Abstract: A unit for cleaning liquid contaminated with solids, including a housing having a tank section defining a compartment in which contaminated liquid is deposited. The solid contaminants tend to collect as a sludge layer on the bottom wall of the tank section. The housing includes a discharge section having a base wall which inclines upwardly away from one end of the tank section. A conveyor moves along the bottom wall and thence upwardly along the inclined base wall for moving the sludge layer upwardly out of the liquid for discharge at a discharge opening. A dryer is associated with the inclined base wall and includes a pressure chamber disposed under the sludge layer for ejecting plural streams of air upwardly through the sludge layer for effecting removal of moisture therefrom. A suction chamber is disposed directly adjacent the upper side of the sludge layer in opposed relationship to the pressure chamber for collecting the moist air passing through the sludge layer.

Abstract: A coolant recycling apparatus having first and second storage tanks mounted on a wheeled cart. The first tank has a suction device associated therewith to which is coupled a flexible suction hose to suck contaminated coolant from the sump of a machine tool, whereby the coolant flows through the suction device and then through a filter for removing larger solids, whereupon the contaminated coolant is then deposited in the first tank. A pump sucks the contaminated coolant from the first tank and supplies it to a filter disposed adjacent the upper end of the second tank. This filter has a stack of oil absorbent pads which remove tramp oil as the coolant flows downwardly and then collects in the second tank. The clean coolant in the second tank is sent back to the pump through suitable valving which enables the coolant to be supplied to a dishcarge hose which feeds the clean coolant back to the sump.

Abstract: In the improved system and method of the present invention, a batch of contaminated oil is deposited into a tank, with the oil preferably being passed through a filter during the depositing step to assist in removal of solids. Once the contaminated coolant has been deposited into the tank, the oil is agitated by injecting several streams of air into the bottom of the tank. This creates several bubble streams which pass upwardly through the coolant toward the surface and, during this passage, agitate the coolant and effect separation of the oil so that it rapidly rises to the coolant surface. The bubble streams are created by different sized orifice member whereby the bubbles of one stream are smaller than the bubbles in another stream.

Abstract: A unit for cleaning and reclaiming contaminated coolant, including a unitary tank structure having a first storage compartment for contaminated coolant and a second storage compartment for clean coolant. A drag-type conveyor extends along the bottom of the first compartment for removing coarse contaminants in the form of a sludge. A pump supplies partially cleaned coolant from the first compartment to a filter unit disposed above the second compartment. The filter unit employs a movable conveyor belt having a filter paper extending over the belt for movement therewith. The coolant from the first tank is discharged onto the filter paper so that contaminants collect thereon and move with the filter paper for external discharge. The cleaned coolant flows downwardly through the filter paper and collect in the second compartment.

Abstract: A conveyor apparatus for moving materials unidirectionally has an elongated, upwardly facing trough with at least one longitudinally extending semicylindrical recess in the bottom thereof. A helical flight is positioned in each such recess and is rotated about its longitudinal axis so as to move said materials along said trough. At least one rigid, elongated push-bar is supported in the trough for reciprocal lengthwise movement longitudinally of the trough. Each push-bar has a plurality of longitudinally spaced barbs and/or plows mounted thereon and shaped to advance said materials unidirectionally where the push-bar is reciprocated. Material retaining elements may also be provided on the walls of the trough to oppose movement of the said material in the opposite direction.

Abstract: A harpoon or chip conveyor having an arcuate trough fitted with material retaining members or barbs on its inner sides and a plurality of interconnected plows driven in backward and forward or reciprocal motion by a reciprocating hydraulic or air operated power unit. The material retaining members are so oriented that a small vertical portion faces the direction of travel of the material being conveyed. The arcuate trough is generally greater than 90.degree. and less than a complete 360.degree.. An outlet is provided at least at one end of the arcuate trough for discharging the material collected in the trough in response to the reciprocal motion of the plows.

Abstract: An elongated conveyor for effecting unidirectional movementof materials lengthwise thereof, said conveyor having an upwardly opening trough and structure therein for advancing the materials unidirectionally, which advancing structure is reciprocable below the lower wall of the trough for movement lengthwise of the trough. A slot is disposed in the lower wall adjacent the track, and a connector extends from the carriage to the advancing structure. A pressure fluid operated actuator is mounted on the lower wall in alignment with the track for effecting reciprocal movement of the carriage, whereby the material advancing structure is reciprocated within the trough.