduce the difficulties attendant to replacing the filter media. Yet another need exists for a filtration and purification system that will maintain water flow through the system at all times, particularly while renewing the filter media, or replacing the filter media. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, it is an object of the present invention to provide a filtration and purification system that will extend or maximize the lifetime of the filter media. 
     It is another object of the present invention to provide a filtration and purification system that will automatically extend or maximize the lifetime of the filter media. 
     It is still another object of the present invention to provide a filtration and purification system that will reduce the difficulties attendant to replacing the filter media. 
     It is yet another object of the present invention to provide a filtration and purification system that will maintain water flow through the system at all times, particularly while renewing the filter media, or replacing the filter media. 
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS 
     In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention an automatic water filtration and purification system for light industrial and home installations is disclosed. The automatic water filtration and purification system will allow a continuous water flow to downstream fixtures while simultaneously and automatically regularly flushing and cleaning in-path filter media. The automatic water filtration and purification system has at least one filter to remove impurities from a water in-path through-put. A cleaner is coupled to the at least one filter to clean the at least one filter. A controller is coupled to the at least one filter to regulate automatic operation of the cleaner wherein continuous operation of water flow to fixtures downstream of the at least one filter is essentially uninterrupted during the operation of the cleaner and the controller. 
     In accordance with another embodiment of the present invention an automatic water filtration and purification system for light industrial and home installations is disclosed. The automatic water filtration and purification system provides continuous water flow to downstream fixtures while simultaneously and automatically regularly flushing and cleaning in-path filter media. The automatic water filtration and purification system has at least one filter assembly having at least one flushing port. An ultraviolet lamp assembly is coupled in series with the at least one filter assembly. A flushing control valve is coupled to the at least one flushing port of the at least one filter assembly. A programmable control unit is connected to the flushing control valve. 
     In accordance with another embodiment of the present invention an automatic water filtration and purification system for light industrial and home installations is disclosed. The water filtration and purification system will have a continuous water flow to a fixture coupled thereto, while simultaneously and automatically regularly flushing and cleaning in-path filter media. The water filtration and purification system has a bypass valve coupled to a water line for diverting water to the fixture without passing through the automatic water filtration and purification system. A course filter assembly is coupled to the bypass valve. A fine filter assembly is coupled in series to the course filter assembly. An ultraviolet lamp assembly is coupled in series with the at fine filter assembly. A flushing control valve is coupled to the flushing ports of the course and fine filter assemblies. A programmable control unit is connected to the flushing control valve. The programmable control unit comprises a sequentially energized flushing control valve timer electrically connected to the flushing control valves for automatically and regularly flushing and cleaning the automatic water filtration and purification system. 
     The foregoing and other objects, features, and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the following, more particular, description of the preferred embodiments of the invention, as illustrated in the accompanying drawing. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The novel features believed characteristic of the invention are set forth in the appended claims. The invention itself, as well as a preferred mode of use, and advantages thereof, will best be understood by reference to the following detailed description of illustrated embodiments when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein like reference numerals and symbols represent like elements. 
         FIG. 1  is an elevated perspective view of one embodiment of the filtration and purification system of the present invention. 
         FIG. 2  is an enlarged view of one embodiment of the valving and coupling arrangement of the filtration and purification system shown in  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 3  is an enlarged view of one embodiment of the timer and control unit of the filtration and purification system in  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 4  is an interior view of one embodiment of the timer and control unit of the filtration and purification system shown in  FIGS. 1 and 3 . 
         FIG. 5  is an electrical schematic diagram of one embodiment of the timer and control system utilized in a preferred embodiment of the filtration and purification system of the present invention. 
         FIG. 6  is a functional block diagram of one method of the mechanical installation of one embodiment of the filtration and purification system of the present invention, as shown in  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 7  is an elevated perspective view of another embodiment of the filtration and purification system of the present invention. 
         FIG. 8  is a functional block diagram of the filtration and purification system depicted in  FIG. 7 . 
         FIG. 9  is an elevated perspective view of another embodiment of the filtration and purification system of the present invention. 
