Abstract: A filter is provided by pleated filter media having a plurality of pleats defined by wall segments extending axially along an axial direction along an axis and extending transversely along a transverse direction between first and second sets of pleat tips at first and second sets of axially extending bend lines. The pleated filter media spans laterally along a lateral span along a lateral direction, with the wall segments being spaced from each other by lateral gaps. The pleats have a pleat depth along the transverse direction along the wall segments between the first and second sets of pleat tips. The pleat depth varies as the pleated filter media spans laterally along the lateral direction.

Abstract: An axial flow filter element including alternating flat and folded media layers forming axial channels, one end of a first group of channels being sealed and the remaining channels being sealed at the other end so fluid flowing through the element passes from channels of the first group through the filter media to channels of the second group to exit the filter; channels of the second group adjoining each side of channels of the first group spaced from the edge of the filter element so fluid flows through the entire lateral area of the first channels; an annular sealing collar adjacent an axial end face of the filter element connected to the exterior of the element to seal the element in a housing; part of the collar projecting axially beyond the end face of the element, and a frame connected to the projecting part for radially supporting the collar.

Abstract: A filter element, a safety element and fluid cleaner assembly. The fluid cleaner assembly generally includes a housing having a cover and a primary fluid cleaner section. The element generally comprises z-filter media, arranged in a straight through configuration, and an axial seal gasket positioned to extend continuously around at outer perimeter of the straight through flow construction. The fluid cleaner assembly can have a precleaner positioned therein. Methods of assembly and use are provided.

Abstract: A low resistance air filter device comprises a tubular case (2) for containing a filtering element (3) fixed to a lower opening (9) of the case (2). The tubular case has an upper opening (10), with outlet means (8) provided with an air outflow opening (7). The outlet means (8), at the outflow opening (7), are provided with a tubular body protruding toward an inside tubular case (2) and connect in flow communication the inside volume of the tubular case with the outflow opening (7).

Abstract: An air cleaner includes a housing and an access cover. The internal volume of the housing can be reached through an opening in a side wall of the housing. A filter element having fluted filter media is removable and replaceable from the air cleaner. The housing is constructed and arranged to cam the element into sealing engagement with the housing. The access cover includes structure to help support and ensure proper seating of the filter element within the housing. A method of installing the filter element in the air cleaner includes sliding a portion of the filter element against a slide surface in the housing. A method of servicing an air cleaner includes tilting the filter element against a tilt surface in the housing to release a seal between the filter element and the housing. The filter element can have a handle to assist in servicing of the air cleaner.

Abstract: A filter device for filtering air in internal combustion engines equipped with a filter that can be inserted into a filter housing and has a flame-retardant effect. The filter comprises a main filter element and an upstream filter fleece whereby the flame-retardant effect is achieved by the fleece prefilter.

Abstract: A pleated fluid filter having a pair of spaced longitudinally extending flanks is formed by at least one layer of a fluid filter media. A spacing member is integral with one of the flanks and extends outwardly in contacting relation with an adjacent flank.

Abstract: A filter screen structure includes a filter screen having air vents distributed thereon, and one or more layers of impedance material attached to the filter screen to increase an impedance of the filter screen and reduce the speed of air flowing through the filter screen. Through proper attachment of the impedance material to the filter screen in predetermined manners, the speed of air flown through the filter screen may be effectively adjusted to thereby regulate the volume of air flown through the filter screen.

Abstract: An air filter arrangement, an air cleaner assembly including the air filter arrangement and methods of assembly and use are described. An air filter arrangement comprising a serviceable filter cartridge is described. The typical cartridge includes a recessed first flow face and an opposite outwardly projecting second flow face, with a central apex. Features of the cartridge, and an air cleaner for installation into the cartridge, are described.

Abstract: The strainer comprises an unitary body having a main section and a collar section located around the main section. The collar section has a substantially outwardly-projecting portion located around the main section and an upstream projecting portion located around the substantially outwardly-projecting portion.

Abstract: A filter arrangement includes a filter element, a frame construction secured to the filter element, and a handle member secured to the filter element. In preferred embodiments, the handle member is secured to the frame construction. Preferably, the filter element includes a central core member, wherein fluted filter media is coiled around the central core member. Preferably, the central core member includes a plurality of corrugations, wherein the corrugations mateably engage at least some flutes. Preferably, the handle member is integral with the central core member, and also includes a fastening member for connection to a frame construction on the filter element. Methods for cleaning air and servicing an air cleaner preferably include constructions as described herein.

