Patent Publication Number: US-2021170458-A1

Title: Shot separation and recovery device

Description:
TECHNICAL FIELD 
     The present invention relates generally to mobile machinery enabling separation of solid materials and particularly to a mobile machine for separation and recovery of spent shot. 
     BACKGROUND ART 
     Bullets are mostly made of materials harmful to the environment and living organisms, such as lead, antimony and arsenic. Many shooting ranges have a soil backstop, and the bullets remaining in the soil pose a risk of polluting the soil, surface waters and ground waters. 
     The jacket, which refers to a coating on the bullet, partly protects the lead from coming into contact with the surrounding soil. Currently, the jacket is made of a mixture of copper (90-95%) and zinc (5-10%). The core of the bullet is composed mainly of lead (97-99%) and small amounts of antimony (1-3%). Of the total mass, a bullet is about 89% lead and 9% of copper. Antimony and zinc take approximately 1% of the total mass. Even after the wars, bullets with a nickel jacket were used. The use of these ended in the 1950s. Thus, old shooting ranges may have nickel contaminants from bullets. 
     Further, the lead used in bullets and shot pellets is not pure, but largely comes from melted lead batteries containing many impurities. Pure lead corrodes very slowly. 
     There is therefore a problem that exists in leaving spent shot in locations that contributes to polluting the soil, surface waters and ground waters. 
     It will be clearly understood that, if a prior art publication is referred to herein, this reference does not constitute an admission that the publication forms part of the common general knowledge in the art in Australia or in any other country. 
     SUMMARY OF INVENTION 
     The present invention is directed to mobile machine for separation and recovery of spent shot, which may at least partially overcome at least one of the abovementioned disadvantages or provide the consumer with a useful or commercial choice. 
     With the foregoing in view, the present invention in one form, resides broadly in a mobile machine for separation and recovery of spent shot, the machine including a drive unit to provide self-propelled mobility to the machine, a charged soil collection assembly mounted relative to the drive unit to collect soil charged with spent shot, and at least one separation assembly to separate spent shot from other collected material, the spent shot conveyed to a collection vessel for disposal. 
     The machine of the present invention will preferably be self powered and self-propelled. The machine will typically be driven, via the drive unit, by an operator, typically a human operator, but the machine could be autonomous and controlled using GPS coordinates or similar systems. 
     The machine of the present invention will typically provide a single pass collection, separation and recovery of spent shot. The machine will typically remove a layer of soil which is charged with spent shot, separate the spent shot from the collected material, returning the other material to the ground whilst retaining the separated spent shot for later disposal. 
     The machine of the present invention may further include an assembly to provide soil additives such as nutrients or other therapeutic material to assist with remediation of the soil following the removal of the spent shot given that the spent shot will typically have adverse affected the soil. Where provided, the assembly will typically be provided in a forward part of the integrated unit (discussed further below), ahead of the soil collection assembly. In this configuration, this will allow the nutrient or material to be mixed with the soil before collection allowing the material to be mixed thoroughly with the soil, before the separated soil is returned to the ground. Alternatively the material may be applied once the separated soil is returned to the ground. 
     In use, the machine will typically be driven over a portion of ground, typically in the area where there is a lot of spent shot, such as a rifle or shooting range for example, in order to collect the charged soil from that area and separate the soil from the spent shot. 
     The mobile machine includes a drive unit to provide self-propelled mobility to the machine. The drive unit may have any form. For example, the drive unit may be integrated into the machine by an original equipment manufacturer or a standalone drive unit which is attached to the integrated unit (discussed further below) can be used. One preferred embodiment uses a conventional bulldozer type drive unit or another piece of heavy equipment such as a front end loader for example, as the drive unit and the soil collection assembly and the separation assembly is typically provided as a single, integrated unit mounted relative to a frame which is preferably positioned forwardly, ahead of the drive unit. 
     The drive unit will generally require significant traction and for that reason, it is preferred that the drive unit be provided with tracks rather than wheels. 
