A New or Improved Apparatus for Straining Paper Pulp and other Fluid or Semi-fluid Substances.
Year: 1894

page_text: Date of Application, 9th June, 1894
Complete Specification Left, 16th Mar., 1895-Accepted, 4th May, 1895
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION.
A New or Improved Apparatus for Straining Paper Pulp and other
Fluid or Semi-fluid Substances.
We, THOMAS TORRANCE, of Bitton, and JAMES HENRY HOWELL, of
104, Pembroke Road, Clifton, Bristol, both in the County of Gloucester
Engineers do hereby declare the nature of this invention to be as follows:-
Our invention relates to an improved machine or apparatus particularly adaptable
for perfectly and effectually straining and otherwise dealing with all kinds of pulp
used in paper making, after leaving the beaters, and before entering upon the paper
making machine, for the purpose of removing therefrom what is technically known
as "knots," and such other particles of foreign matter as would be objectionable or
detrimental to the desired texture or finish of the paper, the same machine or
apparatus being also adaptable as a straining medium for almost any and every
kind of fluid or semi-fluid substance, among which may be specially mentioned
wines, tinctures and the like after leaving the presses.
Our present invention is based upon the same principle as that of the machines
or apparatus invented by us, and for which we received the grant of Letters Patent
in Great Britain, No. 23082 of 1892, and the subsequent improvements thereon
covered by Letters Patent No. 13587 of 1893, videlicet, "The employment of fixed
or adjustable rotating, partly rotating or oscillating rollers, rods or bars," and
consists of certain modifications, improvements and simplification of the methods
and means described and shewn in the Specifications of our said previous Patents,
by which we are enabled to attain as great or greater efficiency relatively thereto
with a machine or apparatus of fewer parts and lesser dimensions.
Our present invention consists of a straining surface composed of an indefinite
number of solid or hollow, and preferably metallic or metallic faced rollers, rods or
bars, of various shapes and dimensions in cross section, which we arrange in two
or more preferably circular rows placed one within the other, and mounted in a
more or less vertical, angular or oblique position within a suitable metallic or other
case or frame, in such a manner, that the rollers, rods or bars of one row occur
alternately with those of the other row or rows. Each roller rod or bar would be
carried by a pair of suitable bearings, one at each end, preferably but not
imperatively borne by the aforesaid case or frame. Either or both ends of each
roller, rod or bar, or such of them as may be found most convenient, may be
provided with a toothed wheel, which may gear with a toothed disc or large wheel,
caused to rotate by the means of suitable worm or other gearing, actuated by any
convenient or available suitable mechanical or manumotive power, and by which
the said rollers rods or bars may all rotate in the same direction, or some in one
direction and some in another, or we may find it convenient that some may rotate
while others are stationary, or that these may oscillate instead of rotate, or that
some may rotate while others oscillate, or have an alternate reversing motion, and
to effect this or any of these combined or alternate motions, suitable gearing other
than, or in combination with the before mentioned toothed disc or wheel, may be
employed, which may be any of those described and shewn in the Specifications of
a previous Patents herein before referred to.
The pulp or other fluid or semi-fluid substance to be strained would be first
deposited within the innermost row of rollers rods or bars, in a preferably tangential

page_text: or oblique direction from the feed pipe, and would form itself into a rotary or
circular current, and would be strained by the thinner clear or useable portion
thereof percolating through the spaces left between the said inner row of rollers,
rods or bars and their neighbours, from which it would issue in a continuous and
unvarying stream, without the slightest sign of consolidation or coagulation,
without clogging or choking of the straining medium, and without waste of useable
material, and this entering the case or frame of the machine would be conveyed
therefrom, by suitable conduits, to where required, which, in the case of paper pulp
may be directly to the breast vat of the paper making machine, and while the
knotty, heavier or combined portions would, by the action of gravity be conveyed
to the bottom of the apparatus, whereat a suitable discharge valve may be provided,
periodically and automatically opened, by the action of a cam, crank, eccentric or
other convenient motion, for the removal of same, the scum or light particles floating
on the top of the fluid or semi-fluid bulk would be permitted to overflow the top or
other convenient part of the machine into any suitable or convenient receptacle
therefor.
