Self-reconditioning filter apparatus for continuous removal of solids from a stream of liquid

Claim 2

A self-reconditioning filter apparatus for continuous removal of solids from a liquid flowing through a channel of given width and depth, comprising in combination: a shaft rotatably supported across said channel adjacent the bottom thereof; a first pair of toothed wheels fixedly mounted on said shaft adjacent both ends thereof respectively; at least one other shaft rotatably supported across said channel above the level of the liquid flowing therethrough, said one other shaft being located on the downstream side of the first mentioned shaft; a second pair of toothed wheels fixedly mounted on said one other shaft adjacent both ends thereof respectively; drive means for imparting rotation at least to said second pair of toothed wheels; a filter medium in the form of an endless belt adapted to operate at least over said first and second pairs of toothed wheels in engagement therewith, said filter medium including: a number of filter units of generally flat, elongated shape arranged longitudinally of said filter medium in a discontinuous manner with lateral spacings therebetween and each having a shank portion and a hook portion in offset arrangement, said shank portion having first and second bores formed through both ends thereof respectively; and a plurality of linking rods arranged transversely of said filter medium to interconnect said filter units into the form of an endless belt, each of said linking rods being loosely received alternately in said first and second bores of the adjacent filter units whereby the hook portion of each of said filter units is normally partly buried between the shank portions of the transversely adjacent filter units; and a frame extending linearly between said first and second pairs of toothed wheels to support said filter medium against the force of the liquid flowing therethrough.

Claim 3

The apparatus as recited in claim 1, wherein said hook portion of each of said filter units has its end away from said shank portion bent substantially at a right angle, said bent end of said hook portion projecting outwardly of said filter medium in order to hold the solids arrested by said filter medium.

Claim 4

The apparatus as recited in claim 2, wherein said bent ends of said hook portions of said filter units have bores formed respectively therethrough in transverse alignment with respect to said filter medium, and wherein said apparatus further includes a plurality of reinforcing rods securely received in the respective transversely aligned bores of said bent ends of said hook portions.

Claim 5

The apparatus as recited in claim 2, wherein said hook portion of each of said filter units has at least one ridge formed on one edge thereof which is directed outwardly of said filter medium, said ridges on said hook portions being adapted to ensure the secure holding of the solids arrested by said filter medium.

Claim 6

A self-reconditioning filter apparatus for continuous removal of solids from a liquid flowing through a channel of given width and depth, comprising in combination: a first shaft rotatably supported across said channel adjacent the bottom thereof; a first pair of toothed wheels fixedly mounted on said first shaft adjacent both ends thereof respectively; a second shaft rotatably supported across said channel above the level of the liquid flowing therethrough, said second shaft being located on the downstream side of said first shaft; a second pair of toothed wheels fixedly mounted on said second shaft adjacent both ends thereof respectively; a third shaft rotatably supported across said channel substantially in coplanar relationship to said second shaft, said third shaft being located further on the downstream side of said second shaft; a third pair of toothed wheels fixedly mounted on said third shaft adjacent both ends thereof respectively; drive Means for imparting rotation to said second and third pairs of toothed wheels; a filter medium in the form of an endless belt adapted to operate over said first, second and third pairs of toothed wheels in engagement therewith, said filter medium including: a number of filter units of generally flat, elongated shape arranged longitudinally of said filter medium in a discontinuous manner with lateral spacings therebetween and each having a shank portion and a hook portion in offset arrangement, said shank portion having first and second bores formed through both ends thereof respectively; and a plurality of linking rods arranged transversely of said filter medium to interconnect said filter units into the form of an endless belt, each of said linking rods being loosely received alternately in said first and second bores of the adjacent filter units whereby the hook portion of said filter units is normally partly buried between the shank portions of the transversely adjacent filter units; and a frame extending linearly between said first and second pairs of toothed wheels to support said filter medium against the force of the liquid flowing therethrough.

Claim 7

A self-reconditioning filter apparatus for continuous removal of solids from a liquid flowing through a channel of given width and depth, comprising in combination: a first shaft rotatably supported across said channel adjacent the bottom thereof; a first pair of toothed wheels fixedly mounted on said first shaft adjacent both ends thereof respectively; a second shaft rotatably supported across said channel above the level of the liquid flowing therethrough, said second shaft being located on the downstream side of said first shaft; a second pair of toothed wheels fixedly mounted on said second shaft adjacent both ends thereof respectively; a third shaft rotatably supported across said channel substantially in coplanar relationship to said second shaft, said third shaft being located further on the downstream side of said second shaft; a third pair of toothed wheels fixedly mounted on said third shaft adjacent both ends thereof respectively; drive Means for imparting rotation to said second and third pairs of toothed wheels; a filter medium in the form of an endless belt adapted to operate over said first, second and third pairs of toothed wheels in engagement therewith, said filter medium including: a number of filter units of generally flat, elongated shape arranged longitudinally of said filter medium in a discontinuous manner with lateral spacings therebetween and each having a shank portion and a hook portion in offset arrangement, said shank portion having first and second bores formed through both ends thereof respectively; and a plurality of linking rods arranged transversely of said filter medium to interconnect said filter units into the form of an endless belt, each of said linking rods being loosely received alternately in said first and second bores of the adjacent filter units whereby the hook portion of said filter units is normally partly buried between the shank portions of the transversely adjacent filter units; and a frame extending linearly between said first and second pairs of toothed wheels to support said filter medium against the force of the liquid flowing therethrough.