Abstract: Processes and apparatus for treatment of flowing slurries of particulate material mixed in liquid employ a wide, elongated downwardly-slanted, metal tray with upturned edge flanges, cable-suspended for unrestrained vibratory flexing and undulation. The tray is provided with a plurality of ultrasonic transducers mounted on its underside, and the flowing slurry is delivered to the upper tray end, flowing lengthwise down the tray in a shallow flowing sheet. Ultrasonic vibratory energy coupled through the tray to the flowing slurry has a "microscopic scrubbing" action on all particles and agglomerates, breaking the surface tension on the particle, cleaning particle surfaces, and separating different constituent particles and coatings of gels, slimes, algae, clay or mud. Mixtures of fine particles of coal or other valuable minerals with ash, clay, rock or sand particles are separated with unexpected efficiency by these techniques.

Abstract: A flotation separator has a tank normally partially filled with a liquid, and an endless conveyor belt with upper and lower courses extending from a lower portion in the tank to a higher discharge position exterior to the tank. A shroud isolates the lower course of the belt from the upper course within the liquid, and from the primary circulation in the tank.

Abstract: A rake classifier provides reciprocating movement using crank-mounted drive shafts to establish translatory forward movement as well as lifting and rearward movement of the rake structure.

Abstract: A system operating in accordance with the method of the invention can be compared to a single stage enrichment by noting that in the single stage system, 100% (or all) of the underflow output of the first stage would go into refuse, i.e. whatever desirable product is contained in the underflow of the first stage would be lost. In contrast to this system, in accordance with invention, a middling fraction is directed back into stage 2 (along with spoil) which results in self-enriching the material undergoing separation in the second stage. Eventually the enriched coal will be contained in that portion of the overflow output of the second stage which is directed back to the first stage, and for that reason the losses going into the spoil will be reduced in comparison to the enrichment loss in the first stage.

Abstract: Plastics fragments including polyethylene terephthalate and polyolefins derived from comminution of containers such as beverage bottles are segregated according to specific gravity by flotation. The flotation liquid includes a surfactant to facilitate complete separation of the light and heavy plastic fractions from one another. The surfactant may be a residue of a detergent used to wash the flakes and remove contaminants therefrom. Rinsing prior to flotation separation is controlled so as to leave the desired detergent residue leading to a marked reduction in rinse water requirements.

Abstract: A system and method for sorting demolition debris into preselected groups, wherein the system comprises an initial screen for sorting out fine particulate material, a floatation tank for sorting the debris into floatable material and heavy material, a heavy material conveyor for removing the heavy material from the floatation tank, a magnetic conveyor for removing the ferrous metals from the heavy material conveyor, and a hand-sorting conveyor whereby various construction items are removed from the debris so that all that remains is pure concrete and brick debris.

Abstract: A flotation apparatus used in reclaiming resin materials from bottles and other scrap articles each comprising a first low density resin component (e.g., polyethylene) bonded to a second high density resin component (e.g., polyethylene terephthlate); the scrap articles are granulated and air classified to form a primary particulate scrap which is flotation separated in two successive stages. The flotation separation stages each include a first auger in an apertured-bottom trough positioned near the top of a flotation tank with inlet means depositing a flow of particulate scrap and flotation liquid into one end of the trough; the heavy material output is afforded by a second auger in the bottom of the tank, whereas the lightweight material outlet is an overflow weir at one side of the tank. A vigorous washing apparatus using a hot aqueous medium connects the first flotation stage to the second, and a feedback connection conveys low density scrap back from the second flotation stage to the first such stage.

Abstract: This invention relates to a process for the dynamic separation of mixtures of materials, such as minerals having different specific gravities, by using one dense medium having two different densities, the process includes a closed loop flow system utilizing two medium streams of two different densities for separating mixtures of materials into two material/dense medium streams. The dense material is recovered from the two material/dense medium streams after separation and splitting by creating two return streams of two different densities which are individually fed to a tub, and the two medium streams are formed from the dense medium of the tubs by effecting overflow of the dense medium between the two tubs to establish substantially equal volume therebetween and maintain equal volume therebetween.

Abstract: A density-current method and apparatus for separating produce, such as potatoes, from debris, such as roots, vines, corn cobs, wood, metal objects, and rocks. An elongated tank with a non-turbulent flow of water allows the objects to stratify. A chain conveyor seperates the upper strata of debris. An increase in velocity causes the water and produce to be removed from the apparatus. The objects that sink are removed from the apparatus by a chain conveyor. The invention is an efficient method for separating debris from large volumes of produce.