In order that the said spaces between the rollers, rods or bars and their
neighbours (and through which the pulp or other liquid or semi-liquid in a
workable and useable condition is allowed to pass) may be guaged with the
greatest precision, (which in the case of paper pulp would be regulated according
to the width of the cut desired) we provide, that certain of the bearings carrying
both ends of the rollers rods or bars, may be adjustable, while certain others
(preferably those carrying the inner row) may be fixtures. To attain the said
adjustment of such rollers rods or bars, we form upon or attach to the under
surface or other convenient part of their respective bearings a lug or projection,
provided or engaging with, one or more slotted holes or apertures fitted with
tightening screws or their equivalents, and by this means such bearings may be
brought so close to the fixed bearings that their respective rollers, rods or bars may
be in fluid tight contact with each other from end to end, or so divided or separated
that the degree of space between them may represent the straining capacity
thereof, and suitable means would be provided (which may be that of the before
mentioned tightening screws) that when so closed or so parted to the degree
required, the said bearings may be locked in that position for as long as may be
desirable.
Suitable valves or cocks and opening or openings may be provided where
necessary to facilitate emptying and cleaning, and the entire apparatus may be
borne upon or within
a suitable staging or framing, which may or may not be
arranged to carry, or form bearings for, such gearing or mechanism as may
be employed to actuate the moving parts of the machine.
Dated this 9th day of June 1894
GEO. THOS. HYDE,
1, Broad Street Buildings, Liverpool Street, London, E.C.,
Agent for the Applicants.
A New or Improved Apparatus for Straining Paper Pulp and other
Fluid or Semi-fluid Substances.
We, THOMAS TORRANCE, of Bitton, and JAMES HENRY HOWELL of
104, Pembroke Road, Clifton, Bristol, both in the County of Gloucester,
Engineers do hereby declare the nature of this invention and in what manner
the same is to be performed, to be particularly described and ascertained in and
by the following statement :-
Our invention relates to an improved machine or apparatus for perfectly and

page_text: effectually straining and otherwise purifying all kinds of pulp used in paper making,
after leaving the beaters, and before entering upon the paper making machine, by
removing therefrom what is technically known as "knots" and such other foreign
matter as would be objectionable or detrimental to the desired texture or finish of
the paper. The same machine or apparatus according to our invention (although
hereinafter described and shewn in connection with the before mentioned treatment
of paper pulp) may also be employed as a straining or purifying medium for almost
any and every kind of fluid or semi-fluid substance, among which may be specially
Taentioned, wines, tinctures, and the like.
Our present invention is based upon the saine principle as that of the machines or
apparatus invented by us, and forming the subject matter of a previous Patent
No. 23082 of A.D. 1892, and the subsequent improvements thereon protected by
Letters Patent No. 13587 of A.D. 1893 viz. "The employment of fixed or
adjustable rotating rollers," and relates to certain modifications, improvements and
simplification of the parts, and the methods and means for operating the same,
described and shewn in the Specifications and drawings of our said previous
Patents, by which we are enabled to attain as great or greater efficiency,
relatively thereto, with a machine or apparatus of lesser dimensions and fewer
working parts.
Our invention consists of a straining or purifying surface, composed of an
indefinite number of solid or hollow, and preferably metallic or metallic faced
rollers, all of which may have a perfectly plain smooth surface, or be provided
with a fine spiral extension, or any desired combination of both, according to the
nature of the substance to be strained, and these we arrange in two or more
preferably circular rows, placed one within the other, and mounted in a vertical or
angular position, preferably the former, within a suitable metallic or other case or
frame, in such a manner, that those in the one row occur alternately with those in
the other row. Each roller is carried by a pair of suitable bearings, one at each
end, and upon either or both ends of each roller or such of them as may be desired,
but preferably the lower ends only, is keyed or otherwise fixed a pinion or toothed
wheel, and these gear with two toothed annular surfaces or wheel peripheries
mounted upon a circular sleeve, one of which operates to rotate the inner, and the
other the outer row of bearings. Upon the same sleeve is mounted a toothed disc
or wheel in gear with a worm carried upon a horizontal driving shaft, rotated by any
convenient or available suitable power, the rotation of said wheel or disc imparting
a rotary motion to both rows of rollers in the same direction. Or we may find it
convenient that one set of rollers may rotate in one direction while those in the
other row may rotate in an opposite direction; to effect which the before mentioned
annular toothed surfaces or wheel peripheries may each be mounted upon its own
sleeve, provided with its own toothed disc or wheel, one of which may be rotated
by a worm mounted upon a shaft counter to the before mentioned driving shaft.
