Kenneth R Frodge

US Patent:

57051330, Jan 6, 1998

Filed:

Feb 7, 1996

Appl. No.:

8/598238

Inventors:

Timothy G. Kemper - Piqua OH
Allan L. Monroe - Sidel IL
Tony L. Ritter - Sidney OH
Kenneth R. Frodge - Brookville OH
Brian L. Patton - Dayton OH

Assignee:

The French Oil Mill Machinery Co. - Piqua OH

International Classification:

B01D 1102
B01D 1200

US Classification:

422268

Abstract:

An improved rotating basket extractor is provided having improved discharge means comprising a hopper section having a solid material entry and solid material exit end. The cross sectional area of the solid material entry end is smaller than the exit end so as to help prevent the agglomeration of solid material in the discharge hopper as it exits from the rotating baskets to a dual screw conveyor for subsequent travel to a discharge chute. The discharge hopper and the housing for the dual screw conveyor comprise slot means to provide for additional drainage of miscella therethrough. Additionally, the axially disposed rotatable shaft, supporting the rotating baskets, is journalled in upper and lower bearings located outside the outer housing member for ease of maintenance. The lower thrust bearing is mounted for direct support by the flooring substrate below the outer housing of the extractor to help minimize bearing contamination and corrosion. Power requirements are minimized through the combination of supporting the shaft by means of the single thrust bearing and driving the baskets by means of a bevel gear and pinion drive.