Abstract: A disc filter and method of operating same is provided in which a liquid jet is intermittently used to detach pulp cake from the disc filter. In operation, mechanical or electrical means actuate a nozzle to spray pressurized fluid at a portion of the boundary between the surface of each disc filter segment and its associated pulp cake. The nozzle is actuated to begin spraying as respective segments move into register with the nozzle and are cause to discontinue spraying prior to moving out of register when the loosened pulp cake falls from the segments by gravity. the improved control of pulp cake removal reduces use of washing fluid and results in improved pulp cake consistency.

Abstract: The present invention comprises a closed-loop filter system for continuously removing a metal hydroxide precipitate from an alkali metal hydroxide solution. The filter system comprises a filter having a filter surface and a plurality of small diameter openings in said surface. The alkali metal hydroxide solution is impacted onto said filter surface, metal hydroxide precipitate agglomerating on said surface. The filter surface openings have an average diameter effective for said agglomerating. Means are provided to remove the agglomerated precipitate from said filter surface, and to separate the agglomerated precipitate from the alkali metal hydroxide solution, the agglomerated precipitate having a particle weight to surface area ratio effective for said separation.

Abstract: A filtering apparatus for filtering cutting oil containing metal chips so that the filtered cutting oil can be recycled includes a reservoir, a filtering drum journalled within the reservoir and having a filtering screen support and a filtering screen extending about the periphery of the drum and secured to the drum by the filtering screen support, a chip discharge device including a belt entrained around guide rollers for carrying separated metal chips out of the reservoir, a discharged chip receiving bin disposed outside the reservoir adjacent to the discharge end of the chip discharge device and a filtered oil receiving bin disposed outside of the reservoir adjacent to a filtered oil discharge area of the reservoir. The drum is rotated by a motor located atop the reservoir and connected to the drum. An air spray device extends within the drum for spraying air at the filtering screen to dislodge any metal chips clinging to the screen.

Abstract: A cross flow filter apparatus and method uses an open tank having a first liquid retaining section, a second filter retaining section and a third solids collecting section in fluid communication with each other. A filter assembly is retained within the second section and includes a filter panel having a generally vertically disposed filter membrane surface, preferably with submicron pores. Filtrate is removed by applying low vacuum pressure, in the range of about 5 inches vacuum pressure (Mercury), in communication with the filter panel such that filtrate is drawn through the pores of the filter membrane surface at a flow rate Q.sub.out. Fluid to be filtered is cross flowing vertically downward across the filter membrane surface at a flow rate Q.sub.x, such that the horizontal velocity V.sub.h of fluid drawn through the filter membrane surface is less than the vertical velocity V.sub.v of the cross flowing unfiltered fluid.

Abstract: An aquarium cleaning system comprises undergravel cleaning apparatus and a fish tank having a bottom wall and side and end walls. The cleaning apparatus in the example illustrated comprises a rectangular frame having side and end walls sized to fit within the bottom portion of the tank. An apertured gravel-supporting floor plate is mounted on the top of the frame and defines a space within the frame beneath the plate. A stationary guide tube extends upwardly from the frame above the floor plate. A movable suction head is located within the space and is connected to a movable siphon tube extending upwardly through the guide tube. An upstanding aeration tube is mounted on the floor plate and has a coaxial air supply tube which supports an apertured wiper disc and an apertured filter cartridge, both having wiper elements engaged with the inside wall of the aeration tube to remove algae and detritus. The floor plate comprises two grid sections with parallel slits.

Abstract: Cylindrical textile filters of the radially outward filtration flow type such as utilized in textile wet processing systems are cleaned of filtered accumulation in an inclined filter housing wherein the filter is continuously rotated while a spray nozzle travels axially along the length of the filter applying a high velocity spray of cleaning water radially inwardly with respect to the filter. Simultaneously, a shower-like water spray is applied axially through the filter interior to flush the filtered accumulation as it is dislodged by the high-pressure spray nozzle.

Abstract: Filter apparatus where two or more chambers are each provided with an inlet 23, 26, 29, 32, and outlets 25, 28, 31, 34 and means 2, 27, 30, 33, for removing substances retained in the filter. It is desirable that the filter apparatus be suitable for separating liquid components of a mixture of liquids.

