US3842978A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Process and apparatus for separating sand from botanical materials
Assignee: Brown and Williamson Holdings Inc
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Filing: 1972-03-21
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Granted: 1974-10-22
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Expires: 1992-03-21
Abstract
Abstract Apparatus is provided for the separation of sand and botanical materials, particularly tobacco, the apparatus including a fluidized bed and a porous support for the mixture of sand and botanical materials. The method incorporates the apparatus and aids in the separation, the method potentially including a pulsed fluid flow superimposed on a steady fluid flow in the system.
Inventors
- 👤 T Summers
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-06 12:54
CPC Classifications
B; B07; B07B; B07B4/00; B07B4/08; B03; B03B; B03B4/00; B03B4/005; B03B4/02
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 5
Claim 1
Independent Claim
162 words
An apparatus for the dry separation of sand particles from botanical fines in which substantially all of the sand particles and fines have a size which is less than about 100 mesh comprising a. a substantially enclosed chamber; b. supports means positioned at the bottom of said chamber for permitting the discharge of sand from said chamber, said support means including a plurality of substantially spherical bodies having a diameter of 2 to 5 mm and a tolerance of + OR - 20 percent and constrained into substantially three-center close packing; c. first means for supplying a mixture of sand and botanical fines having a size less than about 100 mesh into said chamber above said support means; d. second means for moving an upwardly flow of gas through said support means into said chamber at a steady velocity sufficient to fluidize the mixture of sand and botanical fines above the support means; and e. vibrating means for vibrating said support means.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
162 words
An apparatus for the dry separation of sand particles from botanical fines in which substantially all of the sand particles and fines have a size which is less than about 100 mesh comprising a. a substantially enclosed chamber; b. supports means positioned at the bottom of said chamber for permitting the discharge of sand from said chamber, said support means including a plurality of substantially spherical bodies having a diameter of 2 to 5 mm and a tolerance of + OR - 20 percent and constrained into substantially three-center close packing; c. first means for supplying a mixture of sand and botanical fines having a size less than about 100 mesh into said chamber above said support means; d. second means for moving an upwardly flow of gas through said support means into said chamber at a steady velocity sufficient to fluidize the mixture of sand and botanical fines above the support means; and e. vibrating means for vibrating said support means.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
30 words
The apparatus of claim 1 in which a third means superimposes a pulse flow on a steady flow of gas having a velocity of 1.2 to 41 feet per minute.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
44 words
The apparatus of claim 2 in which said third means superimposes the pulse flow at a velocity of 14 to 88 feet per minute for a pulse duration of 0.5 to 10 seconds and at a pulse frequency of one-half to sixty per minute.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
33 words
The apparatus of claim 1 having a baffle means positioned within the chamber and adjacent the center of said support means for directing the air flow away from the center of said column.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
No citation records indexed.
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1977-10-21 | 1978-04-22 | 1978-10-22 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1981-10-21 | 1982-04-22 | 1982-10-22 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1985-10-21 | 1986-04-22 | 1986-10-22 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |