Abstract:
A filter element is provided with a space-effective construction facilitating efficient space utilization in applications of constrained space requirements.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This present application is a continuation-in-part of application Ser. No. 11/940,626, filed Nov. 15, 2007, and a continuation-in-part of application Ser. No. 11/279,849, filed Apr. 14, 2006, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,582,130, and a continuation-in-part of application Ser. No. 11/346,679, filed Feb. 3, 2006, and a continuation-in-part of application Ser. No. 11/230,694, filed Sep. 20, 2005. Application Ser. No. 11/346,679, filed Feb. 3, 2006 is a continuation-in-part of application Ser. No. 11/273,101, filed Nov. 14, 2005, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,674,445, and a continuation-in-part of application Ser. No. 11/230,694 filed Sep. 20, 2005. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND AND SUMMARY 
     The invention relates to filter elements, including effective utilization of limited available space. 
     The invention arose during continuing development efforts directed toward space-effective filter elements utilizing limited available space. For example, in internal combustion engine crankcase ventilation filters, only a limited under-hood space is available in the engine compartment. The present system has broader application and may be used in various implementations. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective assembled view of a filter for use in accordance with the invention. 
         FIG. 2  is an exploded perspective view of the structure of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 3  is a perspective view of a component of  FIG. 2  from a different angle. 
         FIG. 4  is a sectional view taken along line  4 - 4  of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 5  is a sectional view taken along line  5 - 5  of  FIG. 4 . 
         FIG. 6  is like  FIG. 1  and shows another embodiment. 
         FIG. 7  is an exploded perspective view of the structure of  FIG. 6 . 
         FIG. 8  is a perspective view of a component of  FIG. 7  from a different angle. 
         FIG. 9  is a sectional view taken along line  9 - 9  of  FIG. 6 . 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Parent &#39;626 Application 
       FIG. 1  shows an internal combustion engine crankcase ventilation filter  20  including a substantially planar low profile housing  22  having a mating base  24  and cover  26  defining a coalescing filter chamber  28 ,  FIG. 2 , retaining a coalescer filter element  30  when the base and cover are mated to each other, e.g. in assembled condition by mounting bolts  32 . Filter element  30  and at least one of the cover and the base, preferably cover  26 , have respective first and second detents  34  and  36  disabling mating and mounting of base  24  and cover  26  to each other with coalescer filter element  30  retained in coalescing filter chamber  28  unless the coalescer filter element  30  has the noted first detent  34  complementally interacting with the noted second detent  36 . 
     Housing  22  has a flow path therethrough for crankcase gas from engine  40  extending from a housing air-oil inlet  42  as shown at arrow  44  then through coalescer filter element  30  then to a housing air outlet  46  as shown at arrow  48 . The flow at inlet  42  enters an entry plenum  50  in base  24  and then flows through openings or windows  52  in a side flange  51  of the frame  53  of filter element  30  and then into upstream plenum  54  between cover  26  and filter element  30  and then along an axial direction  56  as shown at arrow  58 ,  FIG. 2 , into slots  60  of filter element  30  then laterally outwardly along lateral direction  62  as shown at arrow  64 ,  FIG. 4 , through coalescing filter media  66  into downstream plenum  68 , for exit of air at housing air outlet  46 , and for drainage of separated oil at housing drain oil outlet  70 . The peripheral flange of the frame of filter element  30  is sealed along diagonal gasket  72  engaged between base  24  and cover  26  upon tightening of bolts  32 . A pressure relief valve  74  may be provided at inlet or entry plenum  50  for alternate or bypass flow in the event filter element  30  clogs or otherwise becomes excessively restrictive. Coalescer filter element  30  has an upstream face  76 ,  FIG. 4 , receiving the air-oil mixture along the noted flow path, and has a downstream face  78  along which separated oil coalesces and from which separated air is discharged along the noted flow path. The flow path extends axially at  58  along axial direction  56  along upstream face  76 , and then extends laterally at  64  along lateral direction  62  from upstream face  76  to downstream face  78 . The plane of the substantially planar low profile housing  20  lies along the noted lateral direction  62  and requires only a small space for mounting in an engine compartment. The housing is preferably mounted vertically, or at least with drain outlet  70  at a lower downwardly disposed orientation. Coalescer filter element  30  extends along an extended lateral direction  62  in a racetrack shape at coalescing filter element  66  and has a hollow interior having a height extending along axial direction  56 , and an extended longitudinal length extending along lateral direction  62  and defining the respective longitudinal slot  60 . 
