Patent ID: 7419525

Claim:
A method for making a filter, comprising: extruding a plurality of separately formed individual elongated filter members from a filter media; grouping the plurality of separately formed individual elongated filter members into a configuration such that an exterior surface of each of the plurality of separately formed individual elongated members contacts an exterior surface of at least one other of the plurality of separate individual elongated members, the plurality of individual elongated filter members having varying lengths and each of the plurality of individual elongated filter members having a passage extending therethrough; sealing portions of one end of the filter by sealing areas defined between the exteriors of each of the plurality of individual elongated filter members; sealing portions of another end of the filter by sealing the passage of the plurality of individual elongated filter members; and placing one end of the configuration onto a non-uniform tool wherein the plurality of individual elongated members are relocated prior to the sealing steps.