End cap and gasket assemblies for filter elements

A filter element is particularly suitable as a "green" filter element because all of its parts are flammable for disposal of after use by incineration. The filter element has an annular pleated filter media, hard resinous end seals and compressible gaskets bonded directly to the end seals. In accordance with one embodiment, both the end seals and gaskets are applied to the ends of the filter media by sequential steps in an injecting molding machine. In accordance with another embodiment, the gasket is molded to the end cap to form an integral assembly and the end cap is then fixed to the filter media by adhesive or by heat bonding.