Abstract: In an embodiment, a filter media support frame for supporting first and second panels of filter media in a spaced apart relation is provided. The filter media support frame includes a first panel support, a second panel support and a connection portion. The first panel support has a first inner side and a first outer side. The second panel support has a second inner side and a second outer side. The second inner side faces the first panel support. The first connection portion hingedly connects to the first panel support by a first hinge portion and hingedly connects to the second panel support by a second hinge portion. Filter elements including the filter media support road filter media are provided.

Abstract: A filter element for use in a housing of a filter assembly having a cover and a seal therebetween. The housing includes inlet and outlet valves. The filter element comprises a first endcap and a second endcap including an inlet valve actuator. A cylindrical ring of filter media extends axially between the first and second endcaps and surrounds a center tube that defines an outlet having an outlet valve actuator. A sleeve positioned to receive and exert force in a first and second direction surrounds a bias member. Threading the cover to the housing compresses the bias member causing the inlet and outlet valve actuators to actuate the inlet and outlet valves. Removing the cover causes extension of the bias member and the inlet and outlet valve actuators to retreat from the inlet and outlet valves before the seal between the cover and the housing is broken.

Abstract: A filter media block and filter element incorporating same are provided. Methods of forming a filter media block and filter element are also provided. The filter media block includes a block of filter media and an outer permeable layer. The outer layer provides support for the block of filter media.

Abstract: A filter element and multi-component holding assembly for a filter element is provided. The filter element includes first and second media panels, a support frame, a base frame and first and second end cap structures. Each filter media panel defines first, second, third and fourth sides. The first and second sides extend between the third and fourth sides. The support frame maintains the first and second filter media panels in a spaced orientation forming a cavity therebetween. The base frame defines a first opening in fluid communication with the cavity. The first end cap structure seals the third side of the first and second filter media panels and the second end cap structure seals the fourth side of the first and second filter media panels. The base frame has a first portion captured in the first end cap structure and a second portion captured in the second end cap structure.

Abstract: A filter media block and filter element incorporating same are provided. Methods of forming a filter media block and filter element are also provided. The filter media block includes a block of filter media and an outer permeable layer. The outer layer provides support for the block of filter media.

Abstract: A filter system and filters and housing components for use in the filter system are provided. The filter system includes at least one filter received within a housing having a cover and a housing body. The filter includes at least one latch tab engaged by the cover to secure the cover. First and second seals seal the system. The latch tab extends axially beyond a catch of the housing body. A filter system is also provided that includes a pre-cleaner through which fluid moves in a first direction different than a second direction as the fluid flows through the filters thereof. Methods of servicing the filter system are also provided.

Abstract: A filter system and filters and housing components for use in the filter system are provided. The filter system includes at least one filter received within a housing having a cover and a housing body. The filter includes at least one latch tab engaged by the cover to secure the cover. First and second seals seal the system. The latch tab extends axially beyond a catch of the housing body. A filter system is also provided that includes a pre-cleaner through which fluid moves in a first direction different than a second direction as the fluid flows through the filters thereof. Methods of servicing the filter system are also provided.

Abstract: A method of reinforcing a filter media pack as well as a reinforced media pack is provided. The method includes forming a media pack to have an inlet face and an outlet face. The method includes applying a reinforcing agent to the media pack. The reinforcing agent is applied in a flowable state. The method also includes hardening the reinforcing agent to form a reinforcing structure to reinforce the media pack. Filter element having such a reinforcing structure is also provided.

Abstract: An air filter, an air filter assembly, and method of installing the air filter into a housing of the air filter assembly are provided. The air filter includes an attachment portion and a lock tab. The lock tab is carried by and resiliently moveable relative to the attachment portion. The lock tab is located radially outward from the attachment portion and movable circumferentially about a central axis of the air filter. Another feature relates to using an end stop in a housing as a catch. Yet another feature relates to using a perforated end cap and capping such perforations with a housing seal.

Abstract: Filters and filter assemblies including one or more shield elements to protect the filter media of the filters during installation of the filters into a filter housing of the filter assembly are provided. A filter includes first and second media packs, a housing seal system, a handle and a shield element. Filter media packs extend from a first end to a second end in a diverging manner. The first end has a length dimension and a width dimension that extend transversely. A shield element projects over the first and second media packs at the first end a span in the width direction of at least 40% of the width dimension defined by the first and second media packs and projecting a span in the length direction of at least 5% of the length dimension defined by the first end.