Abstract: The present invention is an improved extractor (10) for removing a liquid from a solid carrier medium in which the liquid is entrained. The extraction process is accomplished by utilizing both percolation and immersion removal methods. The extractor (10) includes a plurality of pools (12, 12') through which the solid entraining the liquid therein is moved in a direction counter-flow to that in which a solvent passes through the extractor (10). Percolation removal is effected at the overflow (48, 48') of each pool (12, 12') as solvent washes through the solids being processed. Immersion is effected at the lower end of a sloped floor (22, 22') of each pool (12, 12') where the solids are soaked in the solvent. A final percolation bath (14) can be provided as a last stage of the extractor (10).

Abstract: Classification of alumina particulate is achieved through use of a basic aluminum compound as a dispersant.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for separating cut potato strips such as french fries having varying solids content. By the process the cut potato strips are introduced into a starch suspension having a specific gravity intermediate that of the potatoes so that the strips of low solids content rise to the top of the suspension and the high solids strips settle to the lower region of the suspension. The apparatus comprises a tank containing the suspension which tank has a sloping bottom and an upper and lower conveyor. The upper conveyor removes the low solids strips and the lower conveyor removes the heavy solids strips and is equipped with flights that scrape the sloping bottom end wall of the tank to prevent starch accumulation therein.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for the separation of a mixture of plastic particles and contaminant. According to the invention, a two-phase solution composed of a halogenated hydrocarbon and water are applied to the mixture of plastic and contaminant. The two-phase solution and mixture are placed in a separator. The two-phase solution and mixture are rotated in the separator. During rotation, the plastic contained in the mixture of plastic and contaminant, which has a density less than the halogenated hydrocarbon contained in the two-phase solution, is separated by gravitation from the contaminant and carried by the water of the two-phase solution. Also during rotation, the contaminant contained in the mixture of plastic and contaminant, which has a density greater than the halogenated hydrocarbon of the two-phase solution, is separated by gravitation from the plastic and carried by the halogenated hydrocarbon of the two-phase solution.

Abstract: A method of cooling and dedusting coke after leaving the coke dry cooling system comprises directing the coke at a temperature of approximately 150.degree. to 200.degree. C. into an immersion tank which has a liquid temperature of approximately 100.degree. C., thereafter conveying the coke out of the immersion tank at a selected variable speed so as to free it of fine dust. The water content of the coke after leaving the immersion tank and after an adequate evaporation time is controlled by the speed of the conveyor which is located in the immersion tank and the water content is advantageously kept below 5%, preferably from 0 to 3%. The immersion tank comprises a closed housing overlying a box-shaped tank with a continuously revolving chain conveyor located so as to extend through the tank at its upper reach for conveying the coke into the tank and which has a lower return reach which is directed outside of the tank below the tank itself.

Abstract: The device has an endless conveyor belt 29 supported on support rollers 17, 18, 18', 6, 32, 31, 7, which forms a washing trough 30, to which the material to be washed is fed via a chute 12. The device is mounted on a machine frame 1, which comprises individual supports 2 and 26. The entire device is fixed to a rectangular base frame 3 surrounding the device, which is pivotally arranged at one end transversely to the direction of travel 10 of the conveyor belt 29 on a bearer 4 and axles 5, while on the opposite side/end is fitted a height adjustment mechanism between the device or the frame 26 and the base frame 3.

Abstract: A sample-taking vessel 10 for pasty sample material, especially faeces, to be distributed in suspension fluid comprises a sample-taking cup 12 fitted on a vessel lid 14 and open towards the vessel bottom. The vessel bottom is formed with an elevation 28 which is shaped complementarily to the sample-taking cup 12. The cup wall 42 is provided at least in zones with sieve openings 44 out of which the sample material is forced and finely distributed in the suspension fluid 46 in the closing of the sample-taking vessel 10 with the aid of the vessel lid 14.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for upgrading run-of-the-mine (ROM) lignites to remove the gangue (clays, rock etc.) which form ash when the lignite is burned. The unique features of the process, a combination of unit operations in a specified sequence, result in less loss of combustible fuel value without hydrodegradation (the production of a large volume of fines) normally associated with contact of the lignite with water as in pipeline transport of lignite.