Abstract: A fish protection system for dams comprises a series of modular units which interconnect by male and female fittings on each side of the modular unit. Each modular unit comprises a casing, an inner box and an outer box for anchoring the unit to a stream bed and side frames. A screen and cleaning mechanism can be placed within the modular units where the screens clean and direct debris and fish to a fish ladder. A cleaning comb or cutting bar moves around the modular unit such that it keeps the screens clean and directs the debris and fish to the fish ladders. The cleaning comb by use of its rounded tooth form, minimizes flow at the screen in order that fingerlings won't be harmed by the cutting edge. A fish ladder provides a constant flow by maintaining the same depth of water by a hinged ladder.

Abstract: A batch-action apparatus for filtering a fluid medium comprises a hermetically sealed housing (1) communicating with systems (9, 10 and 11) for feeding the fluid medium, discharging the clean medium, and evacuating filter cake.The housing (1) accommodates a flexible filter hose (2) one end (4) of which is turned inside out and attached to the housing (1), whereas the other end (7) thereof is connected to a hoisting mechanism (3) acting to move the hose (2) relative to the fixed end (4) of this hose. The end (4) of the hose (2) turned inside out forms an annular cavity (8) to which the fluid medium is fed and which varies in volume under the action of filter cake build-up or in response to the movement executed by the hoisting mechanism (3).

Abstract: The dynamic pressure filter is constructed with a plurality of coaxially disposed rotor sectors and stator sectors. Filter surfaces are mounted on each of the sectors to define annular filter chambers for receiving a suspension to be filtered under pressure. In addition, vortex breakers are provided at the downstream end of each filter chamber for destroying the flow structure of the suspension prior to flow into the downstream filter chamber.

Abstract: A mechanism for removing debris from the floor surface of a swimming pool. Two long pole assemblies are extended downwardly into the swimming pool to support a transversely-extending strainer screen. The pole assemblies are moved along the length of the pool to enable the strainer screen to capture particulates on or near the floor surface of the pool.

Abstract: Discloses apparatus for separating the solids from a liquid of a sludge or slurry which includes a slurry source, a slurry container receiving slurry from the source and a filter cage removably mounted inside the container. The filter cage includes a cage frame, a supported screen liner mounted within the cage and a filter liner removably fitted inside the liner. The container has a liquid drainage conduit removably connected to a suction device for removing liquid from the drainage chamber. The container is constructed and adapted to be picked up, carried about, and tilted to remove solid material deposited within the filter cage. The filter cage is constructed and adapted to be hoisted up out of the container and separately moved about and tilted to remove solids deposited within the filter cage. A liquid injection apparatus may be provided for injecting a selected amount of a flocculating agent into the slurry received into the container to cause flocculation of solid particles in the slurry.

Abstract: A method and apparatus wherein a conventional vacuum operated filter unit which generates a positive pressure on the particulates in a suspension against a filter membrane is converted into an anti-clogging filter unit through addition of a supplemental device which generates a counteracting negative pressure on the suspension as it is being filtered, thereby pulling the particulates in the suspension away from the filter membrane.

Abstract: The apparatus comprises a hermetically sealed hollow housing (1) accommodating in the interior thereof a flexible filtering member (2) in the form of a hose, the ends of which are turned inside out and attached to the periphery of the inside surface of the housing (1). Cavities (3,4) formed between the hose (2) and housing (1) communicate with a discharge device (8) for discharging the fluid medium being cleaned.Provided in the interior of the housing between the fixed ends of the hose (2) is a partition wall (9) having a slot-shaped opening (10) for the passage of this hose and dividing the interior of the housing (1) into two chambers (12, 13). Each such chamber (12, 13) is connected to the feeding device (17, 21) for feeding the fluid medium being cleaned and to the evacuation device for evacuating filter cake.

Abstract: An apparatus and process for removing liquid from a liquid-solid mixture by forcing the liquid-solid mixture under low pressure through a filter means attached to filter support doors to form a filter cake, supplying compressed air into an expandable space to deform an elastomeric bladder which squeezes additional liquid out of the cake, and opening the filter support doors to cause discharge of the filter cake from the filter means.

