Abstract: A gravity mineral recovery apparatus and process uses stratification to separate the relatively heavier valuable particulates from the lighter tailings in ore. A housing holds a process chamber therein, the chamber capable of oscillating within the housing. Ore is gravity fed into the process chamber and falls toward the bottom with the ore channeled to the outer sidewall of the process chamber by a deflector that creates an annular passage within the chamber. The oscillation of the chamber causes the heavier particulate to stratify into circumferentially disposed hoppers while the tailings are discharged through a central chute to a tailings hopper. The hoppers have compound sloped sidewalls and have a sensor for opening a discharge valve within the hopper once a given concentration is achieved. A series of sensors within the tailings hopper control a tailings discharge valve as well as an ore feed valve.

Abstract: A mineral benefication apparatus having a housing, including opposed stratification hoppers arranged at its lower periphery. Particulate material and water are introduced separately into the housing, which is then oscillated to separate a portion of the particulate material. The apparatus can be modified to operate either on land or in a sea environment.

Abstract: The apparatus includes a fluid-tight housing oscillated about a vertical axis, the housing containing a central deflector separating the housing into an upper chamber and a lower chamber. Baffles are provided in both chambers, above and below the deflector. The upper baffle directs the incoming slurry radially outwardly in a torical path, throwing the particulate material toward a periphery of the housing in the first separation zone, in a gravity induced flow, through the annular passageway into the lower hopper where the relatively lighter and heavier constituents are then separated and separately discharged from the housing. A ring dam formed in the second baffle provides a recess into which the lighter constituents overflow where they are reunited with the liquid flow path and thus discharged from the housing.