Abstract: A method for producing a functionally graded component layer-by-layer includes: depositing radiant-energy-curable resin on a build surface defined by a resin support, the resin containing filler including at least two groups of particles with different physical properties; allowing the filler to settle such that the groups of particles separate from each other, defining at least two regions within the resin; positioning a stage relative to the build surface so as to define a layer increment in the resin; selectively curing the resin using an radiant energy applied in a specific pattern so as to define the geometry of a cross-sectional layer of the component; moving the build surface and the stage relatively apart so as to separate the component from the build surface; repeating at least the steps of positioning and selectively curing for a plurality of layers, until the component is complete.

Abstract: This invention relates to a tubular cyclonic separation device the style of which was presented in PCT/ZA2003/000160 and which enables all of the inlet and outlet connections to be completely contained within a tubular profile, the diameter of which is that of the body of the cyclonic section. This disclosure adds further novel and inventive developments to the cyclonic device which enable it to be used as a separating device for systems involving all three phases (gas, liquid and solid) and where two, three or more different product streams may be separated, all within the same cylindrical profile. These further inventive developments also relate to the use of externally supplied gas and/or additional liquid phases which are injected through the walls of the cyclonic body using specifically located slots and/or holes in combination with specifically located stepped edges.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a method comprising discharging a slurry from a vessel to a conduit; where the slurry comprises a liquid and a composition comprising at least two materials having different densities-a first material having a higher density and a second material having a lower density than that of the first material; creating a surge in velocity in slurry flow as it is transported through the conduit; separating the first material from the second material; where the first material is disposed on an inner surface of the conduit and where the second material flows through the conduit to a container; and removing the first material from the inner surface of the conduit.

Abstract: The invention provides a settling device comprising an acoustic wave generator and an inclined settling chamber. The angle ? between the acoustic wave direction and the inclined settling chamber is greater than 0 and less than 90°. The invention also provides a concentration method and a separation method using the device. The invention can be used to concentrate or separate particles such as inorganic particles, organic particles, and biological particles, for example, mammalian cells, bacteria, yeast, algae, and plant cells. The invention exhibits technical merits such as higher efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and large-scale production.

Abstract: A classifying device having two or more classifying passages is provided, the classifying device including a first classifying passage to which particle dispersion liquid is fed; plural discharge ports provided in the first classifying passage, the plural discharge ports including a discharge port of coarse particle dispersion liquid and a discharge port of fine particle dispersion liquid; a second classifying passage; and a connecting passage that transports the coarse particle dispersion liquid to the second classifying passage, wherein the discharge port of the coarse particle dispersion liquid is provided in more upstream part of the first classifying passage than the discharge port of the fine particle dispersion liquid.

Abstract: A particle separation assembly comprises a vessel provided with an inlet, a first outlet and a second outlet. The assembly is arranged such that the flow rate of fluid through the inlet is greater than the flow rate of fluid through the first outlet such that there is a resultant fluid flow of lighter particles up the vessel and through the second outlet. Flow adjustment means are provided to enable the velocity of this resultant fluid flow to be adjusted, said means comprising a pivotable flap in one example.

Abstract: Method of separation of loose mixture in fluid medium consists in the gravity feed of particles, aerodynamic monotonically increasing effect on them at acute angle to the vertical line by the cascade of slot jets and the outlet of separated fractions into separate collectors. Before aerodynamic effect on loose mixture particles each jet is transferred to developed turbulence mode by their vertical expansion jets until jets are merged with each other with faulty or close to it form of jet formation and the appearance of at least two circulation zones different in size in each inter-jet space of all contiguous jets. The device for separation contains the bunker with vibrating chute mounted underneath the jet generator, the flat nozzles located one under another at acute angle to the vertical line, the height of cross sections of which, step and angle of installation increase top-down. The generator is connected with the source of air supply under pressure, and is covered by the side walls, and grade collectors.