Abstract: This invention relates in general to a guard(s)/cap(s) and/or screen(s) apparatus (single and/or multiple formation) for the nacelle/air inlet for numerous jets, turbojet, turboprop and turboshaft engines—(Helicopters and other VTOL/VSTOL aircraft) such as power plants or the like. This apparatus contains the rotational system(s) as well as the engine shaft attached apparatus and/or pole that allows the mechanism to function by auto induced movement, without limiting engine thrust. Additional security measures have been introduced to the guard(s)/cap(s) and/or screen(s) apparatus, which includes a centrifuge chamber/manifold for particle collector without limiting engine thrust.

Abstract: A filter element (1) with a tubular folded bag (2) of folded filter material, which has a plurality of fold blades (3) adjacent each other in the longitudinal direction (10) of the folded bag (2) a closure cover (4) is attached at at least one axial end (7) of the folded bag (2). In order to provide a filter element which can be bent to any desired curved form while maintaining a high degree of filtration performance, and can be produced in a cost effective manner, the fold blades (3) of a folded bag (2) are provided with a combination of diagonal folds extending at an angle relative to each other such that the fold blades (3) in the longitudinal direction (10) of the folded bag extend back and forth and thereby form a three-dimensional crown structure (18). At least the outer margin of the closure cover (4) has a form corresponding to the crown structure (18) of the fold blades (3).

Abstract: Wet laid, nonwoven, fibrous mats suitable for making MERV 6 or higher filters, and methods of making the nonwoven mats are disclosed. The mats include a blend comprising a major portion of glass fibers and a minor portion of man-made polymer fibers, such as polyester fibers, the fibers being bound together with a cured binder having a Tg in the range of about minus 30 to about 50 degrees C. The mats are pleated prior to assembling the filter in conventional manner. The only fibrous mat in the filters is wet laid fibrous nonwoven mat and the pleated filter media needs no other means of support in the filter frame.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a producing method of a laminated filter that carries out a corrugating operation and an adhering operation of filter media in the same step. A corrugation forming apparatus (20) sandwiches first and second filter media (12, 14) in their superposed state, and heats and presses the first and second filter media (12, 14) at the softening temperature of the second filter medium (14) to corrugate the filter media (12, 14), and thermally adheres the first and second filter media (12, 14) to each other. With this, it is possible to carry out the corrugating operation and the adhering operation of the first and second filter media (12, 14) in the same step.

Abstract: The invention provides an air-cleaner filter material for an internal combustion engine, which comprises a dust-collecting layer comprising a melt-blown nonwoven fabric having a maximum pore size of 100 ?m or less and a dust-retaining layer arranged upstream of the dust-collecting layer and laminated integrally by heat fusion with, the dust-collecting layer, comprising a thermal-bond nonwoven fabric having fibers with two or more fiber diameters arranged in the order of increasing the proportion of smaller fiber diameter in the direction from the upstream to downstream side, wherein the in-plane of the filter material has a portion of high fiber density and a portion of low fiber density, and the portion of high fiber density occurs in a lattice pattern.

Abstract: A filter media including a first sheet having an inner surface and an outer surface, a second sheet having an inner surface and an outer surface, wherein the inner surface of the first sheet and the inner surface of the second sheet at least in part define at least two fluid channels between the first sheet and the second sheet to define a filter media having a first axial end and a second axial end, wherein the at least two fluid channels extend between the first axial end and the second axial end, and wherein, interior to said axial ends, the first and second sheets define at least one opening between a first one of said at least two fluid channels and a second one of said at least two fluid channels such that fluid can uninterruptedly flow between the first one of said at least two fluid channels and the second one of the at least two fluid channels, and further wherein the at least two fluid channels and the at least one opening are at least defined in part by a surface characteristic of the first sheet a

Abstract: Wet laid, nonwoven, fibrous mats suitable for making MERV 6 or higher, filters, and methods of making the nonwoven mats filter media are disclosed. The mats include a blend comprising a major portion of glass fibers, a minor portion of man-made polymer fibers, such as polyester fibers and about 0-30 wt. percent of chemically cross linked bleached Kraft pulp the fibers, and optionally fully bleached softwood Kraft pulp, the fibers being bound together with a cured binder having a Tg in the range of about minus 30 to about 50 degrees C. The mats are pleated prior to assembling the filter in conventional manner. The only fibrous mat in the filters is wet laid fibrous nonwoven mat and the pleated filter media needs no other means of support in the filter frame.

