Abstract: The present invention involves a filter element assembly (10), which is useful in removing undissolved adhesive bodies from oil. The assembly includes at least one cylindrical body 11 of principal filter medium for removing particulates from oil. Body 11 has an inlet end and an outlet end. A secondary filter medium 20 for removing undissolved adhesive bodies from the oil is located around the sides and across the inlet end of the principle medium (11). A flow affording spacer 926) is disposed between the sides and the inlet end of the principal medium (11). A preferred spacer (26) is a non-woven expandible mesh present in a partially expanded state and having elements (27,28) grouped in first and second sets in which the elements (27) in the first set are laid atop the elements (28) in the second set. A readily cleanable containment vessel (39) for the filter element assembly (10) includes a tubular body (41) which is releasably connectible in liquid tight relation to a bottom cover (44) for the body (41).

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 is arranged within the central opening and includes a plurality of helical fins extending radially outwardly from a central portion of the center tube. The helical fins terminate in an outer portion that is adjacent to the filter media. The center tube provides the desired structural integrity while permitting fluid to flow through the center tube. The present invention center tube is produced by a plastic extrusion process.

Abstract: A high performance, high efficiency filter is provided by a multi-stage filter having combinations of tribologically different fibers, nanofibers, and layering.

Abstract: An improved filtering bag combination having an increased area of filtering and a longer life of use. The improved structure includes a filtering member with multiple folds to cover a support formed of a plurality of rods. The rods of the support have a plurality of bracing members to support the filtering member, two ends of the support are mounted with two shaping pieces, and an upper and lower lid for fixing and sealing. The bracing members are all serrated members, and are provided on the outside with numerous equidistantly separated crests and corresponding hollows and on the inner side with a connecting base. The crests each have a clamping notch for placing a rod, so that the bracing members can be transversely arranged within a circle formed by encircling the rods of the support.

Abstract: The present invention provides a positively charged microporous membrane having a protein binding capacity of about 25 mg/ml or greater comprising a hydrophilic porous substrate and a crosslinked coating that provides a fixed positive charge to the membrane. The present invention further provides a positively charged microporous membrane comprising a porous substrate and a crosslinked coating comprising pendant cationic groups. The membranes of the present invention find use in a variety of applications including ion-exchange chromatography, macromolecular transfer, as well as detection, filtration and purification of biomolecules such as proteins, nucleic acids, endotoxins, and the like.

Abstract: A filter bag assembly includes an outer bag having an open end, a closed end opposite the open end, and a longitudinal axis. The open end of the outer bag is sized and shaped for receiving liquid to be filtered. A filter member is loosely mounted in the outer bag and has a pair of opposed open ends and a plurality of longitudinally extending pleats. Each of the pleats projects generally outwardly in a radial direction.

Abstract: An encapsulated filter cartridge is disclosed, which includes a filter assembly including a carbon block filter element and a microporous filter element. The filter cartridge has a permanently sealed sump defining an interior chamber configured to accommodate the filter assembly, the sump having an inlet for permitting unfiltered fluid to enter the interior chamber for communicating with the radially outer surface of the filter assembly and an outlet for permitting filtered fluid to exit the interior chamber from the axial portion of the filter assembly. The microporous filter element of the filter assembly may include a hollow fiber subassembly housed within the axial cavity of the carbon block element, said fiber subassembly including a plurality of hollow microporous fibers, or a pleated filter element surrounding the radially outer surface of the carbon block element.

Abstract: For use in a pool or spa, the combination comprising, filter structure in the path of pool or spa water flow, substance in direct contact with a surface or surfaces of said filter structure, to contact said flow, said substance characterized as being one of the following: i) bacteria inhibiting ii) an algaecide iii) an algaestat iv) a sanitizer v) a bacteriostat

Abstract: A microstructured filter having an inlet for unfiltered fluid; an outlet for filtered fluid; a plurality of projections which are arranged in at least two rows in mutually juxtaposed relationship, project out of a base plate and are an integral component of the base plate; a plurality of passages between the projections and a cover plate which is securable to the base plate to cover the projections and the passages. The passages form a plurality of through paths from the inlet to the outlet. The inlet includes an elongate inlet slot for the unfiltered fluid that extends over approximately the entire filter width and is approximately as high as the projection on the outlet side of the filter.

