Abstract: A method for assembling an apparatus that removes solid waste material from a stream of water. The apparatus sits in a channel within which the water containing waste material flows. A plurality of vertically oriented, laterally spaced apart, rotating screens are driven by sprocket segments and provide a filtering function. The screens are formed by plural loops of articulated links. Each link includes a horizontally-extending part that lifts solid matter from the stream as the screens rotate. The assembly method includes placing the links on shafts in a predetermined pattern that creates a frusto-conical space bordered by links. The frusto-conical space provides ample clearance space for each sprocket segment and ensures that the sprocket segments will not rub against the links which in turn prevents the parts of the apparatus from becoming misaligned with respect to one another so that the apparatus may operate for extended periods of time without requiring adjustment.

Abstract: A traveling water screen including a basket having an upper lip beam and a lower lip beam, the lower lip beam including an elongated upwardly opening channel upstream of the water screen, the lower lip beam including an upstream wall having a lower portion the lower portion including a lower forward surface facing in the upstream direction, at least a portion of the lower forward surface being convex, and the upper portion of the upstream wall having a spoiler shape for deflecting water upwardly and over the upwardly opening channel. The traveling water screen also includes seals between adjacent baskets to prevent unscreened water from flowing through spaces between the baskets.

Abstract: A water pressure relief apparatus in a traveling water screen adapted to be mounted in a channel such that the traveling water screen filters water flowing through the channel. The channel includes an upstream portion and a downstream portion. The traveling water screen includes a baffle directing water flowing through the traveling water screen and having an upstream surface communicating with the upstream portion of the channel and a downstream surface communicating with the downstream portion of the channel. The baffle has an opening connecting the upstream surface to the downstream surface. The water pressure relief apparatus includes a relief valve adapted to be connected to the baffle. The relief valve has a valve member mounted for movement between an opened position allowing fluid flow through the opening and a closed position engaging the valve seat and sealing the opening against flow therethrough.

Abstract: A sealed roller assembly (10) for hingeably connecting pairs of link plates (34) to form a chain (11), comprises a roller (12), a bushing (14) rotably mounted inside the roller (12), and a pin (16) rotably mounted inside the bushing (14). One pair of link plates (34) are mounted to the bushing (14), and another pair of link plates (34) are mounted to the pin (16). Seals are positioned between the adjoining surfaces of the roller (12) and the bushing (14) and the adjoining surfaces of the bushing (14) and the pin (16) to prevent contamination of the adjoining surfaces. Additionally, the roller assembly (10) can utilize a reservoir (28) containing a pressurized, fluid lubricant and a pressure accumulator (30) to continuously supply lubricant to the adjoining surfaces of the roller assembly (10).

Abstract: An apparatus for securing a traveling water screen in a channel, the channel having a sidewall and a vertically extending groove in the sidewall. The traveling water screen includes a frame positioned in the channel, a plurality of water screens supported by the frame for screening water flowing through the channel, and a support structure connected to the traveling water screen to position the traveling water screen in the channel. The support structure includes a guide member extending into the sidewall groove. The apparatus includes a guide lock fixed to the sidewall of the channel. The guide lock engages the guide member to hold the guide member in the vertically extending groove in the channel sidewall and thereby secure the traveling water screen in the channel.

Abstract: A traveling water screen for screening debris from water flowing in a downstream direction through a channel, the traveling water screen including a sealing flexible membrane between the train of baskets and the bottom of the channel for preventing water from flowing through the boot portion of the frame between the train of baskets and the bottom of the channel.

Abstract: An apparatus for separating solids from liquids including an endless rotatably mounted band of collecting arms for collecting screened solid material, each of the collecting arms having a leading collecting face and two opposite sides adjacent the leading collecting face, and being mounted on support rods which are arranged in spaced relationship around the band, link pieces rigidly attached to the collecting arms for linking one support rod to the next, such that the link pieces form continuous chains around the band, and separate the collecting arms one from the other to form slots between the link pieces, said link pieces being rotatable on the support rods to which they are attached, and a rotatable set of discharging teeth arranged to cooperate with said movable band by entering the slots as the band rotates to move along the leading collecting faces of the collecting arms, thereby to remove collected material gathered at the slots and from said leading collecting faces of the collecting arms.

Abstract: The invention concerns a screening rake for removing solids from flowing sewage, the rake having a driven screening belt which can be immersed in the sewage and which has two lateral chains. A group of screening elements fitted with hooks is mounted on each of two support rods independently of the preceding and following group of screening elements. The screening elements in each group have extension pieces which project beyond the two associated support rods in the direction of travel of the screening belt and in the opposite direction. The extension pieces of successive groups of screening elements engage with each other like the teeth of a comb.

