Abstract: Apparatus for separating and displacing the plates of a filter press, one by one, is provided with a rail mounted above and extending along the length of the press on which a trolley is supported. The trolley is movable reciprocably along the rail by an endless envelope change drive, entrained with a sprocket wheel fixed on a shaft, journalled in the trolley. A separating device is supported in the trolley for movement reciprocably perpendicular to the direction of movement of the trolley toward and away from the filter plates. The separating device is connected to the sprocket shaft so that rotation of the shaft lifts or lowers a separating wedge relative to the filter plates separating the first of the filter plates and enabling the trolley to displace it alone.

Abstract: A filter press having a plurality of plates adapted to be arranged in abutting relationship in an operating position and to be separated from the operating position for cleansing, replacement or the like, having a pair of first and second reciprocable conveyors arranged respectively along opposing side edges of the plates. Each of said first and second conveyors carry first and second members respectively for engaging the plates selectively during movement of said conveyors, so that when moved in one direction each of the first conveyors and first engaging members act to move the first of said plates from the operating position while each of the second conveyors and second engaging members when moved in an opposite direction act to retain the second of the plates in the operating position.

Abstract: A support is mounted above a filter press for movement along the longitudinal axis of the press. A trolley is mounted on the support for reciprocal movement transversely to the axis of the press, from one side to another. A standpipe is mounted on the trolley to swing between a horizontal position and a vertical position. A single drive system is provided, interconnecting the trolley and the standpipe, which sequentially swings the standpipe from the horizontal to the vertical position, moves the trolley from one side to the other of the filter press, and thereafter reverses the movement of the trolley and the swinging of the standpipe.