Abstract: A method of beneficiating coal in a dry process includes separating raw coal from a coal mine into coal fines and larger pieces of coal using pressurized air, separating the larger pieces of coal according to size, removing ash from the larger pieces of coal on an air table, and further removing ash from the larger pieces of coal using a size-discriminating device to obtain a beneficiated coal product. The invention also includes an apparatus for the dry beneficiation of coal. The apparatus includes at least one air separating device, at least one air table, and at least one first and second shakers which separate the coal by size and remove ash from the coal. The air table effectively removes ash from infed coal without the need for a fluidizing media.

Abstract: A method of beneficiating coal in a dry process includes separating raw coal from a coal mine into coal fines and larger pieces of coal using pressurized air, separating the larger pieces of coal according to size, removing ash from the larger pieces of coal on an air table, and further removing ash from the larger pieces of coal using a size-discriminating device to obtain a beneficiated coal product. The invention also includes an apparatus for the dry beneficiation of coal. The apparatus includes at least one air separating device, at least one air table, and at least one first and second shakers which separate the coal by size and remove ash from the coal. The air table effectively removes ash from infed coal without the need for a fluidizing media.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for removing the skins or hulls from seeds, including those of legumes, grains, drupes, silques, and achenes involves wetting the seeds with an alkaline solution and then with a peroxygen solution. The two substances react underneath the skin to liberate gas between the seed meat and the skin. The gas bubbles blister the skin, causing it to become loosened. Slight mechanical action is used to dislodge the blistered skins from the seed meats.

Abstract: This application discloses a separator for separating granular materials according to specific weight including an air permeable reciprocatory deck for supporting a bed of the granular material thereon and defining an elongate discharge opening therefrom through which a certain separated fraction of the granular material is to be discharged after separation; a fan forcing air upwardly through the air permeable deck and the bed of granular material carried on the deck to fluidize the bed and cause the granular material in the bed to separate according to the specific weight thereof as the deck is reciprocated; and a pneumatic pressure operated gate selectively covering the discharge opening so as to selectively control the flow of the granular material therethrough in response to the pneumatic pressure in said bottom air plenum with the gate selectively varying the effective length and height of the opening in response to the pneumatic pressure below the deck.