Filter element

A filter element having a central axis comprising:

• a first end cap defining a fluid flow opening coaxial with said central axis, said first end cap having first and second surfaces extending radially beyond said opening to an annulus a first radial distance from said opening, said first end cap comprising an interrupted ring radially beyond said annulus and defining at least one fluid flow opening between said first and second surfaces radially intermediate said annulus and said ring;
• a generally cylindrical filter media secured to the second surface of said first end cap and extending axially away from said first end cap, said filter media having an outer circumference adjacent said annulus;
• a plurality of fixed position lugs radially extending from said ring;
• a plurality of first latch fingers projecting radially from a root adjacent said annulus to a free end including a first catch facing axially away from said first end cap second surface and toward said first end cap first surface, each of said latch fingers extending radially through and interrupting said ring so that said catch is axially movable relative to and extends radially beyond said ring;
• and
• at least one second latch finger intermediate one of said plurality of said first latch fingers and one of said lugs, said second latch finger separated from said one of said first latch fingers and said one of said lugs by radial notches extending through said ring so that said second latch finger is axially movable relative to and extends beyond said ring, said second latch finger including a second catch at a free end thereof, said second catch facing axially away from said first end cap first surface and toward said first end cap second surface.

A filter element having a filter axis comprising:

• a first end cap defining a central fuel flow opening coaxial with the filter axis and having a first end cap surface and opposite second end surface extending radially between said opening and a peripheral annulus;
• a plurality of connector assemblies comprising a connector lug projecting radially beyond and extending circumferentially along said peripheral annulus between first and second circumferential lug ends, and a locking latch finger projecting radially from said peripheral annulus and circumferentially spaced from said connector lug first circumferential end, said locking latch finger being flexible from the peripheral annulus in an axial direction;
• a retention finger projecting radially beyond said peripheral edge intermediate said locking latch finger and said connector lug of at least one connector assembly in said plurality of connector assemblies, said retention finger being circumferentially spaced from each of the locking latch finger and connector lug by opposing radial notches;
• and
• a substantially cylindrical ring of filter media extending substantially coaxial with the filter axis from the first end cap second surface radially beyond the central fuel flow opening.