Abstract: A problem of the invention is to provide a method which targets on polyethylene terephthalate-made bottle scraps composed mainly of polyethylene and/or polypropylene, polystyrene and a polyester and which is able to treat continuously a large amount of the polyester component with a high purity and sort and recover it in a high recovery. The problem of the invention can be solved by a separation method of waste plastics, which is characterized by forming previously a crushed plastic into a water slurry, feeding the water slurry in a fixed rate range such that a swirling flow is generated within a cylindrical tank and that water rises in a fixed rate range and recovering a polyester with a high specific gravity as a precipitated component within the cylindrical tank and a plastic with a low specific gravity as an overflow component from the top of the cylindrical tank, respectively.

Abstract: The invention provides a settling device comprising an acoustic wave generator and an inclined settling chamber. The angle ? between the acoustic wave direction and the inclined settling chamber is greater than 0 and less than 90°. The invention also provides a concentration method and a separation method using the device. The invention can be used to concentrate or separate particles such as inorganic particles, organic particles, and biological particles, for example, mammalian cells, bacteria, yeast, algae, and plant cells. The invention exhibits technical merits such as higher efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and large-scale production.

Abstract: A method for selective separation of particles from a particle-containing material includes preparing a slurry of the particle-containing material and a dispersant, passing the slurry through a hydraulic classifier in a first direction, establishing a particle flow in a direction that is different from the first direction, and recovering particles having a mean particle size of about 2-7 ?m. The flow of particles defines a cross-current flow relative to the slurry feed direction. The method further includes providing the classifier with an interior divider assembly defining at least one inclined channel. The divider assembly typically includes a plurality of substantially parallel dividers separating the classifier into multiple channels having a substantially equal internal volume. A hydraulic classifier for separating particles having a mean particle size of from about 2-7 ?m in accordance with the present method is provided also.

Abstract: A classification device includes: a classification channel for classifying particles; a particle dispersion delivery channel as defined herein; a conveying fluid feed channel as defined herein; and at least one collection channel as defined herein, and the particle dispersion delivery channel satisfying relationship (1): A<B wherein A is a width of the particle dispersion inlet port as measured perpendicular to the flow in the classification channel on a cross-section taken parallel to the flow in the classification channel; and B is a width of the junction between the particle dispersion delivery channel and the classification channel as measured perpendicular to the flow in the classification channel on a cross-section taken parallel to the flow in the classification channel.

Abstract: A classifying apparatus includes: a classifying channel that, in an upper portion, has a channel through which a particle dispersion is transported, and that, in a lower portion, has a channel through which transporting liquid is transported; a particle dispersion introducing channel where one end has an opening into which the particle dispersion is introduced, and another end is connected to the channel through which the particle dispersion is transported; a transporting liquid introducing channel where one end has an opening into which the transporting liquid is introduced, and another end is connected to the channel through which the transporting liquid is transported; and at least one recovery channel as defined herein, a channel width of the channel through which the particle dispersion is transported being smaller than a channel width of the channel through which the transporting liquid is transported, in the classifying channel.

Abstract: A classifying device having two or more classifying passages is provided, the classifying device including a first classifying passage to which particle dispersion liquid is fed; plural discharge ports provided in the first classifying passage, the plural discharge ports including a discharge port of coarse particle dispersion liquid and a discharge port of fine particle dispersion liquid; a second classifying passage; and a connecting passage that transports the coarse particle dispersion liquid to the second classifying passage, wherein the discharge port of the coarse particle dispersion liquid is provided in more upstream part of the first classifying passage than the discharge port of the fine particle dispersion liquid.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for classifying fine particles, the method comprising: introducing a fine particle dispersion in which fine particles are dispersed in a liquid medium into an inlet of a microchannel having the inlet and a recovery portion; and delivering the fine particle dispersion, which has been introduced through the inlet, to the recovery portion in laminar flow, wherein delivering the fine particle dispersion includes classifying the fine particles using the difference in sedimentation speed or floatation speed among the fine particles in the fine particle dispersion. The present invention also provides a device used in the method for classifying fine particles.

