US3357562A - Table scrap separator and conveyor - Google Patents

Description

Deu l2, '1967 G. o, SHERMAN, JR $357552 TABLE SCRAP SEPARATOR AND CONVEYOR Filed April .24, 1967 Y .2 Shees--SheeI l o o d BF o 2 E @j 1 'i N j@ 11 INVENTORQ 52 f l t 42 E f' Mya DEQ my A3957 G. o. SHERMAN, m 3,357,52

TABLE SCRAP SEPARATOR AND CONVEYOR Filed April 24, 1967 E SheS-Sheet 2 ](Tlyo Y. INVENTOR United States Patent O ABSTRACT F THE DISCLOSURE In recirculating disposal equipment having a trough through which table scraps are carried by a stream of water, a pair of rotary brushes bridge the space between a weir at the end of the trough and the waste disposal unit. The scraps are separated from the flushing water flowing over the weir and are conveyed to the disposal unit while the water is returned to a supply reservoir. The combination separating and conveying action is accomplished by the surface presented by the bristles of the brushes, such surface being essentially irnperforate with respect to the scraps but permitting the flushing water to pass therethrough for return to the reservoir.

One embodiment of the brush is axially collapsible to facilitate removal thereof from its mountings when cleaning of the bristles is required. In a second embodiment, the brush is constructed in a manner to provide an effectively self-cleaning assembly, an axial support for the bristles which is open to permit water to readily pass therethrough being utilized to prevent the brush from substantially impeding the water ow.

This application is a continuation-inpart of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 477,409, led Aug. 5, 1965, and now abandoned. f

This invention relates to improvements in Waste disposal equipment and, more particularly, to an assembly for separating food scraps from a ow of scrapladen water and thereafter conveying the separated food scraps to a point of deposit.

In commercial waste-disposal equipment, an elongated trough or basin is provided to receive relatively large quantities of food scraps and the like which are flushed longitudinally of the trough by a stream of water issuing from one end thereof. The scrap-laden Water is, in turn, directed toward and over a Weir at the opposite end of the trough so that, upon separation of the food scraps from the water, the food scraps may be directed into a waste-grinding unit or other means of waste disposal while the water gravitates to a collection region.

The Weir is provided to prevent silverware and other i utensils from passing into the grinding unit with the food scraps.

It is desirable that the flushing water be collected in a reservoir below the weir and reused to minimize the cost of water usage. The water clarity is, therefore, of importance and structure is provided to not only separate the food scraps from the water, but also to convey the food scraps to the waste-grinding unit. in the past, such structure has generally included a series of spaced, rotary discs mounted on a common axis, the discs being in the path of travel of the scrap-laden water after the latter has passed over the Weir. The discs intercept the food scraps and the rotary motion of the discs conveys the food scraps to the waste-grinding unit. The water passes through the discs and gravitates to the reservoir below the weir. From the reservoir, the water is continuously pumped into the trough to ush additional food scraps placed therein toward and over the Weir.

Although the above-mentioned separator dlscs are generally satisfactory for their intended purpose, they oftentimes present a problem in that food particles collect Mice in the spaces between the discs, requiring the periodic cleaning of the disc assembly in order to maintain the clarity of the flushing water since such collected food particles will eventually pass into the reservoir and, quite possibly, jam the water recirculating pump. The bridging of the food scraps between the discs also hinders the vreturn of the water to the reservoir and causes some of the water to be directed into the grinding unit instead of passing to the reservoir for reuse.

The present invention provides improved structure for separating and conveying food `scraps and overcomes the aforesaid problem associated with the use of the spaced separator discs. To this end, the invention includes a rotary brush having lbristles which provide a means for intercepting substantially all of the food scraps from the scrap-laden water directed thereon while permitting the water to pass through the brush for gravitation into the reservoir therebelow. The rotary motion of the brush then conveys the intercepted food scraps to a point of deposit, such as a waste-grinding unit, so that the food scrap separation and conveying process is more er'iicient while, at the same time, the water pumped from the reservoir is maintained substantially free of food particles and can be reused for an extended period of time. In one embodiment of the invention, provision is also made to quickly separate the brush from its operative position adjacent the weir so that, in the event that small particles of food scraps do collect in the bristles, the brush can be shaken to dislodge the collected food scraps and thereby cleaned in a minimum of time. In a second embodiment of the invention, the brush is effectively self-cleaning and normally does not require removal from its operative position.

