Abstract: A water filter cartridge having a housing with an inlet nozzle with a concentric, smaller outlet nozzle extending through the inlet nozzle with a space therebetween defining an inlet to a flow path passing through a filter and through the outlet nozzle. A diaphragm valve mounted to the outlet nozzle blocks upstream flow out of the inlet when the cartridge is not in use. An umbrella valve mounted on the end of the filter blocks downstream flow out of the outlet nozzle when the cartridge is not in use, thus reducing leakage when the cartridge is removed from the appliance.

Abstract: A water filter cartridge particularly suited for a water filtration system incorporated into refrigerators includes an outer housing, a water filtration media inside the housing, and a cap affixed to an end of the housing to thereby enclose the filtration media. A portion of the cap defines a large cylindrical cavity having a channel formed therein which is positioned so that an O-ring provides a substantially water-tight seal when the filter cartridge is in an operative position in a manifold. The O-ring prevents water from otherwise flowing through the channel and externally of the water filtration system. Under normal water pressure the water filtration system will immediately visually exhibit a substantial leak if the filter cartridge is coupled to the manifold of the water filtration system in the operative position without the O-ring being positioned in the large cylindrical cavity.

Abstract: A water purification system includes an activated carbon filter and a reverse-osmosis (RO) filter. The activated carbon filter is typically formed with a central aperture that receives an upper portion of a central tube. The RO filter, which is positioned downstream from the carbon filter, may be formed around a perforated section of the central tube. The system further includes a head that is structured to receive a sump that contains the carbon and RO filters, as well as the central tube. An inlet formed in the head enables unpurified feed water to flow into the carbon filter. A first channel, which is defined by an annular surface formed in the carbon filter and an outer surface of the central tube, enables water to flow into the RO filter. A channel within the central tube enables water to flow from the RO filter, through the perforated sections of the central tube, and into an outlet formed within the head.

Abstract: An inline filter having a swivel right-angle fitting for coupling an inlet or outlet tube. The fitting includes a stem having a pair of O-rings and a distal ridge and notch. The cap of the filter includes a port having a plurality of annular, resilient tabs that engage the notch and ridge to retain the fitting to the cap.

Abstract: An inline filter having a swivel right-angle fitting for coupling an inlet or outlet tube. The fitting includes a stem having a pair of O-rings and a distal ridge and notch. The cap of the filter includes a port having a plurality of annular, resilient tabs that engage the notch and ridge to retain the fitting to the cap.