Mobile in-tank filter and assembly therefor

A filter element, comprising:

• a filter media ring for separating particulate and contaminants from hydraulic fluid passing through the media ring, and an integral annular breather filter fixed to one end of the media ring for separating particulate and contaminants from vent gas and ambient air passing through the breather filter, wherein the breather filter comprises a thin, flat, annular filter member sealingly bonded to one end of the filter media ring and having a peripheral portion projecting radially-outward from the media ring.

A filter assembly comprising a filter element and a diffuser tube receiving and supporting the filter element, the filter element comprising:

• a filter media ring for separating particulate and contaminants from hydraulic fluid passing through the media ring, and an integral annular breather filter fixed to one end of the media ring for separating particulate and contaminants from vent gas and ambient air passing through the breather filter, the diffuser tube including a receiving end locating and supporting the filter element in the diffuser tube, wherein the diffuser tube includes a stand-off feature at its receiving end defining a vent path along the exterior surface of the diffuser tube.

A filter assembly comprising a filter element and a diffuser tube receiving and supporting the filter element, the filter element comprising:

• a filter media ring for separating particulate and contaminants from hydraulic fluid passing through the media ring, and an integral annular breather filter fixed to one end of the media ring for separating particulate and contaminants from vent gas and ambient air passing through the breather filter, and an elongated cylindrical diffuser tube receiving and supporting the filter element, the diffuser tube including a receiving end with a radially outward-projecting flange configured to enable the filter element to be axially located and supported in the diffuser tube, wherein an imperforate end cap is sealingly bonded to each end of the filter media ring, and the annular breather filter is attached to one of the end caps at one end of the media ring, the one end cap fluidly separating a first fluid path through the filter media ring from a second vent path through or around the breather filter, and the flange on the diffuser tube axially supporting the one end cap.