     It is preferred that the drive unit is operated by an operator and a control cabin is typically provided on or relative to the drive unit for the operator. The cabin will typically be sealed as well as possible as the operation of the machine will typically disturb quite an amount of dust which may form a hazard for the operator. It is preferred that the cabin be provided with an air pump associated with filtration in order to provide air to the cabin. The cabin may be provided with positive pressure in order to actively limit the ingress of dust into the cabin. The driver may be required to wear a personal protection suit, typically provided with breathing apparatus to minimise the chance that the driver will ingest or inhale dust formed through use of the machine. 
     Other elements or components of the machine related to the separation assembly or the collection vessel for example may be mounted to or relative to the drive unit in order to form a self contained machine for the separation and recovery of spent shot. For example, the spent shot collection vessel may be provided, typically towards the rear of the drive unit. Liquid storage such as water for example may also be provided relative to the drive unit, again, typically towards the rear of the drive unit. 
     The machine of the present invention may include a dust suppression system including one or more water spray assemblies. If provided with a dust suppression system of this type, it is preferred that the dust suppression system be provided peripherally of the machine, typically with one or more fluid lines associated with one or more spray nozzles. 
     In a preferred embodiment, the machine may be provided with one or more dust shields or shrouds. One or more dust shields or shrouds may be applied to the tracks or other portions of the drive unit, to contain as much dust as possible, whilst of course, not limiting visibility of the operator from the cabin of the drive unit. Where provided, it is preferred that the dust shields or shrouds are flexible. Typically, the dust shields or shrouds will extend to approximately the ground surface in order to retain the dust inside the dust shields or shrouds as much as possible. 
     As mentioned above, it is preferred that the soil collection assembly and at least one separation assembly is provided as an integrated unit mounted to or relative to a forward side of the drive unit. In this way, the operator can observe the operation of the integrated unit as well as being positioned to properly drive and steer the machine as required. 
     In one preferred embodiment, the drive unit will typically be fitted with one or more forward lifting assemblies configured to lift a rear portion or end of the integrated unit. The forward lifting assemblies may comprise one or more lifting members (such as, but not limited to, arms). The forward end of the integrated unit will typically be provided with one or more support assemblies, typically wheels or the like. The wheels may be of any type but in a preferred embodiment, generally wheels with pneumatic tires. The support assemblies are typically adjustable up-and-down to change the height of the integrated unit and/or the separation of the integrated unit relative to the ground surface. The support assemblies will typically be multidirectional with the integrated unit and the machine in general steered from the rear by the drive unit. 
     Together, the drive unit and the forward support assemblies will typically act to hold the integrated unit substantially parallel to the ground surface and allow movement of the integrated unit over the ground surface allowing collection of soil charged with spent shot by the collection assembly. 
     The machine of the present invention includes a charged soil collection assembly mounted relative to the drive unit to collect soil charged with spent shot. The collection assembly typically includes a number of subassemblies, including a cutter subassembly to disturb the soil before collection, a scoop assembly or similar to collect the soil and spent shot and a conveyor assembly to convey the soil and spent shot collected to the separation assembly. In a preferred embodiment, the cutter assembly is provided ahead of the scoop assembly with the scoop assembly provided ahead of the conveyor assembly in the direction of travel. 
     The cutter assembly typically includes one or more disks or similar in order to open or dislodge or break up the soil prior to collection. The one or more disks can be rotating disks or fixed disks. If provided as rotating disks, the disks can be powered through rotation or not. Preferably, the cutter assembly is provided extending across the width of the machine. The cutter assembly will typically be height/depth adjustable such that the depth to which the soil is disrupted or dislodged can be changed. In a preferred embodiment, the working depth of the cutter assembly may be up to 300 mm with an average working depth of approximately 250 mm. 
     The scoop assembly will also typically extend substantially across the width of the machine, located preferably behind the cutter assembly. The scoop will typically be or include a simple angled forward edge which extends downwardly to a working depth, similar to that of the cutter assembly in order to scoop soil into the collection assembly via the forward movement of the machine. The scoop will typically have a hard forward edge in order to maximise the working life of the scoop. 