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 filter element for end face inlet formed of triangular channels which are alternately closed such that the fluid to be filtered must pass through the filter material in order to flow from the inlet side (22) to the discharge side (23). The channels are formed by alternating flat layers (17) and folded layers (18), whereby all sides of the inlet channels face a discharge channel. A particularly high filter efficiency is thereby achieved such that a large filter surface area and a high filter capacity are attained with a relatively small structural volume. The filter can be used, for example, as an air filter for various air filtration applications.

Abstract: A filter for separating contaminants from a gas stream, including (a) a housing having a housing body and a housing head, the housing head having an inlet for the gas stream to be purified, an outlet and a first sealing surface, and (b) a filter element accommodated in the housing, having an element head and an element body having a central element axis and an element interior. The element head has a second sealing surface which cooperates with the first sealing surface. A curved inlet manifold is formed between the inlet and the element interior. The inlet manifold is embodied partly in the housing head and partly in the element head such that the first and second sealing surfaces contact in a sealing plane at a 90° to 60° angle to the element axis. A radially arranged seal is provided on the sealing plane, forming one of the sealing surfaces.

Abstract: A fluid treatment element comprises a fluid treatment pack including a fluid treatment medium. The fluid treatment pack has a hollow interior and a barrier is disposed in the hollow interior. The barrier separates a blind region in which fluid cannot flow between the hollow interior and the fluid treatment pack from an open region in which fluid can flow between the hollow interior and the fluid treatment pack and prevents fluid from flowing between the blind region and the open region. The fluid treatment pack also has an end region having a sealed end. The fluid treatment element defines a flow path for process fluid to be treated passing in a lengthwise direction through a portion of the fluid treatment pack.

Abstract: In the case of a fine filter for a fuel feed unit of a motor vehicle, a filter element has at least two sections which surround the fuel feed unit concentrically. In the fitted state of the fine filter, the sections are fastened to the fuel feed unit and to a surge chamber. The filter element has proven particularly cost-effective and enables the use of a particularly small mesh width while requiring little space.

Abstract: A filter medium formed from a web of ceramic fibers, pleated and integrated into a coherent unit employing a ceramic sol. A method is disclosed.

Abstract: A filter cartridge (20) and method for making a filter cartridge (20) for removing particulates from a particulate laden fluid stream moving one direction through the filter cartridge. The filter cartridge (20) is periodically subject to cleaning fluid moving in an opposite direction to the fluid stream. The filter cartridge (20) comprises filtration media (24) formed into a tubular configuration and having a plurality of circumferentially spaced apart pleats (26). A retention device (82) to limit radial movement of the filtration media (24) when subjected to the periodical cleaning fluid and to maintain the pleats (26) in the filtration media circumferentially spaced apart when exposed up to 130 degrees Celsius. Preferably, the extrudate (144) is thermoplastic, polyester, elastomeric material and at least one additive may be present. Multiple layers of the extrudate (144) may be fused together.

Abstract: A pleated filter cartridge for filtering liquids including an annular filter element having a filter material which is a thin non-perforated non-woven material of flash-spun plexifilamentary high-density polyethylene fibrils, the filter material having a pressure drop of less than 4 psid at a flow rate of 10 gal/hr and a filtration efficiency of at least 98% of 1–2 micron particulates at a pressure differential of 30 psid. The filter material preferably has a mean flow pore size greater than 4 microns while its normal pore-size filtration rating is 1 micron, and preferably has a thickness of less than about 0.15 mm, most preferably less than or equal to about 0.13 mm. The filter element preferably has two layers, including a mesh layer, preferably of a low-density polyethylene.

Abstract: A barrier filter useful for aseptically discharging both gaseous and liquid fluids from a chemical process system is disclosed The barrier filter comprises, within a common enclosure, one or several filter membranes having singularly or collectively a mixture or hydrophobic and hydrophilic regions. The common enclosure of the barrier filter is provided with a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet. All filter membranes are located within the fluid path between the fluid inlet and the fluid outlet. A variety of membrane-based systems, into which such barrier filter is installed, are also disclosed.

Abstract: A dual flow filter unit for the filtration of a pressurized liquid such as oil, comprising a closed housing (10) having an inlet (31), and main and secondary outlets (32, 13) for that liquid. The unit further comprises a main filter element (21) arranged in the housing (10) and having an unfiltered fluid surface exposed to the majority of the liquid flow, the flow through the main filter (21) being directed to the main outlet (32) from the housing (10); and a secondary filter element (17) exposed to a portion of the liquid flow supplied to the housing inlet (31), any flow through the secondary filter being directed to the secondary outlet (13) from the housing. The main filter element (21) offers a low resistance to the flow of fluid therethrough relative to the secondary filter element (17) so that the majority of the flow through the inlet (31) is filtered by the main filter element (21) and the remainder by the secondary filter element (17).

