Abstract: An improved filter assembly of the type having a housing with an inlet, an outlet,and a passage in fluid communication with the inlet and the outlet, a filter media disposed within the passage, and at least a first filter element mounted on the housing which includes a porous member extending transversely across the passage adjacent a first end portion of the filter media. The porous member is pleated in order to provide increased surface area for a given cross sectional area of the passage. The filter element includes an annular support member having an opening and a pleated porous member mounted on the support member so that a plurality of pleats extend transversely across the support member. A method of fabricating the filter element includes providing the annular support member, forming the pleated porous member, and mounting the porous member in a position extending across the opening.

Abstract: A potable water filter comprising a housing having an inlet and first and second outlets, a tube in the housing having a peripheral wall, a passage extending through the tube, and an opening in the peripheral wall leading to the passage, a tubular pleated filter element surrounding the tube and a carbon filter element within the tube. Some of the water from the inlet flows through the tubular filter element and the carbon filter element to the second outlet. Another portion of the water from the inlet flows along the tubular filter element to flush the tubular filter element and then flows out the first outlet.