     In some embodiments of the invention, the soil collection assembly may further comprise a suction assembly. The suction assembly may be of any suitable form, although it is envisaged that the suction assembly may be configured to exert a suction force on the soil to collect soil therein. In particular, the suction assembly may be configured to exert a suction force so that loose material on the ground surface and/or the cutter assembly and/or the scoop assembly may be sucked into the soil collection assembly. 
     Material collected using the suction assembly may then be transferred to a separation assembly (such as one or more screens, as discussed in more detail later). The material may be transferred using any suitable technique, such as under gravity, via a conveying assembly or the like. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, however, the suction assembly may be associated with a blower assembly. In this embodiment of the invention, the blower assembly may be configured to blow material collected by the suction assembly towards, onto and/or into the separation assembly. 
     The suction assembly and/or the blower assembly may be powered using any suitable power source. For instance, the suction assembly and/or the blower assembly may be powered using the same battery, motor or the like that provides power to the machine. Alternatively, the suction assembly and/or the blower assembly may be powered using a hydraulic or pneumatic system associated with the machine. In other embodiments, the suction assembly and/or the blower assembly may be provided with its own power source, such as one or more batteries, motors or the like. The power source may be electrically associated with one or more pumps configured to generate the suction force of the suction assembly and/or the blowing force of the blower assembly. 
     Preferably the suction assembly may include one or more suction heads. In a preferred embodiment, the one or more suction heads may extend at least partially across the width of the machine. More preferably, the one or more suction heads may extend across substantially the entire width of the machine. 
     In some embodiments of the invention, the suction head may be configured for movement relative to the ground surface. Specifically, the suction head may be configured to be raised and lowered relative to the ground surface. It is envisaged that the suction head may be moved relative to the ground surface to adjust the amount of material collected by the suction assembly. The suction head may be raised and lowered using any suitable device. However, in a preferred embodiment of the invention one or more hydraulic and/or pneumatic cylinders may be used to raise and lower the suction head relative to the ground surface. 
     In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the suction assembly may be located in a forward region of the machine. In another embodiment of the invention, at least the suction head may be located in a forward region of the machine. The suction head may be associated with a frame member of the machine and may depend therefrom. 
     In some embodiments of the invention, the suction assembly may be retrofitted to existing machines that are not provided with a suction assembly. In this embodiment of the invention, the suction assembly, or at least the suction head, may be associated with a frame section that may be retrofitted to the existing frame of a machine. Thus, the suction assembly, or at least the suction head, may be associated with an extension frame portion. 
     Preferably, the one or more suction heads may be associated with one or more conduits configured to transport material collection by the suction heads to the separation assembly. The one or more conduits may be of any suitable, and may include one or more pipes, hoses or the like. 
     In some embodiments of the invention, material passing through the one or more conduits may be discharged directly into or onto the separation assembly. Alternatively, material exiting the one or more conduits may pass through a classification device prior to being introduced to the separation assembly. The classification device may be of any suitable type, although in a preferred embodiment of the invention the classification device may be configured to classify the material exiting the one or more conduits on the basis of one or more properties of the material. The material may be classified according to any suitable properties, although it is envisaged that the properties may include particle size, density or the like. 
     In a specific embodiment of the invention, the classification device may be configured to discharge heavier, larger and/or denser particles onto one portion of the separation assembly, while lighter, smaller and/or less dense particles may be discharge onto a different portion of the separation assembly. In this way, the separation of material in the separation assembly may be conducted more quickly and/or more efficiently. 
     In some embodiments, it is envisaged that the suction assembly may be provided with one or more additional inlets. The additional inlets may be provided at any suitable location, although in some embodiments of the invention the one or more additional inlets may be provided on the exterior of the machine. In this embodiment of the invention, the one or more additional inlets may be configured for connecting a conduit (such as a hose or the like) thereto. In this way, it is envisaged that a user may hold the hose and collect material from the ground surface adjacent to the machine. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, each of the one or more additional inlets may be provided with an actuation member (such as a valve or the like) so that the actuation member may be closed when the inlet is not in use. 
