Patent ID: 8020706

Claim:
A fines removal apparatus for use in separation of objects from a feed mixture, wherein the feed mixture comprises the objects and fines, the apparatus comprising: an endless belt, wherein at least a portion of the endless belt is movable up an incline relative to horizontal, wherein the incline is adjustable to an angle relative to horizontal that is greater than an angle of repose associated with the objects but less than an angle of repose associated with the fines, wherein the endless belt comprises: an endless base section having a predetermined length, first and second sidewalls, wherein the endless base section and the first and second sidewalls define a channel of the endless belt, wherein the channel is configured to receive the feed mixture therein, wherein each of the first and second sidewalls comprises a flexible sidewall, wherein the flexible sidewall comprises one or more surfaces that define one or more openings adjacent the channel of the endless belt, and further wherein one or more deflection elements are positioned relative to the one or more openings to form substantially flat sidewalls adjacent both sides of the channel and along a length of the channel across a plurality of the one or more openings; and a plurality of obstruction elements, wherein each obstruction element comprises at least one surface portion that extends between a first position and a second position of the endless base section such that the at least one surface portion impedes a flow of fines down the incline when feed mixture is provided in the channel and as the portion of the endless belt is moved up the incline; and a drive apparatus coupled to the endless belt to move the portion of the endless belt up the incline.