A system and method for the enhancement or fortification of a potable fluid. The system is adapted to fit on existing supplies of potable fluids, such as faucets, to permit the selective introduction of beneficiating materials into the liquid supply. The system includes interchangeable, replaceable
A system and method for the enhancement or fortification of a potable fluid. The system is adapted to fit on existing supplies of potable fluids, such as faucets, to permit the selective introduction of beneficiating materials into the liquid supply. The system includes interchangeable, replaceable cartridges. In one aspect of the invention, the system introduces a constant concentration of beneficiating material into the water supply. In another aspect, the system has the ability to permit discrete or continuously variable concentrations of the beneficiating material. The system may also include a water filtration device that may be operated either independently or cooperatively with the system.
대표청구항▼
I claim: 1. A device for a potable fluid dispensing system, said device comprising: a housing fluidly attachable to a pressurized source of potable fluid, said housing defining therein a fluid inlet, at least one fluid outlet and conduit configured to convey a potable fluid from said pressurized so
I claim: 1. A device for a potable fluid dispensing system, said device comprising: a housing fluidly attachable to a pressurized source of potable fluid, said housing defining therein a fluid inlet, at least one fluid outlet and conduit configured to convey a potable fluid from said pressurized source of potable fluid between said inlet and outlet; an ingredient supply cartridge coupled to said housing, wherein said ingredient supply cartridge comprises a substantially rigid outer shell removably attachable to said housing without the need for tools to effect such removable attachment, wherein said ingredient supply cartridge further comprises a bladder disposed in said ingredient supply cartridge, said bladder configured to contain a quantity of an enhancement ingredient therein; and a flow mode selector configured to place said enhancement ingredient disposed in said bladder into selective fluid communication with a first portion of said potable fluid such that during periods when said fluid communication is established between at least a portion of said enhancement ingredient and said first portion of said potable fluid, they mix to form an enhanced potable fluid that is dispensed from said device through said at least one fluid outlet, wherein during said periods of established fluid communication, a second portion of said potable fluid fills a region formed between said bladder and said substantially rigid outer shell to effect a volume reduction of said bladder and consequent displacement of said at least a portion of said enhancement ingredient disposed therein into said first portion of said potable fluid to form said enhanced potable fluid. 2. The device of claim 1, wherein said bladder is integrated into said ingredient supply cartridge such that together they define a single non-reusable unit. 3. The device of claim 1, wherein said conduit comprises: a major water flow configured to convey said first portion of said potable fluid for mixing with said enhancement ingredient; and a minor water flow configured to convey said second portion of said potable fluid to said region formed between said bladder and said substantially rigid outer shell such that said second portion effects said bladder volume reduction and said displacement of said at least a portion of said enhancement ingredient. 4. The device of claim 3, further comprising a filter cartridge placed in selective fluid communication with said fluid inlet such that upon passage of said first portion of said potable fluid through said filter cartridge, at least said major water flow becomes both filtered and beneficiated. 5. The device of claim 3, wherein said filter cartridge is disposed within said ingredient supply cartridge. 6. The device of claim 5, wherein said filter cartridge is separately removable from said ingredient supply cartridge. 7. The device of claim 5, wherein said filter cartridge is integral with said ingredient supply cartridge such that together they define a single non-reusable unit. 8. The device of claim 3, wherein said flow mode selector comprises a valve that in a first setting bypasses said potable fluid around said ingredient supply cartridge such that no said fluid communication and consequent mixing occurs, and in a second setting permits the introduction of said potable fluid into said minor and major water flows. 9. The device of claim 8, further comprising a concentration adjustment selector having a plurality of settings configured to allow a user-defined level of said enhanced potable fluid. 10. The device of claim 9, wherein said plurality of settings are discretely variable. 11. The device of claim 9, wherein said plurality of settings are continuously variable. 12. The device of claim 8, wherein said at least one fluid outlet comprises a plurality of fluid outlets, a first of which comprises a bypass spout through which said potable fluid that has not been mixed with said enhancement ingredient passes, and a second of which comprises a beneficiated spout through which said mixed enhancement ingredient and potable fluid passes. 13. A beneficiated water system comprising: a water dispensing faucet connectable to a pressurized supply of potable water; and a beneficiating ingredient dispensing device coupled to said faucet, said device comprising: a housing defining therein a fluid inlet, at least one fluid outlet and conduit intermediate said inlet and outlet, said conduit defining a first water flow and a second water flow; an ingredient supply cartridge removably attachable to said housing, said ingredient supply cartridge comprising a bladder disposed therein, said bladder configured to contain a quantity of beneficiating ingredient therein such that upon application of pressure thereto by a portion of said water passing through said second water flow to said bladder, said bladder expels at least a portion of said beneficiating ingredient disposed therein into mixing relationship with a portion of said water passing through said first water flow; and a flow mode selector configured to vary said application of pressure such that in a first state, the water passing through said at least one fluid outlet is substantially non-beneficiated, while in a second state is beneficiated.
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이 특허에 인용된 특허 (19)
Sealy John Michael (7808 Southwestern Dallas TX 75225) Sharlow Roger C. (1417 Judy Dr. Plano TX 75074), Apparatus for dispensing/applying a material.
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De Graaff, Gerbrand Kristiaan; Koeling, Hendrik Cornelis; Tsang, Ka Cheung; Kamerbeek, Ralf, System for preparing a beverage suitable for consumption, and exchangeable holder for such system.
De Graaff, Gerbrand Kristiaan; Koeling, Hendrik Cornelis; Tsang, Ka Cheung; Kamerbeek, Ralf, System for preparing a beverage suitable for consumption, and exchangeable holder for such system and method for manufacturing the exchangeable holder.
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