Abstract: An apparatus for concentrating a suspension consisting of a hollow cylinder in which one or more tubes of a constant outward diameter extend in axial direction, in the wall of each tube at least one filter being mounted forming the only direct connection between the interior of the tube and the interior of the cylinder. Two or more of such apparatus can be connected in series in order to form a cascade.

Abstract: Apparatus for thickening a suspension of pulp material employs a single pair of liquid-impervious rolls and a single loop of wire trained around both rolls which are spaced from each other in substantially the same horizontal plane. The pulp stock to be thickened is delivered into the wedge zone defined by the upper wire run approaching the top of one roll and the surface of that roll, so that the pulp is trapped between the wire and roll as it travels around the roll with the wire, and the rolls are driven at sufficient speed to develop centrifugal forces which cause liquid to be expressed through the wire from the pulp trapped against the roll.

Abstract: A multiple-disk type filter including a stack of filter disks disposed in a housing and an extensible support for the stack of filter disks, the extensible support including first and second end elements and a multiplicity of rod members joining the first and second end elements in sliding relationship, the multiplicity of rod members being arranged in slidable engagement with at least one of the first and second end elements, and stop apparatus for limiting extension of the support.

Abstract: A dishwasher for large articles, comprising a washing chamber and a door in a door opening to the washing chamber of the dishwasher with spray nozzles arranged therein in vertical rows of vertically spaced nozzles for dishwater, characterized in that the door when closed is supported by at least one pivot arm which is mounted to pivot about a vertical axis located inside and centrally of the washing chamber at a position such that the door can be swung laterally from its closed position and into the washing chamber as well as to a position at its rear wall directly opposite the opening, the upper and lower edges of the door diverging in the direction in which the door moves when swing from the closed position, the upper and lower edges of the door opening divering in the same manner to receive the door when returned to its closed position, there being an upper and a lower pivot arm at the upper and lower edge, respectively, of the door, and at least one washing article carrier mounted on the inside of the doo

Abstract: A filter candle element which is mounted in depending manner in a pressure container has a support body and a filter tissue which covers the support body and has at least one impermeable portion so as to prevent the depositing of a continuous filter cake. Through provision of a plurality of impermeable portions, the filter cake is divided into several pieces which do not obstruct their removal. The impermeable portions are obtained by spraying of synthetic material onto the filter tissue. These filter candle elements are especially suitable for alluvial filters of large dimensions.

Abstract: Disclosed is a centrifugal microconcentrator and methods for using the microconcentrator to concentrate macromolecules from a solution without filtering to dryness and to centrifugally recover a maximal amount of concentrated macromolecular retentate.

Abstract: A method and device for separating most of the waste material from sewage effluent, which incinerates a large portion of the waste to dispose of the waste in an environmentally safe manner. After separation, the aqueous by-product from the sewage effluent is substantially waste free, allowing easy disposition or further treatment. The apparatus includes a housing and a filter in the housing to which the sewage effluent is introduced. The solid waste materials are trapped in the filter with a substantially aqueous by-product discharged from the device. A switch senses entry of the sewage effluent, starting operation of a heating element and a microwave generator which operate to substantially incinerate the waste material into an ash particulate. The gaseous by-products of the incineration are vented to the atmosphere and the ash particulate is vacummed into a temporary storage container.

Abstract: In a filter pressure container provided with a plurality of vertically suspended tube-like filter elements having a filter cloth thereon the filtration of residual volumes of a liquid being filtered and the rinsing-out of the filter cakes built up during the filtration on the filter cloth are carried out by pumping out of the residual liquid or the rinsing liquid from the container by pump into an injector mounted in the container above the filter elements. The injector sprays out the residual liquid or the washing liquid over the filter elements while a pressure gas or air is simultaneously supplied into the container to force the liquid mist through the filter elements.

Abstract: An extrusion device used for extracting liquids from liquid-solid mixtures and which operates on the separation gap principle, comprising a screw rotating in a barrel. Pins project radially inwardly into the barrel. The separation gaps and the internal lining of the barrel are maintained in an operationally efficient state for long periods of time even if highly abrasive and/or corrosive mixtures are being treated. The internal surface of the hollow barrel is lined with individual, interchangeable segments which are peripherally staggered relative to one another in the form of a wall, end face or tip portions are located on the end portion of the pins. Moreover, the screw comprises a mandrel on which are mounted individual screw flight portions. Between the flight portions, ring portions are mounted on the mandrel. These ring portions and the tip portions mounted on the pins define the separation gaps. Accordingly, those parts which are liable to wear or corrode can be readily replaced.

