Apparatus and method for wrapping an external tape support about a

Abstract

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.