Abstract: An improved system and method for separating combustible organic particles from noncombustible inorganic particles in coal, in preparation for combustion. The coal is size-reduced and size-graded to small pieces which are then supplied to input ends of water-immersed descending slides having ultrasonic transducers for vibratory separation of inorganic and organic particles. The slides have different longitudinal lengths with angles of declination configured to achieve time-differential exposure to the ultrasonic vibratory energy, with smaller coal pieces being subjected to shorter time ultrasonic vibratory exposure. In one preferred form, longitudinally spaced turbidity sensors along the slide provide signals used to control selected ultrasonic transducers upon substantially complete cleaning of the coal pieces.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of separating solid particles, using a magnetic fluid, wherein the magnetic fluid is passed through a magnetic field for the purpose of changing the effective density of the magnetic fluid, and the particles are separated into fractions of different density. The present invention further relates to device for separating solid particles, using a magnetic fluid.

Abstract: Apparatus for separating the organic membrane portion and the non-organic mineral portion of broken egg shells includes at least one separating tank into which a slurry of water and finely ground egg shells is introduced. A plurality of overlapping vanes is in the interior of the tank. Separated low specific gravity membrane is withdrawn from near the top of the tank for dewatering and drying; the separated high specific gravity mineral portion is withdrawn from near the bottom of the tank for drying. Water from the dewatering means is returned to the bottom of the tank with sufficient force to cause an upward serpentine flow past the vanes, but not so as to preclude the settling of the mineral portion.

Abstract: Systems and methods configured to continuously separate manure and bedding comprise a vertical housing without screens, grates, or filters therein, a manure and bedding inlet port coupled to the side of the housing, and a water inlet port coupled to the side of the housing. The system further comprises at least one inlet flow controller. Upon separation of the bedding and manure, the housing comprises a manure outlet port disposed on its upper portion and configured to output a product stream comprising separated manure and water. The housing further comprises a bedding outlet port disposed on its lower portion and configured to output a product stream comprising separated bedding and water.

Abstract: A dewatering device for aggregate products such as sand and gravel to allow dewatering to a moisture within the range of 8% by weight. This energy efficient dewatering system uses an inclined rotatably mounted dewatering screw to initially dewater, followed by an associated vibratory dewatering screen to achieve combined results that neither an inclined dewatering screw or a vibratory screen can achieve separately.

Abstract: A method and centrifugal separator apparatus for separating more dense particles from less dense particles contained in a slurry. The separator apparatus receives slurry into a rotor assembly which includes a bowl open upwardly and a surrounding hutch chamber. The bowl has a lower impermeable portion coupled to a drive shaft for rotating the rotor assembly, an upper impermeable portion connected to the lower portion, and a frusto-conical screen. The frusto-conical screen forms the inner wall of the hutch chamber and discharge outlets are provided in the periphery of the hutch chamber. An annular fluid inlet connected to the hutch chamber supplies elutriation liquid continuously to the interior of the hutch chamber, and a plurality of pulse blocks supply intermittent pulses of liquid to the hutch chamber. A dam is formed at the top of the screen. In operation, slurry is supplied to the lower portion of the bowl and forms a bed on the screen.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus for decontaminating aqueous paper pulp, the apparatus comprising a decontaminating cell (12). The decontaminating cell (12) has an upper light contaminate collection hood (30) and/or a lower heavy contaminate collection trough (40). Paper pulp is provided to the cell (12) under a pulp head sufficient to purge the contaminates therefrom.

Abstract: A item separating or debris eliminating system includes a tank and a pump for circulating water from one end of the tank around through a duct and back into the opposite end of the tank. A medium density object collector is located within the tank, and a light debris collector is located within the tank. A conveyor filter is included through which substantially all of the water in the tank is circulated. The debris eliminating system preferably also includes a high density object collector within the tank. The system can be used to separate a variety of objects having different densities and terminal velocities in a fluid. Most preferably, the system is utilized for separating debris from potatoes and the like produce.

