Abstract: There is disclosed a method and apparatus for separating plastics from compost material. In an embodiment, the method comprises: providing an inclined trough having a feed entry at a top end and a materials discharge end at a bottom end, the inclined trough including a plurality of riffles positioned substantially perpendicularly to a direction of flow of compost material down the inclined trough; inducing a vibration in the inclined trough to induce a prolonged period of hindered unsettling in the compost material; providing a longitudinal dam to at least one side of the inclined trough; and generating an air flow over a substantial length of the inclined trough perpendicular to the direction of flow of compost material down the inclined trough, thereby to blow plastics separated from the compost material over the longitudinal dam.

Abstract: A mineral separating gold cube concentrator presents at least two modular portable stacking trays defining alternating inclined surfaces over which a continuing supply of water flows. A first tray provides an inclined smooth surface with controlled water flow to the incline which imparts fluidity allowing the aggregate to move downward and form a slurry that separates the aggregates into lightest first, heaviest last. A second tray is a collection tray is below the first tray and defines a G force separator, forcing all materials under the gate into vertical column within the turbulent water, the column descending upon the vortex mat upon the second tray, forcing the lighter materials within the aggregate to advance ahead of the heavier material. Any material not captured by the vortex mat travels to the end of the matting and is either expelled or subsequently transferred into another collection tray through another G force separator.

Abstract: An adjustable riffler can be used in a piping system connecting a pulverizer and a furnace. The adjustable riffler includes a support member, at least two plates spaced apart along an axis, and at least one inclined flange. The two plates include a fixed plate attached to the support member and a translatable plate positioned adjacent to the fixed plate. The translatable plate is translatable along the axis with respect to the fixed plate. The at least one inclined flange is connected to one of the fixed plate and the translatable plate and extends along the axis between the plates to form a channel between the fixed plate and the translatable plate.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a combined dry sorting bed, the sorting bed is arranged with an inclination, and the inclination between the longitudinal extending of said bed surface and horizontal plane is from ?2° to +4°, and the inclination between the lateral extending of said bed surface and horizontal plane is from 0° to +15°. By reasonable setting of the angle of inclination, the material being separated spiral overturn continuously on the sorting bed under the influence of the rising air currents and the force of vibration, with the result that the light material in the upper layer is separated under the influence of weight. The material is sorted for many times during the circularly movements, the product with different content of ash can be obtained. This invention also relates to a combined dry sorting device that comprises frame, sorting bed, vibrator and air supply device.

Abstract: The invention relates to a screening device consisting of an elongated comb comprising several flexible combs arranged in parallel. The invention is characterised in that the combs are provided with angular or rounded sections, which form a grid that defines the particle size of the screened material. The invention also relates to a roller crusher comprising a screening device of the aforementioned type.

Abstract: An aggregate material separating device includes a frame with a shaker mechanism. A trough is disposed on the frame and coupled to the shaker mechanism by a shaker spring. A hopper is disposed at an end of the trough and can receive a load of aggregate material. A hopper wash line is disposed adjacent the loading hopper to irrigate the aggregate material in the hopper forming a slurry. A brush and a backwash spigot form a standing wave in the trough to slow slurry movement from through the trough in order to provide additional settling time for the slurry. A mineral separation bed is disposed along a bottom and side of the trough. The mineral separation bed has a plurality of substantially longitudinal riffles that can be sized, shaped and oriented to capture minerals of a predetermined specific gravity from the slurry as the shaker shakes the trough.

Abstract: A riffle distributor assembly for influencing the travel properties of a material feed stream 42 moving between a pulverizer 14 and a furnace 12 is part of a feed path 36 having one duct 44A having a branch entry 66A and another branch duct 44C having a branch entry 66C both downstream of upstream passage peripheries UPZ defined between adjacent intake vanes 114 through which the feed stream of the material 42 travels in two segregated portions. A motor drive assembly 58 moves the intake vanes 114 relative to the incoming flow reference axis IFA, whereupon intake areas defined between adjacent intake vanes 114 moves relative to the incoming flow reference axis IFA such that the travel properties of the one portion of material in the one branch duct 44A are different than its travel properties before the movement of intake areas defined between adjacent intake vanes 114.