         FIG. 10  is a side view of the embodiment depicted in  FIG. 9 . 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
     The filtration and purification system of the present invention has many uses that those skilled in the art will recognize. A particular and preferred application of preferred embodiments of the present invention is for the filtration of all personal washing or potentially consumable water in a light industrial-type building. Such buildings may comprise, for example, homes, small-medium office buildings, restaurants, and in a preferred installation of embodiments of the present invention, dentist offices. Such locations cannot benefit economically, or in terms of usage, from large-scale industrial installations. Dentist offices are well-suited for installation and use of preferred embodiments of the present invention due to the water usage, particularly during dental procedures that use large amounts of water for mouth rinsing and the like. Those skilled in the art will recognize, however, that in appropriate circumstances, preferred embodiments of the present invention may be installed in many different applications or buildings. 
     Referring to  FIG. 1 , an elevated perspective view of one embodiment of the filtration and purification system  10  of the present invention is shown. The filtration and purification system  10  preferably comprises a filter and purification assembly  20 . The filter and purification assembly  20  is designed for facilities having a filtered and purified water through-put requirement that is preferably about 15 gallons per minute. However, this should not be seen as to limit the scope of the present invention. Facilities having a through-put requirement of less than 15 gallons per minute may still benefit from using the filtration and purification system  10 . 
     The filter and purification assembly  20  comprises a filter head  22  to which is preferably connected at least one coarse filter assembly  28 . The filter head  22  further preferably comprises at least one fine filter assembly  30  connected to the filter head  22 . The filter head  22  further preferably comprises a purification assembly  32  connected to the filter head  22 . The coarse and fine filter assemblies  28  and  30  and the purification assembly  32  are mechanically coupled such that a flow of incoming water passes through the assemblies in a series flow, as will be well understood by those skilled in the art. The filter and purification assembly  20  is of a type generally commercially available in a basic form. 
     The coarse filter assembly  28  may comprise different types of filter media. In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, the coarse filter assembly  28  comprises a replaceable ten-micron filter media preferably having activated charcoal. The coarse filter assembly  28  filters out the larger, coarser particles and contaminants suspended in the water flowing through the system  10 . The effluent from the coarse filter assembly  28  is coupled through the fine filter assembly  30 . The fine filter assembly  30  may also be comprised of different types of filter media. In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, the fine filter assembly comprises a replaceable 0.5-micron filter media preferably having activated charcoal. The effluent from the fine filter assembly  30  is coupled through the purification assembly  32 . The purification assembly  32  may also be comprised of different types of filtering media. In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, the purification assembly  32  comprises an internal high energy 25-watt ultraviolet lamp. In general, the high energy 25-watt ultraviolet lamp should have an output of approximately 60,000 Micro watts/square-centimeter (at EOL), and an approximate lifetime of 9,000 hours. Such filter media and ultraviolet lamps are of types generally commercially available. 
     The filter head  22  further comprises respective pressure gauges  24  and  26  connected respectively to the water inlet upstream of the coarse filter assembly  28  and to the water outlet downstream of the purification assembly  30 . The pressure gauges  24  and  26  comprise low-pressure gauges having a range of approximately 0–100 inches H 2 O. The pressure gauges  24  and  26  may be used to monitor the performance of the system  20 , as those skilled in the art will understand. 
     The system  10  further comprises valving and disconnect assemblies connected to the base of each of the filter and purification assemblies  28 ,  30 , and  32 . These important features, in preferred embodiments of the present invention, comprise drain valves  44 ,  40  and  34  connected to the base of each filter and purification assembly  28 ,  30  and  32 . Each drain valve  44 ,  40  and  34  further preferably comprises quick disconnect couplings  46 ,  42  and  36 , respectively. The system  10  further comprises a valve filter assembly  76  connected downstream of the quick disconnect coupling  46 . The system  10  further comprises water line  50 , fitting  58  and solenoid valve  62 . The discharge of the valve filter assembly  76  is coupled via water line  50  to solenoid valve  62 , via fitting  58 . The system  10  further comprises a timer and control unit  12 , and solenoid valve  62  is preferably mechanically attached to the timer and control unit  12 . The system  10  further comprises water line  48 , fitting  68  and solenoid valve  64 . The discharge of the quick disconnect coupling  42  is coupled via water line  48  to solenoid valve  64 , via fitting  68 . 
