Abstract: A method for effecting the cleaning of a clogged fluid filtering member in a filtering system situated between an inlet and an outlet port comprising utilizing at least a portion of the fluid to be filtered in said system to impart motion to a movable hollow cleaning body provided therein in fluid communication with a valved cleaning outlet and to carry matter unable to pass through said filtering member into a fluid intake portion of said cleaning body and out said cleaning outlet.

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: In a dynamic solids concentrator having a rotor with radially extensive disc-like elements which rotate adjacent other stationary or rotating disc-like elements, stabilizing members are provided along radial edges of the respective elements. In the case of the rotating elements, the stabilizing members are stabilizing fingers which ride within guide members on or guide paths in the inner walls of the concentrator and, in another embodiment, T-shaped stabilizing members whose arms ride on the surfaces of adjacent disc-like elements. In the case of the non-rotating elements, the stabilizng members are stabilizing fingers which ride within the guide members on or guide paths in the concentrators's rotor shaft. The fingers, T-shaped members and their cooperating guides stabilize the relative positions of the disc-like elements within the concentrator under conditions in which pressure differentials within the concentrator or high rotor speeds would otherwise disturb their relative positions.

Abstract: This invention concerns a process and apparatus for filtering slurries and efficiently washing the filter cake. More specifically, the invention provides for mechanically raking the surface of the filter cake to loosen particles therefrom. The loosened particles are entrained by a wash liquid or other fluid applied subsequent to the raking step; the entrained particles tend to occlude cracks in the filter cake, thereby eliminating preferential fluid flow through such cracks.

Abstract: The invention is directed towards a straining means in a cooling system which has a cooling medium inlet, a cooling medium outlet, a screen located between the inlet and outlet and means operable on the inlet side of the screen for keeping the screen clean and free of foreign objects. When using a cylindrical screen, the means for keeping the screen clean comprises a spiral screw-type member rotatable within the cylindrical screen and having means along at least a portion of its edge for grinding foreign material on the inlet side of the screen into a size small enough to pass through the screen.

Abstract: In a dynamic solids concentrator having a rotor with radially extensive disc-like elements which rotate adjacent other stationary or rotating disc-like elements, stabilizing members are provided along radial edges of the respective elements. In the case of the rotating elements, the stabilizing members are stabilizing fingers which ride within guide members on or guide paths in the inner walls of the concentrator and, in another embodiment, T-shaped stabilizing members whose arms ride on the surfaces of adjacent disc-like elements. In the case of the non-rotating elements, the stabilizing members are stabilizing fingers which ride within the guide members on or guide paths in the concentrator's rotor shaft. The fingers, T-shaped members and their cooperating guides stabilize the relative positions of the disc-like elements within the concentrator under conditions in which pressure differentials within the concentrator or high rotor speeds would otherwise disturb their relative positions.

Abstract: A method and separator for removing sugar crystals from a syrup. The syrup is continuously delivered to a space defined by an inner conical first perforated wall subjected to air pressure and an outer conical second perforated wall coaxial with the inner conical wall and subjected to a vacuum from outwardly of the space containing the syrup. The perforations subjected to a vacuum are restricted by projections on a plate that extend axially into corresponding perforations and are movable axially therein to maintain these perforations unobstructed by sugar crystals. Rotationally driven scrapers scrape the inner surfaces of the second perforated wall in synchronism with the projections extending into the perforations.

Abstract: A self cleaning screen assembly according to the present invention is adapted for utilization in conjunction with an oscillating mechanical separator incorporating a screen framework having a screen and a perforated support plate connected thereto and disposed in spaced relation. The screen is defined by a wire mesh and accomplishes the primary screening function while the support plate is defined by a perforated metal plate which serves a supporting function for a plurality of screen cleaning devices that are disposed in the space between the screen and plate. The height of each of the screen cleaning devices is slightly less than the spacing of the screen and plate while the width thereof exceeds the spacing of the screen and plate, allowing the screen cleaning devices to be movable relative to the screen and while preventing them from becoming misoriented due to oscillation of the mechanical separator. A scraper blade means is carried by each of the screen cleaning devices.

Abstract: A continuous digester in which liquor is drained, at various levels, through a screen into a compartment formed by half rings attached to the interior of the digester. The compartment is provided with rotating vanes, which backwash the screen by pulsing liquid therethrough. The digester includes a lower cone, provided with an impeller and compartment for introducing and circulating liquor for "cold blow" of product.