Abstract: A method for recovering coal from a mixture containing fine particles of coal, the mixture including fine coal particles, water, and impurities, the method including feeding the mixture to a first liquid/solid separator that removes relatively large pieces of material from the mixture producing a first stream containing recoverable fine coal particles, and pumping the first stream from the first liquid/solid separator to at least one second liquid/solid separator, the at least one second liquid/solid separator separating recoverable fine coal particles from the first stream producing a product flow containing fine coal particles and a discharge stream containing, e.g., water and impurities. In one aspect, the coal in the product flow is then dried and/or pelletized. In one aspect fine coal particles in the product flow have a largest dimension of less than 100 microns. In one aspect, fine coal particles in the product flow have a largest dimension of at least about 40 microns.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for decontaminating a liquid suspension comprising a decontaminating cell. The decontaminating cell has an upper light contaminate collection hood and/or a lower heavy contaminate collection trough. A method and apparatus are provided for decontaminating a liquid suspension by infusing the suspension with a gas, mechanically agitating the suspension, or providing chemical additives thereto. The liquid suspension is then directed to the decontaminating cell under a pressure head sufficient to purge the contaminates therefrom.

Abstract: A process for converting components of poultry production feather waste into value-added products involves a single counterflow or batch system wash in a polar organic solvent solution. The feather waste can contain loose, picked feathers, and non-feather avian parts. The feather-waste stream is exposed to a concentration gradient of solvent which sanitizes, denatures, dehydrates, and de-oils it. In one aspect, the counterflow contact between solvent solution and feather waste takes place in an inclined screw conveyor. The process produces avian oil and protein from a liquid intermediate stream and dry fiber and protein powder from the converted waste stream. Fiber from this process can be used in fabrics, composites, extrusions and laminates. Oil and protein can be used in biochemical, pharmaceutical, cosmetic, animal feed, and fertilizer products.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a hydraulic reactor and classifier, with ultrasonic application for a continuous process of separation and recovering minerals or other type of materials or for the production of chemical compounds. It comprises a body of two main sections, an upper part and a lower part. The upper part comprises a container, a loading compartment, a lamella package, at least one ultrasound transducer package and a peripheral weir. The lower part comprises an inverted semi-pyramidal container having a square base, the square base attached to the upper part, at least one ultrasound transducer package at different location within the reactor to distribute the ultrasound effect all over the slurry flowing through the reactor, a nozzle for delivering a liquid or a gas. The final part comprises a pinch valve for discharging coarse particles as a slurry.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for decontaminating aqueous paper pulp comprising a decontaminating cell. The decontaminating cell has an upper light contaminate collection hood and/or a lower heavy contaminate collection trough. Paper pulp is provided to the cell under a pulp head sufficient to purge the contaminates therefrom.

Abstract: An apparatus for separating aluminum scrap material from copper, brass and zinc scrap materials, the apparatus including a hopper having a weir on one side, a first fluid nozzle on the other side of the hopper for directing a stream of water having a specific gravity greater than aluminum over the weir, and a chute located above the fluid nozzle for directing the scrap material onto the stream of water so that the aluminum scrap passes over the weir and the rest of the scrap falls into the hopper.

Abstract: Coal spiral having a relatively short first stage helix for separating a slurry into clean coal, refuse and middlings splits, and a relatively short second stage helix for recleaning middlings split from the first stage. The first stage has only 3.25 turns, the second stage has only two turns, and a combination separator box and feed box delivers the middlings directly from the first stage to the second. The two helices are aligned coaxially, and are of opposite rotational sense to provide counter-rotation of the middlings in the two stages.

Abstract: An apparatus provides the removal of particular matter from an aqueous carrier such as water, water-based slurry, mine slurry, or the like. Particles below 40 mesh in size can be separated from the aqueous carrier and concentrated with like particles according to their specific gravity and flow characteristics. A plurality of guides are provided for directing the aqueous carrier into different flow paths which are configured to take advantage of the force of gravity for diverting the aqueous carrier into a plurality of drop channels. The drop channels contain additional flow diversion guides for diverting a portion of the primary flow through a respective drop channel. As the aqueous carrier flows through the guides and into the drop channels by gravity, the diversionary flow paths tend to pull matter below a desired density out of a primary drop channel. This enables particulate matter to be separated from the aqueous carrier and to be concentrated at a selected density.

