Abstract: A liquid filtering apparatus comprises upper and lower platens and a plurality of intermediate plate members between the platens. When pressed together with a sheet of filter media between each pair of adjacent plates, a fluid-tight chamber for incoming liquid to be filtered is formed on one side of the filter media. When the filter media requires replacement, the upper platen is lifted to separate the plates. Each plate is provided with combined alignment and stop means so that when the plates are again brought together after renewal of the filter media, they will automatically resume their normal stacked position in proper alignment, the stop means also providing a preselected amount of space between adjacent plates to cause a desired amount of compression for a sealing member between the plates. The alignment and stop means is designed to absorb the compression load on the plates, thereby enabling them to be made of lighter metal or plastic materials without overstressing their side walls.

Abstract: A filter media supply and extraction apparatus for a plate type liquid filtering device having a stack of separable filter plates. The extraction mechanism comprises a driven roller for each sheet of filter media in combination with an adjacent, movable bar having a series of spaced apart pinch wheels mounted thereon for penetrating accumulated cake and filtered dirt on the media when an actuator moves them against the roller as the media is being advanced. The driven rollers are mounted on separate bearing plates which are movable in response to sensor signals to steer the moving filter media and maintain its alignment with the filter plates. The supply section of the apparatus comprises a series of supports for supply rolls of filter media provided with adjustable centering means to help maintain proper alignment of the filter media between filter plates.