Abstract: A fluid filter assembly prevents the filter from moving when fluid is not flowing through the filter. The filter assembly of the invention includes a mounting ring mountable in the filter opening. The mounting ring has a mounting interface, which includes an axially extending portion and a radially outwardly extending flange that has a diameter greater than the filter opening. A rib extends radially outwardly from and circumscribes the ring. The rib is seatable within an annular groove defined within the filter housing and circumscribing the filter opening. When the rib is positioned in the groove, the filter is releasably secured in the opening.

Abstract: A filter for made of randomly arranged filaments. The filter has an upstream side where fluid enters and a downstream side where fluid exits. The filaments are greatest in diameter near the upstream side wherein the filaments continuously and gradually decrease in thickness toward the downstream side. The pores or spaces between the filaments are largest near the upstream side and decrease gradually toward the downstream side. This allows various size particles to become entrained in the filter in an evenly distributed manner.

Abstract: A fluid filter assembly that includes a filter element that is selected from a plurality of differently sized fluid elements. The filter housing includes an inlet housing section, an outlet housing section and one or more modular housing sections. The modular housing sections are located between the inlet and outlet housing sections and the number of modular housing sections included in the housing is determined by the size of the selected filter element. By employing alternative numbers of the modular housing sections, the filter housing can be constructed for use with each of the differently sized filter elements.

Abstract: A fluid filter assembly including a filter housing, a filter basket and a filter element and method of use. The filter basket has an unexpanded condition which allows it to be inserted into the fluid filter housing. During filtering operations, the filter basket expands and engages the interior surface of the filter housing at predefined locations. Filtered fluid discharged from the basket may flow between the filter housing and filter basket between the predefined locations of engagement. Radially outwardly extending projections on the filter basket may be used to engage the interior surface of the filter housing. The fluid element may include a bag filter.