Importance

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Abstract

A filter press comprises a main frame having upper side bars for movably supporting a plurality of plates in horizontally stacked relation. The plates are moved to open the filter press by plate transporting trolleys which are supported on the upper side bars. Light emitters are mounted at one end of the press on each side bar and light detectors are mounted at the opposite end of the press on each side bar and are aligned to receive light from the light emitters. Shutters are coupled to the plate transporting trolleys such that the light from the light emitters is normally blocked by the shutters. The shutters are opened for a brief period of time when the plate transporting trolleys are moved into engagement with one of the filter plates such that plate engagement signals are generated by the light detectors. Control circuitry manages the motion of the plate transporting trolleys in response to the plate engagement signals from the light detectors such that the plates are automatically opened and the trolleys are returned to a park position. The trolleys are also initialized for the next opening operation during travel to the park position.

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First Claim