Abstract: The invention provides an apparatus for separating components of a fluid stream comprising a first centrifugal separator and a further separator; the first centrifugal separator comprising: a support structure and a centrifugal separator unit rotatably mounted on the support structure so as to be rotatable about a rotational axis extending through the centrifugal separator unit; a drive element for driving rotation of the centrifugal separator unit; wherein the centrifugal separator unit comprises a centrifugal separation chamber having an inlet which is connected or connectable to a source of fluid requiring separation, a first outlet for collecting a higher density component of the fluid stream, and a second outlet for collecting a lower density component of the fluid stream; the first outlet being connected or connectable to a first collector for collecting the higher density component and the second outlet being connected or connectable to a second collector for collecting the lower density component.

Abstract: A vibrating centrifuge having a separation screen that is rotated and vibrated to separate a material, typically slurry (e.g. coal slurry). The separation screen is vibrated by a vibrator, such as an unbalanced motor. One or more constraint members, preferably leaf springs, are provided that restrict vibration generated by the vibrator to a single degree of freedom that is parallel to the drive shaft axis. The vibrating centrifuge has a biasing member in the form of a compression spring to tune the vibration frequency. Optionally a tuning mass can also be used to tune the vibration frequency.

Abstract: A centrifugal separator includes a cylindrical bowl having a conical lower end with an opening through which feed liquid is injected during a feed mode of operation. During the feed mode, solids separate from the feed liquid and accumulate along the inner surface of the bowl as the bowl rotates at high speed. After accumulation of the solids, the rotation of the bowl is stopped and residual liquid is drained by gravity from the bowl. In a solids discharge mode of operation, a piston of a piston assembly is urged downward along a vertical axis in response to fluid such as compressed gas or hydraulic liquid. The downward movement of the piston forces accumulated solids from the bowl via the opening in the conical lower end thereof. The solids pass from the bowl and into a passage leading to an outlet port, where the solids exit the separator.

Abstract: In a system for combined centrifugation and microfiltration, retentate from a cross-flow microfilter is fed to an automatic piston discharge centrifuge for solids removal, thereby enhancing the efficiency of both processes. The centrifuge includes a cylindrical bowl having a conical lower end with an opening through which feed liquid is injected. Solids separate from the feed liquid and accumulate along the inner surface of the bowl as the bowl rotates at high speed. A microfiltration membrane can be added to improve solids retention in the bowl and provide a filtered centrate. During solids discharge, a piston is urged downward along a vertical axis. The downward movement of the piston forces accumulated solids from the bowl via the opening in the conical lower end thereof.

Abstract: A centrifugal separator includes a cylindrical bowl having a conical lower end with an opening through which feed liquid is injected during a feed mode of operation. During the feed mode, solids separate from the feed liquid and accumulate along the inner surface of the bowl as the bowl rotates at high speed. After accumulation of the solids, the rotation of the bowl is stopped and residual liquid is drained by gravity from the bowl. In a solids discharge mode of operation, a piston of a piston assembly is urged downward along a vertical axis in response to fluid such as compressed gas or hydraulic liquid. The downward movement of the piston forces accumulated solids from the bowl via the opening in the conical lower end thereof. The solids pass from the bowl and into a passage leading to an outlet port, where the solids exit the separator.

Abstract: A filter element (8), especially for use in backwash filtering systems, includes a filtering element through which a contaminated fluid flows in at least one direction (24). An intercepting device (62) has at least one rod-shaped permanent magnet or electromagnet (64) that at least partially removes magnetizable, especially ferritic portions from the fluid, before the fluid flows through the filtering element. A detaching device (68) removes the magnetizable portions from the intercepting device (62). The detaching device (68) is configured by a stripper ring (70) that travels along the rod-shaped magnet (64) and removes the portions retained by the intercepting device (62). When the filtering element is backwashed, the stripper ring (70), moved by the fluid flow, detaches the portions retained by the intercepting device (62).