It is, therefore, the primary object of this invention to provide rotary bristle structure for use in wastehandling equipment of the type described adjacent the weir thereof so that substantially all food scraps carried over the weir by a flow of water will be effectively intercepted by the bristles of the structure and conveyed to a point of deposit to thereby maintain the clarity of the water and to overcome the problem encountered with the use of spaced discs adapted for this purpose and used in conventional waste-handling equipment.

As a corollary to the foregoing object, it is an irnportant aim of the instant invention to provide bristle structure as aforesaid which presents an essentially imperforate surface to the scraps carried by the Water and yet presents minimum resistance to the passage of the water therethrough, in order to thereby separate the scraps from the water to permit reuse of the latter.

Another object of the present invention is the provision of a rotary brush assembly comprising the bristle structure wherein the brush is quickly and easily removed from its operative position adjacent the weir of the wastehandling equipment so that the brush may be cleaned by shaking or rinsing the same to separate any small food scraps adhering thereto in the event that such action is deemed necessary or desirable.

Still another object of this invention is the provision of improved waste-handling equipment wherein collapsible bristle structure is provided between the Weir and waste disposal unit thereof to effectively separate sub-` stantially all of the food scraps from the scrap-laden water passing over the weir and to convey the separated food scraps to the waste disposal unit.

apparatus employing the improvements of this invention, parts being broken away to reveal details of construction;

FIG. 2 is an enlarged, cross-sectional view taken along line 2 2 of FIG. 1 and illustrating one of the collapsible rotary brushes of this invention ,in its operative disposition adjacent the weir of the apparatus;

FIG. 3 is a View of the brush of FIG. 2 showing the same in a collapsed condition whereby the brush may be removed from the apparatus;

F-IG. 4 is an enlarged view partially in section and partially in elevation of a second embodiment of the rotary brush of the instant invention, showing the same mounted adjacent the Weir;

FIG. 5 is a perspective, partially exploded view of the axial support forming a part of the brush illustrated in FIG. 4;

FIG. 6 is a fragmentary, perspective view of the spiralk band and bristles of the brush of FIG. 4; and

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 7-7 of FIG. 4.

The improved food scrap separator and conveyor assembly is broadly denoted by the numeral 10 and includes bristle structure 12 in the form of a pair of rotary brushes 14 and 16 arranged in side-by-side relationship with their axes of rotation in substantial parallelism.

Assembly 10 is especially adapted for use with waste disposal equipment 18 which includes an elongated, opentop trough 20, a water supply reservoir 22, a Weir 24 having an upper edge 26, a waste disposal unit 28, a fluid pump 30 in communication with reservoir 22, and a conduit 32 coupling pump 30 with one end of trough 20 as shown in FIG. 1. Pump 30 is operated to direct a stream of water under pressure through conduit 32 and into trough 20 wherein the stream of water will be directed toward weir 24 and over edge 26 thereof. Food scraps or other waste material deposited into trough 20 through the open top thereof is flushed toward Weir 24 by the water stream and carried over edge 26 for deposit into unit 28. The purpose of assembly 10 is to separate the food scraps from the water and to convey the food scraps into unit 28 while permitting the water to gravitate into reservoir 22. Thus, the water` can be reused to assure economy of operation of equipment 18.

Each of the brushes 14 and 16 is substantially identical in construction so that a description of one will suflice for that of the other. It is to be noted that in their operative disposition, brush 14 is adjacent Weir 24, and brush 16 is essentially downstream of brush 14 with respect to the direction of the stream of scrap-laden water passing toward and over Weir 24. Brushes l14 and 16 are in substantially bridging relationship to the space between weir 24 and the open top of unit 28, and brushes 14 and 16 `are in relatively close proximity with each other so that the food scrape intercepted thereby will be eifectively prevented from passing into reservoir 22.