Abstract: A screen which in at least certain aspects has at least one layer of screening material, at least one ramp formed on the at least one layer of screening material, and the at least one ramp having an upwardly projecting portion and also a lower portion or piece connected to the at least one layer of screening material, the at least one ramp positioned on the at least one layer of screening material normal to transverse to or at an angle to a direction of fluid to be flowed over the screen so that at least a portion of the fluid will pass up and over the upwardly projecting portion, the fluid, in one aspect, having solids entrained therein to be separated from the fluid by the screen.

Abstract: Replaceable inserts are provided in depressions of a spiral separator wherein the inserts have surface irregularities to optimize the spiral efficiencies in separating feed stock materials. These irregularities become worn by the materials and would require replacement of the spiral, ordinarily, whereas new inserts herein greatly extend the useful life of the spiral. Also, if the feed of the spiral changes appropriate new inserts may be used to separate the changed feed. The inserts may be any shape, circular being preferred when adjustability is needed.

Abstract: An apparatus for detecting metal in materials is disclosed. The apparatus has, in combination, a sifter for sifting materials onto a metal detector plate assembly, the metal detector plate assembly having a metal detector plate in electrical communication with a metal detector alarm.

Abstract: A plurality of water cups (80) are mounted at the outer periphery of a rotating gold pan (12). In use, the gold pan (12) is supported in a rearwardly leaning position with a lower edge portion in water. During rotation of the gold pan (12), the water cups (80) collect water as they rotate into and through the water. The water cups (80) lift the collected water as they rotate up out of the water. The water cups (80) release water that they carry into the gold pan (12). The released water helps separate gold particles from other particulate material and moves substantially clean gold particles along the valleys (69) of the bottom wall (52) of the gold pan (12) to a hub cup (54).

Abstract: A separator for separating gold particles from ore including a rotatable pan, and frame for mounting the pan through a recessed hub cup assembly at an angle from horizontal. The pan includes a frusto-conical side wall. The pan inner surface also includes a riffle spiraling inwardly from the outer end of the side wall to create loops that spiral to the hub cup. The riffle and the pan inner surface form a slide track in which the gold particles move along the riffle to reach the hub cup. One of the improvements includes a plurality of agitator knobules that are positioned between the loops of the riffle. Another feature is an easily removable insert cup inside the hub cup for easy collection of gold. In use, ore is introduced into the pan during rotation. Particles are agitated by the knobules to separate the particles from the ore and aid the particles down the slide track, moving the particles inwardly along the riffle into the insert cup.

Abstract: A small sluice for final separation of gold from all other materials commonly found in deposits of gravel, sand, etc. including a bottom panel (14) with a plurality of grooves (16), two substantially vertical sidewalls (15), a flared entrance end (13) and device for closing (18) the flared entrance end (13). This sluice is suitable for many uses including the cleanup of concentrates from panning and sluicing operations and for prospecting sampling.

Abstract: A mining system and related methods for recovering gold and/or other heavy metals at multiple sites along a continuously hydrated ore processing route. The gold-bearing ore and primary or carrier water are dynamically and circuitously displaced to segregate the gold, and precipitate the gold particles into predetermined recovery sites along the flow path of the mix. Boil box recovery sites are selectively provided for recovery of nuggets and smaller gold particles. Secondary water churns and disrupts the primary carrier flow of the mix through each boil box. The master stream of gold-sized ore-primary water mix is subdivided into several separate streams or substreams. The sub streams are violent in nature, with one exception, and are typically contained in man-made canal-forming troughs or multiple recovery sits. Recovery sites have one or more drop slots. A downward draw caused by flow of secondary water in a conduit located below each slot enhances recovery.