Abstract: A solid waste handling system for screening and grinding solids entrained in an influent liquid stream flowing within a chute between laterally spaced vertical sidewalls utilizes at least one solids diverter horizontal rotating screen unit fixedly mounted within the chute and at an angle to the influent liquid stream with an endless loop open mesh screen mounted for rotation on a frame assembly such that one upstream face of the screen is vertical and moves horizontally across the stream in a direction towards the downstream offset grinder unit. The grinder unit has a housing with an upstream facing inlet port and mounts internally within the housing stacked interengaging shredding members for rotation about their axes in the path of flow of the solids bearing influent. Motors mounted to the units above the influent liquid stream level drive the screen and shredding members of respective units.

Abstract: The invention includes a pretensioned mesh insert and method for providing a pretensioned mesh insert for a traveling water screen basket. First and second mated screen panels are secured together to place one of the screen panels under tension and the other of the screen panels under compression so that it bows outwardly from the screen under tension. The structure of the invention operates to reduce the fatigue experienced by the screen panels.

Abstract: A solid waste handling system for screening and grinding solids entrained in an influent liquid stream flowing within a chute between laterally spaced vertical sidewalls utilizes at least one solids diverter horizontal rotating screen unit fixedly mounted within the chute and at an angle to the influent liquid stream with an endless loop open mesh screen mounted for rotation on a frame assembly such that one upstream face of the screen is vertical and moves horizontally across the stream in a direction towards the downstream offset grinder unit. The grinder unit has a housing with an upstream facing inlet port and mounts internally within the housing stacked interengaging shredding members for rotation about their axes in the path of flow of the solids bearing influent. Motors mounted to the units above the influent liquid stream level drive the screen and shredding members of respective units.

Abstract: The filter arrangement is provided with a filter in the form of an endless conveyor which is releasably mounted within a transport chute through which a flow of water can be directed. The filter is formed as a unit to be released from supports at the bottom of the transport chute for ease of cleaning. The filter is further pivotally mounted at the lower end so as to be adjusted angularly relative to the flow of water through the transport chute. Seals are provided between the sides of the filter and the side walls of the transport chute to preclude passage of liquid. A plurality of such filters may be disposed within the transport chute and may be associated with various discharge conveyors for discharging materials which have been filtered out of the flow of liquid.

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: An apparatus is described which separates small solids from process waste water. A continuously rotating elongated drum screen having a large diameter interior flow channel removes the solids. The drum screen contains a continuous loop of closely spaced link members each having a foot at one end projecting towards the interior of the drum chambr. Pivot members are connected to the links and these pivot members are driven by lugs attached to an endless loop chain. The chain is driven by variable speed motors. A flushing system mounted on top of the drum screen washes solids into a hopper where liquid is returned to the drum inner chamber and solids are sent to solid waste disposal.

Abstract: A solid waste handling system for screening and grinding solids entrained in an influent liquid stream flowing within a chute between laterally spaced vertical sidewalls utilizes at least one solids diverter horizontal rotating screen unit fixedly mounted within the chute and at an angle to the influent liquid stream with an endless loop open mesh screen mounted for rotation on a frame assembly such that one upstream face of the screen is vertical and moves horizontally across the stream in a direction towards the downstream offset grinder unit. The grinder unit has a housing with an upstream facing inlet port and mounts internally within the housing stacked interengaging shredding members for rotation about their axes in the path of flow of the solids bearing influent. Motors mounted to the units above the influent liquid stream level drive the screen and shredding members of respective units.

Abstract: A band screen conversion apparatus for filtering water comprising a structural frame and a conventional endless loop of screens mounted for movement in a circuitous path defining two vertical generatrices through which the water may flow in a dual-flow configuration. Extending outwardly and forwardly from each side of the structural frame is a curving, gull wing arcuate baffle having a ledge which engages a vertical guide track defined by the side wall of the foundation. An upstream flow deflector plate extends across the width and height of the band screen apparatus, with a plurality of support struts extending outwardly and rearwardly from the front of the flow deflector plate and connected to the front edges of the arcuate baffles via brackets which are similarly engaged within the guide tracks thus transferring the differential loads directly to the well guide tracks and side walls.

