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US 4,396,104 AGranted
Vibration assisted sluices
AssigneeConoco Inc.
InventorJeffrey L. Beck
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A vibration assisted sluice is constructed with a plurality of trough sections connected end to end and supported above the earth. Each of the sections is yieldably supported so that the individual trough can vibrate to assist in moving the material in the trough. The ends joining one trough with another are vibrationally isolated so that each trough is free to move in its own vibrational mode, independent of adjacent troughs and the support system.
Claims6
A vibration assisted sluice comprising:
- (a) a plurality of trough sections having a longitudinal axis;
- (b) earth support means;
- (c) means yieldable mounting each of said plurality of trough sections to said earth support means whereby said troughs are free to oscillate in a longitudinal direction without transmitting a substantial percentage of said vibration force to said earth support means;
- (d) means for isolatably coupling one trough to an adjacent trough to permit movement of fluid without substantial liquid leaking from the trough while permitting the trough freedom of longitudinal movement while it is being vibrated;
- (e) longitudinal vibration means attached to said troughs;
- and
- (f) vibration control means coupled to said vibration means
- whereby fluids and solid material, when added to said sluice, will be maintained in a fluidized condition as said fluids and solids move down the succeeding trough sections of said sluice.
5 more elements
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.