     The system  10  further preferably comprises a T-fitting  60 , a check valve  66 , and water drain line  52 . The T-fitting  60  couples the water discharge from the two solenoid valves  62  and  64  together, down through the check valve  66 , and down through the water drain line  52 . The water drain line  52  is then coupled via a drain adapter  54  to a drain  56 . Those skilled in the art will recognize that, in appropriate circumstances, the drain connection might utilize drain stand pipes, etc., as might be dictated by code requirements, engineering needs, etc. The system  10  further comprises a drain line  38  coupled to the quick disconnect  36 , that is coupled to the drain valve  34 . The timer and control unit  12  of the system  10  comprises the timing and control circuitry that controls the solenoid valves  62  and  64  and the ultraviolet lamp within the purification assembly  32 . The timer and control unit  12  is electrically coupled to the ultraviolet lamp within the purification assembly  32  via cable  94 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 2 , an enlarged view of the valving and coupling arrangement of the filtration and purification system of  FIG. 1  is shown. As shown, each respective drain valve  44 ,  40  and  34  is coupled to and through the bottom of the respective housing of the coarse and fine filter assemblies  28  and  30  and the purification assembly  32 . A cut-away view  29  in the bottom of the coarse filter assembly  28  shows that the drain valve  44  penetration is located such that its opening is in the outer, effluent, portion or section of the coarse filter assembly  28 . A portion of the coarse filter media  31  is shown located in the center portion of the coarse filter assembly  28 . The valve filter assembly  76 , also shown in greater detail, comprises a clear, removable cap  77 , in which is housed a filter element  79 . The filter element  79  filters the effluent of the coarse filter assembly  28  of particles that may damage the valve seat of the solenoid valve  62  (see  FIG. 1 ). 
     Referring to  FIG. 3 , an enlarged view of one embodiment of the timer and control unit  12  of the filtration and purification system of  FIG. 1  is shown. The timer and control unit  12 , in addition to the previously-mentioned items, further comprises a power switch  86  and an ultraviolet lamp operation indicator  74 . The timer and control unit  12  may be opened to access the internal components. 
     Referring to  FIG. 4 , an interior view of one embodiment of the timer and control unit  12  of the filtration and purification system of  FIGS. 1 and 3  is shown. The timer and control unit  12  comprises the main power switch  86 , a fuse  87 , the main power supply cord  89 , a 24-hour programmable timer  84 , two valve timers  80  and  82 , and a ultraviolet power ballast B 1 . Although the above components are preferred, those skilled in the art will recognize that in appropriate circumstances, other or additional electrical components might be used. 
     Referring to  FIG. 5 , an electrical schematic of one embodiment of the timer and control system  100  utilized in the filtration and purification system  10  of the present invention is shown. The timer and control system  100  comprises, as previously mentioned, an electrical power cord and plug assembly  89 , an on/off switch  86 , a fuse  87 , a 24-hour programmable timer  84 , two valve timers  80  and  82 , two solenoid valves  62  and  64 , an ultraviolet power ballast  90 , an ultraviolet lamp operation indicator  74 , and an internal high energy ultraviolet lamp  92 . The timer and control system  100  individual components are of such types as are generally commercially available as known by those skilled in the art. 
