Abstract: A filter cartridge includes a first cylindrical shaped pleated filter element having a plurality of first outer pleats, each first outer pleat being elliptically shaped and having a sidewall. The filter cartridge further includes a second cylindrical shaped pleated filter element having a plurality of second outer pleats, each second outer pleat having a sidewall. The second cylindrical shaped pleated filter element is nested within the first cylindrical shaped pleated filter element with each second outer pleat disposed within a corresponding first outer pleat and with the sidewall of the second outer pleat substantially free of contact with the sidewall of the first outer pleat along the portion of the sidewall of the second out pleat that is disposed within the first outer pleat. This filter cartridge is particularly valuable in relatively small diameter in-line type filters and water bottle filters.

Abstract: A filter cartridge protective sleeve is provided. The filter cartridge protective sleeve includes a cylindrical body formed of a non-rigid, flexible and resilient silicone material configured to be frictionally retained to a filter cartridge by expanding said body to conform to at least a portion of the filter cartridge. At least one flow opening is formed through the sleeve to permit a flow of water/liquid to the filter cartridge. The sleeve may include indicia elevated from an exterior surface of the body. The indicia and body are integral and formed of the same material.

Abstract: A water filtration system for the removal of bacteria and protozoa as well as certain chemical contaminants which includes a bottle having a top, a bottom and an interior, where the bottle is oriented in an upright attitude when the top is above the bottom. A first filter is disposed in the bottle interior, and a second filter is disposed in the bottle interior downstream from and in series with the first filter. The second filter is formed of a sub-micron hollow fiber membrane filter and includes a filtered water outlet. The first and second filters are configured such that filtered water exits the filtered water outlet with the bottle in the upright attitude.

Abstract: A means of constructing water filtration and treatment products that fill rapidly without pressure, and freely dispense the treated water simply by the force of gravity. The means used to treat the water is by static filtration applying highly porous media which occupies all or a significant segment of the container of the product. The water is retained within the container in direct and constant contact with the treatment media thus providing residence time beyond the capability of other filtration technologies in similar size and types of containers, with numerous advantages over standard water filtration products.

Abstract: A water filter cooperable with a water container includes both a carbon composite filter (30) and a bundle of micro porous hollow fiber membranes (5) in fluid communication with the carbon composite filter (30). An influent side of the hollow fiber membrane (5) is continuously immersed in water whereby air is prevented from being reintroduced to the hollow fiber membrane (5).

Abstract: A detent and numerical indicia are associated with a cap for a water treatment apparatus to keep track of how many times a bottle in which the treatment apparatus is disposed has been filled and emptied, to provide for periodic replacement of the filter media. The treatment apparatus is for attachment to a bottle with an opening at a neck portion, and includes an elongated tube, a cartridge containing water treatment media connected to one end of the tube, and a cap for capping the other end of the tube. The cap includes a body having through-extending passages therein, and a top which is movable with respect to the body to selectively cover or uncover the passageways. A detent is associated with the cap body and the top for providing detented rotation of the top with respect to the body. Indicia are associated with the cap top and the cap body for indicating each detented position.