Abstract: An apparatus for placing an end cap on a cylindrical workpiece includes a stationary support base, a guide member, a push bar, and an applicator device. The guide member is affixed to the stationary support base, and includes a ramp, disposed at an angle to the horizontal. The push bar is slidably movable in relation to the support base. The applicator includes a back plate which is operatively pivotally attached to the push bar at a pivot connection. The lower part of the applicator has a post attached thereto, which rides along the ramp of the guide member. Linear inward movement of the push bar, from a first position to a second position thereof, moves the applicator post up the ramp of the guide member, pivoting the applicator around the pivot connection, and causing the back plate to move from a substantially horizontal orientation to a substantially vertical orientation thereof.

Abstract: An apparatus for fixing the position of a metal end cap on a filter element includes a filter support, an inductive heater, and a drive system for moving the heater relative to the filter support. Preferably, the apparatus also includes a second inductive heater. Where two heaters are used, the drive system simultaneously moves the first and second inductive heaters in substantially opposite directions, using a control shaft extending between first and second support pillars. Each end of the control shaft is threaded, and the threading on the second end is formed in an opposite direction to the threading on the first end. Each of the heaters is threadably connected to the control shaft. A motor is provided for rotating the control shaft. A method of forming a filter cartridge, using the disclosed apparatus, is another aspect of the invention.

Abstract: An apparatus for placing an end cap on a cylindrical workpiece includes a stationary support base, a guide member, a push bar, and an applicator device. The guide member is affixed to the stationary support base, and includes a ramp, disposed at an angle to the horizontal. The push bar is slidably movable in relation to the support base. The applicator includes a back plate which is operatively pivotally attached to the push bar at a pivot connection. The lower part of the applicator has a post attached thereto, which rides along the ramp of the guide member. Linear inward movement of the push bar, from a first position to a second position thereof, moves the applicator post up the ramp of the guide member, pivoting the applicator around the pivot connection, and causing the back plate to move from a substantially horizontal orientation to a substantially vertical orientation thereof.

Abstract: A material dispensing apparatus, for use with a circular workpiece, includes a nozzle having a wedge-shaped aperture. The nozzle is attached to a dispenser body, and a solenoid valve is operable to start and stop material flow through the apparatus. A rotatable turntable is preferably provided below the nozzle for rotatably supporting a workpiece. In a method of adding a flowable material to a workpiece, having a circular outline, the workpiece is supported on a rotatable support member, and a dispenser nozzle, having a wedge-shaped outlet aperture, is positioned over a selected portion of the annular workpiece, with a wide end of the aperture adjacent an outer side wall of the workpiece. Then, a valve is opened to allow material to flow through the nozzle.

Abstract: A material handling apparatus includes a first support member, for supportively carrying a pair of opposed jaw members, and a second support member which is slidably attached to the first support member, for linear movement with respect thereto. The second support member has at least one slot formed therein. The apparatus also includes a pair of opposed jaws, which cooperate to define a workpiece-holding space therebetween. The jaws are pivotally attached to one another and to the first support member. Each of the jaws has a hinge portion and an extension opposite the hinge portion. The extension may be made detachable from the hinge portion. The hinge portion of each jaw has an inner portion and an outer portion, with the hinge portions closely aligned with each other. Each of the jaws also has a support post connected to the respective outer portion thereof, and the support posts fit slidably in the slot of the second support member.

Abstract: An apparatus for placing an end cap on a cylindrical workpiece includes a stationary support base, a guide member, a push bar, and an applicator device. The guide member is affixed to the stationary support base, and includes a ramp, disposed at an angle to the horizontal. The push bar is slidably movable in relation to the support base. The applicator includes a back plate which is operatively pivotally attached to the push bar at a pivot connection. The lower part of the applicator has a post attached thereto, which rides along the ramp of the guide member. Linear inward movement of the push bar, from a first position to a second position thereof, moves the applicator post up the ramp of the guide member, pivoting the applicator around the pivot connection, and causing the back plate to move from a substantially horizontal orientation to a substantially vertical orientation thereof.

Abstract: An apparatus for fixing the position of a metal end cap on a filter element includes a filter support, an inductive heater, and a drive system for moving the heater relative to the filter support. Preferably, the apparatus also includes a second inductive heater. Where two heaters are used, the drive system simultaneously moves the first and second inductive heaters in substantially opposite directions, using a control shaft extending between first and second support pillars. Each end of the control shaft is threaded, and the threading on the second end is formed in an opposite direction to the threading on the first end. Each of the heaters is threadably connected to the control shaft. A motor is provided for rotating the control shaft. A method of forming a filter cartridge, using the disclosed apparatus, is another aspect of the invention.

Abstract: A material dispensing apparatus, for use with a circular workpiece, includes a nozzle having a wedge-shaped aperture. The nozzle is attached to a dispenser body, and a solenoid valve is operable to start and stop material flow through the apparatus. A rotatable turntable is preferably provided below the nozzle for rotatably supporting a workpiece. In a method of adding a flowable material to a workpiece, having a circular outline, the workpiece is supported on a rotatable support member, and a dispenser nozzle, having a wedge-shaped outlet aperture, is positioned over a selected portion of the annular workpiece, with a wide end of the aperture adjacent an outer side wall of the workpiece. Then, a valve is opened to allow material to flow through the nozzle.

Abstract: A material handling apparatus includes a first support member, for supportively carrying a pair of opposed jaw members, and a second support member which is slidably attached to the first support member, for linear movement with respect thereto. The second support member has at least one slot formed therein. The apparatus also includes a pair of opposed jaws, which cooperate to define a workpiece-holding space therebetween. The jaws are pivotally attached to one another and to the first support member.