Abstract: A solid waste handling system for screening and grinding solids entrained in an influent liquid stream flowing within a chute between laterally spaced vertical sidewalls utilizes at least one solids diverter horizontal rotating screen unit fixedly mounted within the chute and at an angle to the influent liquid stream with an endless loop open mesh screen mounted for rotation on a frame assembly such that one upstream face of the screen is vertical and moves horizontally across the stream in a direction towards the downstream offset grinder unit. The grinder unit has a housing with an upstream facing inlet port and mounts internally within the housing stacked interengaging shredding members for rotation about their axes in the path of flow of the solids bearing influent. Motors mounted to the units above the influent liquid stream level drive the screen and shredding members of respective units.

Abstract: A traveling water screen of the dual flow type is provided with diverter plates having projections on the diverter plates that allow the dual flow water screen to be restrained in position when inserted into compatible channels in a host sluice channel.

Abstract: An apparatus is described which separates small solids from process waste water. A continuously rotating elongated drum screen in a three foot diameter flow channel removes the solids. The solids are deposited by spray wash into a dewatering chamber. The screen components include row of closely spaced links and pivot members connected end-to-end to form a continuous loop mounted within a frame driven by a variable speed motor.

Abstract: A method of filtering utilizes a filtering apparatus having a filter member presenting a plurality of flow paths therethrough of a form to retain at least a portion of the material to be extracted the method comprising the steps of passing a stream of fluid to be filtered in a forward direction from an inlet through the filter member, moving the filter member out of the stream of fluid, changing the geometry of the filter member under gravity, e.g. by inverting the filter member, to assist in removal of extracted material from the filter member.

Abstract: A self-cleaning trash rack for removing debris from a stream of water has an upright frame positioned in the path of trash carried by the stream and a plurality of endless, flexible chains carrying trash supports which engage and carry debris on the upstream side of the frame upwardly for disposal. Each chain has sufficient slack to enable any trash support on the upstream side of the frame to rock in such direction as to release debris that is too heavy to be carried upwardly by such trash support.

Abstract: The separation of a first solid component from a mixture thereof with a liquid and a second solid component which is of smaller average particle size than the first solid component, the first and second solid components being in suspension in the liquid and with the percentage by mass of the second solid component being substantially greater than that of the first solid component, by means of a travelling endless cloth. The cloth passes through an operative separating region in a horizontal manner. The mixture is fed onto substantially the entire operative separating region from a feed box that has a floor with apertures therein; the floor being located above the cloth. The liquid and second solid component pass through the cloth, to be collected by a trough. The first solid component remains on the cloth and is subsequently removed and collected.

Abstract: In a screen the screening band is formed by a plurality of screening panels linked to each other in succession substantially perpendicularly to the direction of movement of the assembly, the filtering element of a filtering panel of this kind forming, relative to the plane of the chassis that carries it, at least one part-cylindrical projection extending parallel to the direction of movement of the assembly. For each projection of this kind the washing manifold comprises two staggered nozzles, one oblique in one direction and the other oblique in the opposite direction.

Abstract: An apparatus for continuously removing waste materials from a water stream. The apparatus includes a rotating screen assembly formed by a plurality of articulated "L"-shaped links that form separate, laterally spaced closed loops. The space between the loops of links defines the maximum size of material that can pass through the apparatus without being removed from the stream. The respective truncate portions of the "L"-shaped links facilitate the lifting of the debris from the stream. The screen assembly is rotated by motor-driven sprocket segments that are positioned at the discharge end of the apparatus. These segments substantially occupy the spaces between the links when the links travel past the segments, and the occupation of the spaces by the segments displaces the waste materials from the spaces and dislodges the materials from the links as well so that the materials may fall under the influence of gravity to a receptacle.

Abstract: Disclosed is the preparation of micro-bits of expanded styrene-polymers and of expanded polyolefins by comminuting the styrene-polymer or polyolefin in a particular combination of comminuting steps in a suitable comminutor that can provide that combination of steps and in the presence of water as a cooling agent. The polymer micro-bits, which are produced as an aqueous slurry, may be rendered dry-to-the-touch by vacuum filtration followed by passage through a filter press.

Abstract: A dual-flow band screen includes a carrying frame and a screening band which is mounted so as to move in an endless loop on the frame. A support wall is associated with the carrying frame, which support wall overall extends perpendicularly to generatrices of its screening band, while possessing an opening opposite the latter, and which support wall laterally forms engagement lips by means of which it is capable of engaging with the guides in a sluice.

