Abstract: An apparatus for assembling a filter having a peripheral frame and at least one filter media component includes a continuous conveyor for feeding a plurality of filter frames, in succession, to a plurality of workstations, each filter frame having a closed periphery with a generally upstanding leading flap, side flaps and a trailing flap, the workstations including: a) a first station including at least a pair of tools located so as to engage and open the side flaps; b) a second station including a media component supply roll, a cutter adapted to cut a predetermined length of media component; guide elements adapted to guide the cut length of media component for movement away from the cutter; and a reciprocable carriage adapted to receive the cut length of media component, the carriage having a motive drive adapted to accelerate forwardly to a position where the carriage is located directly above an opened filter frame on the conveyor; and forward and rearward flippers adapted to open the leading and trailing

Abstract: Apparatus for use in a filter assembly operation wherein filter components are seated within a filter frame such that the frame has a generally upstanding leading flap, side flaps and a trailing flap. The apparatus includes side flap engaging members adapted to push the pair of side flaps outwardly to provide clearance necessary to close the leading and trailing flaps. A stationary ski member located downstream of the side edge engaging members is adapted to close the leading edge, and a retractable ski member located at least partially upstream of the retractable side flap engaging members is adapted to close the trailing flap, thereby permitting the side flaps to be subsequently closed in at least partially overlapping relationship with the leading and trailing flaps. A related method is also disclosed.