Abstract: A coalescing filter assembly having an upstream chamber, a downstream chamber, and a weephole connecting the upstream chamber to the downstream chamber. The downstream chamber includes a coalescing filter to filter a flow of gases. A passageway may be implemented between the upstream chamber and the downstream chamber to accommodate the flow of gases therethrough, while the weephole enables liquid to seep from the upstream chamber to the downstream chamber. In this manner, the weephole reduces liquid pooling in the upstream chamber without substantially compromising the efficiency or performance of the coalescing filter. A drain may connect to the downstream chamber to drain liquid collected therein.

Abstract: According to one aspect of the present invention, a filter assembly for removing particulate matter from a fluid stream is disclosed. The filter assembly includes a filter medium having a number of longitudinally extending spaced pleats. Opposing faces of adjacent pleats form a valley therebetween and include a pair of peak portions and a valley portion. The filter assembly further includes a plastic support net being pleated for supporting the filter medium in a pleated shape. The plastic support net includes spaced strands extending in a first direction and spaced strands extending in a second direction that is generally transverse the first direction. The strands extending in the first direction continuously extend over the valley and peak portions of opposing faces of adjacent filter medium pleats and are aligned in a direction substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the filter medium pleats.

Abstract: Fanfold and/or perforated media comprising a substrate including one or more friable coatings and an overcoat covering at least a portion of the one or more friable coatings proximate to one or more associated fanfolds and/or perforations is provided, wherein the overcoat mitigates spallation of the one or more friable coatings. Methods and apparatus for making the same are also disclosed.

Abstract: A filter element is includes a cylindrical media pack defining a central open volume and a longitudinal axis; a first end cap having a central aperture in flow communication with the central open volume; and a second, closed end cap having a central region closing an end of the media pack central, open volume. The closed end cap includes a projection extending axially outwardly therefrom and positioned at a location intersected by the longitudinal axis. An end cover for an air cleaner includes an inner side including a central projection thereon. Preferably, the central projection comprises a wall that includes an outer perimeter defining a regular polyhedron having at least five sides. An air cleaner comprises a cylindrical filter element having a first open end cap, a second closed end cap, and a cylindrical media pack extending therebetween. The first end cap defines an internal radial seal region. The second, closed end cap has a central region including a circular recessed portion.

Abstract: A filter element comprises a filter medium (1) with an inflow and an outflow side wherein at least one channel (2) which is variable in its dimensions is associated to the filter medium (1). An arrangement comprises a filter element and a flow channel, wherein the flow channel can be at least partially closed and opened by means of the filter element. Such a filter element and such an arrangement solve the objective to realize a filter system which ensures an engine-friendly operation mode and a long service life of the filter element.

Abstract: A one aspect method of forming filter cartridge arrangements for use in air cleaners is provided. The method involves coiling a media pack with a central winding bead and cutting through the winding bead in the coiled media pack to form two media packs. An example filter arrangement is disclosed. In another aspect, a filter cartridge arrangement for use in air cleaners is provided. The filter cartridge arrangement includes a media pack including a plurality of inlet flutes and outlet flutes extending between first and second opposite flow faces and formed from an arrangement of facing sheet secured to corrugated sheet. An example cartridge includes a preform secured to the media pack. In some forms, the preform includes a grid arrangement extending across one of the flow faces. The grid arrangement can include a region of cured seal material positioned in contact with the first flow face, to secure the grid arrangement to the flow face.

Abstract: This invention relates in general to a guard(s)/cap(s) and/or screen(s) apparatus (single and/or multiple formation) for the nacelle/air inlet for numerous jets, turbojet, turboprop and turboshaft engines—(Helicopters and other VTOL/VSTOL aircraft) such as power plants or the like. This apparatus contains the rotational system(s) as well as the engine shaft attached apparatus and/or pole that allows the mechanism to function by auto induced movement, without limiting engine thrust. Additional security measures have been introduced to the guard(s)/cap(s) and/or screen(s) apparatus, which includes a centrifuge chamber/manifold for particle collector without limiting engine thrust.