     The noted first detent  34  is preferably provided by slot  60  of the filter element. Second detent  36  is attached to cover  26 , e.g. adhesively bonded thereto or integrally formed therewith, etc., and extends axially along axial direction  56  into slot  60 . In the preferred embodiment, in addition to detent  34 , additional detents are provided as shown at  80 ,  82 ,  84 , each provided by a respective slot  60 , and in addition to the detent at tab  36 , additional detents are provided as shown at tabs  86 ,  88 ,  90 , attached to cover  26 . The detents are at upstream face  76  of the coalescing filter media  66  of filter element  30  and in the path of and impacted by the air-oil mixture. Detents  36 ,  86 ,  88 ,  90  have curved arcuate surfaces in axial cross-section, for example as shown at  92 ,  FIGS. 2 ,  3 , guiding and directing air-oil mixture flow therealong into slot  60 . 
     Upon servicing, only an authorized replacement coalescer filter element can be used for internal combustion engine crankcase ventilation filter  20 . The replacement coalescer filter element must have one or more detents  34 ,  80 ,  82 ,  84  complementally interacting with one or more respective detents  36 ,  86 ,  88 ,  90  upon mating of base  24  and cover  26  to each other. Mating of the base and cover to each other with a replacement coalescer filter element retained in coalescing filter chamber  28  is disabled unless the replacement coalescer filter element has the noted one or more detents  34 ,  80 ,  82 ,  84  complementally interacting with the noted one or more detents  36 ,  86 ,  88 ,  90  in coalescing filter chamber  28 . 
     A method is provided for servicing internal combustion engine crankcase ventilation filter  20 , including providing a substantially planar low profile housing  22  having a mating base  24  and cover  26  defining coalescing filter chamber  28  retaining coalescer filter element  30  when base  24  and cover  26  are mated to each other. The method includes providing the coalescer filter element  30  and at least a selected one of the cover and base, preferably cover  26 , with respective complemental first and second detents  34  and  36 , and disabling mating of base  24  and cover  26  to each other with coalescer filter element  30  retained in coalescing filter chamber  28  unless a coalescer filter element is selected having first detent  34  complementally interacting with second detent  36 , and preferably with each of detents  34 ,  80 ,  82 ,  84  complementally interacting with respective detents  36 ,  86 ,  88 ,  90 . First detent  34  is provided at one of the noted faces  76  and  78  of the filter element, preferably upstream face  76 . Second detent  36  extends proximate face  76  and interfaces with detent  34  in keyed relation. The coalescer filter element is selected to have detent  34  complementally interact with detent  36  by interfacing therewith in keyed relation, and likewise for remaining detent pairs  80  and  86 ,  82  and  88 ,  84  and  90 . The method further includes preventing the noted mating of base  24  and cover  26  in the absence of the noted interfacing in keyed relation of the noted detents. The method further includes selecting the noted selected one of the cover and base, preferably cover  26 , to have the second detent  36  complementally interact with first detent  34  by interfacing therewith in keyed relation and likewise for the remaining noted detent pairs, and preventing the noted mating of base  24  and cover  26  in the absence of the noted interfacing in keyed relation of the detents. The method further includes assigning a specified first detent location along coalescer filter element  30 , and locating first detent  34  at the first detent location such that detent  34  has a given first detent location relative to coalescer filter element  30 , and likewise for remaining detents  80 ,  82 ,  84 . The method further includes installing the coalescer filter element  30  by placing the coalescer filter element in coalescing filter chamber  28  at a specified element location therein such that detent  34  is located at a first detent position in coalescing filter chamber  28 , and likewise for detents  80 ,  82 ,  84 . The method further includes assigning a specified second detent location along the selected one of the cover and base, preferably cover  26 , and locating detent  36  at the noted second detent location such that detent  36  has a given second detent location relative to the cover  26 . The method further includes assembling cover  26  and base  24  in the noted mating relation such that detent  36  is located at a second detent position in coalescing filter chamber  28  and such that the noted first and second detent positions align in coalescing filter chamber  28 , and the first and second detents  34  and  36  interface in keyed relation, and likewise for remaining detent pairs  80  and  86 ,  82  and  88 ,  84  and  90 . 
