Abstract: One advantageous embodiment of the invention is a filter device (10) for filtering a fluid and providing three or more substantially continuous directions of flow therethrough. The filter device (10) includes a housing (12) having an entry port (18) and an exit port (20). The housing (12) has a filter medium (22) disposed therein for filtering the fluid that flows along a filtration-flow direction (24a) from the entry port (18) to the exit port (20). The filter medium (22) has a bi-directional valve (28) coupled thereto for selectively directing the fluid along a bypass-flow direction (24b) and a reverse-flow direction (24c) that is generally opposite to said bypass-flow direction (24b). The bypass-flow direction (24b) extends from the entry port (18) to the exit port (20) in bypass of the filter medium (22). Also, the reverse-flow direction (24c) extends from the exit port (20) to the entry port (18).

Abstract: One advantageous embodiment of the invention is a filter device (10) for filtering a fluid and providing three or more substantially continuous directions of flow therethrough. The filter device (10) includes a housing (12) having an entry port (18) and an exit port (20). The housing (12) has a filter medium (22) disposed therein for filtering the fluid that flows along a filtration-flow direction (24a) from the entry port (18) to the exit port (20). The filter medium (22) has a bi-directional valve (28) coupled thereto for selectively directing the fluid along a bypass-flow direction (24b) and a reverse-flow direction (24c) that is generally opposite to said bypass-flow direction (24b). The bypass-flow direction (24b) extends from the entry port (18) to the exit port (20) in bypass of the filter medium (22). Also, the reverse-flow direction (24c) extends from the exit port (20) to the entry port (18).

Abstract: A full-flow microfiltration device (12) and method for filtering fluid in a hydraulic system (10) is provided. The filtration device (12) includes a housing (22) and a filter medium (24) sealingly coupled to and contained within the housing (22). The housing (22) and the filter medium (24) define a central chamber (26) and a concentric chamber (28). The central chamber (26) directly communicates with an entry port (34) and an exit port (36) formed within the housing (22) for directing a first flow through the filter device (12). The concentric chamber (28) directly communicates with an inlet port (38) and an outlet port (40) formed within the housing (22) for directing a second flow through the filter device (12). A portion of the second flow is drawn from the concentric chamber (28) through the filter medium (24) into the central chamber (26) and into the first flow.