     The conveyor assembly may be of any type. Initial separation of the soil and other material from the spent shot may begin with the conveyor. In a preferred form, at least one conveyor belt is provided and in a particularly preferred form, the or each conveyor belt will preferably be a mesh conveyor belt with openings in the mesh allowing material to fall through if it is of a small size. 
     In a preferred form, a pair of opposed conveyor assemblies will be provided, an upper conveyor assembly and a lower conveyor assembly. The lower conveyor assembly will typically support material thereon as it is conveyed with the upper conveyor assembly preferably spaced apart by a predetermined distance to assist with initial break up of large clumps of collected soil and/or to hold the material on the lower conveyor. 
     One or more elements may be provided on the conveyor belt in order to assist with the breakup of material on the conveyor belt. 
     The conveyor assembly will typically be angled upwardly and rearwardly in order to raise the collected soil above the ground level to provide gravity feed into the separation assembly. Preferably, an upper end of the conveyor assembly will be provided over a forward end of the separation assembly. 
     The machine of the present invention includes at least one separation assembly to separate spent shot from other collected material. The separation assembly may use one or more separation processes, of the same or different type, to achieve separation of the spent shot. In a preferred form, the separation assembly will typically include at least one vibration separation process and at least one pneumatic separation process. 
     In particular, one or more vibration screens may be provided and typically, more than one will be provided. The vibration screens will typically be provided parallel to one another and they may be angled if necessary either toward or away from the entry end of the vibration screens as this may achieve vibratory transportation of material on the screens in a particular direction. Typically, the vibration screens will be provided substantially horizontally and spaced apart from one another. Where more than one vibration screen is provided, it is preferred that each vibration screen is provided with a different gauge with the sizing generally reducing as from upper to lower in the assembly. The gauge of the screen may vary from 10 mm openings down to one or more smaller sizes. In a preferred configuration, one screen is provided with a 3.5 mm gauge and a 2nd screen provided with a 1.5 mm gauge. 
     In a preferred embodiment, the vibration will be applied laterally, typically induced by the provision of an eccentric drive with each of the screens mounted relative to a vibration module and the vibration module mounted relative to the integrated unit using one or more arms to allow movement of the vibration module back and forth. 
     Additional diminution devices or members may be provided preferably associated with at least one, and preferably each of the vibration screens in order to assist with breakup of the material on the screens and/or to prevent clogging of the screens. In a preferred embodiment, the diminution devices or members will be or include a number of spheres provided relative to each of the screens. Preferably, the spheres will be made of a material such as rubber in order to assist with the separation using the vibration screens. The spheres will typically be freely movable relative to the screens but will typically be retained relative to a single screen, at least loosely. As mentioned above, it is preferred that each screen has a number of spheres provided relative thereto. 
     Preferably, the material exceeding from the last screen will exit into the pneumatic separation assembly, preferably into a primary pneumatic separation chamber. The pneumatic separation assembly is preferably provided in order to separate the stones or similar from the spent shot, typically based on density. Whilst not wishing to be limited by theory, the air will typically carry any stones or similar out of the pneumatic separation assembly but the spent shot, being denser than the stones, will typically fall and be retained and collected in the pneumatic separation assembly. Typically, the airspeed and/or pressure will be optimised to allow separation on this basis although the airspeed and/or pressure can typically be adjusted in order to achieve it. After separation, any stones or similar typically returned to the ground surface with the spent shot retained. 
     In a preferred embodiment, the spent shot will typically fall and be conveyed to a collection vessel. One or more screw conveyors can be used in order to convey the spent shot to the collection vessel and typically, at least one screen conveyor is associated with an elongate conduit in communication with the collection vessel, which is mentioned above, will typically be mounted relative to the drive unit, and preferably the rear of the drive unit. 