Abstract: A centrifugal separator includes a cylindrical bowl having a conical lower end with an opening through which feed liquid is injected during a feed mode of operation. The feed liquid is separated into centrate and solids, which accumulate along the inner surface of the bowl. A piston assembly includes a conical piston disposed within the cylindrical bowl, coupled to a piston actuator by a two-part piston shaft. During the feed mode of operation, the piston shaft is disconnected, and the piston is held in an uppermost position by hydraulic pressure from the feed liquid as the bowl is rotated, and a centrate valve on the piston is opened to permit the centrate to flow out to a centrate discharge port. After solids are separated and accumulated on an interior surface of the bowl, the rotation of the bowl is stopped and residual centrate is drained therefrom.

Abstract: The invention relates to an inverting filter centrifuge comprising a filter drum (16) that is rotatably mounted in a machine frame and projects in a cantilevered manner into a housing that is connected to the machine frame, said drum radially surrounding a centrifugal chamber (14) that can be subjected to an excess or negative pressure. The centrifugal chamber (14) is sealed on one end face by a centrifugal chamber cover (25) and on the other face by a sliding base (23). The filter drum (16), the centrifugal chamber cover (25) and the sliding base (23), together with a sliding shaft (12) that is connected in a fixed manner to the latter are driven by a hollow shaft (3) that causes them to rotate in unison. The filter drum (16) and the sliding base (23) are moved in relation to one another by an axial displacement of the sliding shaft (12), said action inverting a filter cloth (22) and discharging the separated solid matter from the centrifugal chamber (14).

Abstract: A centrifugal separator includes a cylindrical bowl having a conical lower end with an opening through which feed liquid is injected during a feed mode of operation. The feed liquid is separated into centrate and solids, which accumulate along the inner surface of the bowl. A piston assembly includes a conical piston coupled to a piston actuator by a two-part piston shaft. During the feed mode of operation, the piston shaft is disconnected, the piston is held in an uppermost position by hydraulic pressure from the feed liquid, and a centrate valve on the piston is urged open to permit the centrate to flow out to a centrate discharge port. In a solids discharge mode of operation, the piston shaft is connected and the piston actuator urges the piston axially downward, closing the centrate valve and forcing the accumulated solids from the bowl via the opening in the conical lower end of the bowl.

Abstract: The invention relates to a pusher centrifuge (1) for the separation of a mixture (2) into a solid cake (3) and into a liquid phase (4). The pusher centrifuge (1) in accordance with the invention includes an outer screen drum (6) rotatable about an axis of rotation (5), a mixture distributor (7) arranged in the screen drum (6) with a pusher base apparatus (8) and an infeed device (9), with the pusher base apparatus (8) being arranged and designed such that the solid cake (3) is displaceable by means of the pusher base apparatus (8) and the mixture (2) can be introduced by the infeed device (9) via the mixture distributor (7) into an empty space (R) which arises on the displacement of the solid cake (3) by the pusher base apparatus (8).

Abstract: The invention relates to a double pusher centrifuge including a screen drum (3) rotatable about an axis of rotation (2) for separating a mixture (4) into a solid material cake (5) and a liquid phase (6), a mixture distributor (7) arranged in the screen drum (3) and having a pusher base device (8), which is arranged to be movable to and fro along the axis of rotation (2), so that the solid material cake (5) is alternately displaceable with an outer ring zone (9). Furthermore, the double pusher centrifuge includes an infeed device (10) with which the mixture (4) can be introduced via the mixture distributor (7) into an empty space (11), which arises adjacent to the outer ring zone (9) on displacement of the solid material cake (5) by the pusher base device (8).

