Method and apparatus for sorting articles with small density differences utilizing a flotation stream
Patent 5048693 Issued on September 17, 1991. Estimated Expiration Date: 
June 28, 2009. Estimated Expiration Date is calculated based on simple USPTO term provisions. It does not account for terminal disclaimers, term adjustments, failure to pay maintenance fees, or other factors which might affect the term of a patent.
June 28, 2009. Estimated Expiration Date is calculated based on simple USPTO term provisions. It does not account for terminal disclaimers, term adjustments, failure to pay maintenance fees, or other factors which might affect the term of a patent.Patent ReferencesInventorAssigneeApplicationNo. 373067 filed on 06/28/1989US Classes:209/137, With deposition209/147, Conveyor209/157, Inclined current209/173, Water or aqueous solution209/474, With constant current209/486, Permeable209/488, Feeding and discharging209/492, Conveyers209/493, Dividers and skimmers209/497, Feeding209/502PneumaticExaminersPrimary: Hajec, Donald T.Assistant: Wacyra, Edward M. Attorney, Agent or FirmForeign Patent References
International ClassesB03B 005/46B03B 005/62 B03B 011/00 B07B 004/08 484-486 500-502 460 488 492 493 497 AbstractA method and apparatus for sorting articles with small density differences utilizing a flotation stream. A separator is provided in which a flotation stream continuously flows through a trough and is used to effect the separation of a mixture of articles having small density differences into several groups. Each density group of the mixture of articles to be separated is introduced at the head of the flotation stream at a selected depth. In one embodiment, the flotation stream may be comprised of a fluidized bed which is created by forcing a gas upwardly through a fluidization medium such as sand. In another embodiment of the invention, the flotation stream may be formed from a liquid. Once the mixture of articles is introduced at the selected depth into the flotation stream near the head of the stream, since the density of the flotation stream is greater than the density of the articles, the articles of lesser density begin to ascend toward the top of the flotation stream while at the same time the articles are carried downstream by virtue of the velocity of the flotation stream. Articles having a greater density will be carried further downstream whereas articles having less density will ascend to the top of the stream at a point further upstream, thereby effecting a spacial separation of the articles based on their differing densities.Other References
Field of SearchAqueous suspension, sifting, and stratifyingAqueous suspension and sifting Aqueous suspension and stratifying Gaseous suspension and stratifying Sifting and stratifying Gaseous Inclined current With deposition Vertical current With deposition Feeding Conveyor Chute Current control Liquid Horizontal current Inclined current Floating Gravity liquid Suspension Water or aqueous solution Grading deposition With constant current With pulsating current | |