Or we may find it convenient that one row of rollers may be stationary while the
other may rotate. Or we may find it desirable that some of said rollers in either
row may have an oscillatory or alternative reversing motion, and to effect this or
any desired combination of these motions we may employ suitable gearing other
than that before mentioned, which may be any of those described and shewn in the
Specifications and drawings of our previous Patents before referred to suitable for
the purpose or any desired combination thereof.
The pulp or other fluid or semi-fluid substance to be strained or refined would
be first passed from the feed or supply pipe into the case of the machine, preferably
in a tangential or oblique direction, in order that it may form itself into a rotary
or circular current, which we may facilitate by the employment of suitable fans, or
shafts with projecting blades, placed within the said casing, and caused to rotate
by any suitable means, which may also serve to keep the pulp or other fluid or
semi-fluid substance constantly agitated to prevent (in the case of paper pulp)
coagulation. The pulp or the like would be strained or refined by the thinner,

page_text: clear and useable portion thereof percolating through the spaces left between the
two or more rows of rollers, from which it would issue in a continuous and unbroken
stream without sign of coagulation or consolidation, and without clogging or
choking the straining medium, and from which it would be led by suitable conduits
to where required, which in the case of paper pulp, may be directly to the breast
vat of the paper making machine, while the knotty, heavier and unuseable portion,
would, by the action of gravity, be conveyed to the bottom of the apparatus,
whereat a suitable discharge pipe would be provided, which may be periodically
opened automatically by the action of a cam, crank, eccentric or other convenient
motion for the removal of same, but we prefer to employ a cam or crank motion
mounted upon a counter shaft carrying a worm wheel in gear with a worm upon the
before mentioned driving shaft, the said cam or crank operating certain levers
actuating a suitable force pump for this purpose, while the scum or light particles
floating upon the surface of the pulp would be permitted to overflow at the top or
other convenient part of the machine into a receptacle suitable therefor.
For the purposes of our invention it is not material whether the pulp or other
substance to be treated is first deposited within the inner circle of rollers so as to
percolate between these and the outer circle or circles of rollers, or vice versa, but
we prefer to first deposit it between the outer row or circle of rollers and the case
of the machine, that it may percolate therefrom to within the inner circle, in which
would be provided a passage or tube for its reception, leading to where required,
which, in the case of paper pulp, may be, as before stated, to the breast vat of the
paper making machine, as we find in practice that this arrangement provides
greater space for the pulp in its unstrained condition, at which stage its bulk is
the greatest.
In order that the said straining spaces between the rollers may be guaged with
the greatest precision (which in the case of paper pulp would be determined by
the width of the cut desired) we provide, that certain of the bearings at both ends,
(which would be those carrying the outer circle or circles of rollers, when the
pulp or the like percolates towards the inner row as stated) shall be adjustable,
while those carrying the other or inner row may be fixtures. To effect the said
adjustment of such rollers we form upon or attach to each of their respective
bearings a lug or projection having two or more slotted holes or apertures, cach
provided with a tightening screw or its equivalent, which engage with holes in the
crown plate of the machine, and by this means such adjustable bearings may be
brought so close to the fixed bearings that their respective rollers may be brought
in fluid contact with cach other from end to end, or so divided or separated that
the degree of space between them may represent the straining capacity of the
apparatus in which position they would be locked by means of the said tightening
screws or their equivalents.
The entire apparatus may be borne upon a suitable staging or framing, or upon
suitable pillars, preferably the latter, and should these occur in such a position as
to be suitable for the purpose, certain of them may be employed as, or for carrying
hearings for, the main driving shaft, or such other shafts or moving parts as inay
be found convenient.