Abstract: A two-stage, retrofit filter is adapted for use with an electrical discharge machine (EDM) includes nested inner and outer filtering elements that may be placed as a unit in the same tank and over the apertured standpipe used for a one-stage filter, such that the fluid to be filtered now flows through each of the multiple filter elements. The retrofit EDM filter may be configured for flow in either direction, though the usual arrangement is one whereby the fluid being filtered flows up through the bottom of the tank, out the apertured standpipe, and into the inner filter element. Preferably, the filter elements are cylindrical, pleated elements composed of a technical grade filter paper. In the preferred embodiment, a pressure-operated release valve is provided in conjunction with the inner filter, such that when a predetermined pressure is reached due to the entrapment of contaminants by the inner filter, the valve opens to allow the fluid to be filtered to flow through the outer filter.

Abstract: A fluid filter includes a cylindrical pleated filter media disposed around a central perforated support core or self-supporting. An outer support sleeve comprising a extruded nylon, diamond-shaped mesh is stretched across the pleated media, and elastically conforms to the pleat peaks to structurally retain the pleats of the pleat peaks in fixed relation to one another. A bead of adhesive is then applied over the sleeve to fix the sleeve to the pleat peaks. End caps are disposed at opposite ends of the fluid filter.

Abstract: A filter cartridge for filtering impurities and the like from a swimming pool or other body of water is provided. The filter cartridge is positioned in a receptacle for receiving water and for recirculating it back to the pool. The filter cartridge includes a core communicating with the recirculating system and having a plurality of openings therein communicating with a supporting frame located around the core and affixed thereto. The frame has a multiplicity of openings therein and a plurality of undulations extending therealong. A flexible sleeve is located around the frame and is of sufficient size to assume the contour of the frame when water is supplied from the exterior of the sleeve to the interior of the core, thereby providing a maximum filtering surface. The sleeve has elastic bands around both ends for drawing the ends together around the core beyond the ends of the frame. The sleeve can be easily removed for cleaning or replacement.

Abstract: A filter bag assembly includes an outer bag having an open end, a closed end opposite the open end, and a longitudinal axis. The open end of the outer bag is sized and shaped for receiving liquid to be filtered. A filter member is loosely mounted in the outer bag and has a pair of opposed open ends and a plurality of longitudinally extending pleats. Each of the pleats projects generally outwardly in a radial direction.

Abstract: A method of assembling a filter element includes the initial step of forming a plastic filter casing with openings from a flat blank with opposite ends thereof bent towards one another and joining these opposite ends together by a sealing seam. Also, a resilient mat filter is folded into a cylindrical shape and pushed open on a fluid-permeable supporting pipe to surround and engage the surrounding pipe. The cylindrical shape of the mat filter has an exterior diameter prior to introduction into the casing that is larger than an interior diameter of the filter casing along the entire axial length of the mat filter. The mat folder is folded into a conical shape to facilitate its introduction thereof into the filter casing. After the axial end is formed, the mat filter and supporting pipe are introduced into the filter casing to define a filter chamber. Finally, two end caps are joined to the filter casing.

Abstract: The present invention provides, in certain embodiments, a negatively charged microporous membrane comprising a porous substrate and a crosslinked coating having fixed negative charges. The crosslinked coating can be prepared, e.g., from a polymerized composition comprising an unsaturated monomer having an anionic group, an N-(hydroxymethyl)- and/or N-(alkoxymethyl)-acrylamide, a hydrophilic unsaturated monomer, and an initiator. The present invention further provides, in some embodiments, a negatively charged microporous membrane comprising a porous substrate and a crosslinked coating prepared from a polymerized composition comprising an unsaturated monomer having an anionic group, an N-(hydroxymethyl)- or N-(alkoxymethyl)-acrylamide, a polysaccharide, and an initiator. The membranes of the present invention are suitable for use in ion exchange chromatography, for example, in the separation and purification of positively charged species such as proteins.