Abstract: An improved gold retrieving pan (10) that is used for either wet or dry gold panning. The pan (10) allows gold dust or gold nuggets to be expeditiously extracted from gold bearing sand. The pan (10) consists of an outer circular section (12) having an inner perimeter rim (18) that is integrally attached to an outer perimeter rim 28 of a shallow center circular section (24). Near the outer perimeter rim (28) of the center circular section (24) is located a gold trap structure (40) having an outward facing opening (42) and an inward perimeter edge (44). The edge (44) is attached to the surface of the center circular section (24). In front of the gold trap structure (40) is located a shallow, gold-setting trough (70) that functions in combination with the gold trap structure (40) to allow any gold dust and/or gold nuggets present in the gold bearing sand to remain within the confines of the gold trap structure (40) and the trough (70).

Abstract: A mining system and related methods for recovering gold and/or other heavy metals at multiple sites along a continuously hydrated ore processing route. The gold-bearing ore and primary or carrier water are dynamically and circuitously displaced to segregate the gold, and precipitate the gold particles into predetermined recovery sites along the flow path of the mix. Boil box recovery sites are selectively provided for recovery of nuggets and smaller gold particles. Secondary water churns and disrupts the primary carrier flow of the mix through each boil box. The master stream of gold-sized ore-primary water mix is subdivided into several separate streams or substreams. The sub streams are violent in nature, with one exception, and are typically contained in man-made canal-forming troughs or multiple recovery sites. Recovery sites have one or more drop slots. A downward draw caused by flow of secondary water in a conduit located below each slot enhances recovery.

Abstract: A dry fluidized bed sorting device comprises a sorting deck arranged with an inclination to make a vibrating motion and continuously supplied with a fluidized bed used as media, while being supplied with materials to be sorted, a large number of separation promoting pieces planted on the bottom of the sorting deck and bent to the downstream side, and a separation plate arranged at a boundary portion for separating the materials to be sorted into deposits and flotages and located on the downstream side of the sorting deck.

Abstract: A device for separating lighter insulation material from heavier metallic material present in decomposed electric cables or the like, which device comprises an inlet (8) for mixed insulation and metallic material, and a first outlet for the insulation material and a second outlet for the metallic material, separate from the first outlet. The device further comprises a track (40) inclined relative to the horizontal plane, to which the mixed material is delivered from the inlet and which is profiled such that when a reciprocating movement is imparted thereto essentially in the plane of the track, the metal material is transported towards the upper end of the track where it is fed out through the second outlet while the insulation material is transported towards the lower end of the track where it is fed out through the first outlet.

Abstract: A material classification device for separation of solid materials, having a relatively high specific gravity, from a stream of fluid and solid material. The device is particularly suited for the extraction of gold from alluvial material. The device generally comprises an open conduit that has a first opening and a second opening therethrough. A container is attached to the bottom of the conduit so that the openings are in fluid flow communication with the container. A portion of the flow of fluid and materials passes through the first opening and is captured in the container. A tube passes into the container with an aperture therein so that a fluid may be passed into the container to agitate the material collected therein freeing the lighter material so that it can exit the container out the second opening.

Abstract: A traditional gold pan 10 with a flat center base 11 with a spiral sidewall guide 20 from a vertical pan rim 13 to the pan base 11 incorporates a plurality of obtuse flukes 30 on the spiral extending into the spiral path to disrupt smooth flow of water and mineral matter. A spiralling guide is also provided on the base 11 leading to a cup 60 at the pan center. On the spiralling base guide 40 is a plurality of stratifiers extending from the guide base 40 into an outer spiral path. The pan is continuously rotated by an electric motor linked to the back of the by a belt and pulley.

Abstract: A lead shot recovery device is disclosed for reclaiming lead shot from a slurry of material taken from lake bottoms. In one embodiment, the device includes a sluice box having an open bottom riffle bed through which can pass a net upward liquid flow. The cooperative action of the upflow and the riffles causes lead shot to fall through the riffle bed and into a collection pit from which the lead shot can be continuously removed. A method for recovering lead shot using the recovery device is also disclosed.

Abstract: A centrifuge bowl of the type having a shell including a peripheral wall and a cast inner liner attached to the inside surface of the peripheral wall is modified by the provision of a plurality of punched channel portions which extend inwardly into the bowl from peripheral wall to define a U-shaped channel with severed ends. During the casting process the casting plastics material extends into the recess behind each channel portion and thus when set forms an insert portion which anchors the liner to the channel portion and thus to the peripheral wall. Openings for the entry of fluidizing water are then drilled through the insert portion from the outside of the shell through one end of the channel portion and through the liner into the interior of the bowl.