     Referring to  FIG. 6 , a functional block diagram of one method of the mechanical installation of one embodiment of the filtration and purification system  10  of the present invention of is shown. The filter head  22 , as previously discussed, comprises the coarse and file filter assemblies  28  and  30 , the purification assembly  32 , and the pressure gauges  24  and  26 . The filter head  22  further comprises a water inlet  118  and a water outlet  116 . Coupled to the water inlet  118  and the water outlet  116  is the supply and bypass piping system  114 . The supply and bypass piping system  114  comprises an electric solenoid valve  104  connected to a main water input  102 . The main water input  102  is the building or facility main water input or supply. The electric solenoid valve  104  provides a means to shut-off the water supply to the entire facility, as is common in dentist offices. The discharge from the electric solenoid valve  104  is connected to an inlet shut-off ball valve  106 , whose discharge is connected into the water inlet  118  of the filter head  22 . The water outlet  116  is connected to an outlet shut-off ball valve  110 . The discharge of the outlet shut-off valve is connected to the water users  112  in the facility. The normal arrangement of the shut-off ball valves  106  and  110  allows flow-though into and out of the filter head  22 . However, some situations may require the shut-off of such water flow and the isolation of the filter head  22 . For such occasions, the supply and bypass piping system  114  also comprises a bypass ball valve  108  and bypass piping  120 . Operation of the three ball valves  106 ,  110 , and  108 , in a fashion which will be understandable to those skilled in the art, provides for the hydraulic isolation of the filter head  22 . It should be noted that, as those skilled in the art would find appropriate, multiple installations of the system  10  in series and/or parallel configurations may be done to increase through-put or to obtain a greater degree of filtration and disinfecting. 
     Primary objects and features of preferred embodiments of the present invention are to provide a filtration and purification system that will automatically extend or maximize the lifetime of filter media; and to provide such a filtration and purification system that will reduce the difficulties attendant to replacing the filter media. Thus, the previously-mentioned components must function together to provide such automatic functioning. The timer and control system  100 , as shown in  FIG. 5 , provides the features of programmable automatic purging or flushing of the filter media, thereby extending the filter media-usable lifetime, potentially by as much as a factor of four in a described preferred embodiment. Thus rather than charging filter media approximately every three months, as in the prior art, approximately one year may elapse before filter media must be replaced. This filter media lifetime extension is possible due to the programmable automatic purging or flushing of the filter media, thereby removing large quantities of the debris otherwise clogging the filter media. The automatic purging or flushing of the filter media is initiated by the 24-hour programmable timer. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 1 ,  4 ,  5  and  6 , the operation of the system  10  is as follows. The bypass ball valve  108  is closed, the electric solenoid valve  104  and the inlet and outlet ball valves  106  and  110  are open. Filter media and the ultraviolet lamp have been installed within their respective coarse and fine filter assemblies  28  and  30  and the purification assembly  32 . The drain valves  44  and  40  are open, and the drain valve  34  is shut. The valve filter assembly  76  has an element  79  installed within it. The 24-hour programmable timer  84  is first set to the correct time of day by turning the dial on the 24-hour programmable timer  84  clockwise until the time of day aligns with the time arrow. The 24-hour programmable timer  84  comprises a plurality of programming tabs, or pins, that may be set, in well-known ways, for the number of desired filter cycles per 24-hour period and within the desired time frame. To adjust the number of flushing cycles desired, the user should pull one (1) pin up for EACH desired flush time. The cleanliness or turbidity of the incoming water will determine the frequency of flushing required to keep the filter media cleaned properly. A preferred flushing cycle is between three (3) and six (6) flushes per day, although those skilled in the art will recognize that this may vary in appropriate circumstances. As an example, to flush three times per working day, the user would pull the 10:00 a.m. pin, the 12:00 p.m. pin, and the 2:00 p.m. pin (note that adjacent pins are not to be pulled). Thus, the flushing cycle would be automatically set for three flushes of the filter media. Depending on the available water pressure and flow rate, the flushing rate is approximately 3 gallons per minute. 
     With the electrical power supplied via the electrical power cord and plug assembly  89 , and the on/off switch  86  energized, the UV lamp indicator  74  on the timer and control unit  12  should be illuminated. The 24-hour programmable timer  84  is now also electronically coupled to the first valve timer  80 . With the system  10  correctly aligned, the water flow subject to treatment by the system  10  first enters the coarse filter assembly  28  and flows through the internal 10-micron filter media. The coarse filter assembly  28  filters out the larger coarser particles and contaminants suspended in the water flowing through the system  10 . The effluent from the coarse filter assembly  28  next passes through the fine filter assembly  30  and through the internal 0.5-micron filter media. The effluent from the fine filter assembly  30  next enters the purification assembly  32 , where it is purified by the ultraviolet action of the internal high energy ultraviolet lamp  92  (see  FIG. 5 ). 