Brush 14 illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 3 includes a spiral band 34 of resilient material which provides a base for a plurality of bristles 36 which are secured to band 34 and project outwardly therefrom. The convolutions of band 34 are normally spaced apart so that when an axial force is applied to band 34, the latter will be compressed much in the nature of a coil spring.

Band 34 is transversely U-shaped and provided with a prair of opposed sides 38 which clamp the inner extremities of bristles 36 so that the latter are retained in place.

Bristles 36 have an inherent stiffness, although they are ilexible to a certain extent. When deflected and released, the bristles essentially return to their normal operative dispositions extending outwardly from band 34. Bristles 36 are arranged so that the outer extremities thereof present a substantially cylindrical peripheral surface for brush 14, which periphery is substantially imperforate with respect to food scraps intercepted thereby while, at the same time, suc'h periphery is water permeable and permitswater to pass through brush 14 and into reservoir 22 therebelow.

A pair of spaced, tubular sections 40 and 42 provide a support for band 34 and are telescopically received within the tubular passage dened by the configuration of band 34, a bar 44 being telescoped into the inner ends of sections 4i) and 42. A pin 46 connects one end of bar 44 to section 40. The opposite end of bar 44 is freely shiftable with respect to section 42.

The ends of band 34 are secured in any suitable manner to the outer ends of sections 40 and 42. This is illustrated in FIG. 3 wherein extensions 48 and 49 at the ends of band 34 are in juxtaposition to and rigidly coupled with the outer ends of respective sections 40 and 42. Specifically, a pin 50 passes through and interconnects extension 48 and section 40. Similarly, and pin 51 passes through interconnects extension 49 and section 42. Thus, brush 14 is collapsible inasmuch as band 34 may be compressed and sections 40and 42 are maintained in axial alignment by bar 44.

A stub shaft 52 is telescopically received within the outer end of section 40 and projects outwardly therefrom as shown in FIGS 2 and 3. Pin 50 interconnects shaft 52 and section 40, the latter having an annular flange 53 thereon. In its operative disposition, shaft 52 is rotatably received within a bushing 55 mounted on one side 56 of equipment 18. A Tellon washer57 is recessed in the inner surface of side 56 and provides a bearing for a'nge 53 as section 4t) rotates with respect to side 56. A cap 59 secured by screws 61 to side 56 encloses the outer end of shaft 52.

' It is to be understood that shaft 52 is rotatable within bushing 55 and also is shiftable axially of the latter toward the opposite side 58 of equipment 18.

A stub shaft 54 is journalled in side 58 and is axially aligned with bushing 55. Shaft 54 has an annular flange 63 which bears against a Teflon washer 65 recessed within the inner surface of side 58. A- collar 67 is releasably secured byrset-screw 69 to shaft 54 to preclude axial movement of shaft 54 without hindering the rotation thereof. An annular seal 71 and a roller bearing 73 are recessed in a projection 75 integral with side 58 as shown in FIG. 2 whereby shaft 54 is journalled for rotation while at the same time, fluid is prevented from passing outwardly along the outer surface of shaft 54. Section 42 has an annular flange 77 which bears against flange 63 on shaft 54.

Stub shaft 54 has a slot 68 which receives pin 51 when the proximal end of section 42 is telescoped over stub shaft 54, it being noted that shaft 54 extends inwardly from the inner surface of side 58 yfor this purpose. A belt and pulley assembly 70 is coupled with shaft 54 so that the latter will be rotated in a predetermined direction to, in turn, effect rotation of brush 14. The belt 72` of assembly 70 is also operably coupled to brush 16 so that brushes 14 and 16 are rotated simultaneously. A motor 74 carried by equipment 18 is utilized as the source of power for rotating brushes 14 and 16, the latter being rotatable in a counterclockwise sense when viewing FIG. l so that food scraps intercepted and supported thereon will be advanced toward and into the open top of unit 2S.

