Patent ID: 6508933
Filing Date: 2003-01-21
Classification: B01D

Abstract:
A self-cleaning strainer adapted for connection to a suction pump and immersion in a body of debris-containing liquid to prevent debris in the liquid from being sucked along with the liquid into the pump, the strainer comprising:a walled housing that encloses an interior space; a straining screen which is disposed in covering relation to an opening in the walled housing and through which the pump sucks liquid from the body of debris-containing liquid into the interior space; a spray mechanism that is disposed within the interior space and comprises a spray arm supported for rotation about an axis, the spray mechanism comprising an inlet via which fluid under pressure is introduced into the spray mechanism and conveyed through the spray arm to outlets spaced apart along the spray arm; wherein fluid introduced to the spray mechanism inlet under pressure is conveyed through the spray arm to cause the spray arm to rotate about the axis and to be emitted from the spray arm outlets against the screen as the spray arm rotates about the axis; and a walled suction tube having a portion of its length that contains at least one inlet to the suction tube disposed within the interior space so as to be immersed in liquid within the interior space and continuing from that portion through the walled housing to an outlet for communication to pump suction to provide for liquid to be sucked from the interior space through the suction tube; wherein the axis about which the spray arm rotates is transverse to the portion of the length of the suction tube disposed within the interior space; and the spray mechanism inlet comprises an inlet conduit extending away from the spray mechanism and in doing so, passing through the interior of the suction tube and ending exterior of the walled housing for connection to a source for providing the fluid under pressure.