Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 15
Claim 1
Independent Claim
105 words
A method of assembling a filter comprising the steps of: providing an expanded pleated media filter having a plurality of filter panels with adjacent panels being interconnected at their edges so as to collectively be selectively collapsed or expanded; arranging said plurality of filter panels so that adjacent edges thereof are substantially uniformly spaced at a desired interval; providing at least one flexible strand extending across and engaging only the edges of each of said panels; and ultrasonically bonding said flexible strand to each of said panel edges such that portions of said flexible strand between adjacent panel edges are all of substantially equal lengths.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
105 words
A method of assembling a filter comprising the steps of: providing an expanded pleated media filter having a plurality of filter panels with adjacent panels being interconnected at their edges so as to collectively be selectively collapsed or expanded; arranging said plurality of filter panels so that adjacent edges thereof are substantially uniformly spaced at a desired interval; providing at least one flexible strand extending across and engaging only the edges of each of said panels; and ultrasonically bonding said flexible strand to each of said panel edges such that portions of said flexible strand between adjacent panel edges are all of substantially equal lengths.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
45 words
A method as set forth in claim 1 wherein a plurality of flexible strands are provided to extend across and engage the edges of each of said panels, and each of said plurality of flexible strands are ultrasonically bonded to each of said panel edges.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
45 words
A method as set forth in claim 1 wherein at least one flexible strand comprises a pair of strands with each strand extending across and engaging the edges of each of said panels, with said pair of strands being on opposite sides of said panels.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
15 words
A method as set forth in claim 1 wherein said flexible strand is a ribbon.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
18 words
A method as set forth in claim 1 wherein said filter panels are made from a polypropylene material.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
18 words
A method as set forth in claim 1 wherein said flexible strand is made from a polypropylene material.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
52 words
A method as set forth in claim 1 wherein said arranging step includes the step of expanding said plurality of filter panels, and further wherein the step of providing a flexible strand across the edges of each of said panels includes the step of extending said flexible strand to its maximum length.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
58 words
A filter assembly comprising: an expandable pleated filter element having a plurality of filter panels with adjacent panels being interconnected at their edges; and at least one flexible strand extending across and ultrasonically bonded to each of said edges such that those portions of flexible strand between adjacent edges are not bonded and are of substantially equal lengths.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
58 words
A filter assembly comprising: an expandable pleated filter element having a plurality of filter panels with adjacent panels being interconnected at their edges; and at least one flexible strand extending across and ultrasonically bonded to each of said edges such that those portions of flexible strand between adjacent edges are not bonded and are of substantially equal lengths.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
22 words
A filter assembly as set forth in claim 8 wherein said at least one flexible strand comprises a plurality of flexible strands.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
49 words
A filter assembly as set forth in claim 1 wherein at least one flexible strand comprises a pair of strands with each strand extending across and being ultrasonically bonded to the edges of each of said panels, and said pair of strands being on opposite sides of said panels.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
16 words
A filter assembly as set forth in claim 8 wherein said flexible strand is a ribbon.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
19 words
A filter assembly as set forth in claim 8 wherein said filter panels are made from a polypropylene material.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
19 words
A filter assembly as set forth in claim 8 wherein said flexible strand is made from a polypropylene material.