Apparatus for manufacturing filter cartridges, and method of using same

Abstract

An apparatus for fixing the position of a metal end cap on a filter element includes a filter support, an inductive heater, and a drive system for moving the heater relative to the filter support. Preferably, the apparatus also includes a second inductive heater. Where two heaters are used, the drive system simultaneously moves the first and second inductive heaters in substantially opposite directions, using a control shaft extending between first and second support pillars. Each end of the control shaft is threaded, and the threading on the second end is formed in an opposite direction to the threading on the first end. Each of the heaters is threadably connected to the control shaft. A motor is provided for rotating the control shaft. A method of forming a filter cartridge, using the disclosed apparatus, is another aspect of the invention.

1 . An apparatus for fixing the position of a metal end cap on a porous filter element, the apparatus comprising: 
 a filter support mechanism for supporting a filter element;    an emplacement applicator located proximate said filter support mechanism for placing an end cap on an end of said filter element, said end cap having an adhesive disposed thereon;    a first inductive heater disposed at a first side of said filter element support mechanism and being reciprocally movable with respect thereto, said first inductive heater heating said end cap to pre-cure said adhesive to bond said end cap to said filter element; and    a drive system for selectively and reciprocally moving said first inductive heater toward and away from said filter support mechanism.    
   
   
       2 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , further comprising a second inductive heater disposed at a second side of said filter element support mechanism and being reciprocally movable with respect thereto; and wherein said drive system is operable to simultaneously move said first and second inductive heaters in substantially opposite directions.  
   
   
       3 . The apparatus of  claim 2 , further comprising first and second support pillars, wherein said first inductive heater is movably supported in said first pillar, and said second inductive heater is movably supported in said second pillar.  
   
   
       4 . The apparatus of  claim 3 , further comprising a control shaft extending between said first and second support pillars and being rotatably mounted thereto, said control shaft having a first end with a right-hand threading formed thereon, and a second end with a left-hand threading formed thereon, wherein each of said first and second heaters are threadably connected to said control shaft.  
   
   
       5 . The apparatus of  claim 4 , further comprising a motor, operatively connected to said control shaft, for rotating said control shaft to move said inductive heaters in substantially opposite directions.  
   
   
       6 . An apparatus for fixing the position of metal end caps on a porous filter element, the apparatus comprising: 
 a support structure comprising first and second side pillars and a boom interconnecting the side pillars;    a control shaft disposed within said support structure and rotatably mounted thereto, said control shaft having a first end with a right-hand threading formed thereon, and a second end with a left-hand threading formed thereon;    a first inductive heater located in said first side pillar and movably supported on said control shaft, said first inductive heater pre-curing an adhesive in a first end cap disposed on a first end of said filter element; and    a second inductive heater located in said second side pillar and movably supported on said control shaft, said second inductive heater pre-curing an adhesive in a second end cap disposed on a second end of said filter element.    
   
   
       7 . The apparatus of  claim 6 , further comprising a motor, operatively connected to said control shaft, for rotating said control shaft to move said inductive heaters in substantially opposite directions.  
   
   
       8 . An apparatus for fixing the position of a metal end cap on a porous filter element, the apparatus comprising: 
 a filter support apparatus for supporting a filter element, said filter support apparatus being movable from a first station to a second station;    an emplacement applicator located at said first station for placing an end cap on an end of a filter element held by said filter support apparatus;    a first inductive heater disposed at said second station and being reciprocally movable with respect to said filter support apparatus, said first inductive heater heating said end cap to pre-cure an adhesive in said end cap to bond said end cap to said filter element; and    a heater moving device for selectively and reciprocally moving said first inductive heater toward and away from said filter support apparatus at said second station.    
   
   
       9 . The apparatus of  claim 8 , further comprising a second inductive heater at said second station, and wherein said heater moving device is operable to move said first and second inductive heaters simultaneously in opposite directions.  
   
   
       10 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the filter support mechanism comprises a gripper assembly which is movably mounted on a continuous loop chain conveyor.  
   
   
       11 . The apparatus of  claim 8 , wherein the filter support apparatus comprises a gripper assembly which is movably mounted on a continuous loop chain conveyor.