     The air for the pneumatic separation assembly will typically be obtained from an air cutter assembly, which in a preferred embodiment is an elongate assembly provided substantially vertically above the integrated unit with an air inlet facing forwardly in the direction of travel. The inlet is typically spaced above the integrated unit in order to provide the inlet in an area substantially clear of dust which is formed through use of the machine. The air will typically be conveyed downwardly through an elongate conduit, preferably directly to the primary pneumatic separation chamber. A secondary pneumatic separation chamber is typically provided in association with the primary pneumatic separation chamber with the secondary pneumatic separation chamber provided with at least one, and typically a number of baffles across which the air is blown with the stones and other material conveyed across the top of the baffles but the spent shot, being denser, falling between the baffles into a lower part of the secondary pneumatic separation chamber. 
     As mentioned above, the air flow, speed and/or pressure are typically adjustable. 
     The air cutter assembly will typically be braced in the vertical orientation and may be foldable or collapsible in order for transport. 
     As mentioned above, both the separation assembly of the collection assembly are typically provided as an integrated unit with the integrated unit including a support frame with the forward end supported by the support assemblies and the rear end supported by the drive unit with the separation assembly and the collection assembly mounted relative to the frame. 
     The entire integrated unit will typically be covered with one or more dust shields or shroud is similar to that discussed above in relation to the drive unit in order to substantially contain any dust which is formed. Again, it is preferred that the dust shields or shrouds be flexible and extend substantially down to ground level as well as across the top of the integrated unit. A water-based dust suppression perimeter is typically defined as discussed above. 
     The machine of the present invention is therefore typically adapted to provide single pass collection and separation of spent shot from any soil collected with the soil returned to the ground surface and the spent shot collected for later disposal. 
     Any of the features described herein can be combined in any combination with any one or more of the other features described herein within the scope of the invention. 
     The reference to any prior art in this specification is not, and should not be taken as an acknowledgement or any form of suggestion that the prior art forms part of the common general knowledge. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS 
       Preferred features, embodiments and variations of the invention may be discerned from the following Detailed Description which provides sufficient information for those skilled in the art to perform the invention. The Detailed Description is not to be regarded as limiting the scope of the preceding Summary of the Invention in any way. The Detailed Description will make reference to a number of drawings as follows: 
         FIG. 1  is a side view of a shot separation and recovery apparatus according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 2  is a side view of a shot separation and recovery apparatus as shown in  FIG. 1  with the drive portion removed. 
         FIG. 3  is a side view of a forward portion of the separation and recovery apparatus as shown in  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 4  is a detailed side view of the separation portion of the shot separation and recovery apparatus as shown in  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 5  is a detailed side view of the collection portion of the shot separation and recovery apparatus as shown in  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 6  is a side view of a shot separation and recovery apparatus with a cover according to a preferred embodiment. 
         FIG. 7  is a front view of the shot separation and recovery apparatus with a cover according to a preferred embodiment. 
         FIG. 8  illustrates a side view of a separation and recovery apparatus according to an alternative embodiment of the invention. 
     
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS 
     According to a particularly preferred embodiment of the present invention, a shot separation and recovery machine  10  is provided. 
     The mobile machine  10  for separation and recovery of spent shot illustrated in the accompanying Figures includes a drive unit  11  to provide self-propelled mobility to the machine  10 , a charged soil collection assembly  12  mounted relative to the drive unit  11  to collect soil charged with spent shot, and a separation assembly  13  to separate spent shot from other collected material, the spent shot conveyed to a collection vessel  14  for disposal. 
     The machine  10  illustrated is self powered and self-propelled. The machine  10  will typically be operated, via the drive unit  11 , by an operator, typically a human operator, but the machine could be autonomous and controlled using GPS coordinates or similar systems. 
     The machine of the present invention will typically provide a single pass collection, separation and recovery of spent shot. The machine  10  will remove a layer of soil which is charged with spent shot, separate the spent shot from the collected material, returning the other material to the ground whilst retaining the separated spent shot for later disposal. In use, the machine will typically be driven over a portion of ground, typically in the area where there is a lot of spent shot such as a rifle or shooting range for example, in order to collect the soil from that area and separate the soil from the spent shot. 
