Abstract: A hydrogen gas generator for producing hydrogen gas from the controlled reaction of the alkaline metal sodium contained in a supply tube assembly which is introduced in incremental amounts to water within a pressure tank. Hydrogen produced in the pressure tank, and air bubbled through sodium hydroxide produced in the pressure tank are fed to a fuel cell to produce electricity.

Abstract: A separator for separating higher density metal values such as particles of gold from a mixture of gold particles and earthen material. The separator includes an upwardly divergent hollow cone and a hollow, transparent column, the transparent column being attached in fluid communication to the apex of the cone. A controllable water supply is connected to diffuser means in the apparatus to diffuse water upwardly through the column and the cone to carry away lighter earthen material in the cone. The water flow rate is adjusted so that the heavier gold particles settle downwardly into the transparent column. The transparent column permits the operator to observe the process and selectively adjust the water flow rate. A screen device may be included for controlling the particle size of material introduced into the separator cone. The separator cone and supporting apparatus therefor may be rendered readily man-portable by being incorporated into a backpack.