     The 24-hour programmable timer  84  will, at the designated times, control the start of each filter flushing cycle, and the valve timer  80  will pass current to the solenoid valve  62 , which will open for a flush cycle of the coarse filter assembly  28 . Water will flow from the upstream side of the coarse filter media (see cut-away view  29  showing a depiction of the coarse filter  31  and the downward purge flow). The purging water flow will pass through the valve filter assembly  76 , through water line  50 , through fitting  58 , through solenoid valve  62 , through T-fitting  60 , through check valve  66 , through water drain line  52 , and out through the drain adapter  54  to drain  56 . The valve filter assembly  76  filters out particulates that might otherwise potentially damage the valve seat of the solenoid valve  62 . 
     The flow of water downward and outward from the coarse filter assembly  28  creates a swirling action that flushes particulates from the outer surface of the coarse filter media. This flushing feature, in embodiments of the present invention, therefore renews the filtering ability of the filter media, thereby enabling an extended and maximized lifetime of each filter media much greater than that of prior art systems. The duration of each filter media flush cycle is preferably three minutes, although those skilled in the art will recognize that this is adjustable in appropriate circumstances. To increase or decrease the duration of each filter media flush cycle, the user will turn on or off the small switches (left in ON, right if OFF) located on the valve timer  80  in ways known in the valve timer art. 
     Following the set filter media flush cycle of the coarse filter assembly  28  is valve timer  80 . The valve timer  80  is electronically coupled to valve timer  82 . The valve timer  82  will pass current to the solenoid valve  64 , which will open for a flush cycle of the fine filter assembly  30 . Water will flow from the upstream side of the fine filter media (substantially similar to the cut-away view  29  showing a depiction of the coarse filter  31  and the downward purge flow). The purging water flow will pass through water line  48 , through fitting  68 , through solenoid valve  64 , through T-fitting  60 , through check valve  66 , through water drain line  52 , and out through the drain adapter  54  to drain  56 . 
     The flow of water downward and outward from the fine filter assembly  30  creates a swirling action that flushes particulates from the outer surface of the fine filter media. This flushing feature in embodiments of the present invention therefore renews the filtering ability of the filer media, thereby enabling an extended and maximized lifetime of each filter media much greater than that of prior art systems. The duration of each filter media flush cycle is preferably three minutes, although those skilled in the art will recognize that this is adjustable in appropriate circumstances. To increase or decrease the duration of each filter media flush cycle, the user will turn on or off the small switches (left is ON, right is OFF) located on the valve timer  82  in ways known in the valve timer art. 
     The filter media in the coarse and fine filter assembles  28  and  30  and the valve filter assembly  76  should nominally, in the described embodiment, provide satisfactory service for approximately one year. Those skilled in the art will recognize that the available water supply quality in different locations will dictate the appropriate adjustment of the number of and duration of the filter media flush cycles. The above-described preferred embodiment of the present invention has an object and feature of maintaining water flow through the system  10 , while the flushing of the filter media renews its filtering capabilities. 
     When the time has come to replace the filter media within the coarse and fine filter assemblies  28  and  30 , or the ultraviolet lamp within the purification assembly  32 , the following features of preferred embodiments of the present invention facilitate this procedure. The user will first turn the on/off switch  86  to the off position. The user will next operate the ball valves  106 ,  110 , and  108  such that the hydraulic isolation of the filter head  22  occurs. This operation of the ball valves  106 ,  110 , and  108  further provides that the above-described preferred embodiment of the present invention has an object and feature of maintaining water flow though the system  10 , while the replacement of the filter media or servicing of the purification assembly is taking place. 
