Multi-layer filter for separating solid and liquid waste

A multi-layer filter for separating liquid waste from semi-solid waste, the multi-layer filter comprising:

• a filtering layer having interstices sized to inhibit passage of solid material therethrough and to facilitate passage of liquid therethrough;
• a first channeling layer underlying the first filtering layer, the first channeling layer having at least one channel formed therein that direct liquid along the first channeling layer;
• an isolation layer underlying the first channeling layer to impede progression of the filtering layer through the first channeling layer and to facilitate passage of liquid therethrough;
• and
• a second channeling layer underlying the isolation layer, the second channeling layer having at least one channel formed therein that direct liquid along the second channeling layer.

A multi-layer filter for separating liquid waste from semi-solid waste the multi-layer filter comprising:

• a first filtering layer having a central portion and a peripheral portion, said first filtering layer having interstices sized to inhibit passage of solid material therethrough and to facilitate passage of liquid therethrough;
• a first channeling layer having a central portion underlying the central portion of the first filtering layer and having a peripheral portion underlying the peripheral portion of the first filtering layer, the first channeling layer having at least one channel formed therein that direct liquid along the first channeling layer;
• a second filtering layer having a central portion underlying the central portion of the first channeling layer, said second filtering layer having interstices sized to inhibit passage of solid material therethrough and to facilitate passage of liquid therethrough;
• and
• a second channeling layer having a central portion underlying the central portion of the second filtering layer, the second channeling layer having at least one channel formed therein that direct liquid along the second channeling layer.

A multi-layer filter for separating solid waste from liquid waste, the multi-layer filter consisting essentially of:

• a first layer comprising a first distinct sub-layer of flexible parallel strands and a second distinct sub-layer of flexible parallel strands, wherein the strands in the first distinct sub-layer overlie and cross the strands in the second distinct sub-layer to facilitate channeling of liquids along the parallel strands of the first sub-layer and along the parallel strands of the second sub-layer;
• a second layer overlying the first layer, the second layer comprising a flexible fibrous mat that facilitates passage of liquid therethrough;
• a third layer overlying the second layer and having a portion of the third layer extending past the first layer and the second layer, the third layer comprising a first distinct sub-layer flexible parallel strands and a second distinct sub-layer of flexible parallel strands, wherein the strands in the first distinct sub-layer of the third layer overlie and cross the strands in the second distinct sub-layer of the third layer to facilitate channeling of liquids along the parallel strands of the first distinct sub-layer of the third layer and along the parallel strands of the second distinct sub-layer of the third layer;
• and
• a fourth layer overlying the third layer, the fourth layer having interstices sized to inhibit passage of solid material therethrough and to facilitate passage of liquid therethough.

A multi-layer filter for separating liquid waste from semi-solid waste, the multi-layer filter consisting essentially of:

• a filtering layer having interstices sized to inhibit passage of solid material therethrough and to facilitate passage of liquid therethrough;
• a first channeling layer underlying the first filtering layer, the first channeling layer having at least one channel formed therein that direct liquid along the first channeling layer;
• an isolation layer underlying the first channeling layer to impede progression of the filtering layer through the first channeling layer and to facilitate passage of liquid therethrough;
• and
• a second channeling layer underlying the second filtering layer, the second channeling layer having at least one channel formed therein that direct liquid along the second channeling layer.