Abstract: A traveling water screen has trays that travel one after the other along a path in the form of a vertical loop. Adjacent trays are connected for articulation about an axis extending transversely of the path. Each tray has a transverse member extending parallel and adjacent to the axis, with one member leading the other member in the direction of tray travel. The trailing member has a cross-sectional shape that extends linearly outward of the loop and curves about the axis of articulation both outwardly and forwardly relative to the path of travel. The leading member has a cross-sectional shape that extends outwardly of the loop beyond the curved portion of the trailing member to an outer edge where an extension projects rearwardly towards the curved portion. A flexible seal that is mounted on the leading member overlaps and contacts the curved portion of the trailing member on the opposite side thereof from the axis of articulation.

Abstract: An improved array of filter elements for a self-cleaning filter screen apparatus for continuous removal of suspended solids in a fluid. The filter elements are staggeringly interconnected in the form of an endless belt for movement through the fluid. Each filter element includes an arm with a first hub at the front end and a curved rake or hook at the other end. The arm has a front arm portion or shank portion connected to a rear arm portion. A second or intermediate hub is connected between the front arm portion and the rear arm portion. A row of the filter elements are mounted on two shafts. The front hubs from a rearward row of filter elements are positioned between the intermediate hubs of the forward row of filter elements and each hub is spaced from the adjacent hub. The scraper-separator means is sized to fix the distance between adjacent filter elements similarly connected on the same shafts.

Abstract: An improved lifting mechanism for an apparatus for continuously feeding solid particles into a pressure vessel of the type disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,125,384, the lifting mechanism comprising an elongated cylindrical housing assembly operatively disposed with its axis extending at an angle to the horizontal and to the vertical. The housing assembly includes end structures closing the upper and lower ends thereof, a water and particle inlet for pressure communication with the pressure vessel of the apparatus leading downwardly into the interior of the housing assembly adjacent the closed lower end thereof and a particle outlet for pressure communication with the container of the apparatus leading downwardly from the interior of the housing assembly adjacent the closed upper end thereof.

Abstract: An improved filter bucket for a flight conveyor having two sides and a bottom with an integral rake edge. Numerous equally spaced apart arcuately curved wires are fixed to and supported by longitudinally extended cross bars in a grid fashion to form the generally concave bucket bottom interior surface. The wires extend beyond the cross bar at the leading edge of the bucket to form a rake edge for engaging and retaining material conveyed. Perforated sides with numerous holes formed therethrough of diameter equal to the bottom grid spacing wires provide for a uniform filtering action filtering action through the bottom and sides of the bucket.

Abstract: An improved spoil handling conveyor for well boring rigs wherein the conveyor working surface comprises a plurality of endless belts arranged side-by-side to allow the separation of spoil from drilling fluid by drainage therebetween.

Abstract: A seal between a surface and an edge or further surface movable with respect to the first surface in a plane parallel to it. A sealing member projects from a seal housing and can move through a predetermined distance with respect to the housing. The sealing member is resiliently urged into the position in which it projects as far as possible beyond the housing.

Abstract: Apparatus for protecting aquatic life carried by water passing through a vertical traveling band screen unit having inwardly opening screening baskets. Each basket carries a longitudinally extending, inwardly projecting baffle adjacent its trailing side with the portion thereof adjacent the basket being imperforate. The area along the length of each basket at the inner side of the baffle is imperforate and defines with the baffle a pocket for receiving water and aquatic life carried thereby upon upward movement through the water and is adapted to discharge the water and aquatic life carried thereby upon movement of the pocket to a predetermined elevation. A low pressure stream of water transfers the aquatic life from the pocket to a discharge trough located inwardly of the screening unit.

Abstract: This invention relates generally to rotary filter apparatus which are capable of removing solids from water currents, and more specifically to an endless filter belt comprising specially-shaped filter plates provided between wire ropes or screen plates and rockably fitted on transverse linking rods, with the wheels on both ends of the aforesaid linking rods being regulated to the track frame installed in and over the water channel as against the wheels on both ends of the interlocking rods linking the back ends of filter plates being regulated to the inner track frame having a track different from the former, thereby making sure to arrest, transport and dump the solids and recondition the spacings or meshes as the filter medium travels around.

