Abstract: The disclosure is directed toward presses which may comprise planar or curved press plates that can be driven toward and away from each other such as via linear reciprocating movement to press filter media sheets as opposed to using rolls. The press plates can create such features as embossments that may have the ridges and grooves, brands, creases or other such features. The press can create pleated packs or individual panels for non-pleated packs. Additionally, a variety of embossed pleat packs, unique shapes, structural components and other pleat packs that may be formed by presses or other methodology are disclosed as well as filter cartridges using such pleat packs.

Abstract: This invention relates to a knotting device which comprises a handle portion which carries an elongated member and an elongated needle member. The elongated member and the elongated needle member are associated with one another by a linking member so that they can move from a first position to a second position. The elongated needle member is used to initially engage the knot and obtain an initial tightening thereof. The elongated member is used to finally tighten the knot after the elongated needle member has been removed from the knot as the elongated member moves to the second position.

Abstract: This invention relates to a knotting device which comprises a handle portion, an elongated rod affixed to the handle portion and an elongated member movably mounted to the handle portion. A knot is initially engaged so that it can be slipped and tightened on the rod. The elongated member engages the free tail of the knot and moves it off of the rod so that final tightening can occur with the knot still engaged with the elongated member.