Abstract: In a filter press, a stack of vertically oriented, horizontally displaceable filter plates enclose filter chambers therebetween. The filter plates are successively moved relative to each other from a closed pressing position, through a pressure relief position, to an open discharge position. At least one connecting element is connected to each filter plate, and is movably coupled to the respective adjacent filter plate by a coupling pin, which slides in a specially configured groove of the connecting element. In the relief position, a respective coupling pin is stopped against an intermediate blocking surface of the groove of the connecting element of the next adjacent filter plate, thereby preventing further horizontal displacement. By unlatching the connecting element, the coupling pin can then slide to a stop surface of the groove, to allow the adjacent filter plates to be displaced farther into the open discharge position.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to a system for pressing meat products. The system includes a press rack having platens that are movable between a loading position in which meat products can be loaded between the platens, and a pressing position in which the platens are adapted to press the meat products. A hydraulic locking and release mechanism is used to selectively retain the platens in the pressing position. The system also includes a floor mounted closing unit that provides the power for moving the press rack from the loading position to the pressing position.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of closing, compressing and opening filter presses for membrane filters with a stationary upper yoke (7) and a lower yoke (6) movable on vertical press columns (2) and has for its object to improve the service and buildup of such membrane filter presses. This is achieved according to the invention by a method in which a loose lifting tool (10) is fitted under the movable yoke (6) and set in operation, whereby the yokes and the press plates situated therebetween are pressed against each other whereupon the movable yoke (6) is locked in the position taken and, upon opening of the press, is released whereupon the lifting tool is set out of operation and is removed.An apparatus for carrying out the method is characterized in that, between the movable yoke (6) and an abutment (4) there is an interspace (14) in which a lifting tool (10) can be placed and set in operation or out of operation.

Abstract: A plate type filter press, which is opened and closed by at least one hydraulic piston-and-cylinder unit, has a mechanical lock to lock the press in the closed position so that it is not necessary to maintain a high hydraulic pressure to keep the press closed. The mechanical lock may be a set of claws on the hydraulic cylinder to co-operate with a locking ring on the piston rod, with a hydraulic lock cylinder to retract the claws for unlocking, or a lock gate that is introduced into or retracted out of the path of a lock collar on the piston rod by operation of a lock cylinder. The press is first closed with a predetermined high hydraulic pressure that compresses the filter press pack sufficiently for easy movement of the mechanical lock into locking position, and then operation of a lock limit switch automatically stops the hydraulic pump and energizes a bleed valve to reduce the closing pressure to a level at which the press pack compression is relaxed enough to give firm lock engagement.