Abstract: The invention relates to a multi-stage pusher centrifuge (1) for the separation of a mixture (2) into a solid cake (3) and into a liquid phase (4). The multi-stage pusher centrifuge (1) includes an outer screen drum (6) rotatable about an axis of rotation (5) and at least one screen stage (7) arranged in the outer screen drum (6), and a mixture distributor (8) arranged in the screen drum (6) with a pusher base apparatus (9), with either the screen stage (7) or the pusher base apparatus (9) being arranged movably to and fro along the axis of rotation (5) such that the solid cake (3) is displaceable by means of the pusher base apparatus (9).

Abstract: A centrifugal separator provides for the discharge of solids by either an axial-motion scraper or a piston/extrusion assembly. The axial-motion scraper is used with hard-packed or friable solids, and includes an integral feed liquid accelerator and feed holes. The piston/extrusion assembly is used with pasty solids, and includes a piston extending into a separator bowl and having openings permitting fluid communication across the piston. After high-speed separation is complete, a centrate valve closes one end of the bowl, and the piston is moved axially in the bowl by an actuator. Accumulated solids are scraped from the sides of the bowl and extruded out of the piston openings for discharge from the bowl. A bowl suspension employs a spherical mounting structure and a short, stiff spindle. A spherical portion of a bearing housing is mounted in a spherical mounting region at one end of the separator, with a cylindrical portion of the bearing housing extending along the rotational axis.

Abstract: A centrifugal separator provides for discharge of solids by either an axial-motion scraper or a piston/extrusion assembly. The axial-motion scraper (80) is used with hard-packed or friable solids, and includes and integral feed liquid accelerator and feed holes. The piston/extrusion assembly is used with pasty solids, and includes a piston (12) extending into a bowl (10) and having openings (45) permitting fluid communication across the piston. After separation is complete, a centrate valve (34) closes one end of the bowl, and the piston is moved axially in the bowl by an actuator. A bowl suspension employs a spherical mounting structure (96) and a short spindle (98). A bearing (100) and the spindle (102) of the bowl are mounted within the bearing housing. The suspension is retained by a ring and retaining member secured to the separator in compressive contact with the spherical portion of the bearing housing.

Abstract: A centrifugal separator provides for automatic discharge of solids by either an axial-motion scraper or a piston/extrusion assembly. The axial-motion scraper is used with hard-packed or friable solids, and includes an integral feed liquid accelerator and feed holes. The piston/extrusion assembly is used with pasty solids, and includes a piston extending into a separator bowl and having openings permitting fluid communication across the piston. After high-speed separation is complete, a centrate valve closes one end of the bowl, and the piston is moved axially in the bowl by an actuator. Accumulated solids are scraped from the sides of the bowl and extruded out of the piston openings for discharge from the bowl. A bowl suspension employs a spherical mounting structure and a short, stiff spindle. A spherical portion of a bearing housing is mounted in a spherical mounting region at one end of the separator, with a cylindrical portion of the bearing housing extending along the rotational axis.

Abstract: A centrifugal separator includes a rotatable separator bowl, a hollow shaft spindle in the bowl along the rotational axis of the bowl, and a variable-drive motor for selectively rotating the bowl at a high separating speed and at a lower scraping speed. A scraper and feed assembly including scraper blades is supported by the shaft spindle within the separator bowl. A feed liquid is supplied to the separator bowl via the scraper and feed assembly at substantially the interior surface of the separator bowl. The scraper assembly rotates with the bowl at the separating speed while centrate is drawn off. While the bowl is operated at the scraping speed, the scraper assembly is prevented from rotating with the bowl and is moved axially with respect to the bowl to scrape accumulated solids from the interior surface of the bowl. Loosened solids exit the centrifuge via a discharge port at the bottom of the bowl.

Abstract: A vertical basket centrifuge utilizing a plow supplemented with a spring air lance hose having a ball and socket joint for affixing the hose to a nozzle, and passages to allow the gas to by pass the ball and socket joint.