In operation, brushes 14 and 16 are mounted in their operative dispositions shown in FIG. 1 and in bridging relationship to the space between weir 24 and the open top of unit 28. Suitable control structure is provided to actuate motor 74 and the motor 76 associated with pump 30. Also, the power source of unit 28 is controlled in any suitable manner.

Upon actuation of pump 30, water from reservoir 22 is directed through conduit 32 and into one end of trough 20, the stream of water being of sufficient volume and pressure to pass toward weir 24 and over edge 26 thereof. Table scraps or other waste may be deposited in trough 20 and the water stream will carry the same over edge 26 and onto brushes 14 and 16.

The table scraps are separated from the Water by brushes 14 and 16 inasmuch as the latter present an essentially imperforate surface to the table scraps while providing means to allow the iiushing water to pass therethrough for return to reservoir Z2. The rotary motion of brushes 14 and 16 effectively carries the scraps toward and into the open top of unit 28 so that comminuting of the scraps may then take place for the proper disposal of the waste.

Although brushes 14 and 16 separate and convey substantially all of the food scraps deposited thereon, there will be some waste material that may collect in the brushes adjacent the outer extremities of bristles 36. When it is deemed desirable or necessary to remove these small particles, operation of equipment 1S is halted, whereupon ine wardly directed axial forces are applied at the ends of each of the brushes 14 and 16 to remove the same from the mounting means on sides 56 and 5S. This is illustrated by the arrows 7S in FIG. 3 wherein sections 4i? and 42 have been moved toward each other to reduce the effective length ofthe corresponding brush. Thus, section 4i) moves inwardly toward section 42 and carries shaft 52 therewith. Shaft 52 moves out of bushing 55 to thereby uncouple the corresponding end of the brush from side S6. At the opposite end of the brush, inward movement of section 42 moves pin 51 out of slot 68 and the end of section 42 clears shaft 54. The brush may then be moved from the space between sides 56 and 58. This might entail moving the brush into a disposition longitudinally of trough 20 in order to position the brush for effective removal from equipment 18. Particles of food scraps adhering to the brush may be dislodged by shaking or rinsing the same and, for the most part, these clinging food scraps will be adjacent the outer periphery of the brush. The brush may then be replaced in its operative position by compressing band 34 and guiding the ends of sections 40 and 42 onto the inner ends of shafts 52. Bar 44 maintains the corresponding sections 40 and 42 in axial alignment with each other so that the corresponding band 34 is not allowed to ex and thereby render the brush unwieldy.

A second embodiment of the rotary separating and conveying brush of the instant invention is illustrated in FIGS. 47, a brush 8) being shown corresponding in function and location in equipment 18 to the previously described brush 14. Brush Si) has a central support or core shown in detail in FIG. 5, such support comprising a shaft S2 extending along the axis of brush S0, three disc-shaped spacers 84 on shaft 82, and four elongated, rod-like elements S6. The spacers 84 are spaced apart longitudinally of shaft 82 and are rigid to the shaft, as illustrated in FIG. 4 where a crosspin S8 is shown maintaining the right hand spacer 84 locked on shaft 32 and retained against movement with respect to the shaft.

The four rod-like elements 86 are bent over at their ends and inserted into openings 90 in the peripheries of the end spacers S4. Adjacent openings 90 in each end spacer 84 are separated by equal circumferential distances, adjacent elements 36 thus being separated from each other by the same circumferential distance as well as being spaced equal radial distances from shaft 82. The center spacer 84 is free to slide on shaft 82 during assembly of the support structure but, after assembly, is retained in piace by engagement with elements 86.

A mounting base for the bristles 92 of brush 80 is provided by a base in the form of a spiral band 94 of generally U-shaped cross-sectional configuration. Band 94 is similar to the spiral band 34 of the previous embodiment, being axially resilient and having spaced convolutions. However, it should be noted that bristles 92 are substantially shorter in length than the radius of brush 80, unlike the previous embodiment, and that the internal diameter of band 94 is considerably greater than the internal diameter of band 34. The band 94 of the instant embodiment is provided with eyes 96 at its ends to facilitate attachment thereof to the central support, as by a screw 98 threaded into the periphery of each end spacer 84 through the corresponding eye 95.

