Patent ID: 8146751

Claim:
A filter element comprising: filter media suitable for filtering a fluid, the filter media having a first end, a second end, and defining an inner region that is surrounded by the filter media; and a top endplate secured to the first end of the filter media, the top endplate including an opening therein that is in fluid communication with the inner region and a sleeve that is integrally formed with the top endplate so that there is no seal between the sleeve and the top endplate, the sleeve extending from the opening in a direction away from the second end to an open end thereof and defining a fluid flow passageway from the opening to the open end, the sleeve including an inner surface defining the fluid flow passageway, and at least a portion of the inner surface adjacent the open end of the sleeve is threaded; the top endplate includes a flange that extends radially outward from the sleeve so as to overlap the first end of the filter media, the radially extending flange is devoid of fluid flow passageways therethrough; the sleeve further includes an outer surface, and a plurality of anti-rotation members are disposed on the outer surface at spaced locations around the sleeve; and a bottom endplate secured to the second end of the filter media.