Abstract: The present invention is a gold pan with classifier which, when used in combination or independently thereof, provides a prospector with an apparatus that enhances metal recovery. The gold pan utilizes an elongated elliptical shape with inclined side walls of various heights with ribs and steps placed along at least a portion of each wall. The elliptical shape allowing a prospector to use the pan as a scoop or a catch basin. The classifier also employs an elongated elliptical or rectilinear shaped base which is operatively associated with the gold pan. In the middle of the classifier is a circular grid being concave and made of a cross hatched type screen wherein all parallel ridges are raised. The classifier sits on top of the gold pan in an interlocking fashion and can be used to shovel slurry into the classifier having a narrow undercut space to prevent slurry from entering the gold pan area directly but allowing water removal by titling the combination in any direction.

Abstract: A particle concentrator and method of operation are disclosed wherein the concentrator includes a concentrator deck, preferably having an inverted frustoconical configuration with substantial portions of the deck being vertically inclined, an eccentric drive for producing rotary oscillating movement of the deck with low density and high density particle outlets respectively formed on an axially central portion of the deck and a peripheral portion of the deck. Riffle elements are angularly formed on the deck to facilitate particle separation with a mechanical stop limiting travel of the deck in a direction selected for propelling the higher density particles along the riffle elements toward the high density outlet. The concentrator may be operated either dry or submerged under standing liquid, with annular inclination of the deck, angular pitch of the riffle elements and height of the riffle elements on the concentrator deck being selected to facilitate classification and separation of the particles.

Abstract: The invention relates to apparatus for the pneumatic separation of particulate material particularly but not solely for the separation of objectionable material such as stem from cut lamina or cut rolled stem tobacco (CRS). Apparatus for the pneumatic separation of particulate material comprises a substantially horizontal vibrating conveyor having a plurality of grooves having apertures (14) through which air passes to partially or wholly fluidize the material under treatment.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for preparing an ore sample and recovering water from a drilling rig is disclosed. Ore sample and water recovery apparatus (10) includes a slurry inlet (12) for receiving slurry from a drilling rig. Slurry is directed from slurry inlet (12) to a diffuser chamer (13) which includes an abrasion-resistant, rubbercoated diffuser (14) and a slurry converger (16). Slurry is then directed through a first vibrating sieve screen (21) which separates large particles from the slurry and directs them directly into sample tank (58). The slurry is passed on to a second vibrating sieve screen (22) which screens out progressively smaller sized particles and directs them into sample tank (58). The reminaing slurry is directed into a slurry basin (26) and infused into a hydraulic carrier medium of water using jet pump infuser (34). The slurry is then directed into cyclone separator (48) which extracts the remaining particles from the slurry and directs them into sample tank (58).

Abstract: A concentrator comprises a beneficiating member (7) a shaft (9) of which is arranged with an eccentricity relative to the hub (5) of a base (3), and a drive mechanism (2) imparting to the beneficiating member (1) movement about a radius equal to the eccentricity. The housing (14) of the beneficiating member is cylindrical accommodating tapered separating trays (16) arranged one under the other and having by-pass ports (22) of a flow area reducing from the upper to the lower tray.

Abstract: A shaking table for ore-dressing, having riffles on its deck, has circular orbital motion imposed on it to cause the riffles to oscillate, and for a standing wave to be created between the riffles. The continued circular motion acting on the standing waves causes sharp separation of the material fractions which are discharged continuously from the deck. The slope of the deck and riffles and the configuration of the riffles are critical. The slope of the deck is set empirically by estimating the approximate slope appropriate to the parameters of the material being treated and of the motion imparted to the deck; and the final adjustment is made by slewing the deck in its own plane to obtain an optimum result. For a frusto-conical deck, the adjustment is made on a flat deck and the frusto-conical deck is constructed accordingly. The deck may have rectilinear or curvilinear motion imparted to it, superimposed upon the circular motion.

