Gregory N Meyers

US Patent:

20040040896, Mar 4, 2004

Filed:

Sep 2, 2003

Appl. No.:

10/653480

Inventors:

Keith Koutsky - Durham NC, US
Gregory Meyers - Mebane NC, US

International Classification:

B07B001/49
B07B001/28

US Classification:

209/417000, 209/418000, 209/309000

Abstract:

A media collection device for retrieving separation media from a container containing the media and organic or inorganic materials is described. The device has a media collecting sieve, support shaft, handle and vibrating source. The device can further have a retainer for the support shaft, a rotating motor, a sliding mechanism, a stage adjustable in height and/or angle, a media receptacle and a container stand adjustable in angle, height and position relative to the stage. Multiple media collection devices can be joined together to simultaneously collect media from multiple containers. In operation, the media collection device is manipulated so that the media collecting sieve is within a container. The media collection device is manipulated so that the sieve scrapes the sides and bottom of the container, collecting material and media thereon. The media collection sieve is vibrated through vibration of at least a portion of the support shaft by a vibrating source such that the material separates from the media and passes through the sieve, while the media is retained on the sieve. The media collection device is removed completely from the container, the media put into a receptacle. The process can be repeated as required.