Abstract: Industrial water filter comprising a filter housing comprising a sidewall and opposed endwalls, a radial inlet and an axial outlet. A stationary filter is disposed operatively between the inlet and outlet and generally eccentrically relative to the inlet axis so as to produce a sweeping flow pattern along the screen. The interior space between the screen and housing is divided diametrically along an axial plane of the filter housing into two separate channels each of which runs along the screen to a debris recovery zone diametrically opposite the inlet. At the inlet end the interior space is divided by a streamlined flow divider and at the debris recovery end by a separator member which is either a flat plate or a streamlined member. A stiffening web may be joined to the endwalls across an axial plane of the screen. A partition may divide the interior space perpendicularly to the outlet axis into two compartments.

Abstract: A polymer slurry is passed past a filter and a wash fluid is caused to flow at a substantial angle with respect to the flow of the polymer slurry and toward the filter such as to replace at least a substantial portion of the fluid of the polymer slurry.

Abstract: The percolator supporting structure comprises a coffee powder containing body (1) effective to be coupled to the water dispensing unit and provided, at the bottom thereof, with coffee metering spouts, and including a coffee powder holding grille (5) movable therein and effective to be located at a plurality of different levels, in such a way as to vary the coffee powder containing capacity of the body (1) and facilitate the removing of the spent coffee powder.

Abstract: An improved apparatus for separating liquids and particularly separating oil from the surface of water contained in a tank. The apparatus includes a partially submerged drum mounted to rotate in the water tank and a film of oil and water is picked up on the surface of the rotating drum and removed by a doctor blade. The removed oil and water mixture flows through a trough and is discharged into the upper end portion of a vertical tube. The lower open end of the tube is located beneath the level of the water and the tube has an overflow outlet located at a higher level than the level of the water. The oil, having a lesser density than the water, will collect in the upper end in the tube and the level of oil will rise and is discharged through the overflow outlet, thereby providing a full separation of the oil from the water.

Abstract: A weed screen and trash eliminator for irrigation systems utilizing open ditches or canals for transmission of water. A rigid frame supports a stationary screen having a planar surface. A front trough directs water within a ditch onto the upper screen surface, which is inclined slightly from its front edge to its rear edge. The water passes through the screen, leaving weeds and other debris on the upper screen surface. Endless conveyors continuously move a transverse bristle brush along working flights that span the length of the screen. The conveyors are powered continuously in a direction such that the brush moves along the screen from front to back. A recessed catch pan is fixed across the frame immediately adjacent the rear edge of the screen to receive materials swept from the screen by the brush.

Abstract: A device and method for separating particulate material from earth drilling fluids is disclosed, wherein the earth drilling fluids containing such particulate material is introduced into a container. A major portion of the particulate material separates out of the earth drilling fluid, and the fluid then passes over a baffle and through a screen, with the movement past the screen being such, combined with the screen orientation, to provide a screen which is somewhat self-cleaning in nature. The screen is periodically scraped by carrying members, and is urged against the carrying members so that the initial contact of the carrying members with the screen causes vibrations which improve the self-cleaning characteristics of the screen.The particulate material which settles out of the drilling fluid, and the particulate material which is screened out of the drilling fluid, is collected in the bottom of the container and is removed therefrom by the carrying members up an inclined wall to a discharge point.

Abstract: Provided is a skim net for use in swimming pools, comprising a frame and an open, meshed netting stretched in the frame. Rearwardly of the frame is a handle attachment of the quick connect and disconnect-type. The forward sweep end of the net frame is of substantial flat configuration in relation to the height of the sides and base of the frame, forming a shovel-shaped frame end which serves as a scoop for the removal of rocks, debris, and like substances, of the swimming pool surface. Additionally, the frame forward end is provided with a recessed magnet to attract metallic objects as, for example, hair pins.

Abstract: A device for the flocculation and collection of whey albumin is disclosed, as comprising a basin having a collecting vessel open at the top and at least on one side, at least partially permeable to liquids and rotably carried about a horizontal geometrical axis located at one of the basin walls, and controlled by power means so as to rotate about said axis from a position adjacent said wall to another position inclined with respect to the horizontal, at which latter position the collected product can be discharged through the open side of the collecting vessel.

