Classifying device for aggregates immersed in a fluid

Abstract

A device for separating into two or more components an aggregate of various species of particles immersed in and settled at the bottom of a body of fluid, one application being the removal of biological debris settled on and within the gravel bed of an aquarium, without, however, removing the gravel. The device, which is used in combination with an auxiliary pumping and filtering means, employs a separator chamber having a mouth kept close to or in contact with said aggregate, and accomplishes its purpose by a flow induced through said chamber via inlet and outlet ports therein, with no flow or only a minor flow in through the mouth, while dirt and debris are induced into the chamber by a turbulent action provided for therewithin, such that the dirt and debris are entrained and swept away by the flow, but not the denser gravel.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.