Abstract: A mineral slurry processing machine for recovering gold from raw fines. An elongated, rigid skid supports a frame plate coupled thereto by vibration transmitting bearings. An inclined processing ramp is adjustably mounted to the plate. An endless belt entrained over the ramp for continual rotation is equipped with a specially grooved working surface which helps separate gold from the slurry. A plurality of similar, regularly spaced apart grooves are cut into the exposed working surface of the belt, and the angulated configuration of the grooves facilitates particle separation and recovery. The belt is divided into a fine receiving region and an adjacent gold conveying region. Each groove includes a first segment which is "angled" with respect to the direction of travel of the belt, and a second segment which is substantially perpendicular to the direction of travel of the belt. Separate fine receiving and gold conveying regions thus exist.

Abstract: A mineral concentrator, including a main support base interconnected to a deck by a flexible support and an oscillator assembly, for recovery of free minerals from a mixture of screened raw materials is disclosed. A symmetrical deck is divided in equal parts by a longitudinal center line plane and includes two sloping surfaces extending laterally and longitudinally downwardly and away from a feed end of said deck. Water and raw material are continuously supplied at the feed end of said deck and moved along the sloping surfaces. First riffles are defined in association with the sloping surfaces and generally perpendicularly to a fall line. The first riffles intercept said raw material and terminate at a point allowing the water and entrained waste materials to fall to the side of the deck for removal from troughs positioned thereat.

Abstract: Portable sluice equipment is provided for miners backpacking into back country to separate out valuable metals from placer deposits. All major components are made from commercially available PVC plastic conduits and fittings. The principal component is a sluice trough manufactured by first longitudinally cutting a plastic pipe in half, and then cutting spaced transverse back angled radial flow channel grooves throughout the sluice trough to initially receive the concentration of heavy metals. Also longitudinal grooves are cut throughout the length of the sluice trough near the respective top edges. Then when periodically, the main flow of sluicing water is stopped, the sluice trough is rotated about its longitudinal axis, and a minimal flow of water is directed transversely to flush the heavy metals from the transverse back angled radial flow channel grooves into the longitudinal groove.

Abstract: An apparatus for recovering gold from gold-containing mixtures by forming a gaseous effluent of said mixture and bringing it into contact with baffles which are arcuately disposed in series so as to divert the gold onto collecting trays. The trays are disposed within a chamber in such manner as to create pathways for the effluent so that divergent streams of said effluent are directed to the baffles to enhance the recovery operation.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an improved portable lightweight apparatus for the separation of gold and similar metals from pulverized ore, sand, debris and the like. More particularly, the invention is a portable lightweight apparatus which uses currents of air to separate gold from sand and debris, in which the apparatus includes in combination a frame, an optionally detachable screen rack, an optionally detachable hopper, an inclined riffle board which contains holes through which air currents jet and an attached bellows to provide the currents of air to separate the gold particles from the debris, and a means to operate the bellows one side of which is in combination with the riffle board and a means to operate the bellows. In one instance, one solid side of the bellows is the bottom of the riffle board.

Abstract: An improved fiber washer provides for a water recirculation technique which assists in moving the fibers through the washer and assists in the separation of heavy debris from the fibers.

Abstract: This invention provides an ore separating device of the rotating wheel type that includes a container, which may be of fiberglass, having a concave portion and an annular flange at its periphery with a pad having ridges on its outer surface complementarily overlying the concave portion and removably secured by fasteners. An annular rim complementarily overlies the peripheral portion of the container and is removably held therein by forwardly inclined vanes which agitate the ore during rotation of the container.

Abstract: A gold pan comprising an elongate upwardly opening gold receptacle with a flat, finger-engaging central bottom wall, inclined end walls joined with and extending longitudinally outwardly and upwardly from the bottom wall and having upper outer transverse edges, and laterally spaced substantially vertical side walls join with and projecting upwardly from and between related edges of the bottom wall and end walls and having upper edges cooperating with the upper outer transverse edges of the end walls to define an upper rim about the pan; one side wall has an upwardly and transversely opening thumb-receiving recess in the central portion of its upper edge portion and said bottom wall has stop means defining finger-engaging surfaces at the exterior of the pan.

