Patent ID: 7044904
Filing Date: 2006-05-16
Classification: B04B

Abstract:
1. A centrifuge for separating solids from a liquid, comprising: a spindle configured to rotate about an axis; a bowl attached to said spindle to rotate therewith, said bowl being configured to receive the liquid containing the solids; a drive shaft received through a passageway defined by said spindle, said drive shaft being configured to rotate about said axis; a scraper blade attached to said drive shaft to rotate therewith, said scraper blade being positioned in said bowl to selectively remove the solids accumulated on an interior surface of said bowl; and a clutch mechanism having a first engaging member non-rotatably affixed to said drive shaft, a second engaging member non-rotatably affixed to said spindle, and means for selectively and positively engaging an interlocking surface of said first engaging member directly with an interlocking surface of said second engaging member.