Caterpillar Inc.

Joel L Fritsche

John J Groezinger

Ronald W Streitmatter

Paul Cherkas

Norman W Ellegood

Paul D LaGorce

Keichi Ikeda

An automatic wrapping apparatus for wrapping an external tape support about a filter element includes an indexable turret assembly having a plurality of filter element clamps rotatably mounted at spaced radial positions on the indexable turret. Means are provided at one of the radial positions for rotating a filter element clamp about a longitudinal axis. The wrapping apparatus also includes means for selectively varying the position of the strand of tape along the longitudinal axis during rotation of the clamp. Further, the apparatus includes means for severing the strand of tape and wrapping the severed ends about a respective pleated filter assembly. A method for wrapping an external tape support about a pleated filter element includes clamping a pleated filer between opposed face surfaces, contacting one end of a continuous strand of adhesive coated tape with an outer pleated edge surface of the pleated filter assembly carried in the clamp fixture, rotating the filter element assembly about a longitudinal axis and simultaneously move the position of the taped material in one direction along the longitudinal axis to spirally wrap the tape externally about the pleated filter element. After wrapping, the filter element is indexed to a second radial position and the trailing strand of tape is severed, producing a loose end which is pressed into contact with the outer ede surfaces of the pleated filter element. The present invention is particularly useful in the automatic assembly of cylindrical filter cartridge elements.

Apparatus and method for wrapping an external tape support about a

An automatic assembly machine for assembling a pleated filter material and a perforate hollow core member includes a wrapping station, an adhesive application station and a clamping station. A conveyor moves the filter material and the core member together as a unit through the wrapping station and the adhesive application station. The clamping station both clamps the seam to which adhesive has been applied for a period of time sufficient to permit curing of the adhesive joint, and simultaneously conveys the filter material and core member assembly. A method for assembling a pleated filter material and a perforate hollow core member includes the steps of conveying both the filter material and the hollow core member to a point where they come in mutual contact, supporting one of the members on the other, and simultaneously conveying the filter material and core member sequentially through a wrapping station and an adhesive application station. At the wrapping station the filter material is formed about the core member and the free ends of opposed end pleats are brought into juxtaposition. An adhesive material is applied to selected apposite surfaces at the adhesive application station. Following the application of adhesive material the apposite surfaces are clamped together for a period of time sufficient to permit curing of the adhesively joined surfaces and, simultaneously therewith, the assembled elements are conveyed as a unit.

Machine and method for assembling pleated filter material and a hollow

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Sunnyvale, CA, United States of America

Joel L Fritsche