Abstract: A roll-up fold-up sluice apparatus for use in separating sediment by water flow. The apparatus includes an elongate flexible mat having formed, in a central portion therein, a plurality of longitudinally spaced riffles which extend laterally with respect to the mat's long axis, and which define associated ridges and channels on the mat's upper and lower sides, respectively. The riffles are longitudinally spaced by increasing increments progressing in one longitudinal direction in the mat and are sized and shaped to accommodate a regular ridge-to-channel nesting when the mat is rolled up in that direction. A pair of flaps joined to opposite sides of the mat's central portion can be folded between folded-up positions to form the sides for the apparatus, and folded-down positions to enable rolling up.

Abstract: Virgin ore in granular form is enriched by air flotation classification separating at least a large part of the gangue. Suspension of the ore is effected immediately as supplied to the inlet section of the classification trough by copious upward flow of air from the air-diffusing floor plates after which separation is accomplished as the suspension flows through the trough. An adjustable gate in the partition which separates the inlet section of the plenum from the classifier section is adjusted to maintain a relatively very high pressure and consequent copious air flow as compared with the pressure of the plenum from which air is supplied in more moderate quantities to the diffuser floor of the classification trough downstream of the partition. The trough is free of any obstruction that would impede the flow of gangue to its discharge end. Flotation air is supplied to the plenum only at the inlet section and a bleeder valve regulates the total flow to the air-diffusing floor plates of the apparatus.

Abstract: A gold panning and classifying method and system includes a generally rectangularly shaped gold pan having diverging side panels and a plurality of valleys and ridges in the front panel. A plurality of nesting classifying screens are included to effect a first separation of material into portions composed of equivalent size particles. The unique shape of the pan greatly enhances the gravity separation techniques for separating fine sands from gold and gold dust.

Abstract: A pan for separating gold or other precious heavy metals from wet sand or gravel is provided with a round bottom joined to obliquely rising sides at the circumference. Near the center of the bottom of the pan is an aperture leading to a trough which is formed integrally with the bottom and slopes downwardly therefrom. Within the trough is a ladder-like structure having a plurality of steps which collect the heavy metal particles from the dross.

Abstract: A multi-step wheel is provided for separating heavy metals in the free state from their ores.One embodiment of a separating wheel includes at least two sets of inwardly directed spiral grooves that move from the wheel periphery to a central annulus. A retaining step or ledge area is defined between each groove set for collecting or retaining ore.In another embodiment, the separator wheel is inwardly curved with a decreasing groove depth when moving from the outer periphery to the central annulus.Unique groove designs for the separating wheel are also disclosed.

Abstract: Apparatus for continuous flow classification and specific gravity separation of relatively fine, heavy sands from gravel and dirt aggregate comprises an elongated channel having an apertured top plate which defines an upwardly facing flume and a cavity. The flume is adapted to have a flow of water bearing the aggregate introduced at its upstream end to flow over the top plate so that the relatively smaller, heavier material falls through the apertures into the cavity. An inclined table is positioned in the cavity below the top plate, the angle of inclination of the table being adjustable. The table has a trough defining side portions and terminating in a downstream extension for discharging tailings, the extension having an opening communicating with the sump portion of the cavity. An adjustable weir diverts flow of a selected heavier portion of the material from the trough into the cavity sump.

Abstract: An ore classifier adaptable for separating coal from inter-mixed heavy material and which performs a washing operation for the coal. The classifier has an elongated inclined trough, the floor of which is provided with transverse corrugations constructed to resist the movement of particles down the incline. A pair of side panels are provided in the trough to form elongated passageways along the inside sides of the trough, the lower ends of the passageways being closed. The trough is mounted on a frame and is vibrated as water and coal mixed with other ore is introduced into the trough whereby the coal is washed out of the lower end of the trough and the coarse and fine heavies are forced out of the upper end of the trough and passageways, respectively.

