Abstract: A system and related method for concentrating biological culture and circulating biological culture and process fluid is provided. The system includes a continuous flow separator that removes excess fluid from the culture medium, resulting in a “concentrated medium” of fluid. The concentrated medium is then passed along for further processing to capture the biomass. The overflow, i.e., the extracted fluid, from the continuous flow separator is reintroduced into the container in a manner to circulate the culture medium. Thus, energy from the concentration step is utilized to circulate the culture medium, alleviating the need for significant additional structure for circulating the culture medium. In this manner, the system grows and captures biological material in an energy and capital efficient manner.

Abstract: A method for separating particles in hydrous slurry comprises connecting at least one teeter water pipe of a teeter water distributor of a hindered-bed separator in fluid connection with a teeter water discharging mechanism, and discharging teeter water from the at least one teeter water pipe to the teeter water discharging mechanism.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method for making a container (1) comprising two or more compartments, said method including the following steps: a first step of heat sealing (S1) performed between two sheets (111, 112) so as to form the periphery of the container and performed at a temperature such that said seal (S1) is resistant to a predetermined stress, while providing filling orifices (12), a second step of heat sealing (S2) performed to form at least one separation between the compartments (13) and performed at a second temperature lower than said first temperature and such that said seal (S2) is breakable by said stress, a third step of filling said compartments (13). The invention is characterized in that after said first sealing step, the two sealed sheets (111, 112) are arranged in a mold (2, 2?) whose shape they match under the pressure of a gas.

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 sluicing operation for entertainment comprises a two portion unit, having storage facilities and sluicing area with at least one trough at approximately a 2.degree. angle. The storage facilities have a water/ore separation unit, precious material holding bin with measuring device, conveyor and ore weighing device. The conveyor transports the precious material and ore to a holding unit where it is dispensed. Pipes circulate the water or ore/water combination. The bottom of the trough can be mesh, the ore filtering through onto a second conveyor where it is carried to an ore receiving area. A flared side sluicing pan with a perforated base separates the highly polished ore and precious material. A controlled artificial river forms a permanent sluicing operation using passive filtration dams with controlled inlet ports. The water is filtered through filtration matting before entering the inlet ports. The riverbed is filled with gemstone and gold enriched sand and gravel.

Abstract: What is disclosed is method and apparatus for alleviating the problem with cleaning of sluice boxes. The invention is characterized by continuous cleaning of an endless belt onto which the heavy metal concentrate is projected by a conventional sluice boxes, shaker screens and the like, and eliminating the down time of the apparatus for cleaning, as in the prior art. This down time is approximately fifty percent of the time.

Abstract: The invention relates to the concentration of particulate matter by froth flotation and in particular to improvements leading to the conservation of water. The apparatus includes an upstanding flotation compartment adapted to contain a relatively quiescent body of aqueous pulp. Aqueous pulp is introduced into and float fraction is collected from the upper portion of the flotation compartment, and hydraulic and aeration compartments are disposed near the bottom of the flotation compartment for aerating the water therein. A water-collecting compartment connected to the bottom of the hydraulic and aeration compartments is adapted to receive water from the latter. A tailings-discharge duct centrally of the flotation compartment extends through the hydraulic, aeration and water collection compartments to discharge fluidized tailings.

Abstract: An apparatus for separating gold and silver from a mixture of sand and rock comprises an endless conveyor supported on an inclined plane on a base. A motor connected to a source of electrical power is connected to a driven roller which operates the conveyor, liquid conducting pipes are placed adjacent the endless conveyor for discharging liquid onto the conveyor belt as it rotates upwardly, means for supplying liquid under pressure to the liquid conducting pipes is provided together with means for depositing a mixture of sand and rock onto the conveyor belt. The mixture of sand and rock is washed by streams from the pipes thus separating lighter materials from heavier particles, the former of which flow down the conveyor belt with the liquid into a trough and the latter heavier particles of gold and silver continue to adhere to the conveyor belt and are dislodged by liquid dripping on to the conveyor belt as it turns over the driven roller.

Abstract: A self-contained revolving trommel classifying and sluice type recovery plant is described. The trommel screen is perforated and provided with helical corrugations to subject received placer material to several forces which, combined with sufficient water added through provided nozzles, break up the placer material and expose values to the trommel perforations. The perforations are arranged in a continuous pattern within the length of the trommel. Classified material drops through the perforations into an elongated sluice, along with all the accumulated water used in the classifying-washing process. Values are separated from tailings by corrugations along the sluice length. A suction pump operates with a suction hose and settling tank to recover values from the sluice during operation.

Abstract: An apparatus for separating relatively heavy particles, such as rock, from relatively light particles, such as coal, in a liquid, such as water, of lesser specific gravity than either the heavier or the lighter particles, comprising an upwardly inclined trough and auger driven to move particles upward in the trough, means for feeding a mixture of the heavier and lighter particles into the trough, a liquid dispensing means above the feed means for discharging liquid down the trough to create turbulent flow, and a weir forming a pool in the lower end of the trough.The invention further comprises an auger having an upper end which is spaced below the upper end of the trough to provide a space for the accumulation of heavy particles at the upper end of the trough to facilitate dewatering of the heavy particles before discharge from the upper end of the trough.

Abstract: A device for circulating liquid by vacuum, that is carrying two or more particles of different densities. The particles are separated and then discharged through a discharge bowl to separate receptacles, and the liquid is returned for re-use.