Apparatus for filtering plasticized materials in extruders and like machines

Apparatus for filtering a flowable plastic material in a processing machine, comprising a housing having two inlets for plastic material, at least one outlet for plastic material, first and second passages extending between said first and second inlets, respectively, and said at least one outlet, and first and second evacuating channels respectively communicating with said first and second passages;

• and first and second carriers respectively mounted in said first and second passages and being movable relative to said housing between first and second positions, said first and second carriers respectively having first and seconc chambers, first and second filters in the respective chambers, and first and second flushing channels communicating with the respective chambers, said carriers and said housing establishing first paths along which plastic material can flow from said first inlet through said first chamber and said first flushing channel to said at least one outlet as well as into the second evacuating channel by way of said second flushing channel and said second chamber when said first and second carriers respectively assume said first and second positions, said carriers and said housing establishing second paths along which plastic material can flow from said second inlet through said second chamber and said second flushing channel to said at least one outlet as well as into the first evacuating channel by way of said first flushing channel and said first chamber when said first and second carriers respectively assume said second and first positions.