Abstract: A filter medium capable of removing microorganisms from a fluid such as water. The filter medium includes particles of activated carbon, particles of a substantially insoluble inorganic material having an isoelectric point greater than the fluid being filtered. A low melt index binder, preferably with a melt index of less than about 1 gram per 10 minutes, binds the particles of activated carbon and particles of inorganic material, such that the binder will become tacky at elevated temperatures without becoming sufficiently liquid to substantially wet the particles of activated carbon and inorganic material.

Abstract: A filter medium capable of removing microorganisms from a fluid such as water. The filter medium includes particles of activated carbon, particles of a substantially insoluble inorganic material having an isoelectric point greater than the fluid being filtered. A low melt index binder, preferably with a melt index of less than about 1 gram per 10 minutes, binds the particles of activated carbon and particles of inorganic material, such that the binder will become tacky at elevated temperatures without becoming sufficiently liquid to substantially wet the particles of activated carbon and inorganic material.

Abstract: A faucet mounted water filter is described, comprising a base having a water inlet upstanding from a first end of the base and attachable to a water faucet, a first water outlet downwardly directed from the first end of the base for discharging unfiltered water, a second water outlet downwardly directed from a second end of the base for discharging filtered water and a filter cartridge seat disposed on the second end of the base, a replaceable filter cartridge comprising a unitary subassembly including a closed outer cylindrical shell having top and side walls defining a chamber therein, a filter element disposed with the filter chamber and a filter cartridge base, a latch device for demountably securing the filter cartridge in the housing cartridge seat, a diverter valve for selectively permitting the flow of water through the housing first water outlet and the filter cartridge, and an end-of-use indicator for determining the status of the filter element during use.

Abstract: A faucet mounted water filter is described, comprising a base having a water inlet upstanding from a first end of the base and attachable to a water faucet, a first water outlet downwardly directed from the first end of the base for discharging unfiltered water, a second water outlet downwardly directed from a second end of the base for discharging filtered water and a filter cartridge seat disposed on the second end of the base, a replaceable filter cartridge comprising a unitary subassembly including a closed outer cylindrical shell having top and side walls defining a chamber therein, a filter element disposed with the filter chamber and a filter cartridge base, latch means for demountably securing the filter cartridge in the housing cartridge seat, a diverter valve for selectively permitting the flow of water through the housing first water outlet and the filter cartridge, and an end-of-use indicator for determining the status of the filter element during use.