Baldwin Filters, Inc.

Kyle Swanson

Steven J Merritt

Chad Banzhaf

Brian T Ehrenberg

Stan Johnston

A filter apparatus and method utilize a filter element having a central winding frame and a length of fluted filter material wound about the frame with the flutes of the media oriented substantially longitudinally, to thereby provide for filtration of a flow of fluid passing axially through the filter element. The winding frame is a substantially open, truss-like structure, having a smooth outer periphery and an axially extending winding feature to facilitate pulling the media into intimate contact with the smooth outer periphery during fabrication of the filter element. A leading edge of the filter media is anchored to a leading edge of the frame by a length of tape.

Fluid filter apparatus having filter media wound about a winding frame

A filter apparatus and method utilize a filter element, defining a longitudinal axis and an axial end thereof, and having a central winding structure and a length of fluted filter material wound about the winding structure with the flutes of the media oriented to provide for filtration of fluid passing axially through the filter element. An edge of filter media defines the axial end of the filter element when the media is wound about the winding structure. An axial end of the winding structure is disposed adjacent the axial end of the filter element. A winding feature extends substantially axially outward from the axial end of the winding structure to a distal end of the winding feature. The filter media is wrapped about the winding structure such that the axial end of the filter element is disposed substantially flush with the distal end of the winding feature.

Method and apparatus for winding a filter element

A filter element including a winding core, a sheet of fluted filter media, a relief notch, and an adhesive. The winding core has a pair of ends spaced apart from each other and extending laterally between a pair of opposed sides. The sheet of fluted filter media is wound around the sides of the winding core. The relief notch is formed in one of the sides of the winding core. The adhesive is received at least partially in the relief notch and secures the fluted filter media to the winding core. A method of making a filter element with a winding core having relief notches is also disclosed.

Winding core pressure relief for fluted filter

A filter element includes a filter media pack and an axial seal member configured to axially seal against a filter housing. The axial seal member may be supported by and attached to the filter media pack by a media pack seal member. Alternatively, the axial seal member may be carried by a frame, which is attached to the filter media pack by the media pack seal member.

Fluted filter with axial seal

A filter element includes a filter media pack and an axial seal member configured to axially seal against a filter housing. The axial seal member may be supported by and attached to the filter media pack by a media pack seal member. Alternatively, the axial seal member may be carried by a frame, which is attached to the filter media pack by the media pack seal member provided.

A filter element includes a filter media pack, a frame, an annular seal, and a sealing means independent of the annular seal, attaching the filter media pack and the frame. The means of sealing an interface between the filter media pack and the frame include molding a filter media pack seal, plastic welding outer wraps of filter media pack to the frame, and securing the filter media pack and the frame using a bead of adhesive.

Filter frame attachment and fluted filter having same

A filter element includes a filter media pack, a frame, an annular seal, and a sealing means independent of the annular seal. The frame is integrally secured to the fluted filter media pack with material of the frame integrally bonding the frame thereto.

Fluted filter with integrated frame

A method and apparatus are provided, for forming a filter element including a media pack in the form of a coiled fluted filter media, by winding the web of fluted filter media around a pair of tools of a mandrel. The tools engage the sides of the filter media. The tools define a major to provide the media pack with a oblong or elongated shape. The web may be fed at constant linear speed, and/or a motor may be controlled in a manner to provide constant driving torque to maintain a constant tension on the web. The winding apparatus and methods may include apparatus or methods to modify the feed path of the web to adjust the tension of the web as it is being wound. Further, the coiled media packs can be fixtured to prevent relaxation. A method may form various shaped media packs with the same apparatus.

Growing community of inventors

Kearney, NE, United States of America

Kyle Swanson