Abstract: With known devices for separating oil in the crank housing ventilator, oil is collected on a refined gas side of a filter, which in operation of an internal combustion engine, often cannot drain off. In this manner, the liquid level increases, so that the filter is increasingly clogged by the oil. Finally, the oil is carried away from a gas stream. In this manner, the oil use of the internal combustion engine greatly increases. With the device of the present invention, the oil collected on the refined gas side is collected in a liquid storage unit (10), whereby the liquid storage unit (10) is protected from the stream, so that the gas stream can not carry away oil any longer. The device includes a support body (9), which is impermeable to the stream by means of a cut-off wall (23), in order to prevent a carrying-off of the oil.

Abstract: A bacteriostatic filter cartridge having a porous core member about which is layered a yarn and/or a polyester membrane and/or melt blown web of polypropylene and/or a trilaminate polypropylene membrane, any or all of which may be impregnated with an antimicrobial agent. The filter cartridge is sized so as to fit tightly into a cartridge housing of a fluid filtration system. Fluid passing through the cartridge housing will be filtered by the filter cartridge to remove contaminants from the water and which prevents the growth of bacterial and other microorganisms on the filter media.

Abstract: The present invention provides a positively charged microporous membrane having a protein binding capacity of about 25 mg/ml or greater comprising a hydrophilic porous substrate and a crosslinked coating that provides a fixed positive charge to the membrane. The present invention further provides a positively charged microporous membrane comprising a porous substrate and a crosslinked coating comprising pendant cationic groups. The membranes of the present invention find use in a variety of applications including ion-exchange chromatography, macromolecular transfer, as well as detection, filtration and purification of biomolecules such as proteins, nucleic acids, endotoxins, and the like.

Abstract: A microstructured filter for a fluid, the filter having an inlet for unfiltered fluid and an outlet for filtered fluid, the filter comprising: a plurality of projections (7) which are arranged in at least two rows (3) in mutually juxtaposed relationship and which project out of a base plate (1) and which are an integral component of the base plate, a plurality of passages (8) between the projections (7), and a cover plate which is securable to the base plate to cover the projections (7) and the passages (8), wherein the passages form a plurality of through paths from the inlet to the outlet, said inlet comprises an elongate inlet slot (5) for the unfiltered fluid, which extends over approximately the entire filter width and which is approximately as high as the projection (7) projecting out of the base plate, on the outlet side of the filter. The filter according to the invention remains operational, even if a part of the filter area is obstructed.

Abstract: The present invention provides, in certain embodiments, a negatively charged microporous membrane comprising a porous substrate and a crosslinked coating having fixed negative charges. The crosslinked coating can be prepared, e.g., from a polymerized composition comprising an unsaturated monomer having an anionic group, an N-(hydroxymethyl)- and/or N-(alkoxymethyl)-acrylamide, a hydrophilic unsaturated monomer, and an initiator. The present invention further provides, in some embodiments, a negatively charged microporous membrane comprising a porous substrate and a crosslinked coating prepared from a polymerized composition comprising an unsaturated monomer having an anionic group, an N-(hydroxymethyl)- or N-(alkoxymethyl)-acrylamide, a polysaccharide, and an initiator. The membranes of the present invention are suitable for use in ion exchange chromatography, for example, in the separation and purification of positively charged species such as proteins.

Abstract: A fluid cleaning filter of the present invention consists of a composite matrix composed of a pleated substrate 2 configured into a pleated shape and an active carbon-containing layer 3, wherein the pleated substrate 2 is made of polyurethane foam 2a having a three-dimensional network skeletal structure, and the composite matrix is configured into a cylindrical shape. A filtering medium layer 2b made of fibers is formed on the surface of the polyurethane foam 2a facing the active carbon-containing layer 3. The fibers of the filtering medium layer maybe electrostatically charged. The fluid cleaning filter exhibits good efficiency of dust collecting and deodorization even when a fluid flows through the filter at high rate.

Abstract: The present invention provides a positively charged microporous membrane having a protein binding capacity of about 25 mg/ml or greater comprising a hydrophilic porous substrate and a crosslinked coating that provides a fixed positive charge to the membrane. The present invention further provides a positively charged microporous membrane comprising a porous substrate and a crosslinked coating comprising pendant cationic groups. The membranes of the present invention find use in a variety of applications including ion-exchange chromatography, macromolecular transfer, as well as detection, filtration and purification of biomolecules such as proteins, nucleic acids, endotoxins, and the like.