In order that our invention may be fully understood we have hereunto appended
three sheets of drawings in which the same reference letters are employed throughout
when referring to the same or like parts.
Fig. 1 Sheet 1 is an elevational view of the entire machine, a portion of which
is in section upon the line A B of Fig. 2 which is a top or plan view of the body
portion of Fig. 1.
Fig. 3 Sheet 2 is an under plan view of the same apparatus, as it would appear
if viewed upwardly, portions of which are partly broken away to show the portion
of the gearing.
Fig. 4 is an elevational view of so much of Fig. 1, viewed from right to left, as
will serve to illustrate the pump mechanism hereinafter explained.

page_text: Fig. 5 Sheet 3 is an enlarged view of a portion of Fig. 2, illustrating more
fully the construction and manner of operation of the bearings of the adjustable
rollers.
Fig. 6 is an enlarged vertical sectional view of the upper end of the non-
adjustable rollers, while Fig. 7 is a like view of the adjustable rollers.
Fig. 8 is a like enlarged view (in section) of the lower end of the non-adjustable
rollers, and the gearing for rotating the same, which view also illustrates the lower
end of the adjustable rollers and the gearing for rotating the same (partly in
section).
Referring to the accompanying drawings, A. is the outer case or container, which
may be of any suitable metal, and of any desired shape in horizontal cross section
but preferably rectangular, and in this we prefer to mount two concentric rows
or circles of solid or hollow rollers (preferably the latter) the whole of which
may be plain faced as at B, or provided with a helical projection such as B in
Fig. 1, or one row may be of one kind and the other the other, or any desired
combination of both according to the nature or condition of the pulp, the position
of the two rows, and the rollers in each row being such, that those in the one occur
alternately with those in the other (Figs. 2 and 5).
The apparatus is provided with a top or crown plate C, and a lower or under
plate D, both of which may be bolted or otherwise suitably connected to the
casing A, and the latter, in order to elevate the apparatus the desired distance from
the ground or a bed plate, may be borne upon a suitable frame, or upon pillars,
preferably the latter, situated in any position most convenient, one of which is
indicated in dotted outline by E in Fig. 1.
We prefer that the inner row of rollers B' shall revolve upon stationary bearings,
and we attain this by screwing or otherwise connecting to the under surface of the
plate C spindle like projections or gudgeons F, which dip into the upper ends of
the rollers B and form bearings therefor, each being provided with a suitable
lubricating device G, communicating with a passage a, a', in F, by which the
lubricant may be conveyed to the rollers B', (Fig. 6). The lower ends of the
rollers B¹ are provided with fixed cores H which extend downwardly through
the bottom of A, and suitable bearings J fixed upon or formed integrally with the
plate D, and carry upon their lower ends pinion wheels K, and if necessary a
lubricating cup G.
The outer row of rollers B are adjustable, their upper ends rotating upon cores
or gudgeons F, which extend upwardly through slots or apertures in the plate C,
whereat they are firmly connected by nuts or their equivalents e, to blocks L,
in each of which are formed two or more elongated slots or apertures d, through
which pass bolts or screws M engaging with threaded holes in the plate C, each
portion F¹ being provided with a lubricating device G, a, a', similar to the inner
rollers, (shewn in Fig. 2 and more graphically in Figs. 5 and 7). The lower ends
of the rollers B, would be similarly provided with cores or gudgeons H¹, passing
downward through suitable apertures in the bottom of the case A, and through
bearings N, adjustable upon the plate D by bolts M and slots or apertures d, in
the same manner as the blocks L upon the plate C, at the upper ends of the same
rollers, and continuing on the said cores or gudgeons H¹ pass through slots or
apertures in the plate D, and carry upon their lower ends pinions wheels K', and
if necessary lubricating cups G.
It will be understood that by adjusting the position of the blocks or bearings L
and N, by means of the bolts M and slots or apertures d, that the row or circle of
rollers B may be brought closer to or farther from the rollers B at will, the
slots in C, and in D, and d in L and N, being provided to permit such
adjustment.
