Abstract: A separator for separating chips in a coolant generated by a workstation from other objects, including a conveyor having an inclined portion removing chips and other objects from the coolant, a separator plate beneath the conveyor including an inclined portion extending parallel to the conveyor having a plurality of generally parallel slots receiving the chips therethrough and enlarged openings adapted to receive the other objects therethrough, and a pump transferring the chips and coolant to a filter.

Abstract: Filter apparatus for filtering contaminants from a fluid, such as machine tool coolant, are disclosed. One filter apparatus includes a filter drum unit having a generally cylindrical open perforated support sheet with a cylindrical screen element mounted thereabout. Circumference varying mechanisms, such as turnbuckles, are connected relative to the support plate to vary the circumference of the support plate and the tautness of the screen element. A disc filter assembly having a mandrel and fluidly attached annular disc filter elements is also described. Each annular disc filter element has an inner structure with concentric ribs forming concentric grooves therebetween which are connected to radially extending grooves. A screen element is supported by the ribs so that the microscreen will not tear while allowing filtering of fluid into the grooves which are in fluid communication with the mandrel.

Abstract: Filter apparatus for filtering contaminants from a fluid, such as machine tool coolant, are disclosed. One filter apparatus includes a filter drum unit having a generally cylindrical open perforated support sheet with a cylindrical screen element mounted thereabout. Circumference varying mechanisms, such as turnbuckles, are connected relative to the support plate to vary the circumference of the support plate and the tautness of the screen element. A disc filter assembly having a mandrel and fluidly attached annular disc filter elements is also described. Each annular disc filter element has an inner structure with concentric ribs forming concentric grooves therebetween which are connected to radially extending grooves. A screen element is supported by the ribs so that the microscreen will not tear while allowing filtering of fluid into the grooves which are in fluid communication with the mandrel.