     The drain valves  44  and  40  are next closed, followed by disconnecting the water lines  50  and  48  at the quick disconnect couplings  46  and  42 , respectively. The drain line  38  is next coupled to the quick disconnect  46 , and the drain valve  44  is opened to drain the coarse filter assembly  28  through the drain line  38  to an appropriate drain or water receiver. This feature allows the removal of the large quantity of water from the coarse filter assembly  28 , resulting in a substantial reduction in the weight required to be handled during the filter media replacement procedure. Following the draining of the coarse filter assembly  28 , a spanner wrench is utilized to remove the filter housing, as is well-known to those skilled in the art. This procedure is preferably then substantially repeated for the fine filter assembly media replacement and the servicing of the purification assembly  32 . Thus, the drain valve and quick disconnect provide features of quickly and easily replacing filter media and servicing the purification assembly  32 . Following the servicing of the system  10 , the system is realigned, as previously described and as appropriate. It should be noted that the 24-hour programmable timer  84  will need to be reset to the correct time of day when placing the system  10  back in service. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 7 and 8 , another embodiment of the filtration and purification system  10  is shown. In this embodiment, the filtration and purification system  10  is similar to that shown and described above. The main difference is that the timer and control unit  12  has been replaced. Instead, a programmable timer  150  is coupled to both the coarse filter assembly  28  and the fine filter assembly  30 . The programmable timer  150  will allow individuals to set when the coarse filter assembly  28  and the fine filter assembly  30  will be flushed. The programmable timer  150  is unique in that the programmable timer  150  is battery operated. The programmable timer  150  is programmed much in the same way as described above and known to those skilled in the art. The programmable timer  150  will have one or more dials/buttons/switches to set when and how often the coarse filter assembly  28  and the fine filter assembly  30  will be flushed. Since the timer and control unit  12  is removed, the ultraviolet lamp operation indicator  74  and the ultraviolet power ballast B 1  are placed in a ultraviolet control box  152 . 
     Referring to  FIGS. 9 and 10 , another embodiment of the filtration and purification system  10  is shown. In this embodiment, the filtration and purification system  10  is similar to that shown and described above in  FIGS. 7 and 8 . The main difference is that a bypass valve  160  is coupled to the filtration and purification system  10 . The bypass valve  160  satisfies certain regulations requiring the use of a bypass valve  160  in medical offices. The bypass valve  160  allows one to direct the flow of water either through the filtration and purification system  10  or to bypass the filtration and purification system  10  all together. The bypass valve  160  is a singe valve bypass. A manual valve or a computer actuated valve may be used. 
     The bypass valve  160  has an input which is coupled to a water line. The output of the bypass valve  160  depends on wether the bypass valve  160  is in an open or closed position. In a first position, water is diverted through the bypass valve  160  to the filtration and purification system  10 . In a second position, water runs through the bypass valve  160  and out a water outlet. The water completely bypasses the filtration and purification system  10 . The bypass valve  160  has an air bleed valve  162  coupled thereto. The air bleed valve  162  allows one to release air that may be in the water line. 
     In operation, water will enter the filtration and purification system  10  at the water input  162 . If the bypass valve  160  is in position one, water will continuously flow through the filtration and purification system  10 . Water will flow through the filter head  22  to the coarse filter assembly  28 . After the water flows through the course filter assembly  28 , the water will flow through a fine filter assembly  30  connected to the filter head  22 . The water will next flow through a purification assembly  32 . The purification assembly  32  may be comprised of different types of filtering media. In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, the purification assembly  32  comprises an internal high energy 25-watt ultraviolet lamp. In general, the high energy 25-watt ultraviolet lamp should have an output of approximately 60,000 Micro watts/square-centimeter (at EOL), and an approximate lifetime of 9,000 hours. Such filter media and ultraviolet lamps are of types generally commercially available. 
     The coarse and fine filter assemblies  28  and  30  and the purification assembly  32  are mechanically coupled such that a flow of incoming water passes through the assemblies in a series flow, as will be well understood by those skilled in the art. Water will then flow out of the water outlet  164  to some fixture attached thereto. If the bypass valve  160  is in position two, water will flow directly out of the water outlet  164 . 
     While the invention has been particularly shown and described with reference to preferred embodiments thereof, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that the foregoing and other changes in form and details may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

Technology Classification (CPC): 2