Although, as before stated, other motions may be employed, we prefer that
both rows or circles of rollers shall revolve, and that in the same direction as
each other, in order that their respective faces may pass each other in opposite
directions, and we carry this into effect by mounting upon the under surface of

page_text: the plate D, a cylindrical projection, carrying a loose sleeve O, upon the outer face
of which is fixed by any suitable means or formed integrally therewith, toothed
annular surfaces or wheel peripheries P and P1, the former of which gears with
the pinions K upon the inner rollers B', while the latter gears with the pinions K
upon the outer rollers B, the depth of the teeth upon K and P₁ being such as to
permit the before described adjustment of the outer rollers B, without these
disgearing with each other. The sleeve O would be caused to rotate by means of
a worn wheel Q, mounted thereon, gearing with a worm e upon a horizontal driving
shaft R, carried in suitable bearings R¹ and R, and having upon either end a fast
and loose pulley S, by which the same may be rotated by any suitable or available
power.
Upon the upper portion of the casing A in any convenient position, we provide
a vat or chute A', communicating by an oblique passage with the interior of the
casing A, and into this the pulp to be treated would be first deposited, which passing
therefrom in a tangential direction into A would form itself into a rotary current
around the outer row or circle of rollers B, to facilitate which and to keep the
pulp in a constant state of agitation to prevent coagulation, we provide in A, outside
the rollers B, two or more vertical rods f, each carrying a number of blades or
projections g, the upper ends of said rods being borne by any convenient means,
which may be that of the crown plate C, while their lower ends extend down
through the plate D and are carried in suitable bearings or footsteps such as h,
upon the ground or bed plate of the machine, and the said rods and their blades
may be rotated by any suitable or convenient gearing or other means, such for
instance as by a pulley j, carrying a band, driven by and from the main shaft R, or
.a shaft counter thereto, and operated thereby.
The rollers having been adjusted to the cut desired, and placed in motion, as
herebefore described, the pulp deposited in A as stated would percolate through
the spaces between the rollers B and the rollers B, and would accumulate in a
strained, purified and useable condition within the inner row of rollers B', from
which it would flow through a tubular conduit T, to where desired, which as before
stated may be directly to and upon the breast vat of the paper making machine.
A suitable tap or movable plug may be provided at the lower end or other part of T
to facilitate cleaning or emptying the same.
The heavy, knotty or unuseable portion of the pulp in A would sink by the
action of gravity to the lower part or bottom thereof, whereat an opening k would
be provided through which the said unuseable pulp would pass and be periodically
renioved, which may be by the action of a valve intermittently operated by any
convenient means, but we prefer to provide a suitable vertical force pump V,
connected to the casing A, and operated as follows.
Upon a suitable duplex bearing W, we mount a counter shaft 1, carrying a
worm wheel m, which gears with a worin n upon the driving shaft R. Upon one
end of the counter shaft is fixed a circular disc crank o, having upon its outer
face near its periphery a projecting pin p, which engages with the head r of a
horizontal rods, the opposite end of which is pivotally connected to one arın t of
an angle lever, carried upon a suitable bearing v, the opposite arm to of said lever
being pivotally connected to the rod z of the pump V. By this means the pump
would be operated upon once during each revolution of the disc o, and by this
means we convey away the unuseable pulp to wherever desired, to be again treated
by the beaters or otherwise according to its value.
A suitable overflow would be provided in any convenient part of A for the scum
rising upon the bulk of the pulp therein.
From the foregoing description it will be understood that the most prominent
feature of our invention is the employment of two preferably circular rows of
parallel rollers as the straining or purifying medium, but it is obvious that a third
row may conveniently be employed to extend the straining capacity of the machine,
in which case we may find it convenient that the bearings of the two outer rows be
adjustable, while that of the inner row would remain stationary, and in such an

page_text: arrangement, we may find it advantageous in the construction of the first or outer
row, to employ rollers having a helical projection, such as shewn at B Fig. 1.
