BigPatents India

A fluid filter assembly including a canister having a closed end and an open end; a filter element assembly disposed within the canister and having a first end adjacent the closed end of the canister and a second end adjacent the open end of the canister; and a reversible element guide disposed within the canister between the closed end and the first end of the filter element assembly. The reversible element guide has a first side and a second side, the first side shaped substantially the same as the second side. The reversible element guide is positioned in either a first position, wherein the first side bears against the closed end of the canister or a second position, wherein the second position, wherein the second side bears against the closed end of the canister. The reversible element guide may be a wave spring having a ring shape and a plurality of undulations.