Abstract: A method for the separation of a mixture of polyvinyl chloride particles and polyethylene terephtalate particles comprising the steps of applying a solution composed of a low density solvent of polyvinyl chloride, water and sodium hydroxide to flakes of polyvinyl chloride and polyethylene terephtalate whereby the polyvinyl chloride absorbs the solvent contained in the solution, which changes the density of the polyvinyl chloride so that it is less than the density of the polyethylene terephtalate. The plastics may then be differential density separated by flotation or centrifugation and recovered.

Abstract: A process for separating porous components from non-porous components of a mixture of granular materials comprising the steps of:(a) contacting the mixture of the porous and non-porous materials with a gas capable of adsorbing in the pores of the porous component;(b) discharging the so charged or loaded mixture into a liquid in which the adsorbed gas is allowed to desorb from the porous componet, the viscosity and surface tension of the liquid being chosen so that the desorbed gas remains attached to the porous component with the specific gravity of the liquid chosen to separate the so desorbed porous component from the nonporous component; and(c) separating the floating materials from those of sinking materials in the liquid of Step (b).

Abstract: The separation of dissolved and/or undissolved materials having different densities or different buoyancy densities can be effected with the aid of agents comprising solutions of true metatungstates. In the case of a separation of materials having different buoyancy densities by means of a density gradient centrifugation, the agent has the form of an aqueous solution of an alkali, ammonium or alkaline earth metal metatungstate and, if desired, may be augmented by the addition of at least one low molecular weight electrolyte. The agent can have a density of up to 3.1 g.cm.sup.-3, has a low viscosity at high concentrations, and is neutral and chemically insert. In the case of a separation of water-insoluble solid mixtures of different densities, the densities of the solutions of the true metatungstates can be increased up to 4.6 g.cm.sup.-3 by adding to the solutions high density materials such as sodium tungstate or tungsten carbide of suitable grain size so as to form a suspension.

Abstract: A process is disclosed for removing sulfur and ash, particularly clay and pyrite from coal particles having a mesh size of 30 or less. A slurry of coal particles is agitated in an ultrasonic mixer to separate the contaminants from the coal and weaken chemically-bonded contaminants on the coal surface. The clay and pyrite particles are dispersed as a colloid in the aqueous medium of the slurry. Treatment of the slurry with sonic energy also subdivides the particles along ash or clay seams. The slurry is then separated in a centrifuge and in froth-flotation cells so that coal particles greater than 2 microns are recovered and a slurry is again formed. The repulped slurry is then treated with sonic energy and ozone to release further quantities of surface components from the coal particles. The slurry is again treated in a centrifuge and coal particles 2 microns and greater are recovered.

Abstract: A method for cleaning fine coal is provided which includes: mixing the coal with a fluid of such a specific gravity that clean coal particles would float while refuse particles would sink therein, pretreating the coal-fluid slurry by adding a surfactant, subjecting the mixture to ultrasonic dispersion, and separating the entire mixture into higher and lower specific gravity fluid streams by means of centrifugal separation. The fluid of the chosen specific gravity and the surfactant may be recovered from the fluid streams and recycled if desired.

Abstract: A powdery cation-exchange resin and a powdery anion-exchange resin which are coupled to each other are stripped apart by the use of an electrolytic solution whose ionic strength is 5 to 15, and both the stripped ion-exchange resins are separated by letting them stand or by employing a centrifugal separator, thereby regenerating the powdery cation-exchange and anion-exchange resins.

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 system for discharging a thermal decomposition residue containing carbon residue and steel wire balls, the discharge system including: a discharge mechanism including a double shaft screw conveyer having respective screws thereof supported at one end thereof and located contiguous to a residue outlet of a thermal decomposition unit, a housing hermetically connected to the residue outlet of the thermal decomposition unit and enclosing the double shaft screw conveyer with ample space on the upper side thereof; a first outlet provided in a front bottom portion of the housing for discharging the carbon residue transferred by lower portions of the double shaft conveyer; a second outlet provided at the discharging free end of the double screw conveyer for discharging the steel wire balls transferred by upper portions of the double screw conveyer; a seal provided in said first outlet for shielding the interior of the housing from ambient atmosphere; and a water-sealer including a water bath, a chute connected to t

Abstract: A method for separation of seeds, in which the seeds are incubated in a suitable environment and then dried to produce a pronounced difference in moisture content between filled-dead seeds and filled-viable seeds. These two seed fractions are then separated from each other by utilizing the moisture content difference.The seed fractions may e.g. be separated from each other by placing seeds in a liquid the density of which is somewhat lower than the density of viable seeds but higher than the density of filled-dead seed. In such a case the filled-dead seeds will float up whereas the viable seeds sink.

