Methods of making a filter element

Abstract

Methods of making a filter element may comprise inserting end portions of a filter and a core into a liquid bonding material of an end cap. The end portions may be inserted into the liquid bonding material at the same time or at different times. Inserting the end portion of the core into the liquid bonding material may include separating some of the liquid bonding material from the end portion of the filter. The end portion of the filter is bonded to the end cap, while the core may or may not be bonded to the end cap. The inner periphery of the end portion of the filter near the bond may be supported by an outer wall of the core.

What is claimed is:  
     
         1 . A method of making a filter element comprising: 
 inserting an end portion of a filter into a liquid bonding material of an end cap;    inserting a narrow edge at an end portion of a core into the liquid bonding material, including separating some of the liquid bonding material from the end portion of the filter;    bonding the end portion of the filter to the end cap; and    supporting an inner periphery of the end portion of the filter by an outer wall of the core near the bond.    
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the end portion of the filter and the end portion of the core are inserted into the liquid bonding material simultaneously.  
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the end portion of the filter and the end portion of the core are inserted into the liquid bonding material at different times.  
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 1  wherein inserting the narrow edge of the core into the liquid bonding material and separating some of the liquid bonding material from the end portion of the filter includes directing liquid bonding material away from the end portion of the filter.  
     
     
         5 . The method of  claim 4  wherein directing liquid bonding material away from the end portion of the filter includes directing liquid bonding material into an annular recess in the end portion of the core, the method further comprising solidifying liquid bonding material in the recess.  
     
     
         6 . The method of  claim 1  further comprising venting gas in the recess through vents in the core.  
     
     
         7 . The method of  claim 1  further comprising solidifying bonding material in contact with or facing an interlock arrangement at the end portion of the core.  
     
     
         8 . The method of  claim 7  further comprising not fixing the core to the end cap and arranging the core to move with respect to the end cap.  
     
     
         9 . The method of  claim 8  wherein the core is arranged to move axially but not rotationally with respect to the end cap.  
     
     
         10 . The method of  claim 1  further comprising not fixing the core to the end cap.  
     
     
         11 . The method of  claim 1  further comprising fixing the core to the end cap.  
     
     
         12 . The method of  claim 1  wherein supporting the inner periphery of the filter includes arranging the filter and the core such that the inner periphery at the end portion of the filter intimately faces the outer wall of the core.  
     
     
         13 . The method of  claim 1  wherein supporting the inner periphery of the filter includes contacting the inner periphery at the end portion of the filter and the outer wall of the core.