Abstract: A dual pleated air filter according to the present disclosure may include two or more generally parallel, pleated filter elements layered perpendicular to the influent air stream and having the pleats of adjacent filter elements oriented orthogonally. Within each pleated filter element are an influent mesh layer and a corresponding effluent mesh layer for supporting filter media and one or more layers of filter media are located between the influent and the effluent mesh layers. The relative orientation of pleats of adjacent elements may range from parallel to perpendicular.

Abstract: A hydrocarbon trap that includes a sheet paper element and a plurality of fingers. The paper element is at least partially formed of a material capable of adsorbing and desorbing gaseous hydrocarbons. The paper element is arranged into a plurality of adjacent sheet members. The fingers are disposed between and support adjacent pairs of the sheet members so that each adjacent pair of the sheet members forms a flow channel. A method for filtering gaseous hydrocarbons from an air flow is also provided.

Abstract: A system is disclosed for a plate-shaped filter element (2) in a gas filter housing (1). The filter element (2) has filter material (3), which is folded in a zigzag shape, having filter folds closed at the front edges, and the closure (4) being made of essentially the same filter material which forms the filter folds, and having an edge area (5) projecting outward on both sides, and in which the two edge areas (5) are inserted into the housing (1) having insert struts (7), on the sides assigned to the end folds of he plate-shaped filter element (2), which engage the end folds (8) and ensure a leakage air rate of 0 to 4 m3/h at a differential pressure of at least 200 Pa.

Abstract: Filter media, as well as related assemblies, systems and methods. Filter media may contain one or more layers formed of a meltblown material.

Abstract: A honeycomb body includes an inlet end side and an outlet end side. Metal sheets are wound, intertwined and/or layered into a multiplicity of sheet metal layers being at least partially structured to form channels leading from the inlet end side to the outlet end side. Edges of at least some of the sheet metal layers have cutouts formed therein at the inlet end side and/or the outlet end side, resulting in a fissured structure of the inlet end side and/or the outlet end side. As a result, only the smooth metal sheets or only the structured metal sheets or both can be provided with the cutouts. Additionally, at least some of the metal sheets can be made of a porous material, in particular compressed metal fibers. Deposition of soot particles on the end sides of the honeycomb body is, to a large extent, prevented due to the cutouts.

Abstract: A filter element that has at least two, planar, non-curved filtration panels. In a preferred embodiment, the filter element has three panels, providing a generally triangular filter element. The outlet aperture, from the filter element, generally follows the configuration of the filter. That is, a filter element having three filtration panels will have a generally three-sided outlet aperture. The outlet aperture preferably is not a true polygon, but rather, includes rounded or curved sides and/or corners. The filter element includes an outlet sealing configuration that may provide both axial and radial sealing to outlet ductwork.

Abstract: A gas turbine air inlet filter element is described. The filter element includes a first end cap, a second end cap, and a filter media. The filter media includes a nonwoven synthetic fabric formed from a plurality of bicomponent synthetic fibers with a spunbond process, and having a bond area pattern that includes a plurality of substantially parallel discontinuous lines of bond area. The filter media has a minimum filtration efficiency of about 50%, measured in accordance with ASHRAE 52.2-1999 test procedure. The filter media also includes an embossing pattern or a plurality of corrugations. The embossing pattern or the corrugations are formed using opposing rollers at a temperature of about 90° C. to about 140° C.

Abstract: A filter element includes a filter web pleated in an essentially zigzag manner and made, in particular, of a nonwoven material, for insertion into a holder such as a filter frame and/or a filter housing, having at least one end-positioned wall of an essentially flat design. The filter element includes at least one end face, viewed in the direction of the pleats. To achieve a tighter seal, the end face of the filter element is curved outward in a defined convex manner, and the filter web material is selected and/or its end face conditioned so that, when inserted into the holder, the end face of the filter web may be placed leak-tight against the end wall of the holder without corrugation under elastic pre-tension.

Abstract: A self-supporting, pleated filter including a plurality of pleats in a filter media that extend along a front face and a rear face. The pleats include a plurality of pleat tips and sloping side surfaces generally perpendicular to the direction of pleating. At least one planar reinforcing strip oriented in the direction of pleating is bonded to the pleat tips on the front face. At least one reinforcing member is positioned along the rear face of the filter media. The reinforcing member may be a reinforcing strip oriented in the direction of pleating and bonded to the rear face of the filter media. A second planar reinforcing strip may optionally be bonded to the reinforcing strip pleat tips. The reinforcing member, the first reinforcing strip and the second reinforcing strip can be aligned to form a truss structure.