       FIGS. 6-9  show a further embodiment. Internal combustion engine crankcase ventilation filter  102  includes a substantially planar low profile housing  104  having a mating base  106  and cover  108  defining a coalescing filter chamber  110  retaining a coalescer filter element  112  when the base and cover are mated to each other in assembled condition by mounting bolts  114 . Coalescer filter element  112  and at least a selected one of the cover and base, preferably cover  108 , have respective complemental first and second detents  116  and  118  disabling mating of base  106  and cover  108  to each other with coalescer filter element  112  retained in coalescing filter chamber  110  unless the coalescer filter element has first detent  116  complementally interacting with second detent  118 . 
     Housing  104  has a flow path therethrough for crankcase gas from engine  120  extending from housing air-oil inlet  122  as shown at arrow  124  then through coalescer filter element  112  then to housing air outlet  126  as shown at arrow  128 . The flow path from inlet  122  extends through port  130  in the frame  132  of filter element  112 , which port  130  may includes an inertial impactor separator for pre-separation of oil from the crankcase gas stream, which pre-separated oil may collect in well  134  having an opening at the bottom thereof passing oil to a first oil outlet drain  136  in base  106  for drainage at outlet port  138 . The crankcase gas flow from transfer port  130 , with or without pre-separation, passes into upstream plenum  140  between cover  108  and filter element  112  and then passes axially downwardly in  FIG. 7  along axial direction  142  as shown at arrow  144  into the hollow interior spaces of the coalescing filter media of the filter element at slots  146  and then laterally along lateral direction  148  as shown at arrow  150 ,  FIG. 9 , through the coalescing filter media  152  to downstream plenum  154  for exit of air at air outlet  126  as shown at arrow  128 , and exit of coalesced oil at oil outlet  156 . The outer peripheral flange of the frame of filter element  112  is sealed at diagonally extending gasket  158  engaged between cover  108  and base  106 . Housing  104  sits generally horizontally in the engine compartment, e.g. on top of a cylinder head, or at a given angle with drains  138 ,  156  preferably at a lower location pointing at least partially downwardly. Coalescing filter media  152  of filter element  112  has an upstream face  160  receiving the air-oil mixture along the noted flow path, and has a downstream face  162  along which separated oil coalesces and from which separated air is discharged along the noted flow path. The flow path extends axially as shown at arrow  144  along axial direction  142  along upstream face  160  of the filter media, and then extends laterally as shown at arrow  150  along lateral direction  148  from upstream face  160  to downstream face  162 . The plane of substantially planar low profile housing  104  lies along lateral direction  148 . Coalescer filter element  112  at filter media  152  extends along an extended lateral direction  164  in a racetrack shape having one or more hollow interiors  146  each having a height extending along axial direction  142 , and an extended longitudinal length extending along lateral direction  164  and defining the respective slot  146 . 
     First detent  116  is provided by the noted slot  146 . Second detent  118  is provided by a tab attached to the noted selected one of the cover and base, preferably cover  106 , e.g. adhesively bonded thereto or integrally formed therewith, etc., and extending axially into slot  146 . In the preferred embodiment, filter element  112  has the noted detent  116  and additionally has further detents  166 ,  168 ,  170  provided by respective slots. Further in the preferred embodiment, cover  106  has detent  118  provided by the noted tab attached thereto and additionally has detent tabs  172 ,  174 ,  176  attached thereto, and extending axially into respective slots providing respective detents  116 ,  166 ,  168 ,  170 . Detents  116  and  118  are at upstream face  160  of the coalescing filter media  152  of the filter element and in the path of and impacted by the air-oil mixture, as are respective detent pairs  166  and  172 ,  168  and  174 ,  170  and  176 . Detent  118  has a curved arcuate surface in axial cross-section guiding and directing air-oil mixture therealong into slot  146 . The remaining detents provided by the respective tabs  172 ,  174 ,  176  are comparable. 