Abstract: An air filter, an air filter assembly, and method of installing the air filter into a housing of the air filter assembly are provided. The air filter includes an attachment portion and a lock tab. The lock tab is carried by and resiliently moveable relative to the attachment portion. The lock tab is located radially outward from the attachment portion and movable circumferentially about a central axis of the air filter. Another feature relates to using an end stop in a housing as a catch. Yet another feature relates to using a perforated end cap and capping such perforations with a housing seal.

Abstract: A filter element with an improved mounting frame and method of assembly are provided. The filter element includes a filter media pack with a mounting frame attached to the outer periphery of the filter media pack. The mounting frame defines a channel that holds a shut-off material for preventing leakage of an adhesive securing the mounting frame to the filter media pack. A filter element that includes a polymeric material between the filter media pack and the adhesive is also provided. The shut-off material may be pre-formed or applied in a flowable state.

Abstract: Filters and filter assemblies including one or more shield elements to protect the filter media of the filters during installation of the filters into a filter housing of the filter assembly are provided. A filter includes first and second media packs, a housing seal system, a handle and a shield element. Filter media packs extend from a first end to a second end in a diverging manner. The first end has a length dimension and a width dimension that extend transversely. A shield element projects over the first and second media packs at the first end a span in the width direction of at least 40% of the width dimension defined by the first and second media packs and projecting a span in the length direction of at least 5% of the length dimension defined by the first end.

Abstract: A filter including a filter media pack, first and second preform members and first and second adhesives is provided. The first preform member is disposed over the media pack. The first preform member has a wall defining a well. The wall defines a notch. The first adhesive in the well attaches the first preform member to the filter media pack. The first adhesive has a contact region disposed in the notch. The second preform member is disposed over the first preform member. The second adhesive bonds the first preform member over the first preform member. The second adhesive engages with the first adhesive at the contact region.

Abstract: A multi-component end cap is provided. The multiple components combine to form one or more seal carriers where each seal carrier is formed in part by at least two different ones of the components. Methods of manufacturing an end cap having multiple components are also provided.

Abstract: A filter element is provided. The filter element includes a filter media pack including an outer surface. The outer surface extending between a first flow face and a second flow face. The filter element also includes a polymeric coating applied to the outer surface of the filter media pack, wherein the polymeric coating is not a molded structure. In embodiments, the polymeric coating covers at least 25% of a span between the first flow face and the second flow face and has an average thickness of between 0.005 and 0.100 in. In other embodiments, the polymeric coating has a surface roughness of at least 50 ?in to provide an outer gripping surface. A method and system for applying the polymeric coating to the filter element are also provided.

Abstract: This invention relates to an apparatus for processing a baseplate assembly and more specifically to a transfer mechanism and a parts washer for processing baseplate assemblies. The transfer mechanism has a pivot arm that is mounted to a transfer and/or lift mechanism. The pivot arm holds a carrier unit having an abutment plate and a finger. The finger having an extended state and a retracted state relative to the abutment plate. The finger engaging and securing the baseplate assemblies to the carrier unit during the transport of the baseplate assemblies from a welder or tapper to a parts washer. The transfer mechanism picks the baseplate assemblies from the welder or tapper in a horizontally extending alignment and deposits the baseplate assembly in the parts washer in a vertically extending alignment. The parts washer then washes the baseplate assemblies, while the baseplate assemblies remain in a vertically extending alignment.

Abstract: A filter apparatus and method utilize a filter element having a central winding frame and a length of fluted filter material wound about the frame with the flutes of the media oriented substantially longitudinally, to thereby provide for filtration of a flow of fluid passing axially through the filter element. The winding frame is a substantially open, truss-like structure, having a smooth outer periphery and an axially extending winding feature to facilitate pulling the media into intimate contact with the smooth outer periphery during fabrication of the filter element. A leading edge of the filter media is anchored to a leading edge of the frame by a length of tape.

Abstract: Filter media packs and methods of forming the filter media packs are provided. The filter media packs include support beads for supporting flutes during winding of the filter media of the filter media pack. Filter media packs may also include stitch beads between adjacent layers of the filter media pack that are applied during the winding process to prevent slippage of adjacent layers of filter media. Methods of forming the filter media pack include applying the support beads or applying the stitch beads.

Abstract: A filter element with an improved mounting frame and method of assembly are provided. The filter element includes a filter media pack with a mounting frame attached to the outer periphery of the filter media pack. The mounting frame defines a channel that holds a shut-off material for preventing leakage of an adhesive securing the mounting frame to the filter media pack. A filter element that includes a polymeric material between the filter media pack and the adhesive is also provided. The shut-off material may be pre-formed or applied in a flowable state.