There are provided hoppers for separating slack from a mixture of product and slack, and systems and method using such hoppers. Each hopper comprises: an internal gate configured to prevent the passage of product therethrough, but to allow the passage of slack therethrough; and, an external gate configured to prevent the passage of product and the passage of slack therethrough; the internal gate and the external gate being moveable between respective open and closed positions; the hopper configured such that: when the internal gate and external gate are in their respective closed positions and the mixture is introduced into the hopper, product is retained by the internal gate whilst slack passes through the internal gate and is retained by the external gate; and, when the external gate and internal gate are each in their respective open positions, product may exit the hopper along a first path.

An assembly and method for gravitationally separating gold from particles, and specifically for separating small components of gold, less than 1 millimeter from small particles. A series of sieves having graduated mesh sizes, and arranged in a sequential, stacked configuration sieves the aggregate of large particles and larger components of gold. The remaining small particles and smaller components of gold fall into a container. A pressurized column of fluid is forced into the container. The fluid has sufficient flow velocity to suspend the lighter small particles, but insufficient flow velocity to support the denser, high specific gravity gold. Gold has a large specific gravity relative to the fluid and particles. Gravity causes the gold to falls into a transparent collection conduit. Manipulation of valves enables gold to redirect to a collection bin. Fluid flow is shut, enabling small particles to be flushed out through gravitational forces and excess fluid momentum.

An assembly and method for gravitationally separating gold from particles, and specifically for separating small components of gold, less than 1 millimeter from small particles. A series of sieves having graduated mesh sizes, and arranged in a sequential, stacked configuration sieves the aggregate of large particles and larger components of gold. The remaining small particles and smaller components of gold fall into a container. A pressurized column of fluid is forced into the container. The fluid has sufficient flow velocity to suspend the lighter small particles, but insufficient flow velocity to support the denser, high specific gravity gold. Gold has a large specific gravity relative to the fluid and particles. Gravity causes the gold to falls into a transparent collection conduit. Manipulation of valves enables gold to redirect to a collection bin. Fluid flow is shut, enabling small particles to be flushed out through gravitational forces and excess fluid momentum.

The present disclosure is directed to a tire particulate collection device for a motor vehicle. A tire particulate collection device is disclosed having at least a first chamber which includes a first grate and, a first collection compartment where tire particulate or other debris are collected. The device also comprises a last chamber having a collection plate. The last chamber also has a last collection compartment that allows entry of tire particulate matter into the last collection compartment. During vehicle operation, the tire particulate matter is accelerated through the device due to an applied electric field induced by providing an electrical charge to at least the first grate and collection plate. The tire particulate is then collected within the device.

The present disclosure is directed to a tire particulate collection device for a motor vehicle. A tire particulate collection device is disclosed having at least a first chamber which includes a first grate and, a first collection compartment where tire particulate or other debris are collected. The device also comprises a last chamber having a collection plate. The last chamber also has a last collection compartment that allows entry of tire particulate matter into the last collection compartment. During vehicle operation, the tire particulate matter is accelerated through the device due to an applied electric field induced by providing an electrical charge to at least the first grate and collection plate. The tire particulate is then collected within the device.

A hopper assembly for accepting placer deposit and water for use with a highbanker includes a hopper and a cover. The hopper includes an intake surface for accepting the placer deposit, a hopper periphery portion extending along a periphery of the hopper, a water intake, and a window configured to allow the placer deposit and water to exit from the hopper. The water intake accepts water and is located within the hopper periphery portion. The cover includes a cover surface and a plurality of cover openings. The cover surface fits over the hopper periphery portion. The cover openings are formed on the cover surface. The cover surface and the hopper periphery portion define, at least in part, a hollow within which water from the water intake flows. The cover openings allow for water to exit the hollow and contact the placer deposit on the intake surface.

A hopper assembly for accepting placer deposit and water for use with a highbanker includes a hopper and a cover. The hopper includes an intake surface for accepting the placer deposit, a hopper periphery portion extending along a periphery of the hopper, a water intake, and a window configured to allow the placer deposit and water to exit from the hopper. The water intake accepts water and is located within the hopper periphery portion. The cover includes a cover surface and a plurality of cover openings. The cover surface fits over the hopper periphery portion. The cover openings are formed on the cover surface. The cover surface and the hopper periphery portion define, at least in part, a hollow within which water from the water intake flows. The cover openings allow for water to exit the hollow and contact the placer deposit on the intake surface.

The invention disclosed herein relates to a device and method for the processing of granular material continuously under a sealed atmosphere, being a novel improvement over batch processing and discontinuous granular processing. Specific embodiments are presented relating to extraction of volatile compounds from planetary bodies and the carbonation of recycled concrete.

The invention disclosed herein relates to a device and method for the processing of granular material continuously under a sealed atmosphere, being a novel improvement over batch processing and discontinuous granular processing. Specific embodiments are presented relating to extraction of volatile compounds from planetary bodies and the carbonation of recycled concrete.

A system for mechanical separation of materials comprising at least two platforms, each comprising screws undergoing a rotational movement, wherein the screws have a proximal end and a distal end, the distal end being free, wherein the screws of a first one of the at least two platforms all have a first inclination from the proximal end thereof to the distal end thereof; wherein the screws of a second one of the at least two platforms all have a second inclination from the proximal end thereof to the distal end thereof; the first inclination being different from the second inclination. The at least two platforms form a drop in-between along the main direction of travel. There is a double-start thread screw by the drop on the downstream platform that prevents long objects to pass through the screws and optionally a curtain of elongated members by the drop.