Abstract: A filter has a hollow tube (5) which supports exteriorly of the tube (95) a plurality of filter compartments (11). The filter compartments (11) comprise particulate filter media (12) confined between first and second screens (14, 13). Disposed within the tube (5) is a rotatable backwash pipe 8 having backwash ducts (9) which align in turn with holes (7) in the tube (5) leading to the compartments to permit backwashing of the compartments (11). In the preferred arrangement secondary backwash flow is provided between the first and second screens (14, 13).

Abstract: A filter has a plurality of cylindrical filter elements (5) supported exteriorly over holes (4) in a hollow filter cage (3). A backwash pipe (11) is disposed axially of the filter cage (3) and has ducts (12) which are arranged, on rotation of the backwash pipe, to register with the holes (4) in the filter cage (3) to allow backwashing of the filter elements. The filter cage (3) has retaining portions (7) in the form of a T-slot or spaced abutments. The filter elements (5) each have a circumferential flange (8) provided with at least one flat (9) so that, in a first angular orientation of a filter element (5) the filter element is held firmly by engagement of the flange (8) under the retaining portions (7) and, in a second angular orientation, it is free for removal.

Abstract: A press has a framework (1) which supports a pressure plate (3). The pressure plate is attached to a fluid operated ram assembly (4) by means of gimbals (20) so that the pressure plate (3) may adopt different angular attitudes relative to the load being compressed. In order to prevent the ram assembly (4) being subjected to stress the ram assembly (4) is mounted on the framework (1) by means of gimbals (18). The freedom of movement of the pressure plate (3) laterally is restrained by opposed pins (26) which engage loosely in slots (27) on the frame and stops (28) on the opposed pins. The press may be used to compress a palletized load, such as cardboard box blanks, prior to banding.