     Although not illustrated in the Figures, the machine may further include an assembly to provide soil additives such as nutrients or other therapeutic material to assist with remediation of the soil following the removal of the spent shot given that the spent shot will typically have adverse affected the soil. Where provided, the assembly will typically be provided in a forward part of the integrated unit  15  (discussed further below) ahead of the soil collection assembly. In this configuration, this will allow the nutrient or material to be mixed with the soil before collection allowing the material to be mixed thoroughly with the soil before the separated soil is returned to the ground. 
     The drive unit  11  of the illustrated embodiment uses a conventional bulldozer type drive unit or another piece of heavy equipment such as a front end loader for example as the drive unit  11  and the soil collection assembly  12  and the separation assembly  13  is provided as a single, integrated unit  15  mounted relative to a frame  16  which is positioned forwardly, ahead of the drive unit  11 . 
     The drive unit  11  will generally require significant traction and for that reason, it is preferred that the drive unit be provided with tracks  17  rather than wheels. 
     The drive unit is operated by an operator and a control cabin  18  is provided on or relative to the drive unit  11  for the operator. The cabin  18  is sealed as well as possible as the operation of the machine  10  will disturb quite an amount of dust which may form a hazard for the operator. The cabin  18  is provided with an air pump  19  in order to provide air to the cabin  18 . The cabin  18  may be provided with positive pressure in order to actively limit the ingress of dust into the cabin  18 . The driver may be required to wear a personal protection suit, typically provided with breathing apparatus to minimise the chance that the driver will ingest or inhale dust formed through use of the machine  10 . 
     Other elements or components of the machine  10  related to the separation assembly  13  or the collection vessel  14  for example may be mounted to or relative to the drive unit  11  in order to form a self contained machine for the separation and recovery of spent shot. For example, the spent shot collection vessel  14  is provided towards the rear of the drive unit  11 . A liquid storage vessel  20  for liquid such as water for example may also be provided relative to the drive unit  11 , again, typically towards the rear of the drive unit  11 . 
     The machine  10  includes a dust suppression system including one or more water spray assemblies. If provided with a dust suppression system of this type, it is preferred that the dust suppression system be provided peripherally of the machine  10 , typically with one or more fluid lines associated with one or more spray nozzles. 
     In a preferred embodiment, the machine  10  is provided with one or more dust shields or shrouds as illustrated in  FIGS. 1, 6 and 7 . A dust shield or shroud  21  is applied to the tracks  17  or other portions of the drive unit  11  to contain as much dust as possible, whilst of course, not limiting visibility of the operator from the cabin  18  of the drive unit. Where provided, it is preferred that the dust shields or shrouds are flexible. Typically, the dust shields or shrouds will depend to approximately the ground surface in order to retain the dust inside the dust shields or shrouds as much is possible. 
     As mentioned above, it is preferred that the soil collection assembly  12  and at least one separation assembly  13  is provided as an integrated unit  15  mounted to or relative to a forward side of the drive unit  10  as shown in  FIG. 1 . In this way, the operator can see the operation of the integrated unit  15  as well is being positioned to properly drive and steer the machine  10  as required. 
     In the illustrated embodiment, the drive unit  11  is fitted with forward lifting arms  22  in order to lift a rear portion or end of the integrated unit  15 . The forward end of the integrated unit  15  is provided with wheels  23 , generally wheels with pneumatic tires. The forward wheels  23  are typically adjustable up-and-down to change the height of unit  15  and/or the separation of the unit  15  relative to the ground surface. The wheels are multidirectional with the integrated unit  15  and the machine  10  in general driven and steered from the rear by the drive unit  11 . 
     Together, the drive unit  11  and the forward wheels  23  act to hold the integrated unit  15  substantially parallel to the ground surface and allow movement of the integrated unit  15  over the ground surface allowing collection of soil charged with spent shot by the collection assembly  12 . 
