Reverse Osmosis Filtration Systems

Abstract

Reverse osmosis filtration systems that are self contained and easily converted from above the counter use to below the counter use. The systems feature a simple construction, including a two piece manifold assembly to which filters, including a reverse osmosis filter, a product water storage tank and a control valve connect, all without separate fasteners. The manifold assembly provides all water connections within the system, and includes connections to connect to a water supply, a drain, two dispensers and to an auxiliary water storage tank. The system pressurizes squeeze water for product water dispensing, providing maximum efficiency, maximum storage capacity for a given tank size and maximum pressure for dispensing product water. Various embodiments are disclosed.

1 - 30 . (canceled) 
     
     
         31 . A method of providing a reverse osmosis filtration system comprising:
 providing as a self contained assembly, a reverse osmosis filtration system, including a product water storage tank having a bladder separating a product water volume and a squeeze water volume, a reverse osmosis filter, a control valve and raw water, product water and waste water connections, the control valve pressurizing the reverse osmosis filter;   coupling the raw water and the waste water connections to a source of tap water and to a drain, respectively;   coupling a dispensing head directly to the self contained assembly and to the product water connection when the reverse osmosis filtration system is to be placed on and used as a counter top system;   coupling the product water connection through tubing to an above counter dispenser when the reverse osmosis filtration system is to be placed and used as a below the counter system.   
     
     
         32 . The method of  claim 31  wherein the reverse osmosis filtration system is first installed on a counter top with the dispensing head and operated as an above the counter system, and later the dispensing head is removed, the product water is connected through tubing to an above counter dispenser and the system is used as a below the counter system. 
     
     
         33 . The method of  claim 32  wherein the system includes a squeeze water connection and an additional product water connection, the method further comprising sealing the squeeze water connection and the additional product water connection when the system is used as a counter top system, and coupling the squeeze water connection and the additional product water connection to a second product water storage tank having a bladder separating a product water volume and a squeeze water volume.