Abstract: An apparatus for removing mold and other detritus from raisins and the like having an aqueous bath in which the raisins are immersed; an endless conveyor having an inclined, transversely grooved, planar upper run onto which the raisins are deposited from the bath; and a drive mechanism for moving the upper run upwardly in time spaced increments of stepped progression while simultaneously oscillating the conveyor longitudinally so that the mold and other detritus are abraded and shaken from the raisins and conveyed upwardly with the run while the separated raisins gravitate downwardly along the run.

Abstract: A device for separating particles of relatively high specific gravity from particles of relatively low specific gravity wherein the particles to be separated are suspended in a carrier fluid is provided. The device includes a truncated conical shaped surface extending outward from a flat circular bottom surface, the angle of incline of such conical shaped surface being such as to allow the carrier fluid to be swirled easily within the device without excess spillage. The truncated conical shaped surface of the device also includes stepped indentations for up to about one third of the circumference of the conical surface. Each of the stepped indentations include a first surface which is substantially perpendicular to the conical surface and a second surface joined to the first surface at an angle of 90.degree. and extending from the point of juncture with the first surface to points lying in the plane of the conical surface.

Abstract: A chute is formed by a bottom wall and side walls, and the bottom wall is provided with cross grooves for catching ore particles. The bottom and front walls of the grooves are formed on about the same radius of curvature with the curvature of the front wall forming an undercut under the feed edge of the grooves. The rear wall of the grooves leads from the bottom wall in a straight line inclined upwardly in a discharge end direction. Ore containing material which is fed down the chute is separated out in the grooves by a back eddy developed by the particular shape of the grooves.

Abstract: Heavy metals such as mercury, gold, platinum, rhodium, osmium, silver, lead, palladium, etc., in the free state, are separated from their ore by applying water and the ore to a plurality of two to six rotating, inclined, spiral grooved wheels driven from a common shaft. The grooves are closely spaced and may have a declining pitch from the wheel at its periphery to its central annulus. The free metal tends to sink to the bottom of the grooves and the lighter ore is washed away as the metal moves along the spiral grooves to the annulus. The free metal and any remaining ore is fed from the annulus to the succeeding wheel and the process is repeated.Mercury may be added to any of the wheels to facilitate separation of the metal from the ore. A separating wheel having a unique groove design is also disclosed.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and apparatus for separating ore. The apparatus includes a rotatable conical cap having a rounded top, inwardly curving sides and a riffle extending vertically from the circumference of the base. An ore-water slurry is allowed to flow down the sides of the rotationally agitating cap and into the riffle, which retains the heavy metals but allows the tailings to be carried over the riffle. The inward curvature of the sides cause centrifugal separation of the metals from the tailings in the slurry stream.

Abstract: A Process and Apparatus for use in concentrating an aggregate mixture of particles, such as minerals and non-minerals wherein the mixture is introduced onto an inclined endless conveyor adjacent one edge of the incline and is advanced along or parallel to the incline while water is flowed across the inclined surface and the aggregate mixture during the advancement causing the lighter particles to flow with the water down and off of the inclined conveyor while the heavier particles cling to and are advanced with the conveyor surface to a collection area. The endless conveyor includes a plurality of slightly raised ribs on the upper surface which define recesses therebetween for catching and holding the heavier particles during advancement of the conveyor. The raised ribs can be formed into a number of various patterns. The endless conveyor also includes a plurality of horizontally spaced, downwardly projecting tits which form a reduced friction support surface and conveyor engagement drive means.

Abstract: A gold sluice includes an elongated semicylindrical trough having angular corrugations therein for imparting a longitudinal turbulent flow to water moving gravitationally therethrough. The longitudinal spiral turbulence of the water promotes separation of heavy particles from a placer material placed at an upstream end of the trough. Gold, being a heavy metal, will settle into the corrugation grooves along the trough. The sluice further includes laterally projecting flanges on opposite longitudinal side edges of the trough for preventing the trough from overturning laterally. The sluice is formed of a single sheet of lightweight material with the semicylindrical trough extending integrally therein and with the corrugations formed integrally within the trough. The corrugations are angularly oriented with respect to the longitudinal axis of the semicylindrical trough configuration.