Abstract: A method for de-ashing crushed coal and transporting it in the form of pellets, said method comprising the following steps:A. the step of mixing pulverized coal with a binder to cover the surfaces of coal particles with the binder;B. the step of adding water to the pulverized coal;C. the step of stirring the slurry to disperse ash particles in the pulverized coal into water and to agglomerate coal particles in the pulverized coal by tumbling, whereby forming pelletized coal; andD. the step of separating the pelletized coal from the ash particles, and transporting the pelletized coal.The above basic four steps may be combined with the following steps depending on the state and particle size of raw coal:E. the step of crushing raw coal and separating it into high-ash coal and purified crushed coal, and further pulverizing the purified crushed coal and supplying the resulting powder to the above step A; andF.

Abstract: A method for removing ash, sulfur and inertinite from crushed coal includes float/sink treatment in aqueous solutions of monosaccharides, disaccharides, hydrogenated monosaccharides, hydrogenated disaccharides and mixtures thereof. Such solutions also improve the performance of such heavy media physical cleaning equipment as cyclones, heavy media baths, tables, spirals, hydroclones, flotation cells, jigs and solid-bowl centrifuges.

Abstract: An improved process for the beneficiation of coal and the separation of impurities therefrom comprising subjecting coal to surface treatment by contact with an aqueous medium comprising polymerizable monomer, polymerization catalyst and liquid organic carrier, thereby rendering said coal hydrophobic and oleophilic, the improvement comprising the high shear intermixing of the surface treated coal with at least one water wash medium thereby providing for the removal of further hydrophilic impurities, such as mineral ash from the coal. Apparatus for carrying out the process and the products prepared therefrom are also provided.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided for segregating and separately recovering fractions of a mixture of low density solids and high density solids, such as mixtures of clam shells and free detached clam meat. The mixture of solids is submerged in a laminar flowing stream of liquid which has a specific gravity about the same as that of the low density solids and such that the low density solids are substantially non-buoyant in the liquid. The bottom of the laminar flowing stream of liquid is defined in part by an upper foraminous conveyor surface which is moving in the same direction as the laminar flowing stream. The mixture of solids is flowed across a turbulent zone of rising air bubbles, and low density solids are removed from the top of the liquid and high density solids are removed from the bottom of the laminar flowing stream. Advantageous apparatus embodiments are provided for conducting the method.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for collecting and handling partly fibrated material which is formed by a partial fibrating of a mineral bloom (1), whereby the partially fibrated material is collected and brought into suspension in a water bath (11) in which the un-fibrated material is separated and the fibrated material is collected and removed for the manufacture of mineral fibre products. In the water bath (11) the fibre fraction and the partially fibrated material is kept in water suspension (by 12) whereas un-fibrated and more heavy material is allowed to sink to the bottom from which such material is removed (by 13). The collecting of the fibre material just formed is preferably made by flows of water (6, 7) and while suspending the fibre material in air (by 38, 40). The separation of fibre material is made by dynamical separation in one or several stages.

Abstract: The invention concerns the separation of granular products of different density in a pneumatically pulsated liquid medium. To control the pulsation amplitude, the level of separation of two layers of the product is detected by a sensor which emits a corresponding control signal and the pulsating air is intermittently vented. The beginning of the venting is controlled after the air inlet valve has been opened completely, the termination of the air venting is controlled at the same time as the closing of the air inlet valve, and the duration of the venting is determined by the control signal from the level sensor. This signal is transmitted to a first input of a computer receiving the control signal and a second input receiving the output signal from a memory unit wherein the air inlet valve opening and closing program is stored, and the output signal of the computer controls the venting.

Abstract: A hydraulic bean cleaner for removing rocks from beans has a hopper for gravity-feeding uncleaned beans down an inner cylindrical tube into a cylindrical separator tank. The inner tube has a bean discharge opening centered just above the bottom of the tank. An outer cylindrical tube concentrically surrounds the inner tube, providing an annular passageway therebetween and a water discharge opening surrounding the bean discharge opening. A first vibrator vibrates the tubes as a unit to help feed the beans down the inner tube. A second vibrator vibrates the hopper independently of the tubes to aid in feeding the beans to the inner tube. The beans drop into the bottom of the tank and water is expelled downwardly into the tank around them. The water entrains and fluidizes the beans, carrying them laterally away from the bean discharge opening and buoying them upwardly. The turbulent flow of water agitates the beans.

