Apparatus for removing liquids from solids

Apparatus for removing a liquid from a mass of a material, wherein the apparatus comprises:

• first means for transporting the liquid-containing material to and through a liquid-extraction location therewithin, the first means applying to the material in a first direction first transporting and working forces;
• second means for applying to the material within or slightly downstream of the extraction location second transporting and working forces, the second forces being applied in a second direction generally opposite to the first direction, the simultaneous application of the first and second forces to the material tending to compact the material to extract therefrom the liquid contained therein;
• a liquid exit path along with liquid extracted from the material exits the extraction location, the path extending away from the extraction location generally transversely of the first and second directions;
• and
• third means for preventing the material from exiting along the path while permitting the liquid to so exit, the first, second, and third means forming a pinch point on the material within or slightly downstream of the liquid extraction location to substantially eliminate liquid flow countercurrent to said first direction.