Abstract: A method obtains non-magnetic ores from a suspension-like mass flow containing non-magnetic ore particles. The method involves mixing the mass flow with magnetic particles in a mixing device and forming ore particle-magnetic particle agglomerates, feeding the mass flow as a separator feed flow to a magnetic separator for separating the ore particle-magnetic particle agglomerates from the mass flow, forming a separator concentrate flow containing ore particle-magnetic particle agglomerates and a separator residual flow containing the remaining constituents of the mass flow, and separating the ore particles from the ore particle-magnetic particle agglomerates contained in the separator concentrate flow.

Abstract: A method obtains non-magnetic ores from a suspension containing ore particle-magnetic particle agglomerates. The method involves dividing ore particle-magnetic particle agglomerates precipitated from the suspension into a mixture of separately present ore particles and magnet particles, separating the magnetic particles from the mixture, forming a first mass flow containing magnetic particles and a second mass flow containing ore particles. At least one information describing a measure of the content of ore particles in the first mass flow and being associated with the first mass flow and/or at least one information describing a measure of the portion of magnetic particles in the second mass flow and being associated with the second mass flow are determined in order to determine the efficiency of at least one of the separation processes described above.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for separating two or more components of a plastic material for the purposes of recycling, with particular application to purifying poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) during recycling procedures. The process comprises contacting a quantity of the plastic material with one or more discrete pre-heated particles.

Abstract: A method of separating particles is provided that includes exposing a selective PDMS adhesive to a particle-contaminated surface, where the selective PDMS adhesive captures particles present on the particle-contaminated surface to form a fouled selective PDMS adhesive, and exposing the fouled selective PDMS adhesive to a PDMS transfer sheet, where particles outside of a desired range are transferred over to the PDMS transfer sheet, where the fouled selective PDMS adhesive retains only the particles of a desired range.

Abstract: A method of separating particles is provided that includes exposing a selective PDMS adhesive to a particle-contaminated surface, where the selective PDMS adhesive captures particles present on the particle-contaminated surface to form a fouled selective PDMS adhesive, and exposing the fouled selective PDMS adhesive to a PDMS transfer sheet, where particles outside of a desired range are transferred over to the PDMS transfer sheet, where the fouled selective PDMS adhesive retains only the particles of a desired range.

Abstract: In a device and a method for extracting non-magnetic ores from a pulp comprising non-magnetic ore particles and having a solid fraction of at least 30 mass percent, the pulp flows continuously through a reactor in the direction of flow and magnetic or magnetizable magnet particles that form ore magnetic particle agglomerations with the non-magnetic ore particles are added to said pulp. The ore magnetic particle agglomerations are moved by a magnetic field into an accumulation range of the reactor, and are then discharged out of reactor range and separated into ore and magnetic particles. In a device and a method, the separated magnetic particles are treated, in particular hydrophobized, such that during a new interaction with non-magnetic ore particles, new ore magnetic particle agglomerations are formed. Accordingly, a high yield of ores can be obtained and the mine can be operated in an economical and environmentally friendly manner.

Abstract: The methods and apparatus separate fines from crushed rock and stone. A motorized conveyor belt system is activated that includes a conveyor belt moving in an upward direction. A spray system is activated to spray a fluid on an underneath surface of the conveyor belt. The mixture of rock and fines are directed to the conveyor belt. The rock tumbles or rolls down the conveyor belt and is collected at a first end of the conveyor belt. The fines stick or adhere to the conveyor belt, and the fines are scraped off of the conveyor belt at or near the second end of the conveyor belt. The apparatus includes a conveyor belt system, including a moving belt, a motor to move the belt, the belt including a first end and a second end, wherein the second end is elevated relative to the first end. The apparatus includes a spray system, including a source of fluid, a sprayer in fluidic communication with the source of the fluid, and the sprayer positioned to spray a surface of the belt with the fluid.

Abstract: A pill sorting system to sort, channel, and discharge a plurality of pills. The system includes a sorting tray having a sorting region to receive the plurality of pills and a discharge region including a spout configured to discharge pills from the tray. The system also includes a stylus tool having a body with a first and second end. The first end includes adhesive to pick up a pill and the second end is adapted to sort and move pills within the tray and through the spout.

Abstract: A support chain for a device for supporting a compression belt in a separation device for separating substances having different flowability. The support chain includes an articulated chain having individual chain links that form a flat surface. The links include chain pins with chain plates threaded thereon. A locking device is attached to opposite ends of the chain pins to hold the chain plates together on the chain pins. End pieces are adapted to receive the locking device so that the support chain is planar on both sides facing transversely to the direction of conveying of the support chain. Each end piece connects adjacent chain pins to each other and includes a sliding element and compensating elements. The sliding element has recesses which each include a through-bore and a non-through bore for receiving a respective compensating element. Each recess is constructed to receive the compensating element and locking device therein.