Abstract: In a fluid passageway a filter panel is selectively moved out of its normal position extending across the fluid passageway to a dumping position out of the fluid passageway such that particulate matter collected thereon is removed responsive to the movement of a baffle plate from a normal position out of the fluid passageway into a position blocking the fluid passageway. Thereby passage of air through the fluid passageway is prevented during the time the filter panel is out of its normal position. In a preferred embodiment a linking mechanism connects the baffle plate and filter panel together so that movement of the baffle plate to the blocking position causes the filter panel to drop to a dumping position and return of the filter panel to its filter position causes the baffle plate to drop to its normal position. The whole sequence is instituted responsive to buildup of particulate matter on the filter panel.

Abstract: This invention relates to an improved ditch water cleaning apparatus characterized by a partially covered open ended frame for insertion in the ditch, an upwardly and rearwardly inclined screen at the upstream end of the frame effective to interrupt the flow of water within the ditch and screen the debris therefrom, a propeller-like brush journalled for rotation about an axis normal to the plane of the screen and so located relative thereto that each arm of the brush successively sweeps the surface of the latter and removes any debris therefrom onto the covered portion of the frame lying immediately therebehind, and brush drive means operatively connected to the brush. The unit also includes a novel comb to pick the debris from the brush bristles preparatory to its moving onto the screen.

Abstract: A fluid filter apparatus has a standard filter element in it and its usual end gaskets are utilized to rotate the filter by a rotating shaft and to provide a frictionless bearing against the housing interior.

Abstract: A foreign material removing device in a synthetic resin reclaiming machine including an extruder having a screw shaft, a filter cylinder connected to the extruder, a resin filter mounted within the filter cylinder so as to form a resin chamber therebetween, a scraper shaft positioned within the filter cylinder and including projected strips as scraper which protrude aslant to the axis of the scraper shaft such that the strips contact the inner surface of the filter and interconnect with the screw shaft, a body fixed to the filter cylinder which includes a first guide hole, one end thereof being connected to the inside of the filter cylinder, an ejecting port, and a second guide hole disposed in an orthogonal direction with respect to the axis of the scraper so as to connect the first guide hole to the foreign material ejecting port further including a plurality of resin passages communicating with the resin chamber, a plurality of dies fixed to the body which include connecting passages for ejecting resin and

Abstract: Process for desalting of water by hyperfiltration (reverse osmosis), characterized in conveying the water to be desalted through at least one magnetic field and keeping the water streaming within the magnetic field and by removing via a throttle area a partial stream of the water to be desalted or of the water enriched in salt, respectively, from the pressure chamber located before the semipermeable membrane.

Abstract: A divider plate having a strainer basket depending therefrom is positioned in a skimmer apparatus intermediate the skimming inlet and the lower end. A conduit passes through the basket and communicates with the drain inlet in the bottom of the skimmer which also includes an outlet from which water is drawn by the swimming pool pump. The conduit is aligned with a water passage in the divider plate. A coupling member affixed to the hose associated with vacuum cleaning equipment is passed through the water passage and engaged with the conduit. The coupling blocks water flow from the drain inlet and has an exit therethrough for movement of water from the hose to the outlet of the skimmer. Valve means are provided for selectively closing the water passage and for selectively retarding water flow from the drain inlet.

Abstract: A swimming pool debris collection apparatus which includes therewith a device for disturbing debris causing such to be dislodged from the bottom surface of a swimming pool and suspended a short distance above the bottom surface of the pool to facilitate entry into a collecting chamber. The collecting chamber comprises a mesh wall structure which is attached to a rigid polygonal shaped frame. Attached to the frame and located upstream is the debris disturbing device which when in use will rest against the bottom surface of the pool to initially effect the disturbing of the debris and its entry into the collecting chamber. The debris disturbing device is attached by a bracket to the frame and is capable of pivotal movement in respect thereto.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a method and apparatus for removing separable impurities from a liquid. In the method, the liquid is caused to pass radially through a cylindrical roll of web-like, wet-strength fiber material at the same time as the fiber web which forms the roll is continuously drawn out at low speed from the roll at that circumferential side where the liquid is caused to enter. As a result, the roll constantly offers a relatively clean surface to the penetrating liquid. The apparatus comprises a chamber for the roll, a conduit for conducting the liquid to the one circumferential side of the roll, a discharge for conveying off liquid from the vessel at the other side of the roll, rollers for guided withdrawal of the fiber web, and a receptacle for collecting the web withdrawn from the roll.