Brush 80 is mounted in equipment 18 by supporting the left end of shaft 82 in bushing 55', the right end portion of shaft 82 being provided with a keyway 100 and being journalled in bearing 73. Collar 67 retains shaft 82 against axial shifting and the belt and pulley assembly 'iti is lcoupled to the keyed end. A pair of spacing collars 102 and 104 are disposed between washers 57 and 65 and the left and right end disc spacers 84. Brush is installed by removing the bearing .support plate 58a which forms a part of side 58, whereby brush S0 may be placed in position with the left end of shaft 82 received in bushing 55 and plate 58a replaced.

The operation of the apparatus utilizing the brush 80 is essentially the same as that described above for the first embodiment of the invention. Manifestly, a brush identical to brush 80 would also be substituted for brush 16. However, there are certain differences in the bristle structures of the two embodiments which affect the selfcleaning characteristics of the unit.

In the first embodiment the relative length of the bristles, as they are angled one from the other from the innermost to the outermost ends, causes the outermost ends to be spaced relatively far from adjacent bristle ends. Thus, the bristle density at the outermost cylindrical surface of the brush is relatively sparce. This permits ingress of particles of scrap material into the brush necessitating periodic removal of the brush for cleaning the latter. Further, the relatively long bristles have a certain amount of inherent flexibility due to their lengths and this liexibility is not necessarily desirable in effecting high speed separation of the scrap material from a large volume of owing water. Any tendency of the bristles to collapse upon one another under the scrap laden water flow results in a lessening of the efficiency of the operation of the unit and a resultant carry-over of water into the scrap grinder. This Wastes Water which would otherwise be returned to reservoir 22 for flushing additional scrap material along conduit 34. In the second embodiment of the invention, illustrated in FIGS. 4-7, the shorter bristles, even though angled from one another, result in closer spacing and greater bristle end density at the outer cylindrical surface of the brush. Further, the short bristle length inherently results in greater bristle stiffness.

However, providing shorter bristles for obtaining the foregoing advantages must `be accomplished without sacrificing the ability of the unit to accommodate a relatively large ow of water through the brush for return to the reservoir. Whereas the tubular sections 40 and 42 of brush 14 are of small diameter relative to the diameter of the brush and sufficient water flow through the brush 1s permitted, alternate spindle construction is required for Ibrush Sti. If imperforate tubular sections, similar to sections 40 and 42 were utilized with brush St), it is obvious that the short bristle length would be insufficient to permit adequate water flow through the brush.

Therefore, means is provided for supporting brush 80 for rotation, which support means presents little or no impedance to water flow. With the construction described, the spaced elements 86 support spiral band 94 in radially spaced relationship from the brush axis without offering a barrier to the water which must pass through the brush. Since the convolutions of band 94 are spaced apart and the central support is entirely open except for the thin, rod-like elements 86 and shaft 82, passage of water through brush 80 with minimum resistance is achieved.

Since the shorter bristles 92 have greater resistance to iiexing, it is difficult for the scrap to become embedded therein. For this reason, brush 80' is effectively self-cleaning and the need for periodic removal of the brush to dislodge scrap from the bristles is obviated.

Preferably, brush 14 or 30 adjacent Weir 24 is driven at a slower speed than the brush adjacent unit 28. Primary brush 14 or 86 is the main separating medium. On the other hand, the secondary brush 16 serves primarily for the removal of any tissue, paper napkins or the. likel which might have a tendency to adhere to the outer surfaceY of the primary brush` Manifestly, the secondary brush 16 may be constructed like brush 80 is desired.

The speed at which the primary brush is rotated de pends upon the amount of scrap to be separated and the rate of water flow. In general, an increase in separation eiiiciency is achieved as theV speed of rotation of the priH mary brush is reduced. In an installation using brushes constructed as brush 80, and having diameters of 41/2 inches and length of about l2 inches, speeds of about 70 r.p.m. have proved satisfactory for a water flow rate of between 60 to 10()k gallons per minute. Primary brush speeds should be kept below 100 r.p.m. if possible.

