Abstract: An automotive fluid filter comprises a plurality of pellets that are sintered together and define a plurality of pores therebetween for passage of automotive fluid through the pores so as to filter the automotive fluid when the automotive fluid is advanced therethrough. An associated method is disclosed.

Abstract: An automotive fluid filter comprises a plurality of pellets that are sintered together and define a plurality of pores therebetween for passage of automotive fluid through the pores so as to filter the automotive fluid when the automotive fluid is advanced therethrough. An associated method is disclosed.

Abstract: An automotive fluid filter comprises a plurality of pellets that are sintered together and define a plurality of pores therebetween for passage of automotive fluid through the pores so as to filter the automotive fluid when the automotive fluid is advanced therethrough. An associated method is disclosed.

Abstract: A filter for a fluid system includes a housing having an interior cavity. A filter media is disposed in the housing and defines a central opening. A center tube assembly is arranged within the central opening and includes discs which are stackable upon one another. Each disc includes a central portion having base received by an inner wall of the central portion of the adjacent disc. An outer portion extends radially outwardly from the central portion and is positioned adjacent to the filter media. The central portion, base, and outer portion may include openings to permit the flow of fluid through the center tube assembly. The center tube assembly provides the desired structural integrity while permitting fluid to flow through the center tube. The present invention center tube assembly may be produced by a plastic molding process.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing an oil filter module comprises directing a laser beam at a surface of an end cap but not at a rim of the end cap so as to fuse at least a portion of the end cap, spacing the end cap and the filter medium apart from one another during the directing step, inserting an end of the filter medium into the laser-fused portion so as to bond the end of the filter medium and the end cap together upon re-solidification of the laser-fused portion, and preventing flow of the laser-fused portion caused by the inserting step from reaching a peripheral diameter of the end cap by use of the rim.