Abstract: A scroll-conveyor centrifuge for separating a suspension into at least a liquid phase and solid material which is deposited through centrifugal force on the interior surface of the centrifuge bowl and which is conveyed along that surface to the solid material discharge opening located at an axial end portion of the bowl through rotation of the centrifuge helix at a differential rate with respect to the bowl. Abrasion of the interior bowl surface and operating power requirements due to movement of the solid material in the direction of the bowl circumference are both reduced by the simple expedient of applying to the interior bowl surface a texturing through the spray application of a thin adhering layer having a rough surface facing the helix.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for separating high density materials from less dense materials suspended in a fluid within a conduit. A pump generates carrier fluid motion which is fed through the conduit. Solids from a placer deposit are mixed with the carrier fluid and induced through a suction hose, then into two positively sloped separating chambers that are arranged in tandem in the conduit. The first separating chamber is cylindrical in shape, and motion of the fluid through the chamber is linear. The second separating chamber's cross section shape is rectangular, with a parabolic flow path. The second stage separator floor is variably banked, with the angle of bank and curvature increasing toward the discharge end. Solids, that are mixed with the carrier fluid, are forced along the flow path by dynamic drag of the fluid. Less dense solids travel up the positive slope at a greater velocity than more dense solids. The larger and slower moving dense solids are trapped in two sumps in the first chamber.

Abstract: A bean sifting device which comprises a water-supply assembly, a water tank, a floating-sifting tank, and a supporting frame; the water-supply assembly can have water in the water tank to be forced by use of a pump in the water-supply assembly to flow into the floating-sifting tank through a pipe and slanting water outlet; the water would generate a whirl by use of a round and curved bottom and the wall of the floating-sifting tank; as a result of the effect of a centrifugal force and the different specific gravity gravity of beans, the bad beans will float in the upper water in the tank, and will flow into the water damping area to pass through a slot hole, a round passage and an exhausting port; finally, the bad beans will flow in a sieve basket so as to fulfill a purpose of sifting beans in different classes automatically.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for sorting articles with small density differences utilizing a flotation stream. A separator is provided in which a flotation stream continuously flows through a trough and is used to effect the separation of a mixture of articles having small density differences into several groups. Each density group of the mixture of articles to be separated is introduced at the head of the flotation stream at a selected depth. In one embodiment, the flotation stream may be comprised of a fluidized bed which is created by forcing a gas upwardly through a fluidization medium such as sand. In another embodiment of the invention, the flotation stream may be formed from a liquid.

Abstract: A media particle size separating apparatus and method are disclosed for use with a slurry blast cabinet. The system is capable of continuous operation so that under sized blast media particles and fines can be separated out of the slurry along with debris from the blasting operation on a continuous basis. An upwardly open partition divided hopper receives spent slurry from the blasting cabinet to flow through at least two chambers in the hopper to a pump returning the slurry and sized media to the blasting cabinet and nozzles therein. Unusable fines collected in one chamber of the hopper are drawn off through a drain valve.

Abstract: A concentrator has an inclined hollow casing and a separating chamber communicating therewith having a pipe for supplying a material being handled, a pipe for discharging heavy fraction of the material being handled and a first pipe for supplying a separating fluid. A second pipe for supplying the separating fluid connects to the pipe for discharging heavy fraction.

Abstract: A gravity concentrator has a casing provided with at least one diaphragm connected to a drive for initiating pulsations in the casing which has pipes for supplying a material being treated and separating fluid and pipes for discharging heavy and light fractions of the material being treated.