On the other hand, the speed of the secondary brush constructed like brush 80 may range between about 13() and about'ZOO r.p.m. At speeds below about 130 r.p.m., the brush will not adequately remove paper from the primary brush. At speeds above about 200 r.p.m., too much water will be thrown past the separator and lost from the system. Satisfactory results have been achieved by operating the secondary brush at a speed ofabout 160 r.p.m. with the rate of water ow mentioned above.

I claim:

1. In scrap-handling apparatus provided with a scrap receiver and a Weir spaced laterally from the receiver disposed to permit an overflow of scrapfladen water into the space between the receiver and the weir, a scrap separator and conveyor comprising:

a rotary brush having a generally cylindrical outer surface and provided with relatively rigid, water permeable, substantially radially extending bristles having free ends presenting said surface;

structureV for rotatably mounting the brush in said space with said surface disposed to receive the scrap-laden water as the same ows over the weir,

said brush having passage means therewithin for ow ofy water through the brush transversely of its rotational axis, whereby scrap carried by the water received by said surface is retained thereon while thewater gravitates through the brushyand means coupled with said brush for rotatingthe latter in a direction to advance the scrap on said surface toward the receiver.

2. Inscrapahandling apparatus as set forth in claim 1:

and a second rotary brush disposed in side-by-side relationship to the first mentioned brush with the axes of rotation of the brushes in substantial parallelism,

said rotating means being coupled withA said second brush for rotating the latter in said direction,

said structure having means for mounting said brushes in substantially bridging relationship to said` space.

3. In scrap-handling apparatus as set forth in claim 2,

said rotating means being operable to drive said second brush at a greater speed than said first mentioned brush.

4. In scrap-handling apparatus as set forth in claim 1,

said structure having journal means supporting said said ybrush including an elongated, axial support r-y tatably carried by said structure, and a spiral band telescoped over said support and secured thereto,

said bristlesbeing anchored to said band at their inner secured to said structure, whereby to facilitate the removal of the brush from the structure.

8. In scrap-handling apparatus as set forth in claiiml,

said. structure including a pair of spaced, aligned stub shafts,

said brush including a pair of axially aligned, relatively axially shiftable tubular sections centrally disposed therein in coaxial relationship to. said rotational axis,

said sections presenting opposed outer ends telescoped over respective stub shafts,

there being means interconnecting one of said Outer ends and its respective stub shaft,

said rotating means being coupled to the last-mentioned, stub shaft for rotating the same and thereby said brush; and

a collapsible base secured to said sections and disposed in surrounding relationship thereto,

said bristles being anchored to said vbase at their inner ends, whereby the length of the brush along said rotational axis may be altered by shifting the sections toward and away from each other to facilitate the assembly and disassembly of the brush with respect to the mounting structure.

9. In4 scrap-handling apparatus as set forth in claim 1,`

saidv brush including an. elongated, axial support for the bristles rotatably carried by said structure,

said support having means defining said passage means therethrough transversely of the support.

10. In scrap-handling apparatus as set forth in claim 9,

said bristles being substantially shorter from endto end than the radius of said brush and being arranged on said supportein rows,

the bristles of adjacent rows being spaced apart at the inner ends thereof,

there. being means securing said inner ends of the bristles.to said support and communicating the latter with the spaces between adjacent rows.

11. In kscrap-handling apparatus as set forth in claim 1,

said brush including an elongated, axial support for the bristles,

said support comprising a shaft coaxial with said axis of the brush and rotatably carried by said structure, a plurality of elongated elements substantially parallel to said shaft, and means mounting said elements on said shaft in equally radially spaced relationship thereto and in circumferentially spaced relationship to one another,

said brush further including a spiral band telcscoped over said elements and secured thereto,

said `bristles -being anchored tosaid band at their inner ends,

adjacent convolutions of said band being spaced apart to communicate diametrically opposed bristles through said support, whereby to provide said pas sage means within the brush.