Abstract: An improved screen basket for use with a centrifuge includes two adjoining screen sections. The first screen section is formed from a wear resistant material and is located proximate to the point at which slurry is introduced into the basket. The length of the first screen section is chosen so that the majority of potential wear caused by the abrasive slurry occurs within the first section of the basket. The second screen section is preferably formed from less expensive materials, such as steel wedge wire. The second screen section smoothly joins the first screen section and provides for further dewatering or separation of the accelerated slurry so that a dry cake is produced by the centrifuge.

Abstract: A centrifugal separator is provided which maximizes solids recovery yield and separated solids dryness with minimal user intervention. The centrifugal separator includes a rotatable separator bowl, which is selectively rotatable and supported by a hollow shaft spindle. A scraper and feed assembly including a plurality of scraper blades is supported by the shaft spindle within the separator bowl. A feed liquid is supplied to the separator bowl from the scraper blades at substantially the interior surface of the separator bowl so that the feed liquid is gradually accelerated upon entering the separator bowl. High speed operation of the centrifugal separator is performed to generate separation forces as high as 30,000 g's at the interior surface of the separator bowl. This allows the feed liquid to be safely and effectively separated at lower stress levels within the separator bowl.

Abstract: In a continuous-feed filtering- or screening-type centrifuge, first dewatering a particulate material, then reslurrying the particulate material, and subsequently again dewatering the particulate material in a sequence along a cake flow path extending through the continuous-feed filtering- or screening-type centrifuge. The first dewatering, the reslurrying and the subsequent dewatering are performed in respective compartments disposed along the cake flow path. The compartments are defined in part by a plurality of gates, baffles, or weirs extending outwardly from a hub of the centrifuge. Outer ends of the gates are spaced from a bowl wall to define respective cake flow gaps which limit the thickness of a cake layer moving along the cake flow path.

Abstract: A continuous method of and system for fabricating thermoset polymer pellets wherein thermosetting polymeric resin material flows axially in a temperature controlled, mixer-extruder barrel while maintaining the material between a melt temperature and a higher thermosetting reaction temperature, and extrudes from the barrel at an extrusion temperature between the melt and reaction temperatures. The extruded material is formed into generally spheroidal pellets which are cooled in a transporting coolant liquid stream and charged to the interior of an open ended, centrifuge basket having a porous circumferential wall and an interior annular pusher plate. The wall is rotated to demoisterize the pellets by centrifugally removing liquid coolant and while reciprocating the pusher plate and basket relatively to displace the pellets axially along and off the basket wall. Pellets are taken from the basket wall without substantially fracturing them and forming an undue percentage of fines.

Abstract: A pusher centrifuge has a housing and a centrifuge drum arranged in the housing. A pusher bottom is arranged in the centrifuge drum. A filler pipe is connected to the housing and extends concentrically into the centrifuge drum. Material to be centrifuged is introduced into the centrifuge drum through the filler pipe in a direction of filling. A distribution cone is positioned downstream of the filler pipe in the centrifuge drum. The distribution cone has a wide end and a narrow end. The wide end is positioned facing the pusher bottom and spaced from the pusher bottom by an annular gap. An annular cup is arranged at the pusher bottom and projects concentrically from the pusher bottom into the centrifuge drum. It surrounds the wide end of the distribution cone.

Abstract: A filter centrifuge includes a centrifuge drum having a solids removal opening for solids collected in the centrifuge drum. A solids drying housing into which the solids removal opening opens is provided. The solids drying housing has a sieve bottom, a gas inlet for introducing a drying gas, and a gas outlet for removing the drying gas.