Abstract: A process for reclaiming composite materials that includes viscous and non-viscous constituents is described. The process comprises the steps of submerging the materials in a bath of liquid having a specific gravity greater than the viscous constituent but less than the non-viscous constituent, blasting the submerged materials with a gas or vapor heated to a temperature in excess of the melting temperature of the viscous constituent whereupon the viscous constituent is liberated from the non-viscous constituent and rises to the surface of the bath, skimming the viscous constituent from the surface of the bath, and emerging the non-viscous constituent from the bath.

Abstract: Disclosed is a process for the treatment of water-containing coal which comprises mixing the water-containing coal with a hydrocarbon oil having a specific gravity higher than that of water at temperatures in the range of 100.degree. to 350.degree. C.; heating the resulting mixture at a temperature in the range of 100.degree. to 350.degree. C. and a pressure not lower than the saturated vapor pressure of water at that temperature; and then allowing the heated mixture to settle at a temperature in the range of 100.degree. to 350.degree. C. and a pressure not lower than the saturated vapor pressure of water at that temperature, whereby an upper layer consisting of the water separated from the water-containing coal is formed on a lower layer consisting of the mixture of the dehydrated coal and the hydrocarbon oil.

Abstract: Blueberry sorting, i.e. classifying, and apparatus therefor, to separate ripe berries from unripened berries and stems, by dynamically immersing all of the berries beneath the surface of a water bath, the unripened berries being controllably allowed to rise to float on the surface of the bath, the ripe berries being deposited on a submersed conveyor and conveyed out of the bath to a separate location. Berry immersion is achieved hydrodynamically by a downward stream of water which propels the berries down to cause release of gas bubbles on the ripe berry surfaces, carry them through a flow zone to the conveyor and then recirculate.

Abstract: A fragmented material is dissolved continuously by impregnation and immersion into a solvent bath in which said material is subjected to a moderate mixing movement allowing it to be kept within the interior of said bath to undergo dissolution therein until formation of fine residual particles of insoluble material which are maintained in suspension by this movement, the whole being removed continuously by a controlled overflow of the bath. This process is applied to cellulose contained in various lignocellulosic materials, which is dissolved continuously by immersion of the previously impregnated material into a bath of hydrochloric acid through which hydrogen chloride gas is caused to bubble, to effect complete dissolution of the cellulose and suspension of the fine insoluble residual lignin particles.

Abstract: A fecal examining device for use in the float separation of parasite eggs from feces with a screen composed of slots having an effective flow area of at least 40% of the surface area interposed in the liquid to allow ova to pass through the screen to a collecting slide.

Abstract: A process is disclosed for separating bitumen from a bitumen tar deposit. The process is a mechanical separation process which is simple, economical and yet does not require high energy consumption. The bitumen sand deposit includes sand particles with coating of bitumen thereon. The process comprises the steps of feeding the bitumen sand deposit and a dispersing medium into an enclosed container having a plurality of arms therein, adapted to rotate about a central axis, each arm having a blade at the end thereof, rotating the plurality of arms, striking and impelling the sand particles to impact on internal surfaces of the blades and container and with other particles, the blades having sufficient tip speed to cause separation of the bitumen coatings from the particles, discharging the sand particles, bitumen and dispersing medium from the container, and collecting the bitumen separately from the sand particles and dispersing medium.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for producing a fibrous mass from peat, in which, after a primary sorting operation, the peat-material suspension is liquid-concentration regulated by supplying thereto an amount of liquid depending on the degree of humidification of the dug-up peat, and then supplying the suspension under pressure to at least one screening member having a permeability depending on the peat-fiber concentration of the peat-material after the concentration regulation.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for separating solids of different relative weights by exposing the generally horizontally flowing solids to a fluid separating current flowing in a generally upward direction to buoy up the lighter solids while permitting the heavier solids to sink. The separating current is established by means of a hydrostatic pressure differential between two communicating fluid zones having different fluid levels.

Abstract: To avoid using salt in a costly flotation separator process for various products of differing specific gravities, a fresh water flotation system is employed having a controlled buoyancy zone in which an induced current or up-flow elevates the product component of lesser specific gravity causing it to overflow a product conveyor divider member and to settle on that side of the conveyor away from the product component of greater specific gravity. The separation of clam meat from clam shells is envisioned.

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: Blueberry sorting, i.e. classifying, and apparatus therefor, to separate ripe berries from unripened berries and stems, by dynamically immersing all of the berries beneath the surface of a water bath, the unripened berries being controllably allowed to rise to float on the surface of the bath, the ripe berries being deposited on a submersed conveyor and conveyed out of the bath to a separate location. Berry immersion is achieved hydrodynamically by a downward stream of water which propels the berries down to cause release of gas bubbles on the ripe berry surfaces, carry them through a flow zone to the conveyor and then recirculate.