Abstract: A flat foldable filter funnel having open and flat-folded configurations includes a base having an elongated aperture, and a generally wedge-shaped filter support. The filter support includes at least two opposing pleated walls, and at least two opposing sidewalls connected at a first end of the filter support to define a fluid flow aperture. At least a portion of the filter support extends through the elongated aperture. The filter funnel may also include a fine mesh adjacent to the fluid flow aperture. The filter funnel may be adapted to include a plurality of fluid flow apertures located on the sidewalls and pleated walls.

Abstract: The present invention is in the field of filtration of polymers and other compounds, and more specifically the present invention is in the field of high pressure polymer filtration. The present invention relates to pleated support tubes for filters that can be used, among other applications, for the filtration of polymer compounds used in various plastic applications. The present invention also relates to the use of sealing rings for use with the pleated tubes of the present invention. The present invention further relates to methods for using the pleated tubes or pleated tubes and sealing rings in the process of filtering compounds.

Abstract: A composite filter medium for removing at least 99.95 percent of particulates of a size in the 3 to 4 micron range and dissolved chemical contaminants from a fluid and filters of various configurations employing the composite filter medium are disclosed. The composite filter medium comprises an adsorbent layer containing an adsorbent agent and a hydrophilic particulate intercepting layer disposed adjacent to the adsorbent layer. The composite medium has a mean flow pore diameter of about 1 to 10 microns, a bubble point of about 3 to 15 microns and an air permeability of about 0.5 to 7 liters per minute/cm2 with a pressure drop of about 0.1 bar.

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 is arranged within the central opening and includes a plurality of helical fins extending radially outwardly from a central portion of the center tube. The helical fins terminate in an outer portion that is adjacent to the filter media. The center tube provides the desired structural integrity while permitting fluid to flow through the center tube. The present invention center tube is produced by a plastic extrusion process.

Abstract: A filter cartridge (20) for removing particulates from a particulate laden fluid stream moving one direction through the filter cartridge. The filter cartridge (20) is periodically subject to cleaning fluid moving in an opposite direction to the fluid stream. The filter cartridge (20) comprises filtration media (24) formed into a tubular configuration and having a plurality of circumferentially spaced apart pleats (26). A retention device (82) to limit radial movement of the filtration media (24) when subjected to the periodical cleaning fluid and to maintain the pleats (26) in the filtration media circumferentially spaced apart. A method of making a filter cartridge (20) for removing particulates from a fluid stream moving one direction through the filter cartridge and that is periodically subject to cleaning fluid moving in an opposite direction to the fluid stream.

Abstract: A filter medium for use in particulate filtering applications is disclosed. The filter medium is formed from a substrate capable of retaining the desired physical structure of the filter medium under the conditions of the filtering application, including temperature. A polyimide based stiffening agent adapted for treating the substrate is also provided.

Abstract: A fuel filter includes features adapted to collect and drain static electrical charges occasioned by the passage of fuel therethrough. The filter includes a two-piece plastic housing having an end cap and a cylindrical portion with an end defining inlet and outlet fittings. The filter element is cylindrical and includes an outer perforated metal shell, an intermediate pleated paper filter and an inner perforated metal shell. Both metal shells are secured and electrically coupled to an electrically conductive end cap. The electrically conductive end cap is electrically and mechanically connected to a conductive, circular spring. The spring engages a ground pin which extends through the cylindrical portion of the housing and may be connected to a suitable ground to drain off static electrical charges generated by fuel flowing through the filter.

Abstract: A filter production method produces a filter having a shape substantially identical to the shape of a forming surface by extruding semi-molten fibers to the forming surface. When the semi-molten fibers are extruded to the forming surface, the semi-molten fibers are gathered to upstanding surface portions of the forming surface. Therefore, a sufficient amount of fibers can be layered onto the upstanding surface portions, so that the layering amount of fibers on the upstanding surface portions of the forming surface will not be considerably reduced in comparison with the layering amounts on other portions of the forming surface.

Abstract: A separator for liquid, in particular for removing oil from crankcase gases, having a cover (11) into which a mount (13) for a cylindrical separating cartridge (14) is incorporated. The separating cartridge is composed, for example, of a non-woven separating material (20) wound around a support body (22) having end plates (33) on the end faces (32) of the support body. The end plates (33) may be composed, for example, of a two-component synthetic resin material. This results in a stable component which can be sealed utilizing the elasticity of the end plate (33) when pushed into the mount (13). This results in a cost effective exchangeable part in which several seals are saved in the complete structural component and yields a structural unit having increased economic effectiveness.