12. In combination:

an elongated trough having a weir at one end thereof and adapted to receive scrap therein;

a reservoir below said weir adapted to contain a supply of water;

pump means coupled with said reservoir and the opposite end of said trough for directing a streaim of water from said reservoir through said `trough and over said weir, whereby scrap received within said trough will be flushed toward and over said Weir by said water stream;

a scrap receiver spaced laterally from said weir and downstream thereof with respect to the scrap-laden water passing over the Weir,

said reservoir being in fluid communication with the space between said Weir and said receiver;

water permeable bristle structure in said space in sub` stantially spanning relationship to said weir and said receiver,

said structure including a rotary ybrush having a generally cylindrical outer surface and provided with relatively rigid, substantially radially extending bristles having free ends presenting said surface;

structure rotatably mounting the brush with its rotational axis extending generally horizontally and with said surface disposed to receive the scrap-laden water as the same flows over the Weir,

said brush having passage means therewithin for flow of water through the brush transversely of said axis, whereby scrap carried by the water received by said surface is retained thereon While the water gravitates through the brush into the said reservoir; and

means coupled with said -brush for rotating the latter in a direction to advance the scrap on said surface toward the receiver.

References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 655,045 7/1900 Bender ZIO- 523 X Olson 15-182 Merriman 15-182 Paulus 15--182 X Schilling et al. 210-523 X Burhans 55-477 Stampe 55-477 X Colbet 210-320' X Weidner 64-23 X Jones 15-182 FOREIGN PATENTS 7/ 1948 Great Britain.

15 REUBEN FRIEDMAN, Primary Examiner.

J. L. DE CESARE, Assistant Examiner.

Claims (1)

12. IN COMBINATION; AN ELONGATED TROUGH HAVING A WEIR AT ONE END THEREOF AND ADAPTED TO RECEIVE SCRAP THEREIN; A RESERVOIR BELOW SAID WEIR ADAPTED TO CONTAIN A SUPPLY OF WATER; PUMP MEANS COUPLED WITH SAID RESERVOIR AND THE OPPOSITE END OF SAID TROUGH FOR DIRECTING A STREAM OF WATER FROM SAID RESERVOIR THROUGH SAID TROUGH AND OVER SAID WEIR, WHEREBY SCRAP RECEIVED WITHIN SAID TROUGH WILL BE FLUSHED TOWARD AND OVER SAID WEIR BY SAID WATER STREAM; A SCRAP RECEIVER SPACED LATERALLY FROM SAID WEIR AND DOWNSTREAM THEREOF WITH RESPECT TO THE SCRAP-LADEN WATER PASSING OVER THE WEIR, SAID RESERVOIR BEING IN FLUID COMMUNICATION WITH THE SPACE BETWEEN SAID WEIR AND SAID RECEIVER; WATER PERMEABLE BRISTLE STRUCTURE IN SAID SPACE IN SUBSTANTIALLY SPANNING RELATIONSHIP TO SAID WEIR AND SAID RECEIVER, SAID STRUCTURE INCLUDING A ROTARY BRUSH HAVING A GENERALLY CYLINDRICAL OUTER SURFACE AND PROVIDED WITH RELATIVELY RIGID, SUBSTANTIALLY RADIALLY EXTENDING BRISTILES HAVING FREE ENDS PRESENTING SAID SURFACE; STRUCTURE ROTATABLY MOUNTING THE BRUSH WITH ITS ROTATIONAL AXIS EXTENDING GENERALLY HORIZONTALLY AND WITH SAID SURFACE DISPOSED TO RECEIVE THE SCRAP-LADEN WATER AS THE SAME FLOW OVER THE WEIR, SAID BRUSH HAVING PASSAGE MEANS THEREWITHIN FOR FLOW OF WATER THROUGH THE BRUSH TRANSVERSELY OF SAID AXIS, WHEREBY SCRAP CARRIED BY THE WATER RECEIVED BY SAID SURFACE IS RETAINED THEREON WHILE THE WATER GRAVITATES THROUGH THE BRUSH INTO THE SAID RESERVOIR; AND MEANS COUPLED WITH SAID BRUSH FOR ROTATING THE LATTER IN A DIRECTION TO ADVANCE THE SCRAP ON SAID SURFACE TOWARD THE RECEIVER.

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