Abstract: Systems and methods for aligning High Density Array (“HDA”) pin plates, substrates and reservoirs with respect to each other. The system includes a flexure having a flexible print head, elongated members flexibly connected off-axis to the system and a pin plate support assembly detachably connected to the flexure allowing the pin plate assembly to adapt its position during a printing operation. The pin plate has alignment ball receptacles on its surface and the reservoir has alignment balls on its surface facing the pin plate. The pin plate is positioned with respect to the reservoir such that each of the alignment balls is located within one of the alignment ball receptacles to achieve the alignment. Once the pin plate is aligned, it is secured to a supporting assembly such as a vacuum bridge, and inking and printing operations are performed.

Abstract: An apparatus for separating hulled and unhulled pistachios includes a rotating drum and a conveyor for depositing pistachios onto the drum. Rotation of the drum frictionally separates hulled and unhulled pistachios.

Abstract: A mixture of beads of uniform size from is deposited in an array by establishing discrete attachment areas each consisting either of a droplet of adhesive or a small area of a continuous adhesive layer exposed through an aperture in a mask. Beads which are trapped by the attachment areas are released either by a solvent on a vacuum manifold, or by evaporation of the adhesive, preferably by means of a vacuum centrifuge. The beads are released into capillaries, in which cleavage of attached compounds, or synthesis of new compounds, can be carried out. Also invented is the apparatus used in carrying out the invention.

Abstract: An apparatus (10) and method for removing hulls (152) from a nut mixture (150) is described. The apparatus includes a gravity feed bin (12), a conveyor (28) and removal units (38). The removal units include a drum (40), a position roller (50), a beater (56) and a brush (64) around all of which extends a fibrous mat (96). The fibrous mat has looped or curved fibers (96C) and is formed as a continuous belt in the removal unit. The removal unit also includes a deflector (92) and a shield (93) to guide the removed hulls into an auger (78) to be removed from the apparatus. To operate the apparatus, the mixture is fed from the gravity feed bin onto the conveyor belt (30) of the conveyor. As the mixture moves along a horizontal path of the conveyor, the mixture comes in contact with the fibrous mat rotating in the removal units. The looped fibers of the mat contact and engage the projections (152A) on the outer surface of the hulls and secure the hulls to the mat.

Abstract: Apparatus and process for removing unwanted foreign material from particulate material. The apparatus and process find particular application in the pulp and paper industry to remove contaminating plastic material from wood chips. The apparatus includes a transporting conveyor for moving the particulate material between a inlet area and an outlet area and a vibrating motor for vibrating the conveyor to sort the particulate material and the foreign material. Heated rollers heated to a temperature sufficient to render the foreign material tacky are applied to the sorted material and cause the foreign material to adhere thereto such that the foreign material is extracted from the particulate material which is delivered to the outlet area.

Abstract: Process and apparatus for disengaging organic, bituminous material from pulverized bituminous ores and for recovering a concentrated mixture of the bituminous material and water. Wherein the apparatus comprises a pulverizer to pulverize the ores to be processed to particles not larger than 1/4 inch in size and inner and outer process vessels which are preferably combined into a unitary assembly and wherein the process comprises a combination of mechanical and hot water disengagement of the organic, bituminous materials from the mineral ore solids, i.e.

Abstract: A debris separation system including a rock grizzly having relieved rails for inhibiting rock hang up, a vibrating grizzly having rods of alternating height for aligning limbs with the rod openings, a fines separating screen, and a rotary air separator for separating small rock and wood chips. The system is considered unique in its ability to distinguish rock and wood (log debris) by their physical characteristics. The vibrating grizzly rejects large rock while accepting long narrow limbs, and the rotary air separator separates rock and wood of the same general size and shape by reason of mass differential i.e. the more dense rock is less effected by air suction then the less dense wood.

Abstract: An apparatus for separating particles in accordance with the sphericity of the particles is disclosed. The apparatus includes a housing which is supplied with air having a desired humidity, and which accommodates therein a cylindrical rotor with a horizontal shaft. The particles are charged into the housing from a hopper above the rotor, and tend to adhere onto the peripheral surface of the rotor with adhesive force which is dependent on the sphericity of each particle. The rotor is placed into a slow rotation and subjected to vibration whereby non-spherical particles and spherical particles are collected in respective receptacles arranged on both sides of the rotor shaft.

Abstract: A rotary air separator having a manifold with a side opening and an end opening. A cylindrical screen rotates around the manifold over the side opening and the end opening is connected to a vacuum source. Vanes in the manifold segregate the side opening into discrete areas. The vanes define independent throats for directing air in a curved transitional path from the side opening areas to the end opening. A collar surrounding the side opening defines a curved inlet to the side opening and provides an effective air barrier to inhibit air flow from around the manifold.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for the separation of gold from particulate material containing gold, which comprises introducing a hydrophobic liquid, a non-gold particulate hydrophobic bulking material and particulate, gold containing material into an aqueous liquid so that the hydrophobic liquid becomes associated with the gold and, in conjunction with the non-gold particulate hydrophobic material, forms gold bearing agglomerates bonded by the hydrophobic liquid, and separating the gold bearing agglomerates from the aqueous liquid.