     In the embodiment of  FIGS. 6-9 , in addition to the noted first and second detents  116  and  118 , a third detent  180  on coalescer filter element  112  is laterally spaced from first detent  116  and also laterally spaced from each of the noted upstream and downstream faces  160  and  162  of coalescing filter media  152  of the filter element. A fourth detent  182  is provided on a given one of the cover and base, preferably cover  108 , and is laterally spaced from second detent  118  and complementally interacts with third detent  180  upon mating of cover  108  and base  106  in assembled condition by mounting bolts  114 . First detent  116 , second detent  118 , third detent  180 , and fourth detent  182  prevent mating of base  106  and cover  108  to each other with coalescer filter element  112  retained in coalescing filter chamber  110  unless the coalescer filter element has both: a) the first detent  116  complementally interacting with second detent  118  extending axially thereinto; and b) third detent  180  complementally interacting with fourth detent  182 . 
     The noted fourth detent  182 ,  FIGS. 7 ,  8 , is preferably provided by an axially extending tab attached to cover  108 , e.g. adhesively bonded thereto or integrally formed therewith, etc. The noted third detent  180  is preferably provided by a retaining wall forming well  134  and receiving tab  182  extending axially therealong. Tab  182  has an L-shape in lateral cross-section, the L-shape having first and second legs  184  and  186 . The noted retaining wall at  180  is provided by a corner segment  188  of the well  134  having first and second wall sections  190  and  192  meeting at a junction at  188  and complementally receiving at least one of the noted legs  184  and  186 . In the preferred embodiment, legs  184  and  186  meet at a joint  194  extending axially therealong along axial direction  142 . First leg  184  extends axially along first wall section  190 . Second leg  186  extends axially along second wall section  192 . Junction  188  receives joint  194  extending axially therealong. 
     For servicing, an authorized replacement coalescer filter element  112  must be used for the internal combustion engine crankcase ventilation filter  102 . The replacement coalescer filter element must have first detent  116  complementally interacting with second detent  118  upon mating of base  106  and cover  108  to each other. The system disables the noted mating of base  106  and cover  108  to each other with replacement coalescer filter element  112  retained in coalescing filter chamber  110  unless the replacement coalescer filter element has the noted first detent  116  complementally interacting with the noted second detent  118  in the coalescing filter chamber. In the preferred embodiment, other detent pair conditions must be met, namely other detent pairs must also complementally interact with each other, namely detent pairs  166  and  172 ,  168  and  174 ,  170  and  176 ,  180  and  182 . 
     A method is provided for servicing internal combustion engine crankcase ventilation filter  102 , including providing a substantially planar low profile housing  104  having a mating base  106  and cover  108  defining a coalescing filter chamber  110  retaining a coalescer filter element  112  when the base and cover are mated to each other in assembled condition by mounting bolts  114 . The method includes providing the coalescer filter element  112  and at least one of the cover and base, preferably cover  108 , with respective complemental first and second detents  116  and  118 , and disabling mating of base  106  and cover  108  to each other with coalescer filter element  112  retained in coalescing filter chamber  110  unless a coalescer filter element is selected having first detent  116  complementally interacting with second detent  118 . The method includes selecting the coalescer filter element to have first detent  116  complementally interact with second detent  118  by interfacing therewith in keyed relation. The method includes preventing the mating of base  106  and cover  108  in the absence of the noted interfacing in keyed relation of the first and second detents  116  and  118 . The method includes selecting the noted selected one of the cover and base, preferably cover  108 , to have the noted second detent  118  complementally interact with the first detent  116  by interfacing therewith in keyed relation. The method includes preventing the noted mating of base  106  and cover  108  in the absence of the noted interfacing in keyed relation of detents  116  and  118 . In the preferred embodiment, the method includes providing a third detent such as  180  on the coalescer filter element  112 , and providing a fourth detent such as  182  on a given one of the cover and base, preferably cover  108 . In such embodiment, the method includes disabling the mating of base  106  and cover  108  to each other with the coalescer filter element  112  retained in coalescing filter chamber  110  unless a coalescer filter element is selected having both: a) the first detent  116  complementally interacting with the second detent  118 ; and b) the third detent  180  complementally interacting with the fourth detent  182 . The method includes assigning a specified first detent location along coalescer filter element  112 , and locating the first detent  116  at the first detent location such that the first detent  116  has a given first detent location relative to coalescer filter element  112 . The method includes installing coalescer filter element  112  by placing the coalescer filter element in the coalescing filter chamber  110  at a specified element location therein such that the first detent  116  is located at a first detent position in coalescing filter chamber  110 . The method includes assigning a specified second detent location along the noted selected one of the cover and base, preferably cover  108 , and locating the second detent  118  at the second detent location such that the second detent  118  has a given second detent location relative to cover  108 . The method includes assembling cover  106  and base  108  in mating relation such that the second detent  118  is located at the noted second detent position in coalescing filter chamber  110  and such that the noted first and second detent positions align in coalescing filter chamber  110 , and the first and second detents  116  and  118  interface in keyed relation. 
