Abstract: A waste water treatment system for removing sludge from within a rectangular clarifying tank having a plurality of sludge collector flights attached to a pair of parallel chains for collecting sludge and scum within the waste water. Each of the collector flights includes a non-metallic elongated main body portion having spaced top and bottom walls connected by spaced front and rear walls for defining a hollow, interior cavity. Buoyant foam material is disposed within the interior cavity for increasing the buoyancy of the collector flight. The waste water treatment system further includes plastic bull and drive sprockets mounted to a drive shaft running across the width of the tank, and a chain drive assembly for driving a pair of parallel drive chains attached to the drive sprockets. The drive assembly causes rotation of a drive shaft through a chain link attachment to the bull sprocket.

Abstract: In accordance with the teachings of the present invention, a waste water treatment system for removing sludge from within a rectangular clarifying tank as provided. The waste water treatment system includes a plurality of sludge collector flights attached to a pair of parallel chains for collecting sludge and scum within the waste water. Each of the collector flights includes a non-metallic elongated main body portion having spaced top and bottom walls connected by spaced front and rear walls for defining a hollow, interior cavity. Buoyant foam material is disposed within the interior cavity for increasing the buoyancy of the collector flight. The waste water treatment system further includes integrated plastic bull and drive sprockets and a chain drive assembly for driving a pair of parallel drive chains attached to the integrated plastic bull and drive sprockets. The chain drive assembly includes dual drive shafts exterior to the waste water with each extending across half the width of the tank.

Abstract: In accordance with the teachings of the present invention, a composite non-metallic and metallic chain for use in a waste water treatment system is provided. The chain includes a plurality of non-metallic chain link barrel connecting elements including central teeth receiving portions. Each of the barrel elements include first and second end portions extending from opposite ends of the teeth receiving portion. A plurality of metallic side bar members interconnect the non-metallic barrel elements and are rotatably coupled to the end portions of the barrel elements. A plurality of non-metallic bearing members are disposed about the end portions of the barrel elements between adjacent metallic side bar members for reducing friction and wear between the adjacent side bar members. A plurality of non-metallic clip members are secured with indentations formed in the end portions of the barrel elements for securing the metallic side bar members thereto.

Abstract: In accordance with the teachings of the present invention, a waste water treatment system for removing sludge from within a rectangular clarifying tank as provided. The waste water treatment system includes a plurality of sludge collector flights attached to a pair of parallel chains for collecting sludge and scum within the waste water. Each of the collector flights includes a non-metallic elongated main body portion having spaced top and bottom walls connected by spaced front and rear walls for defining a hollow, interior cavity. Buoyant foam material is disposed within the interior cavity for increasing the buoyancy of the collector flight. The waste water treatment system further includes integrated plastic bull and drive sprockets and a chain drive assembly for driving a pair of parallel drive chains attached to the integrated plastic bull and drive sprockets. The chain drive assembly includes dual drive shafts exterior to the waste water with each extending across half the width of the tank.

Abstract: A bucket elevator system for a waste water treatment facility is made of non-metallic components. Buckets are carried along a bottom surface of a settling tank and then lifted above the waste water level and tilted to dump the collected waste solids onto an external disposal system. The buckets include a plurality of de-watering slots which allow the water to drain from the buckets as they are lifted from the settling tank. Split block bearing assemblies are provided for drive shafts of the conveyor.

Abstract: A split sprocket with quick locking mechanisms is made of non-metallic components. The split sprocket is coupled to a shaft element by removable wedge members disposed between the sprocket's half members. Key members, in conjunction with set screws, secure the wedge members and prevent the sprocket's half members from tilting about the shaft element. The wedge members maintain a uniform pitch diameter of the sprocket's teeth by preventing contact between the half sprocket members.

Abstract: A chain conveyor system includes a plurality of interconnected links. The links include first barrel portions connected to engage and be driven by a mechanical drive mechanism including a sprocket wheel. Removable high wear preformed coiled bands having free ends are wrapped around the barrel portions of the links to provide bearings to minimize wear on the links resulting from contact with the mechanical drive member.

Abstract: A water and sewer treatment rectangular tank is provided wherein substantially all the working parts are made of non-metallic material. The system includes a telescoping non-metallic drive shaft connected to sprockets for driving chain with the sprockets being mounted to non-metallic stub posts which are mounted to the side walls of the tank.

Abstract: This application discloses method and means for making annular articles, such as rims, particularly rims which form components of gear wheels, in which arcuate segments are cut from a parallel-sided strip, ribbon, or tape without any waste of material and assembled to form an annulus without voids between segments; also means for cutting segments from a tape and coincidently placing them accurately in an annular assembly container or bucket and then integrating them to form an annular article which can be handled as a unit for assembling with other components to form a finished product.