Abstract: A novel apparatus and method for separating good raisins from moldy raisins. The apparatus comprises two conveyor belts which are rotatably mounted to a frame by suitable rollers. The belts are oriented so as to overlap one another slightly, and such that the overlapping portions exert a slight amount of pressure on the raisins as they pass through the overlapping portions. Both belts are simultaneously driven by a single motor so as to travel at the same speed.In use, an untreated mixture of good and moldy raisins is deposited onto the lower belt so as to form a single layer. As the raisins pass through the overlapping portions of the upper belt and the lower belt, the moldy raisins adhere to one of the belts, and the good raisins drop downward from between the belts. The moldy raisins are thereafter scraped from the belts, and the moldy raisins and good raisins are separately collected and stored.

Abstract: A process for preheating glass batch ingredients is disclosed. The invention uses a heat exchange method that employs furnace exhaust gases. The exhaust gases are electrically charged and passed through an electrified bed of heat transfer media to remove particulate from the gases. The gases heat the media while the media scrubs the gases. The heated media then is used to preheat glass batch which is fed to a glass melting furnace.

Abstract: A process for the manufacture of glass is disclosed. Dried glass batch agglomerates are used as the media in an electrified filter bed, preheated with furnace exhaust gases, and then fed to a glass melting furnace. Exhaust gases from the preheating are electrically charged and passed through the electrified bed of agglomerates to remove glass batch particulate from the spent gases.

Abstract: The method of separating the solid phase in a drilling mud includes forming from the drilling mud an adhesion layer 2 on a rotated curvilinear closed surface 3 partly projected into the drilling mud. Then a portion of this adhesion layer is separated onto another rotated curvilinear closed surface 5 positioned to contact a portion of the adhesion layer 2. The respective linear speeds of the adhesion layer 2 and of said another rotating closed curvilinear surface 5 in the area of their contact are selected to be substantially equal. The method of the invention provides for regulating the separation of the solid phase in drilling mud within a wide range depending on the mineralogical composition thereof.

Abstract: A process for selectively removing hydrophilic constituents from flowable hydrophobic mixtures and suspensions which comprises forming a tenacious paste by mixing water with finely divided material which is insoluble or substantially insoluble in water and in the organic liquid in the hydrophobic mixture or suspension, which is inert to the organic liquid and the hydrophobic materials in the hydrophobic mixture or suspension and which is capable of selectively adsorbing said hydrophilic constituents. The paste is formed in a mixing-type liquid-liquid contactor so that a layer of the paste forms on and clings to the impellers and other internal surfaces of the contactor.

Abstract: An improvement in the screen circumscribing or partially circumscribing the rim of an agitation tank is disclosed. A screen substantially impermeable to the charcoal is provided which is inclined inwardly at an angle between about 35.degree. and 55.degree. from vertical. The metal-bearing charcoal adhering to the screen is readily washed from the screen by the rolling motion of the mixture in the tank.

Abstract: A selective and effective collection of noninhalable and/or nonrespirable particulates employs inertial impaction to separate particles larger than a specified size from smaller particulates in an airstream and to collect them on a moving adhesive collection surface. A unique U-type impaction configuration is used.

Abstract: Apparatus for automatically and selectively separating the components of an admixture of shredded materials in a scrap metal reclamation process according to the individual weights of such components. The apparatus includes conveying means for transmitting a shredded admixture of metals of various densities, lint, rubber, etc., to the periphery of a rotating drum. The periphery of the rotating drum is substantially completely perforate and is exposed from the interior thereof to a source of subatmospheric pressure. The rotating drum and a relatively fixed low pressure source interior thereof are so arranged that the differential between ambient pressure and the pressure at the drum perforations decreases as the drum rotates from a first point of material acquisition to a second point of deposition.

Abstract: Shelling apparatus for shelling beans, peas, or other legumes, comprises a shelling bin for shelling legumes comprising a wire mesh basket having a cylindrically shaped wire mesh wall with a closed side at one end and an open side at the other end, wherein the open side is adapted to receive the legumes to be shelled from the receiving chute. One wall segment of the cylindrically shaped wire mesh basket comprises a bin door having a length substantially equal to the length of the basket and is hinged to the wall of the cylindrical basket. Longitudinally extending within the basket is a beater comprising a longitudinal shaft rotatable within the basket with a plurality of beaters extending radially from the longitudinal bar along the length of the bar. Situated underneath the basket is transverse conveyor which is designed to remove the trash and shells to a trash removal conveyor.

Abstract: A method and a device to separate conductive particles from a mixture of conductive and non-conductive particles comprising a carbon element extending along and close to but out of contact with a metal drum the carbon element being connected to one terminal of an electric welding machine and the drum to the other terminal so that conductive particles will be welded to the drum to be later scraped off.

Abstract: A continuous-rod cigarette-making machine of the type in which tobacco is conveyed from a hopper to a winnowing zone and there thrown across a rising airstream which entrains the tobacco and carries it up to the lower face of a suction conveyor on which a tobacco filler is formed has sealing means associated with conveying means for transporting the tobacco from the hopper to the winnowing zone, said sealing means opposing air flow between the hopper and the winnowing zone to reduce disturbance of the tobacco during its transport by the conveying means.