     The structure and methodology herein may be used beyond internal combustion engine crankcase ventilation filter applications to other filter applications and servicing and replacement filter elements therefor. Other embodiments are envisioned that may include other possible features, such as complementally interacting protuberances, keyed interlocking fingers, male-female connections, plastic pegs, prongs, hooks, clamping structures, integrated interlocking edges, and other structural devices which receivably interact with one another, as well as other structures providing the functions herein or functional equivalents thereof. 
     Present Application 
       FIGS. 2 ,  4 ,  5  illustrate a filter element  30  for filtering fluid and includes filter media  66  extending axially along an axial direction  56  between and mounted to first and second axially distally opposite spaced end caps  202  and  204 . Filter media  66  and end caps  202  and  204  define a planar member  206  in a lateral plane  208  transverse to axial direction  56 . Planar member  206  has a length  210  extending along a first lateral direction  62  along lateral plane  208  and transverse to axial direction  56 . Planar member  206  has a width  212  extending along a second lateral direction  214  along lateral plane  208  and transverse to first lateral direction  62  and transverse to axial direction  56 . Planar member  206  has an axial height  216  extending along axial direction  56  between end caps  202  and  204 . Length  210  is greater than width  212  and substantially greater than axial height  216 . In the preferred embodiment, length  210  is substantially greater than axial height  216  by at least a factor of 2 (twice as great), and in further embodiments by a factor of 4 or 5 or more. Filter media  66  has a hollow interior at  60  along which fluid flows axially along axial direction  56  as shown at arrow  58 . Filter media  66  has axially extending upstream and downstream faces  76  and  78  laterally spaced from each other and between which fluid flows laterally through the filter media as shown at arrow  64 . 
     In one embodiment, two filter media members  66  and  218  are provided, each having a racetrack shape. Filter media members  66  and  218  extend in parallel side-by-side relation, with the length  210  of each filter media member being greater than the combined widths  212  of both of the filter media members  66  and  218 . In one embodiment, two or more filter elements  66 ,  218  provide longer life. 