Abstract: The present invention concerns an on-the-fly long-running rotary filtration screen device, wherein a split-flow bar and a filtration sleeve are screwed together to form a filtration bar, a filtration screen is inserted onto the cylinder on the filtration sleeve, the cylinder is equipped with round holes, the split-flow bar is equipped with two square slots facing opposite from each other, a large gear to be installed onto the split-flow bar also possesses identical square slots, so that the split-flow bar and the large gear are attached to each other by means of inserting two square keys into the two square slots and then inserting a stopping disc, the bottom of the main housing is equipped with a circular sunk slot connecting to an outlet housing, a residue-removing rod is inserted into a round hole at the lower part of the main housing and, after actuating a motor, the rotating large gear causes the filtration bar to rotate, the action of a hydraulic cylinder pressing against a round rod at the front part o

Abstract: The centrifugal filter comprises a rotatable travelling basket (5) disposed within a collector chamber (1). A machine body (2) which can be supported on a support (3) carries a bearing arrangement (8) for the hub (14) of the travelling basket (5). In the travelling basket (5) which partially comprises holes is present a filter element (20) in such a way that during the rotation of the travelling basket the liquid to be filtered can flow out through the filter element (20) and through these holes. For removing the filtrate, retained on the filter element and consisting of solid particles, a lifting device (22) is present which can be moved back and forth. The travelling basket (5) comprises a travelling basket neck (7) connected with the travelling basket hub (14), which neck is provided with passage openings which communicate at least partially with further passage openings disposed in the bottom portion of the machine body (2).

Abstract: A pusher centrifuge, in which the pusher plate is moved cyclicly relative to a perforated drum in the axial direction in an advanced and a retracted position in a forward or a reverse movement, can be operated with a higher throughput if the drum is supplied with the mixture after leaving the advanced position of the pusher plate and up to the start of the following forward movement of said pusher plate. The mixture throughput can also be increased in that a smaller mixture quantity is supplied to the drum before reaching the advanced pusher plate position than after leaving the advanced pusher plate position.

Abstract: A disposal device for disposing of spent beverage brewing substances for use with a beverage brewing apparatus. The beverage brewing apparatus is the type which uses a beverage brewing substance which is disposed in a brewing chamber and infused with a liquid to produce a brewed beverage. A drain conduit extends from the brewing chamber and communicates with the substance disposal device for removing a slurry of moist beverage brewing substance and liquid waste from the brewing chamber of the apparatus into the disposal device. The disposal device includes a housing which houses a strainer basket. The strainer basket is rotatably retained in the housing. The drain conduit from the beverage brewing apparatus deposits the spent beverage brewing substance inside of the strainer basket. The strainer basket is rotated to centrifugally remove a liquid component of the spent beverage brewing substance and drain such liquid out through a drain port in the housing.

Abstract: A pusher centrifuge which includes a housing and at least two screening drums for dewatering infed material. The screening drums and a pusher ring are mounted for rotary movement about a longitudinal axis. The pusher ring is further mounted for oscillatory movement, with respect to the longitudinal axis. During advancing movement of the pusher ring, the screening drums are rotated relative to each other about the longitudinal axis.

Abstract: The present invention is a centrifuge device which separates chips or shreds of containers from whatever liquid residue remains within the containers. The device is suitable for many applications, including the separation of the recyclable plastic of a motor oil container from the remaining re-usable motor oil within the container after the container has ostensibly been emptied. The device may be utilized as a compact, free-standing size reduction and reclaiming device at the location where the container is used, such as in automotive service stations, and the like, or production units may be used in plastic reclaiming plants where large quantities of a given plastic container are being centrally processed.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for doctoring (cutting) the solids off a precoat filter. A stationary doctor blade continuously doctors mud (from a mud bath) from the surface of a rotating porous surface vacuum drum. A traveling doctor blade, located upstream of the stationary doctor blade, moves back and forth along the drum. The stationary blade extends the width of the rotating vacuum drum while the traveling blade is shorter and is also located nearer to the drum surface.

