Abstract: A portable, dry-placer mining apparatus is provided with a vacuum chamber which defines a contained region of lower-than-atmospheric pressure which establishes the mode or means for drawing material into the chamber. The material is then ejected therefrom at a rate determined by the differential pressures established internal and external to the vacuum chamber. To prevent material impaction from interferring with the vacuum controlled output flow of material, any tendency of the material toward impaction is disrupted by an air stream flowing therethrough in response to the lowered pressure within the vacuum chamber. The material is output to a vacuum controlled separator device which is vibrated to separate denser from less-dense materials. A vacuum responsive frequency control is incorporated in the vacuum responsive vibratory drive of the separator device. The entire device is easily manually transportable and may be fitted to a conventional backpack frame.

Abstract: An elongate handle extends upwardly rearward from a frame which carries a forwardly extending boom. A motor carried by the frame rotatably drives a cutter head assembly at the free end of the boom. The frame is supported by a rearwardly located pair of wheels and a forward wheel assembly, the latter being vertically and pivotally adjustable for control of the cutter head assembly. The cutter head assembly is also pivotally adjustable about the longitudinal axis of the boom in response a rotatable hand grip at the free end of the handle. Lock means are provided to retain the wheel assembly and the cutter head assembly in selective positions.