Importance

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Abstract

An automatic filter shutoff device removably connected to a water container and in fluid communication with a water dispenser, which is adapted to monitor water dispensing and disable dispensing after a predetermined amount of water usage. The device includes a housing containing a water filter and removably connected to the water container; a monitoring and disabling mechanism having a shutoff apparatus moveable between first and second locations, the first location being one in which water dispensing is monitored by the mechanism, and the second location being one in which the mechanism is placed in an interfering position with the connection between the housing and the water container. The shutoff apparatus automatically moves into the second location after the predetermined amount of water usage has occurred, and without interrupting water dispensing from the then-connected water container, so that the used filter shutoff device must be replaced in order to reestablish connection to a successive water container. A filter mechanism is also provided with a housing containing a water filter and having a throat removably connected to a bottled water container. The throat is a restricted orifice sized to permit a volumetric flow rate of not greater than about 7,500 ml./min. of water passage during inversion of the water container and initial flow from the container into the filter. A plurality of vent holes are located in an upper surface of the filter housing and sized to permit air from the filter to escape into the water container and allow continuous water flow from the container into the filter. When a new water container is connected to the housing, the water level within the filter does not reach the vent holes in the filter housing.

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First Claim