Abstract: A product separator having a flotation tank through which a quantity of product is passed in a flow of water. A shaped duct having a horizontal capture leg and an upwardly inclined discharge leg is connected into the floor of the tank so that the entrance of the capture leg communicates with the flow and an upper exit in the discharge leg empties into a vibratory hopper. A raised gate passes upwardly into the flow and directs less buoyant product into the capture leg. An ejector is positioned in the bottom of the capture leg and is arranged to direct a continuous high velocity stream of water across the transition region between the two legs into the discharge chute into a segregation hopper.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for separating coarse grained and agglomerated pigment particles from a suspension containing coarse grained, agglomerated, and fine grained pigment particles by sedimentation by gravity, are described. The suspension, for example of titanium dioxide powder and water, is introduced through an inflow device (3) at the bottom (4) of a vessel (1) from below and flows upwardly through the vessel (1), in which stationary plates (2) are located arranged parallel to each other and at an angle of <90.degree., preferentially 40.degree. to 60.degree. to the horizontal line. In the upper part (6) of the vessel (1) the suspension which there contains primarily fine grained pigment particles is removed from the vessel (1) through a drain or overflow device (5). In the lower part (4) the suspension containing primarily coarse grained and agglomerated pigment particles is removed from the vessel (1) through an overflow device (7).

Abstract: Apparatus (10) for hydraulically separating a mixture of small size mineral particles (42) according to different mineral densities (61 and 91) consists of an elongated inclined tubular conduit (11) which includes appurtenances and adjustments by which the innately higher midstream velocity and lower, conduit sidewall surface velocity forces of the adjusted upward fluid flow through the inclined conduit (11) are systematized for the processing. In combined operations the mixed feed particles (42), after introduction at intermediate longitudinal location (31) of the inclined conduit (11), drop rapidly out of fluid flow suspension and are processed while continuously maintained in a predominantly precipitated condition. During processing, the precipitated particles (42) are formed into a more or less continuous layer of two superincumbent strata which move or tend to move relatively in opposite longitudinal directions throughout the length of the inclined conduit (11).

Abstract: A heavy metal separator for removing heavy metal particles and flakes from ore. It has a feed hopper which feeds a slurry of ore over an inclined screen in a separation chamber. The smaller particles pass through the screen into a second section of the separation chamber. The larger particles wave downwardly off the lower end of the screen into a first section of the separation chamber. A stream of water is directed by baffles upward through the second section counter current to the flow of materials. The water washes the less dense waste material out of the second section into the first section. The fine heavy metal particles and flakes, being more dense, settle downwardly to a collection point at the bottom of the second section. The larger concentrates and fine waste material move downwardly through the first section to an outlet, where they pass into a second separation chamber.

Abstract: A cyclonic separator for separating solid particles from a fluid comprises a housing including a chamber, a first deflector between the chamber and its inlet for deflecting the fluid flowing from the inlet to a radially-extending passageway before reaching the chamber, and a second deflector between the radially-extending passageway and the chamber for deflecting the fluid in the circumferential direction before entering the chamber to produce a vortex therein for separation of solid particles from the fluid before the fluid reaches the chamber outlet. The housing further includes a dirt-purging outlet at the bottom of the chamber for purging the solid particles settling therein.

Abstract: A process of using an apparatus (10) hydraulically separating a mixture of small size mineral particles (42) according to different mineral densities (61 and 91) consists of an elongated inclined tubular conduit (11) which includes appurtenances and adjustments by which the innately higher midstream velocity and lower, conduit sidwall surface velocity forces of the adjusted upward fluid flow through the inclined conduit (11) are systematized for the processing. In combined operations the mixed feed particles (42), after introduction at intermediate longitudinal location (31) of the inclined conduit (11), drop rapidly out of fluid flow suspension and are processed while continuously maintained in a predominantly precipitated condition. During processing, the precipitated particles (42) are formed into a more or less continuous layer of two superincumbent strata which move or tend to move relatively in opposite longitudinal directions throughout the length of the inclined conduit (11).