Abstract: A filter bag assembly includes an outer bag having an open end, a closed end opposite the open end, and a longitudinal axis. The open end of the outer bag is sized and shaped for receiving liquid to be filtered. A filter member is loosely mounted in the outer bag and has a pair of opposed open ends and a plurality of longitudinally extending pleats. Each of the pleats projects generally outwardly in a radial direction.

Abstract: A caged filter cartridge assembly has a pair of coaxially spaced-apart end plates, and a number of tubular filter cartridges extending between said end plates. These end plates include seat recesses having a coaxially disposed retaining ring establishing an annular terminal lock edge. The filter cartridges include end caps at each opposed end thereof which are received within respective ones of said seat recesses. The end caps have at least one annular lock ring which is forcibly engaged with the terminal annular lock edge of the retaining ring so as to join the end cap, and thus said filter cartridge, to the end plates.

Abstract: A fluid treatment element is adapted for cross flow filtration which includes a fluid treatment pack having first and second lengthwise ends, a fluid treatment layer that may be pleated, a first mesh layer disposed on a first side of the fluid treatment layer and a second mesh layer disposed on the second side of the treatment layer, the element defining a flow path for a process fluid to be treated passing in a lengthwise direction of the fluid treatment element inside the first mesh layer and a flow path for permeate passing through the second mesh layer. The first mesh layer may open onto the first lengthwise end with the second mesh layer including sealant at the first lengthwise end such that fluid can flow through the first lengthwise end into the first mesh layer but not into the second mesh layer. The element may include a core having a blind region in which fluid cannot pass therethrough and at least one regions where fluid can pass through the core.

Abstract: A conically shaped filtration and/or separation apparatus is provided which is constructed from a stack of filters at least some of which are different sizes superposed above each, other, of said plurality of said filters in a fluid communicable relationship. A collapsible version of such conically shaped filter and/or separation apparatus is provided whereby a plurality of such filters are connected together using two piece interlocking or connecting end caps.

Abstract: A beverage infusion device comprises a handle and a support member extending from the handle having a pair of flat legs spaced apart by a predetermined width. Attached to each side of the flat legs is a flexible porous member, for example, a pouch of filter material having an unfolded width greater than the width of the support legs. Each porous member contains an infusible beverage preparation and is supported by the support legs in a folded position wherein, upon immersion of the porous members in a liquid, the porous members expand and become spaced to facilitate infusion of a beverage preparation therein into the liquid. In the folded position, the porous members may have a plurality of folds across its width, for example, folds adjacent the first and second ends and an unfolded portion therebetween. The first and second ends of the porous member are preferably heat bonded to the support legs.

Abstract: A filter module assembly utilizes a priority valve installed in a manifold to allow for continuous filtration of hydraulic fluid up to a predetermined flow value and diverts occasional high flow to a secondary circuit. This arrangement provides both a low pressure drop at a high flow condition and structural integrity (1,000,000 impulse cycles from 0 to 6000 psi) while at the same time may reduce the weight by as much as 50% from a conventional design approach.

Abstract: A hot melt adhesive that exhibits distinct gellation properties at application temperatures at some time following application to a substrate. Adhesive having gellation properties are particularly useful in the manufacture of pleating articles, such as pleated filters.

Abstract: A fluid filter element is provided which is formed from an embossed flat filter material which is folded so as to define a plurality of substantially adjacent walls, each wall having an embossing having a first embossing portion which extends from one side of the wall and a second embossing portion which is adjacent to the first embossing portion and which extends from the other side of the wall, and an adhesive connecting adjacent embossings of adjacent walls, the adhesive having a substantially constant height. Additional embossings can also be provided. A method for forming the fluid filter element is also provided.

Abstract: The invention relates to a multi-layer filter element. The invention provides a main filter layer which preferably consists of a melt-blown fleece and has an absolute filtration capability. A paper layer (2) on the clean side supports the filter element and does not contribute to the filtering of the fluid to be filtered. Said layer can therefore have a macropore structure, thereby allowing a low flow resistance. A layer (3)on the clean side which preferably also consists of paper serves to pre-filter the fluid and to protect and support the main filter layer. The inventive design of the multi-layer filter material provides a means for economically producing filter elements, especially filter cartridges which are folded in the shape of a star, since no trellis protective layers are necessary. The invention also facilitates an improved thermal disposability of the proposed filter cartridge.