Abstract: Upper and lower bowl members are mounted on a common linear cylindrical member and a relief valve provides controlled gas pressure within a centrifuge housing in a low speed decanting centrifuge for separating relatively large particulate material (e.g. yeast) from a feedstock. The centrifuge may be clamped to a container and a pressure differential is created between the centrifuge housing and the container to, in turn, force feedstock upwardly into the lower bowl of the centrifuge. A stack of frustonconical discs carry supernatant downwardly and inwardly for vertical transfer to a discharge chamber, Particulate matter is centrifugally discharged continuously between engageable surfaces of the lower bowl member and the upper bowl member. Hydraulic forces generated within the bowl are isolated from a thrust bearing supporting the bowl and transferring drive forces to an intake.

Abstract: Adjustment mechanisms for a low speed decanting centrifuge (10) for separating relatively large particulate material (e.g. yeast) from a feedstock are disclosed. The centrifuge is clamped to a container (12) and the centrifuge housing (18) is pressurized to, in turn, pressurize the container and force feedstock upwardly into the lower bowl (116) of the centrifuge. A stack of inverted frustoconical discs (278, 280, 282) carry supernatant downwardly and inwardly for vertical transfer to a discharge chamber (76). Particulate matter is centrifugally discharged continuously between engageable surfaces (146, 148) of the lower bowl member (116) and the upper bowl member (140). The invention provides for automatic or manual adjustment of the maximum gap available between the bowl members during operation.

Abstract: A low speed decanting centrifuge for separating relatively large particulate material (e.g. yeast) from a feedstock is disclosed. The centrifuge is clamped to a container and the centrifuge housing is pressurized to, in turn, pressurize the container and force feedstock upwardly into the lower bowl of the centrifuge. A plurality of inverted frustoconical discs carry supernatant downwardly and inwardly for vertical transfer to a discharge chamber. Particulate matter is centrifugally discharged continuously between engageable surfaces of the lower bowl member and the upper bowl member. The invention provides for continuous recycle as the discharged particulate matter is returned under gravity to the container. The centrifuge is reasonably inexpensive to produce from lightweight materials since it is not subjected to the high stresses of high speed centrifuges. Also, by operating at low speeds, under 1000 r.p.m.

Abstract: A harvester for harvesting only the blade or lamina from a mature kelp plant uses a plurality of harvester mechanisms for movement through a kelp bed adjacent the sea bottom. Each mechanism has a pair of helically formed spindles parallel to each other for relative counter-rotation, the helices being of opposite hand. A kelp stipe, encountering the spindles is moved upwardly thereby to bring the attached lamina into a channel forward of the spindles, adjacent which channel a cutter is positioned. When the lamina starts to engage the spindles they separate slightly and operate a linkage which in turn actuates the cutter to sever the lamina. The severed laminae are collected in a basket connected to the harvesting mechanisms. By harvesting only the lamina the plant can regenerate a new lamina and it is possible to have repeated harvests from a single plant.

Abstract: A harvester for plants such as Irish moss is disclosed. The harvester may be towed along the sea bed by a surface vessel and provides for the continuous pumping of harvested plants to the vessel by way of an enclosed conduit. The harvester includes a plurality of axially spaced harvest rollers rotatably mounted in a frame. A plurality of guide rollers are pivotally mounted relative to the harvest rollers in advance thereof with each guide roller being longitudinally aligned with a corresponding space between adjacent harvest rollers. A continuous mesh-like harvest belt extends around the guide and harvest rollers with the lengthwise members thereof being entrained around the guide rollers and positioned in the spaces defined between the harvest rollers. The transverse members of the belt are flexible and extend between the endless members so as to be positioned, in the lower run thereof on the sea bed, and so as to engage and conform to the contour of the harvest rollers.