Abstract: An improved fluid filter arrangement having an improved fluid bypass is provided. The fluid filter arrangement includes a ring of filter media extending between first and second ends sealingly bonded to first and second end caps, respectively. The filter media defines an interior. Each end cap includes an opening in fluid communication with the interior. A grommet comprising at least in part a sealing material that is different than the material for the second end cap is received by the opening in the second end cap. The grommet is sealed against the second end cap. Furthermore, the grommet includes an annular-flange which includes an annular valve seat and a fluid bypass opening.

Abstract: A fluid filter arrangement is provided. The fluid filter arrangement includes a filter cartridge having a ring of filter media sealingly bonded to first and second end caps. The first and second end caps having first and second openings, respectively, fluidly communicating with the interior of the ring of filter media. The second end cap includes a seal surrounding the second opening. The fluid filter arrangement further includes an adaptor having at least one housing mount on the external side and an annular flange having a valve seat on the internal side. The adaptor is sealingly mates with the second the end cap.

Abstract: The invention comprises a fluid filter for separating contaminants from a liquid. The filter comprises a cylindrical body, a retainer, and a ring. The cylindrical body comprises an aperture disposed therethrough, a filter material for filtering the contaminants from the liquid, and an end cap portion. The retainer is coupled to the end cap portion, and the ring is disposed at least partially between the end cap portion and the retainer. A method for constructing such a filter is also disclosed.

Abstract: A fluid filtering apparatus and method may include keyed components to ensure that a correct filter element is being installed into a filter base, and to automatically actuate a fluid valve as the filter element is rotated into place on the base. Tool-less replacement of the element is provided. An embodiment of the element may include inner and outer substantially tubular-shaped media packs disposed about an axis, with one end of each of the inner and outer media packs being attached to an end cap of the element in a manner defining a fluid flow space between the inner and outer media packs for receiving a flow of fluid directed in parallel through the inner and outer media packs. A housing of the filter apparatus may include a flow tube configured to fit into the space between the inner and outer media packs.