Abstract: This invention relates in general to a guard(s)/cap(s) and/or screen(s) apparatus (single and/or multiple formation) for the nacelle/air inlet for numerous jets, turbojet, turboprop and turboshaft engines—(Helicopters and other VTOL/VSTOL aircraft) such as power plants or the like. This apparatus contains the rotational system(s) as well as the engine shaft attached apparatus and/or pole that allows the mechanism to function by auto induced movement, without limiting engine th'rust. Additional security measures have been introduced to the guard(s)/cap(s) and/or screen(s) apparatus, which includes a centrifuge chamber/manifold for particle collector without limiting engine thrust.

Abstract: A filter element, a safety element and fluid cleaner assembly. The fluid cleaner assembly generally includes a housing having a cover and a primary fluid cleaner section. The element generally comprises z-filter media, arranged in a straight through configuration, and an axial seal gasket positioned to extend continuously around at outer perimeter of the straight through flow construction. The fluid cleaner assembly can have a precleaner positioned therein. Methods of assembly and use are provided.

Abstract: A corrugated web having tapered flutes is usable in straight-through flow filter elements. The corrugated web can be made by passage between a pair of corrugated rollers having tapered teeth. Methods of making usable corrugated rollers include methods for generating the tapered teeth at the end points and the extension between the end points. Corrugated webs may be made from a variety of media, including certain media that stretches in the machine direction. Methods of forming the corrugated web into filter elements (e.g., air filter elements) includes forming filter media by securing a flat sheet to the corrugated web. The filter media may then be wound into a filter element, including application of sealant during the winding process to close selected flutes.

Abstract: The invention provides an air filter assembly including an air filter extending along a central axis from a first end to a second end. The air filter decreases in width along the central axis from the first end to the second end. The air filter assembly also includes a filter housing partially enclosing the air filter and defining an aperture adjacent to the second end. One or more airstreams can be directed through the aperture to the air filter. The air filter assembly also includes at least one valve member rotatable about a rotation axis. The valve member pivots around the second end to block at least a portion of the aperture.

Abstract: An axial flow filter element having alternating flat and pleated layers of fluid permeable filter media which form channels with an open cross section, one end of a first group of channels and the other end of a second group of channels being tightly sealed such that fluid being filtered must pass through one of the filter layers to pass through the filter element, a peripheral seal for sealing the inflow side of the filter from the outflow side in a housing, and a support body arranged in the filter element surrounded by the channels and extending axially at least to one end face of the filter element; at least one end face of the filter element having a spacer for maintaining the end face at a distance from a supporting surface on which the filter element may be placed during handling to prevent direct contact between the end face and the supporting surface.

Abstract: A cylindrical shaped pleated media includes adhesive beads arranged on a periphery to bridge pleats and provide structural support for the pleated media. The pleated media is used in a fluid filter.

Abstract: The present invention provides a specific filtration media which includes a substrate having cellulose fibers, bicomponent fibers, adhesion fibers, binder, and pressure sensitive adhesive. Also contemplated are fire retardant filtration media containing bicomponent fibers and polyester fibers or acrylic fibers, and optionally cellulose fibers. The cellulose fibers of the invention are pretreated with flame retardant, providing a beneficial material for filtration purposes.

Abstract: A filter cartridge for a compact vacuum container includes a cylindrical side wall with an inwardly facing flange and a least one cross-beam extending along a diameter of the opening at the bottom and a radially pleated filer element is provided. The filer cartridge may be used with a dirt container having a tangential air inlet at the upper portion, a closed top and a central outlet at the bottom having an improved air separation and dirt collection container. Dirt particles that separate from the air flow in the container. Clean air then exits an open upper portion of the column to the suction source below the container. The air exiting the bottom of the column may pass through an radially pleated filter before being drawn into the vacuum source.

Abstract: A filter element includes, in an exemplary embodiment, a first end cap, a second end cap, and a composite filter media structure. The composite filter media structure includes a base substrate that includes a nonwoven synthetic fabric formed from a plurality of bicomponent synthetic fibers with a spunbond process, and having a bond area pattern having a plurality of substantially parallel discontinuous lines of bond area. The base substrate having a minimum filtration efficiency of about 50%, measured in accordance with ASHRAE 52.2-1999 test procedure. The composite filter media structure also includes a nanofiber layer deposited on one side of the base substrate by an by electro-blown spinning process. The composite filter media structure having a minimum filtration efficiency of about 75%, measured in accordance with ASHRAE 52.2-1999 test procedure. The composite media structure further includes a plurality of corrugations formed at a temperature of about 90° C. to about 140° C.