Abstract: A water intake screen installation has a traveling water screen unit, that is positioned between a water intake and a stream of water flowing in a channel, to strain a quantity of water diverging from the channel stream towards the water intake. The screen unit includes an endless belt strainer in the form of a loop and a drive for revolving the strainer. The strainer has a screening surface, that extends in a predetermined direction of stream flow in the channel and in an upwardly direction. Means are provided for directing a backwash current, through the screening surface, towards the stream of water flowing in the channel, at an elevation below the stream surface. Material, such as refuse and aquatic life, retained on the screening surface can be dislodged by the backwash current. This current forces such material backwardly from the screening surface, into the stream of water flowing in the channel, to be carried away therewith.

Abstract: This relates to methods and apparatus for filtering liquids such as oil contaminated water. The apparatus includes spaced apart supply and take-up reels capable of storing an elongated compressed ribbon of flexible open cell foam thereon. In operation the ribbon of filtering medium, in the uncompressed state, extends between the supply and take-up means across a support such as a grid or screen which permits free flow of water through the filter medium. The contaminated water is supplied to the upper side of an exposed section of the filter medium through a system which evenly distributes the contaminated water over the exposed section of the filter medium. The water passing through the filter medium may be collected in a suitable tank or basin. When the exposed section of filter medium becomes so loaded with contaminants (such as oil) that the flow through the filter decreases, the ribbon is advanced to expose a fresh section.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for continuous removal of liquids from sludges. The apparatus includes an endless driven lower pervious belt and an endless driven upper impervious belt. The impervious belt is supported by an upper frame positioned above a fixed lower frame member by spring-loaded, adjustable hydraulic cylinders. The two belts are driven at different speeds to provide continuous shear on sludge pressed between the belts. Each belt is supported on a plurality of horizontally spaced rollers with the rollers for the upper belt and the rollers for the lower belt being longitudinally offset from each other. The horizontal roller spacing from the point of contact of the upper belt to the sludge as it is fed in between the belts is of a diminishing progression which may be arithmetic, geometric, or a combination thereof from the point of contact of the upper belt on the sludge to the discharge end.

Abstract: An improved water intake system with fish control means includes a watercourse through which water is drawn from a body of water containing fish and debris, a fish diversion structure mounted across the watercourse for diverting fish unavoidably sucked therein and fish removal means located at one end of the fish diversion structure for removing the diverted fish from the water in the watercourse for return to the body of water.

Abstract: This invention discloses apparatus for freeing water or other liquids of accumulated water-borne matter so that the liquid may be used again. It comprises a liquid holding tank through which an inclined conveyor belt of fine mesh woven wire runs upwardly in an inclined manner from a zone near the bottom of the tank at the waste water input end to a discharge zone at a higher point in the tank on the opposite side, and thereafter the conveyor belt runs horizontally for a short distance and then turns upon itself for a return run back to the lower portion of the tank where it started. The collected floating refuse is filtered out by passing through both runs of the conveyor belt and is washed off at the upper end of the belt into a collecting refuse collector.

Abstract: An endless traveling band screen formed of a plurality of screening elements is carried by endless, impermeable, flexible drive belts which extend along opposite sides of the traveling band screen adjacent the ends of the screening elements. The belts travel around upper and lower rotary members with sealing means interposed between adjacent screening elements, between the screening elements and the belts, and between the belts and adjacent walls of the screening unit.

Abstract: An endless screen extends around an upper roller, above the stream of a ditch or the like, and a lower roller, submerged in the stream. A cleaning brush engages the underside of the lower reach of the screen, the brush rotating in a direction opposite to the movement of the screen, while a roller or rod supports the screen just below the brush. The brush may be driven directly from a motor and speed reducer, with a belt drive to an upper pulley producing further speed reduction, or a speed reduction drive between the motor and the brush with a belt or chain drive to the upper roller may be utilized.The lower roller for the screen has a fixed center surmounted by a plastic or rubber bushing about which a cylinder of the lower roller rotates.A weir directs water onto the screen, the weir including a transverse partition mounted in the ditch and having a rectangular slot therein.

Abstract: A conveyor for removing floating objects from a body of liquid. The conveyor has a plurality of parallel bars, endless chains running below the bars, transverse frames on the endless chains, and extending transversely of the parallel bars, and a plurality of teeth on the transverse bars projecting upwardly between the bars and moving along the bars during the movement of the endless chains. The parallel bars are attached to the conveyor only at the lower end thereof and are freely suspended over the conveyor at the upper end thereof. The teeth are mounted in a channel-shaped transverse bar, and held therein in a slotted fixing plate which is positioned in the channel shaped transverse bar. In addition, a supporting frame can be mounted on the transverse bar to support the parallel bars spaced from the transverse bar to avoid wear on the transverse bar.