Abstract: A header conduit assembly for a sediment collecting apparatus includes a tubular member having a plurality of mutually spaced (suction) orifices disposed in a linear array extending parallel to an axis of the tubular member. The conduit assembly further includes at least one elongate deflector member mounted to the tubular member in effective proximity to at least some of the orifices to guide sediment toward the orifices during a sediment evacuation process. Preferably, the deflector member extends parallel to the axis of the tubular member. Inasmuch as the tubular conduit member extends perpendicularly to a direction of movement of the conduit assembly on the floor of a clarification basin or tank, the deflector is oriented orthogonally to the path of the conduit assembly.

Abstract: A lifting mechanism for a sedimentation tank is provided for vertically raising and lowering a rake assembly in such sedimentation tank. The lifting mechanism comprises one or more elongate members pivotally connected to certain structural elements of the assemblage, such as the rotary drive motor, rake assembly, column or bridge. The pivotal connections of the elongate members are positioned about a horizontal axis and are oriented to receive the torque forces imposed on the assemblage as the rake assembly rotates in the tank simultaneously with vertical lifting. The torque forces are translated into the pivotal connections and are able to counteract those forces to facilitate vertically raising and lowering the rake assembly while it is being rotated in the sedimentation tank.

Abstract: A lifting mechanism for a sedimentation tank is provided for vertically raising and lowering a rake assembly in such sedimentation tank. The lifting mechanism comprises one or more elongate members pivotally connected to certain structural elements of the assemblage, such as the rotary drive motor, rake assembly, column or bridge. The pivotal connections of the elongate members are positioned about a horizontal axis and are oriented to receive the torque forces imposed on the assemblage as the rake assembly rotates in the tank simultaneously with vertical lifting. The torque forces are translated into the pivotal connections and are able to counteract those forces to facilitate vertically raising and lowering the rake assembly while it is being rotated in the sedimentation tank.