Abstract: A valve assembly for a fluid filter includes a rotatable valve spindle movable with respect to the value housing and having first and second channels communicating with the filter, the channels also communicating with first and second bores of the housing when the spindle is in a first position in which fluid flows through the filter. The valve spindle further includes a third channel to provide a bypass around the fluid filter when the spindle has been rotated to a second position. The valve spindle also includes seal means for sealing the first and second bores when in the second or filter bypass position, which means includes a pair of chambers arranged to be aligned with the bores and a seal member within each chamber arranged to seal the respective bores. Each seal member has an aperture providing communication between its chamber and its respective bore to allow fluid to enter and charge the chambers for forcing the seal members against the bores in fluid tight sealing engagement therewith.

Abstract: A filter cartridge for use in filters, for example, water filters, includes an inlet for water to be purified and an outlet for filtered water. Partitions within the cartridge define an elongated, tortuous water flow path between the inlet and outlet. Filter pads and activated carbon, or another suitable absorbent material, is disposed in the flow path. The cartridge of the present invention provides effective odor and taste filtering of the water because the water passes over a large area of filter surface as it travels from the inlet to the outlet.