We wish it understood that we do not confine ourselves to the exact location
shewn of the counter shaft and its accessories for operating the pump V, nor to.
the exact location of the said pump, nor to the direction shewn in which the pipe T..
for carrying off the refined pulp leaves the machine, nor the position of the feed
vat A', as it is obvious, that where convenience of space and other considerations.
may render it desirable, the driving sha't R may be in some horizontal position.
other than that shewn, so long as its worm e is in gear with the worm wheel Q..
which may necessitate that the pump V and its feeding tube k, and the counter
shaft and its accessories for operating the pump gear, may be located in some
position (relatively to the casing A) other than that shewn, which would or may
necessitate that the feed vat A and the pulp exhaust T be also otherwise located,
and we reserve to ourselves the right to transpose the position of these or such
other parts as may be found necessary without departing from the principle of our
invention.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of our said
invention, and in what manner the same is to be performed, we declare that what we
claim is :-
First. In an improved method of and means for straining and purifying pulp
for paper making, and other fluid or semi-fluid substances, the herein describe:
machine or apparatus and the several parts and mechanical movements constituting
the same, or such equivalents therefor as herein provided, the whole connected,
combined and operating substantially as and for the purposes herein described and
shewn by the accompanying drawings.
Second. In an improved method of and apparatus for straining and purifying
pulp for paper making, and other fluid or semi-fluid substances, the employment of
any number of solid or hollow parallel rollers, having plain or helical surfaces and
arranged vertically or approximately so in two or more preferably circular rows
one within the other, one of which is mounted in stationary bearings, while the
other or others is or are mounted in adjustable bearings, and the herein described
means for rotating the whole of them in the same direction, or in combination with
any of the mechanical motions described and shewn in our previous Patents
Nos. 23082 of A.D. 1892 and 13587 of A.D. 1893 or any desired combination
thereof by which any or all of the said vertical rollers may be caused to either
rotate in any direction, oscillate or have an alternate motion, substantially as and
for the purposes herein provided.
Third. In an improved machine or apparatus for straining and purifying paper
pulp and other fluid or semi-fluid substances, the combination of a casing A, having
crown plate C, and lower or under plate D, the whole elevated or supported by a
frame, or pillars such as E, and in which are mounted vertically, or approximately
so, two or more preferably circular concentric rows of rollers such as B or B' or
any desired combination of both, one of which rows may rotate or have other
motion, upon gudgeons or cores such as F and H, having fixed bearings provided
by C and J, while the other row or rows may rotate or have other motion upon
gudgeons or cores, such as F' and H', rendered adjustable by being connected to,
and borne by, bearings L and N, provided with slots or apertures d, through which
pass adjusting screws or bolts M engaging with holes in the plates C and D, the
whole being provided with a supply chute or vat A', agitating fans f, g, a carry-
away tube or passage T, for the refined material, and an outlet passage k, for the
unrefined material, the latter being opened intermittently by a valve operated by
any suitable cam or eccentric motion, or by that of a suitable pump such as V,
substantially as herein described and shewn.
Fourth. In combination with the machine or apparatus, set forth in the preceding
claim, as a means for imparting rotary motion to the rollers B and B' therein, the
application thereto of a loose sleeve O, borne upon the plate D, upon the outer face

page_text: of which are circular toothed racks or wheel peripheries P and P¹, and a worm
wheel Q, the former engaging with pinions K upon the lower ends of the rollers B',
the other (P1) engaging with pinions K' upon the lower ends of the rollers B,
motion being imparted to the sleeve O, by the wheel Q engaging with a worm é
upon a shaft R, having upon either end pulleys S, operated by a band actuated by
any suitable power, substantially as and for the purposes herein described and
shewn by the accompanying drawings.
Fifth. In combination with the machine or apparatus set forth in Claims 3
and 4, as a means for operating the pump V when such is employed, the application
of a counter shaft l, mounted upon a duplex bearing such as W, and carrying a
worm wheel m gearing with a worm n upon the shaft R, the said counter shaft /
also carrying a crank disc o, the pin of which p engages with the head of a rod s
pivotally connected to the arm t of an angle lever pivotted upon a standard v, the
opposite arm of which, w, is pivotally connected to the rod x, of the pump V,
substantially as and for the purposes herein described and shewn by the drawings
appended.
Dated LOTS
day of March 1893.
GEO. THOS. HYDE,
1, Broad Street Buildings, Liverpool Street, London, E.C.,
Agent for the Applicants.