Automatic screw machine with self-cleaning filter

An automatic screw machine, comprising:

• mounting means for mounting a plurality of tools at a machining location;
• a sump disposed at a level below said machining location;
• a liquid delivery system including a pump and an intake conduit for conducting liquid from said sump to said machining location;
• and filter means including a filter element comprised of a screen having pores therein, a cleaning brush, support structure, and a core member, said filter element having a central axis, an internal chamber, and an outside surface portion on said screen of circular configuration extending circumferentially and in the direction of said central axis, and being mounted by said support structure for rotation about said central axis, said cleaning brush being configured for sweeping said screen outside surface portion and being mounted by said support structure in direct contact with said surface portion;
• said intake conduit of said liquid delivery system being operatively connected to said chamber of said filter element for the withdrawal of liquid passing thereinto, and said filter element being operatively disposed in said sump for suffusion by liquid contained therein;
• said core member being disposed in said chamber of said filter element and having an end portion connected to said intake conduit and a passage therein open to said chamber and said conduit for establishing flow communication therebetween, said core member also including a check valve mechanism allowing passage of liquid, from said filter element chamber to said intake conduit;
• said machine additionally including drive means operatively connected for effecting rotation of said filter element, whereby said surface portion of said screen may automatically be cleaned by rotation against said cleaning brush.