     The collection assembly  12  of the illustrated embodiment, best shown in  FIG. 5 , includes a cutter subassembly  24  to disturb the soil before collection, a scoop  25  to collect the soil and spent shot and a conveyor assembly  26  to convey the soil and spent shot collected to the separation assembly  13 . As illustrated, the cutter assembly  24  is provided ahead of the scoop  25  with the scoop  25  provided ahead of the conveyor  26 . 
     The cutter assembly  24  includes one or more disks  27  or similar in order to open or dislodge or break up the soil prior to collection. The disks  27  of the illustrated embodiment are powered through rotation by a motor  28  and chain drive. The cutter assembly  24  is provided extending across the width of the machine  10 . The cutter assembly  24  is height/depth adjustable such that the depth to which the soil is disrupted or dislodged can be changed. In a preferred embodiment, the working depth of the cutter assembly  24  may be up to 300 mm with an average working depth of approximately 250 mm. 
     The scoop  25  also extends substantially across the width of the machine  20 , located behind the cutter assembly  24 . The scoop  24  of the illustrated embodiment has a simple angled forward edge which extends downwardly to a working depth, similar to that of the cutter assembly  24  in order to scoop soil into the collection assembly  12  via the forward movement of the machine. The scoop  25  has a hardened forward edge in order to maximise its working life. 
     The conveyor assembly  26  may be of any type. Initial separation of the soil and other material from the spent shot may begin with the conveyor assembly  26 . In the illustrated embodiment, a pair of spaced apart conveyor belts are provided and each conveyor belt is a mesh conveyor belt with openings in the mesh allowing material to fall through if it is of a small size. 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 5 , an upper conveyor assembly  29  and a lower conveyor assembly  30  are provided with the lower conveyor assembly  30  to support material thereon as it is conveyed and the upper conveyor assembly  29  spaced apart by a predetermined distance to assist with initial break up of large clumps of collected soil. Each of the conveyor assemblies includes a continuous loop mesh belt  31  and is driven using a motor  32 . 
     As shown, the conveyor assembly  12  is angled upwardly and rearwardly in order to raise the collected soil above the ground level to provide gravity feed into the separation assembly  13  with the rear upper end  33  of the conveyor assembly  12  provided over a forward end of the separation assembly  13 . 
     The separation assembly  13  may use one or more separation processes, of the same or different type, to achieve separation of the spent shot. In the illustrated form, the separation assembly  13  includes both a vibration separation process and a pneumatic separation process. 
     In particular as illustrated in  FIG. 4 , a pair of vibration screens  34  are provided parallel to one another. The vibration screens  34  are provided substantially horizontally and spaced apart from one another. Each vibration screen  34  is provided with a different gauge with the upper screen provided with a 3.5 mm gauge and the lower screen provided with a 1.5 mm gauge. 
     In a preferred embodiment, the vibration will be applied laterally, typically induced by the provision of an eccentric drive  35  with both of the screens  34  mounted relative to a vibration module  36  and the vibration module  36  mounted relative to the integrated unit  15  using arms  37  to allow movement of the vibration module  36  back and forth by the eccentric drive  35 . 
     A number of additional diminution spheres  38  are provided associated with each of the vibration screens  34  (shown on the upper screen in  FIG. 4  but removed from the lower screen for clarity) in order to assist with breakup of the material on the screens  34  and/or to prevent clogging of the screens  34 . The spheres  38  of the illustrated embodiment are made of a material such as rubber in order to assist with the separation using the vibration screens  34 . The spheres  38  will typically be freely movable relative to the screens  34  but are retained relative to a single screen  34 , at least loosely. As mentioned above, it is preferred that each screen  34  has a number of spheres  38  provided relative thereto. 
     The material exceeding from the last screen  34  will exit into the pneumatic separation assembly, into a primary pneumatic separation chamber  39 . The pneumatic separation assembly is provided to separate the stones or similar from the spent shot, based on density. Whilst not wishing to be limited by theory, the air will typically carry any stones or similar out of the pneumatic separation assembly but the spent shot, the denser than the stones will typically fall and be retained and collected in the pneumatic separation assembly. Typically, the airspeed and/or pressure will be optimised to allow separation on this basis although the airspeed and/or pressure can typically be adjusted in order to achieve it. After separation, any stones or similar typically returned to the ground surface with the spent shot retained. 