Abstract: Process and apparatus for the separation of mixtures of substances by means of centrifugal forces, particularly for the filtration and/or sedimentation of solids from suspensions, wherein the material mixture is rotated in a cake-forming chamber until a cake of solid particles is formed. The resulting cake may thereafter be washed with a wash liquid, centrifuged and discharged from the cake-forming chamber. Discharge from the cake-forming chamber results in rearrangement of the solid particles of the cake. The cake of the rearranged particles is transferred to at least one further processing chamber and dried by centrifugation before being discharged from the apparatus.

Abstract: In a pusher centrifuge comprising substantially cylindrical sieve or straining drums which simultaneously rotate but also oscillate relative to one another, and a pusher bottom or base, the pusher edge of at least one sieve or straining drum is provided with inclined surfaces which impart in the transverse or circumferential direction a motive component to the centrifuging or solid material transported in the axial direction. By virtue of the thus generated shearing effect, the compacted solid material cake is torn open or disintegrated during the forward feed and the dewatering performance is improved.

Abstract: An automatic centrifugal machine with lateral filtration used for realizing a highly effective separation of hardly separable fine sticky solid particles. It is equipped with a rotatable sediment drum having a radial filter plate, infrared fluid level monitor device, microcomputer programme control system as well as installations for hydraulic drive, automatic speed adjustment, automatic washing and discharge etc. That can realize a lateral filtration without filter cakes, thus attaining the object of a highly effective separation, complete discharge, undestroyed crystals, filter media easily regenerated and an operation of automation. It is especially suitable for the work of taking measures against poisoning, explosionproof and radiationproof.

Abstract: A batch-type centrifugal system utilizes a gimbal-like suspension at the end of a rotating shaft distal an attached bowl at the other end of the shaft. The shaft rotates within an elongated bearing which is supported proximal the bowl by a support which is selectively variable in resiliency. This variation in resiliency changes the natural radial frequency of the system whereby operation of the system at rotational speeds which correspond to the natural radial frequency may be minimized, thereby effecting smooth loading, drying, and unloading operations.

Abstract: A centrifugal separator, especially a pusher centrifuge is disclosed, wherein at least one rotatable sieve or filter drum is mounted within a housing. Within the sieve or filter drum there is arranged a to-and-fro displaceable pusher or thrust element, for instance in the form of a pusher floor member, which serves for displacing solid materials in the form of a filter cake towards outlet or discharge openings for the treated product. To process thin suspensions with the pusher centrifuge the pusher floor member is arranged for oscillating movement between two turning or deflection points preferably located at the region of an imaginary central line of the sieve or filter drum. A feed or supply pipe for the infeed of the suspension which is to be separated extends substantially coaxially with respect to the sieve or filter drum and its outlet or outflow opening, which extends radially outwardly, is located essentially at the center between the turning or deflection points of the pusher floor member.

Abstract: A fluid pressure actuated system for axially reciprocating an element while the element is being driven in rotation. A piston is mounted within a piston chamber in a rotary shaft. The rod side of the piston head is continuously exposed to fluid under pressure supplied by a pump. A pilot valve is mounted in a chamber within the piston and is axially movable relative to the piston between opposite end limits. The valve cooperates with a ported sleeve which defines the valve chamber to apply pressure from the pump to the valve in a manner which shifts the valve from one of its end limits to the other each time the piston arrives at an end of its stroke. Shifting of the valve in turn controls the supply of fluid under pressure to the piston to cause reversal of the piston stroke. Both piston and valve are biased in one direction by fluid pressure at all times, movement of the piston and valve against the biasing pressure being accomplished by applying an overcoming fluid pressure in the opposite direction.

Abstract: A centrifuge filter has a sieve drum normally rotated about its axis and normally fed internally with a filtrand that is separated when the drum rotates into solids lying on the inner surface of the drum and a filtrate that passes radially outwardly through the drum. A pusher plate is axially displaceable in the drum and has an outer edge closely juxtaposed with the drum's inner surface so that it can scrape solids from the surface. A cylinder is rotationally fixed to the drum and has a cylinder chamber that is axially subdivided by a piston into a front compartment and a rear compartment. This piston is jointly axially displaceable with the pusher plate and is axially biased backward. A liquid is introduced into one compartment to fill it as it rotates so that the liquid will be forced radially outward by centrifugal force and will urge the piston axially forward. This liquid is periodically drained off so that the force it exerts is less than that of the biasing means.

