Abstract: With a screen disposed in a flowing waterstream of sewage and other waste materials to intercept objects such as rags, plastic, wood, metal, fragments of masonry and the like, such objects are removed from the screen by a reciprocating mechanical rake to a point of disposal or further treatment. Elongated rods secured at one end to the rake are pivotally connected at the other end to a power driven endless chain for travel therewith towards and away from the screen with such chain and power supply being remotely located at a point free of contact with the waterstream.