     In a further embodiment, first and second end caps  202  and  204 , at filter media receiving portions such as  203 , are adhesively bonded or potted or sonically welded or otherwise bonded or affixed to the one or more filter media members and provide a frame supporting the filter media such that the first and second end caps and the filter media form a replaceable filter element unit. First end cap  202  has a border  220  having first and second skirts  222  and  224  extending along the noted first lateral direction  62  and distally oppositely spaced from each other along the noted second lateral direction  214  by filter media  66 ,  218  therebetween. First end cap  202  has third and fourth skirts  226  and  228  extending along second lateral direction  214  and distally oppositely spaced from each other along first lateral direction  62  by filter media  66 ,  218  therebetween. First, second, third, fourth skirts  222 ,  224 ,  226 ,  228 , respectively, define border  220  surrounding filter media  66 ,  218 . The skirts have differential axial heights relative to each other, defining a variable height border  220 . Each skirt extends axially along axial direction  56  between a first axial end and a second axial end. The second axial ends of the skirts face second end cap  204  across a respective axial gap therebetween along one of the upstream and downstream faces of the filter media. For example, second axial ends  230  and  232 ,  FIG. 4 , of respective skirts  226  and  228  face second end cap  204  across respective axial gaps  234  and  236  therebetween along downstream face  78  of the filter media. Third skirt  226  has an axial height  238  between its respective first and second axial ends. Fourth skirt  228  has an axial height  240  between its respective first and second axial ends. Axial height  240  of skirt  228  is greater than axial height  238  of skirt  226 . The noted first and second skirts  222  and  224  have a tapered axial height as shown at  242 ,  FIG. 2 , extending from a minimum axial height at the noted third skirt  226  to a maximum axial height at the noted fourth skirt  228 . The noted second axial ends of the first and second skirts  222  and  224  extend along a diagonal taper  244  relative to the noted lateral plane  208 . Filter media  66 ,  218  extends axially along axial direction  56  between first and second distally opposite axial ends  246  and  248 ,  FIG. 4 . Second axial end  230  of third skirt  226  is proximate first axial end  246  of the filter media. Second axial end  232  of fourth skirt  228  is proximate second axial end  248  of the filter media. Diagonal gasket  72  extends along the noted second axial ends of first, second, third, fourth skirts  222 ,  224 ,  226 ,  228  of first end cap  202 . The noted diagonal taper facilitates ease of service, by requiring only a small separation of cover  26  from base  24  to enable removal of filter element  30  along one or both of the noted lateral directions  62 ,  214  along lateral plane  208 . 
     In a further embodiment, one of the noted end caps has a side flange extending laterally therefrom, for example end cap  202  having side flange  51  extending laterally therefrom along lateral direction  214 . Side flange  51  has the noted one or more windows or openings  52  passing fluid axially therethrough along axial direction  56  and communicating with one of the upstream and downstream faces, for example upstream face  76  as above described. Sealing gasket  72  at segment  72   a  extends laterally outwardly of the one or more windows  52  such that windows  52  are laterally between the gasket and the filter media. Skirt  222  extends axially from the end cap and is disposed laterally between windows  52  and the filter media. 
       FIGS. 7 and 9  show a further embodiment at filter element  112  for filtering fluid, including filter media  152  extending axially along axial direction  142  between and mounted to first and second axially distally oppositely spaced end caps  302  and  304 . The filter media and the end caps define a planar member  306  in a lateral plane  308  transverse to axial direction  142 . Planar member  306  has a length  310  extending along a first lateral direction  164  along the noted lateral plane  308  and transverse to axial direction  142 . Planar member  306  has a width  312  extending along a second lateral direction  148  along the noted lateral plane  308  and transverse to axial direction  142  and transverse to the noted first lateral direction  164 . Planar member  306  has an axial height  314  extending along axial direction  142  between the noted first and second end caps  302  and  304 . Length  310  is greater than width  312  and substantially greater than axial height  314 . Filter media  152  has a hollow interior at  146  along which fluid flows axially along axial direction  142  as shown at arrow  144  as above noted. The filter media has axially extending upstream and downstream faces  160  and  162 , respectively, laterally spaced from each other and between which fluid flows laterally through the filter media as shown at arrow  150 . 
     In one embodiment, the filter media is provided by two filter media members  152  and  316  each having a racetrack shape. Filter media members  152 ,  316  extend in parallel side-by-side relation, with the length  310  of each filter media member being greater than the combined lateral widths  312  of both of the filter media members  152 ,  316 . In one embodiment, two or more filter media members  152 ,  316  provide longer life. 