Abstract: The invention provides a multiple layer filter media for removal of particles from a fluid stream. The multiple layer filter media may include a depth filtration layer, a membrane filtration layer and a support layer. Additional layers may be present. The membrane filtration layer may comprise expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE). The various layers of the multiple layer filter media may be bonded together through a plurality of point bonds. The point bonding process may include simultaneously bonding multiple layers of the multiple layer filter media together in a single operation. The point bonds may be created using ultrasonic bonding.

Abstract: An air filter has an inner filtering body within an outer filtering body. The air filter is configured to fit inside a scoop and adjacent to the inlet opening of the scoop. By placing the air filter adjacent to the inlet opening of the scoop, the size of the air filter may be increased as compared to a traditional air filter which fits within the neck area of the scoop. As such, the surface area of the air filter may be increased to provide more air to an air intake system such as a carburetor, fuel injectors, throttle body, or the like, as compared the traditional air filter. The inner filtering body may be recessed inside or protrude from the outer filtering body. The inner filtering body may be coupled to the outer filtering body along the base of the air filter. The inner filtering body increases the surface area of the air filter so that more air may be provided to the air intake system of a vehicle.

Abstract: The filter fabric containing polyphenylene sulfide fibers, characterized in that the following (1) and/or (2) is satisfied is used to provide a filter fabric and a bag filter composed of the filter fabric excellent in dust-collecting efficiency and high in mechanical strength: (1) Containing at least two webs, one of which on the dust side contains 50 wt % or more of heat resistant fibers with a fiber, diameter of 15 ?m or less, while the other web on the clean side contains 50 wt % or more of heat resistant fibers with a fiber diameter of 20 ?m or more (2) Containing a web containing polyphenylene sulfide staple fibers with their fineness kept in a range from 1 to 3 dtex and fluorine-based staple fibers with their fineness kept in a range from 2 to 4 dtex.

Abstract: Collapsible filter assemblies for use with pleated or other filter media are disclosed. A collapsible filter assembly can include at least one filter element including a filter media supported within a collapsible filter frame. The filter frame can include a number of frame members each including a number of frame panel sections hingedly connected to each other. Each frame member can be configured to bend or fold outwardly away from the sides of the filter media to permit the filter frame to be actuated between a collapsed position and an expanded position. A number of elastic members can be coupled to opposing sets of frame members in order to bias the filter frame in the expanded position, causing the filter assembly to self-expand when removed from its packaging. During installation, such auto-expanding feature reduces the amount of time required for the installer to place the filter assembly into service.

Abstract: A filter element, particularly a secondary element for a filter system in the intake tract of an internal combustion engine, which filter element includes a zig-zag pleated filter medium surrounded by a circumferential frame of polyurethane foam. The frame has a substantially oval contour and is insertable into an oval opening. To reproduce the oval contour, the plate-like medium has beveled lateral regions, such that a maximum effective filter surface is obtained with a minimum amount of waste. A circumferential groove or a circumferential web is provided in the frame to seal the polyurethane foam frame to the opening.

Abstract: A filter element (10) is provided which can be used to remove microsize contaminant particles (i.e., about 0.5 ?m to about 25.0 ?m) from aviation fuel. The filter element (10) includes a cylindrical pleated filter media (14) and an exoskeleton support structure (16) supporting the filter media (14). The filter media (14) has a pleat density of about eight to about thirteen pleats per inner diameter inch and is formed only from cellulose-fiber-free and woven-mesh-free layers. The exoskeleton support structure (16) is a screen which is thermally bonded to the pleats' peaks in such a manner that the filter media (14) is sufficiently supported without conventional endoskeleton support layers.

Abstract: A pleated fluid filter element for removing particulate matter from a fluid stream that comprises a pleated filter media provided with a plurality of pleats having peaks and valleys and having a clean and dirty side. The pleated filter media further has arrays of elongated embossments projecting from both the clean and dirty sides thereof. The arrays of the elongated embossments are positioned so that the elongated embossments embossed on adjacent pleats of the filter media are offset from each other in a direction parallel to the peaks and valleys. The elongated embossments are provided for maintaining gaps between the pleats and spaces within the pleats and for channeling fluid into and out of the filter media.