Patent ID: 6095341
Filing Date: 2000-08-01
Classification: B03B,B09C

Abstract:
A material separator for separating a mixture of buoyant material and nonbuoyant material into its component parts, comprising:a conveyor having a frame, a plurality of rollers and a belt, wherein said conveyor has an input end and a discharge end;a wall means on each side of said belt defining a channel therebetween for retaining and guiding a flow of water;a water delivery means for delivering water into said channel;a material delivery means for delivering said mixture into said channel;wherein said material delivery means is positioned at a location generally above said channel of said belt, wherein said buoyant material is suspended within said water and said nonbuoyant material is supported on said belt and within a lower portion of said water;wherein said delivery means comprises:a floor extending substantially parallel to said belt, said floor having a front edge;a pair of delivery walls attached about opposing sides of said floor for retaining said mixture; andat least one discharge fin attached to said floor, extending beyond said front edge of said floor and positioned at least partially within said water, for evenly distributing said mixture into said water; anda separating means adjustably secured to said conveyor for separating at least one layer from said water.