Apparatus for automatically cleaning extrusion screens in juice finishing machines and the like

Cleaning apparatus for finishing machines of a type having a generally cylindrical perforated screen arranged in a housing, inlet means for introducing juice or the like laden with solids into the interior of the screen, means for urging the solids-laden juice against the screen with first outlet means outside the screen for receiving finished juice passing through the perforated screen and second outlet means for receiving solids retained within the interior of the screen and separated from the finished juice, portions of the screen adjacent the second outlet means being subject to increased solids buildup, comprising:

• a cleaning ring including spray nozzles arranged circumferentially about the screen,
• means mounting the cleaning ring for reciprocating movement back and forth along the axis of the screen,
• reversing motor means for driving the cleaning ring back and forth along the screen,
• means for initiating operation of the motor means to commence a cleaning operation,
• first limit switch means operatively coupled with the motor means and comprising means for sensing movement of the cleaning ring toward an axial end of the screen adjacent the second outlet means, the first limit switch means being operable for reversing operation of the motor means,
• control means for causing the cleaning ring to automatically cycle back and forth adjacent the screen portions subject to increased solids buildup, and
• second limit switch means operatively coupled with the motor means and comprising means for sensing movement of the cleaning ring toward a selected end position of the screen opposite the second outlet means, the second limit switch means being operable for terminating operation of the motor means with the cleaning ring in the selected end position.