Abstract: A mechanism for screening a stock slurry for a paper making machine including a cylindrically shaped tubular screen with a stock supply at one end and a discharge at the opposite end for rejected stock and an annular receiving chamber outwardly of the screen for material which passes the screen and rotating axially extending foils within the screen, each foil having a rib projecting radially inwardly and extending in a helical direction at an angle to the foil to move the stock from the supply end of the screen to the discharge end.

Abstract: An assembly, particularly useful in a fluid filter system, in which fluid is caused to flow in a helical pattern in a circular canister to increase turbulence of the fluid and thereby benefit both the filtering process and heat transfer with the canister body. Flow directing means is disclosed for gradually accelerating and deflecting fluid into the helical flow pattern in an efficient manner without internally heating the fluid, thereby allowing the assembly to serve as a fluid cooler.

Abstract: The present pulp catcher is provided with a rotating brush roller for cleaning the sieve or straining drum in a container. The shaft ends of the rotating brush roller are movably supported in bearings which are pressed by biasing means radially inwardly relative to the rotational axis of the straining drum. The shaft ends of the rotation brush roller are sealed by stuffing box means which are connected to the container by means of compensating corrugated tubings. The movable support of the shaft ends makes it possible to maintain the rotating brush roller at a most efficient spacing relative to the straining drum even when the bristles of the brush roller become shorter due to wear and tear.

Abstract: A settling tank having a flat bottom and an inclined side extending from an arcuate corner along one side of said bottom, a drag-out conveyor means along said bottom around said arcuate corner and up said inclined side, and a mechanism for permitting the idler sprocket or roller of the conveyor to move away from said arcuate corner to prevent jamming, as well as to control the thickness and/or to sense the drag of the settlings on the bottom of the tank. This conveyor hold-down control mechanism comprises an adjustable elongated means parallel to said inclined side, pivoted at one end above the normal surface of liquid in said tank, and at the other end to the idler sprockets or rollers for the conveyor at the arcuate corner, for normally resiliently urging said idlers into said corner, as well as indicating when said idlers move away from said corner by encountering foreign objects which otherwise would jam the conveyor.

Abstract: An automatic self-cleaning liquid clarification system wherein suspended solids are removed from a contaminated liquid. A hollow drum carrying a plurality of brushing elements mounted on its outer periphery scrubs a strainer or screen and elevates the solid contaminants separated by the screen into a pitched auger conveyor which removes additional liquid from the solids materials which are then conveyed in a semi-dry or damp state for discharge.

Abstract: Apparatus for separating a fibrous suspension of raw stock into acceptable stock and waste material in which an inlet at one end of a casing directs raw stock against a conical plate closing one end of a rotor in the housing and into an annular elongated inner chamber formed beween the imperforate peripheral wall of the rotor and a stationary cylindrical screen surrounding the rotor in the housing so that acceptable stock passes through the screen into an outer space from which it can be removed through a suitable outlet and waste material is directed by elongated angularly inclined ribs on the outer surface of the rotor wall into a turbulence chamber in which a radially extending rib on the other end of the rotor acts on the stock and from whence relatively light waste material is removed through a tangentially extending outlet at the top of the casing and relatively heavy material is removed through an outlet at the bottom of the casing and in which diluent water is introduced into the turbulence chamber th

Abstract: Apparatus for removing solid material from a flow of sewage or other liquid, the apparatus having a duct through which in use sewage will flow and two screens located in said duct adjacent to each other, one of said screens being arranged to receive solid material filtered from the sewage flow by the other screen and there being also provided a vertically reciprocable lifting plate which is adapted to collect solid material from said one screen and lift it to a position which is above the upper surface of the flow of sewage.

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: A swimming pool strainer with a dip net having a handle, and including a blade for extension across and in front of a distal region of the dip net, the blade being generally oblique to the direction of strainer movement in operation to effect upward flow of sediment into the net.

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.