Abstract: The invention includes a concentrator that pressurizes and provides an enriched liquid suspension to a separator. In the concentrator, the incoming liquid suspension is driven by a diaphragm pump into a funnel-shaped accumulator that is closed at its top. Some of the heavier particles go directly to the bottom of the accumulator, but the lighter particles and the remainder of the suspension are forced to flow through tubes that extend from the top of the accumulator upward on a helical path. Further particulate matter settles out in the helical passages and migrates to the bottom of the accumulator. From the accumulator, the concentrated suspension is fed under pressure to a separator that includes an inclined chamber that is completely filled with liquid. A stream of wash water is directed from the lower rear end of the separator towards the upper front end of the separator.

Abstract: This invention relates to an apparatus for separating materials of small size. The apparatus according to the invention comprises a separation tub which can be filled with a liquid up to a preselected level, means for introducing a conveying liquid with the materials to be separated into the tub below said preselected level under a pressure which is higher than that existing the area of introduction due to the effect of the weight of the liquid in the tub, and first and second material-ejection means arranged at said preselected level and, respectively, at the tub bottom to eject lighter and, respectively, heavier material.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for the wet gravity concentration of particulate ores in which a cascaded series of concentrators may be arranged in a matrix array from a basic triangular unit comprising a first concentrator for dividing a pulp stream into two sub-streams of differing concentration and a pair of subsidiary concentrators for respectively dividing the sub-streams, the subsidiary concentrator dividing the richer sub-stream being arranged to remove at least part of its enriched stratum without intruding substantially into its feed grade stratum while the subsidiary concentrator dividing the poorer sub-stream is arranged to remove at least part of its depleted stratum without intruding substantially into its feed grade stratum. The method and apparatus are described with reference to both tray and cone concentrators.

Abstract: A fluid, such as air or water, carrying suspended solids is directed between a pair of oppositely charged, corrugated surfaces in order to subject the flow to an undulating action that increases the frequency with which the solid particles impinge against one another, thereby increasing the rate of flocculation of the solids. In the case of airborne particles, the corrugated surfaces are arranged in an upright condition so that the flocculated particles attracted to one or the other of such surfaces gravitate therefrom into a conveying mechanism that delivers such particles to a collecting receptacle. In the case of liquid-borne particles, the flow is forced to travel upwardly against the force of gravity after passing between the surfaces, thereby encouraging the flocculated particles to settle out into a sump that is associated with the uphill flow passage.

Abstract: An apparatus for the separation of objects of dissimilar specific gravity from a mixture, the invention comprises a water bath into which the mixture is charged through a chute and caused to move over an opening in an inclined baffle member. As the objects move over the opening a stream of water under pressure is directed against the objects to cause lighter objects to be deflected past the opening to a first conveyor for removal from the water bath, heavier objects falling through the opening to a second conveyor for discharge from the water bath. The present apparatus is particularly useful for sorting potatoes from rocks after harvest of the potatoes.

Abstract: In a system for decantation treating of liquid containing therein suspended material, the liquid to be treated is pulsatingly introduced into the bottom of a sludge bed and pulsated therein. The liquid is passed upwardly through the sludge bed at a predetermined speed whereby the suspended material is agglomerated and removed from the liquid. The liquid is forced through the sludge bed from the bottom to the top thereof in paths which are inclined both to the horizontal and to the vertical. Specifically, the liquid passes generally upwardly through an assembly of inclined flow control devices which are positioned within the sludge bed throughout substantially the entire height thereof. Sludge settles within the inclined passageways between the flow control devices for a slight distance until the sludge contacts an inclined bottom wall. The sludge then slides downwardly in an inclined manner along the bottom wall in a concentrated path or current.

Abstract: A mechanized reclaiming system for separating ferrous and non-ferrous metals from other materials derived from crushed and shredded automobiles employing a pair of conveyors mounted in a vertical array with the top one separating under vibratory action the small particles of material from the larger particles with the small particles going to a processing tower with this material being processed again into lighter and heavier materials. The lighter material is separated further by centrifugal action while the heavier material is separated into magnetic and non-magnetic material by magnetic means with the non-magnetic material being further separated into light and heavier material through water treatment in a rotating drum.