     In a preferred embodiment, the spent shot will typically fall and be conveyed to a collection vessel  14 . One or more screw conveyors  42  can be used in order to convey the spent shot to the collection vessel  14  and typically, the screw conveyor  42  is associated with an elongate conduit  43  in communication with the collection vessel  14 , which as mentioned above, is mounted relative to the drive unit  11 . 
     The air for the pneumatic separation assembly  13  is obtained from an air cutter assembly  44 , best shown in  FIG. 3  as an elongate assembly provided substantially vertically above the integrated unit  15  with an air inlet  45  facing forwardly in the direction of travel. The inlet  45  is typically spaced above the integrated unit  15  in order to provide the inlet  45  in an area substantially clear of dust which is formed through use of the machine  10 . The air will typically be conveyed downwardly through an elongate conduit  46  directly to the primary pneumatic separation chamber  39 . A secondary pneumatic separation chamber  40  is provided in association with the primary pneumatic separation chamber  39  with the secondary pneumatic separation chamber  40  provided with a number of baffles  41  across which the air is blown with the stones and other material conveyed across the top of the baffles  41  but the spent shot, being denser, falling between the baffles  41  into a lower part of the secondary pneumatic separation chamber  40  associated with the screw conveyor  42 . 
     As shown, the air cutter assembly  44  is braced  47  in the vertical orientation and may be foldable or collapsible in order for transport. 
     As mentioned above, both the separation assembly  13  and the collection assembly  12  are typically provided as an integrated unit  15  with the integrated unit  15  including a support frame  16  with the forward end supported by the wheels  23  and the rear end supported by the drive unit  11  with the separation assembly  13  and the collection assembly  12  mounted relative to the frame  16 . 
     In the illustrated embodiment, the entire integrated unit  16  is covered with dust shields or shroud  48  similar to that discussed above in relation to the drive unit  11  in order to substantially contain any dust which is formed. Again, it is preferred that the dust shields or shrouds  48  are flexible and extend substantially down to ground level as well as across the top of the integrated unit. A water-based dust suppression perimeter is typically defined as discussed above. 
       FIG. 8  illustrates a side view of a separation and recovery apparatus  10  according to an alternative embodiment of the invention. The apparatus  10  is similar to that shown in  FIG. 2 , although the separation and recovery apparatus  10  of  FIG. 8  includes a suction assembly  50 . 
     The suction assembly  50  includes a suction head  51  that depends downwardly from the support frame  16  of the apparatus  10  towards the ground surface. In the embodiment of the invention shown in  FIG. 8 , the suction head  51  is associated with an extension portion  52  of the support frame  16  that is retrofitted to an existing machine. 
     Loose material on the ground surface is sucked into the suction head  51  via a suction force generated by pump  53 . The pump  53  is powered by hydraulic motor  57 . 
     Material entering the suction head  51  passes through hose  54  under the suction force of the pump  53  and is then blown by the pump  53  through hose  55 . The material then exits the hose  55  through outlet  56  into separation assembly  13 . 
     The position of the suction heads  51  relative to the ground surface is configured to be adjusted by hydraulic ram  58 . The hydraulic ram  58  can be actuated to move the suction head  51  closer to, or further away from, the ground surface depending on the amount of material desired to be collected by the suction assembly  50 . 
     In the present specification and claims (if any), the word ‘comprising’ and its derivatives including ‘comprises’ and ‘comprise’ include each of the stated integers but does not exclude the inclusion of one or more further integers. 
     Reference throughout this specification to ‘one embodiment’ or ‘an embodiment’ means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, the appearance of the phrases ‘in one embodiment’ or ‘in an embodiment’ in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment. Furthermore, the particular features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more combinations.