Abstract: An apparatus for use in separating clay from coal fines comprising a hopper having a sloped rear wall, a baffle mounted to the hopper and extending downwardly, a conveyor positioned along the rear wall of the hopper, and an overflow port located in the side walls between the baffle and the rear wall of the hopper. In particular embodiments the hopper includes a horizontal baffle extending from the first baffle and positioned below the overflow ports and an apron extending outwardly of the hopper from the rear wall. A method for separating a mixture of clay particles and coal fines is also described herein.

Abstract: A separation process is disclosed herein for selectively removing agglomerated carbonaceous particles from aqueous suspension, the remaining inorganic particles being removed as a waste product. A source product containing finely divided carbonaceous particles and associated inorganic particles is treated by known techniques to cause the carbonaceous particles to agglomerate. The resultant mixture of such processes contains water, a liquid hydrocarbon, inorganic particles and the agglomerated carbonaceous particles. This resultant mixture is fed continuously into the vertical center of a mixing tank. The mixture is there agitated by an impeller which rotates in the horizontal plane. The agglomerated carbonaceous particles rise to the top of the mixture and are recovered as an overflow stream, the particles thereafter being rinsed with water and dried to produce the desired product. The heavier inorganic particles settle to the funnel-shaped bottom of the tank, and enter the inlet of an auger.

Abstract: An apparatus for filling a trench and compacting the dirt within the trench. A vertical auger is rotatably mounted on a frame and is positionable within the trench for compacting dirt within the trench. A horizontal auger is rotatably mounted to the frame and includes a pair of flights spiraling toward the vertical auger on opposite sides of the vertical auger to force dirt along opposite sides of the trench into the trench with the dirt then being compacted by the vertical auger. Means are provided for rotating the horizontal and vertical augers. Additional means are provided for raising and lowering the vertical auger into and out of the trench. The vertical auger is pivotally mounted to the frame and may be pivoted upwardly when not in use by a third means. Back-up plates are provided to limit the movement of dirt away from the vertical and horizontal augers. The apparatus is mountable to a powered vehicle, such as a tractor.