Abstract: A two-stage pusher centrifuge with a pusher bottom and an axially displaceable cylindrical inner drum which serves as pusher element for a subsequent outer drum which is cylindrical within the pusher region. That cylindrical section of the outer drum which is located in the pusher region is followed by a conically widening section conically widening toward the open drum end.

Abstract: Pusher centrifuge having a pusher plate and a guiding wall for the mixture to be fed onto the centrifuge drum, with a free flow space between the pusher plate and the guiding wall; the improvement that the surfaces of the pusher plate and guiding wall facing the mixture to be fed extend at least substantially perpendicular to the axis of the centrifuge drum or extend away from the axis of the drum in the radial area which extends from the outer surface of the inlet pipe to the inner surface of the layer of mixture lying on the drum.

Abstract: Centrifuge having a centrifuge housing containing a gaseous medium being separated from the environment of the centrifuge, and an outlet pipe for the flow of solids; the improvement that this outlet pipe for the stream of solids comprises a diffusor and that the end of the diffusor is connected to the solids chamber of the centrifuge by means of a return channel.

Abstract: Push-type centrifuge, with a rotor which comprises a centrifuging drum and a push plate and a push motor comprising a push piston and a push cylinder, which motor is arranged coaxially of the rotor, while the push cylinder is connected fast to the stationary centrifuge housing, and the push piston rotates with the rotor, characterized in that the shaft of the rotor and the push cylinder of the push motor are mounted one within the other by a double-acting axial bearing.

Abstract: The centrifuge consists of a hollow housing disposed wherein is a hollow bowl containing a hollow pusher whose side wall is formed by the side wall of the bowl. The hollow pusher is capable of reciprocating inside the bowl, being attached to the piston rod of a hydraulic cylinder.Provided in the end face of the bowl is a loading port serving to admit metal into the pusher. The side wall of the bowl is provided with ports for discharging the products of refining separately. The housing is fitted with annular partitions and with a contrivance for feeding a coolant to the external surface of the bowl within a solid portion. The side wall of the housing is provided with ports for the discharging of the products of refining.The centrifuge is adapted for the refining of a metal heated up to around 1000.degree.C. The metal is cooled down during the centrifugation, and the fact enables consequent intensification of the process.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention there is provided a washer or fluid extractor comprising a cylindrical basket adapted to be rotated about its longitudinal axis for fluid extracting operations on material placed therein, at least one rope, or other elongate flexible member, extending between a first location in the region of the basket mouth and a second location in the central region of the basket base, the rope tension being selectively adjustable such that, when centrifuging, the rope can take up the profile of the basket interior but, when centrifuging is terminated, the rope can be tightened so that it is displaced inwardly of the cylindrical wall of the basket whereby to dislodge centrifuged material therefrom, means being provided for preventing entanglement of material in the basket with the rope.

Abstract: A rotary centrifugal machine, for example a centrifugal extractor for removing fluids from wet laundry loads, includes a basket rotatable within a casing. A load conveyor deposits material into the basket while the basket rotates at a relatively low speed. After loading, the speed of basket rotation is increased to subject material within the basket to centrifugal forces. Unloading of material from the basket is accomplished by lifting a movable wall from the bottom to the top of the basket during low speed rotation of the basket so that material lifted above the basket wall is centrifugally thrown outward from the basket. The casing and basket are suspended by pedestal assemblies and pneumatic biasing assemblies for damping and resisting lateral casing movement. A switch operated by casing movement senses load imbalance. Automatic redistribution of an unbalanced load is effected by unloading the material and reloading it in a distributed condition.