Patent ID: 8544158

Claim:
A filter element for a fluid filter device comprising: a top endplate and a bottom endplate; a media disposed between the top and bottom endplates, the media allows a working fluid to be filtered through the media; and a flow passage to filter the working fluid, the flow passage being through the media and the bottom endplate, the top endplate includes a connection structure adapted for direct and removeable connection to a cap that can be opened and closed for filling or servicing the fluid filter device, and adapted to retain wall surfaces of a cover of the fluid filter device between the top endplate and the cap, the bottom endplate includes an opening that allows the working fluid to flow through the flow passage into or out of the filter media during use of the filter element, wherein the top endplate is a structure with no flow passage for the working fluid during operation, wherein the top endplate includes a check valve that closes over time during operation until the media needs to be replaced, and wherein the working fluid does not flow through the check valve during operation.