     In a further embodiment, first and second end caps  302  and  304 , at filter media receiving portions such as  303 , are adhesively bonded or potted or sonically welded or otherwise bonded or affixed to the filter media and provide a frame supporting the filter media such that the end caps and the filter media form a replaceable filter element unit. End cap  302  has a border  318  including first and second skirts  320  and  322  extending along first lateral direction  164  and distally oppositely spaced from each other along second lateral direction  148  by filter media  152 ,  316  therebetween. Border  318  further includes third and fourth skirts  324  and  326  extending along second lateral direction  148  and distally oppositely spaced from each other along first lateral direction  164  by filter media  152 ,  316  therebetween. First, second, third, fourth skirts  320 ,  322 ,  324 ,  326 , respectively, define the noted border  318  and surround filter media  152 ,  316 . The skirts have differential axial heights relative to each other, defining a variable height border  318 . Each of the skirts extends axially between a first axial end and a second axial end, for example first and second axial ends  328  and  330  of skirt  320 , first and second axial ends  332  and  334  of skirt  322 , first and second axial ends  336  and  338  of skirt  324 , first and second axial ends  340  and  342  of skirt  326 . The second axial ends  330 ,  334 ,  338 ,  342  of the skirts face second end cap  304  across a respective axial gap therebetween along one of the upstream and downstream faces of the filter media. For example, in  FIG. 9  the second axial ends  330 ,  334  of skirts  320 ,  322  face second end cap  304  across respective axial gaps  344 ,  346  therebetween along downstream face  162  of the filter media. Third skirt  324  has an axial height between its respective first and second axial ends  336  and  338 . Fourth skirt  326  has an axial height between its respective first and second axial ends  340  and  342 . The noted axial height of the fourth skirt  326  is greater than the noted axial height of the third skirt  324 . The noted first and second skirts  320  and  322  have a tapered axial height, for example as shown at  344 , extending from a minimum axial height at third skirt  324  to a maximum axial height at fourth skirt  326 . Second axial ends  330  and  334  of the first and second skirts  320  and  322  extend along a diagonal taper  346  relative to the noted lateral plane  308 . Filter media  152 ,  316  extends axially along axial direction  142  between first and second distally opposite axial ends  348  and  350 . Second axial end  338  of third skirt  324  is proximate first axial end  348  of the filter media. Second axial end  342  of fourth skirt  326  is proximate second axial end  350  of the filter media. Diagonal gasket  158  extends along second axial ends  330 ,  334 ,  338 ,  342  of first, second, third, fourth skirts  320 ,  322 ,  324 ,  326 , respectively, of first end cap  302 . In one aspect, the noted diagonal taper facilitates ease of service, by requiring only a small separation of cover  108  from base  106  to enable removal of filter element  112  along one or both of the noted lateral directions  148 ,  164  along lateral plane  308 . 
     In a further embodiment, one of the end caps, for example end cap  302 , has a tubular port, for example port  130  through which fluid communicates with one of the upstream and downstream faces of the filter media, for example upstream face  160 . Tubular port  130  in end cap  302  is spaced along one of the noted first and second lateral directions, for example lateral direction  164 , from the filter media and is external of the noted hollow interior  146  thereof. Fluid flows axially along axial direction  142  through tubular port  130  parallel to fluid flow in hollow interior  146 . In one embodiment, fluid flows through tubular port along a first direction, for example upwardly in  FIG. 7  as shown at arrow  352 , and fluid flows through hollow interior  146  along a second axial direction as shown at arrow  144 , which second axial direction  144  is opposite to the noted first axial direction  352 . An annular sealing gasket  354  is provided at tubular port  130  for sealed connection to a connecting component such as inlet  122  of base  106  or another tubular port extending therealong. Annular sealing gasket  354  lies in a plane extending parallel to lateral plane  308 . 
     In a further embodiment, one of the end caps, for example end cap  302 , has first and second tubular ports  130  and  356  extending axially therethrough and through which fluid communicates with one of the upstream and downstream faces of the filter media, for example upstream face  160 . First and second tubular ports  130  and  356  are laterally spaced from each other and laterally spaced from filter media  152 ,  316  and are external of hollow interior  146  thereof. In one embodiment, first and second tubular ports  130  and  356  are laterally spaced from filter media  152 ,  316  along the noted first lateral direction  164 , and the first and second tubular ports  130  and  356  are laterally spaced from each other along the noted second lateral direction  148 . 
     In the foregoing description, certain terms have been used for brevity, clearness, and understanding. No unnecessary limitations are to be implied therefrom beyond the requirement of the prior art because such terms are used for descriptive purposes and are intended to be broadly construed. The different configurations, systems, and method steps described herein may be used alone or in combination with other configurations, systems and method steps. It is to be expected that various equivalents, alternatives and modifications are possible within the scope of the appended claims. The structure and methodology herein may be used beyond internal combustion engine crankcase ventilation filter applications to other filter applications and filter elements therefor.