Abstract: Apparatus for treating bean sprouts to remove hulls, cut-off roots from the sprouts, and to wash them. The apparatus comprises essentially an open-top tank having a chute at one end for receiving sprouts to be cleaned, and a plurality of jets adjacent to the chute which delivers water thereto to agitate the sprouts. A source of water under pressure includes spray nozzles for filling the tank and further agitation. A conduit extends to a low pressure screen drum. From the latter, another conduit extends to a pump. A discharge chute communicates with the screen drum. Between the screen drum and the feed chute is a cylindrical screen which rotates in unison with the screen drum. A motor-driven drive belt rotates the screen drum and the cylindrical screen in unison. The cylindrical screen enhances the agitation and partially removes foreign material from the cylindrical member. The screen drum also has a plurality of radially extending blades which not only further the agitation, but also pick up foreign matter.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for treating waste paper by pulping or defibering the paper in a stock pulper or slusher while infeeding water, wherein there are removed in succession, externally of the stock pulper, heavy weight particles, floatable substances and plastic foils. Thereafter, paper constituents which have incompletely defiberized are removed and further defibered in a special apparatus. The already defibered fibers are directly infed for further processing. The removal of the contaminants can be accomplished at a suspension density in the order of 1%, whereas the defibering or pulping of the waste paper in the stock pulper occurs at about 4%. The employed sorting apparatus is connected with the stock pulper, while dispensing with the use of a sieve or screen.

Abstract: A process and system is provided permitting the recovery of solid particulate material, particularly solid copolymer beads, from a drilling fluid which also contains drilled solids of the same and larger size as the particulate material. The drilling fluid returns are passed to a separator, such as a shale shaker, which screens from the fluid a major proportion of the drilled solids along with the particulate material. The latter fraction is then passed into a vessel containing a weighted liquid having a specific gravity less than that of the drilled solids but greater than that of the particulate material. In such vessel, the particulate material is allowed to rise to the surface of the liquid while the drilled solids settle therein. The particulate material can then be skimmed from the upper portion of the vessel and returned to the well for recirculation therein.

Abstract: Plastic film cartridges generally comprise a variety of component parts plus a label affixed by adhesive to the cartridge housing. The cartridge housing (a plastic) is recyclable when the label and adhesive are removed and the housing is separated from the other non-compatible plastic and non-plastic cartridge components. In accordance with the invention, multi-stage reclaiming apparatus and method is disclosed wherein film cartridges are first rough chopped to provide physical separation of the cartridge components. The cartridge housing pieces are separated from other cartridge components on the basis of differences in specific gravity in a series of specific gravity separation tanks. To remove the labels and adhesive from the housing pieces, a separation tank contains a detergent solution capable of assisting in dissolving the adhesive. The tank is provided with a group of heating elements to cause the detergent solution to boil in the immediate vicinity thereof.

Abstract: Plastic film cartridges generally comprise a variety of component parts plus a label affixed by adhesive to the cartridge housing. The cartridge housing (a plastic) is recyclable when the label and adhesive are removed and the housing is separated from the other non-compatible plastic and non-plastic cartridge components. In accordance with the invention, multi-stage reclaiming apparatus is disclosed wherein film cartridges are first rough chopped to provide physical separation of the cartridge components. The cartridge housing pieces are separated from other cartridge components on the basis of differences in specific gravity in a series of specific gravity separation tanks. To remove the labels and adhesive from the housing pieces, a separation tank contains a detergent solution capable of assisting in dissolving the adhesive. The tank is provided with a group of heating elements to cause the detergent solution to boil in the immediate vicinity thereof.

Abstract: The present invention provides a highly automated agricultural production system which comprises, as essential components:1. A sensing subsystem comprising direct and indirect sensing means in an agricultural production area. The direct sensing means are generally ground or plant mounted. The indirect sensing means are remote from the area being sensed. The direct and indirect sensing means are adapted to jointly generate data on all important parameters in the homogeneous agricultural production area;2. A data transmitting subsystem for forwarding data generated by the direct and indirect sensing means to computing means and for transmitting instructions from the computing means via interfacing means (controllers) to various devices (field effectors) in the agricultural area to perform various functions;3. A computing subsystem linked by way of said data transmitting subsystem to said indirect and direct sensing means in a pattern of many feedback loops.