James R Noe

59313080, Aug 3, 1999

Jul 30, 1997

8/903543

Adam J. Gesing - Windsor, CA
Kevin W. DeHetre - Whitmore Lake MI
Tommy Cranford - Trenton MI
James E. Noe - Woodhaven MI

Huron Valley Steel Corporation - Belleville MI

B03C 100

209212

An eddy current separator (10,10a,10b,10c,10d, 10e,10f,10g) and a separation method for separating non-ferromagnetic particles (14) by engaging the particles from above by a distal end (50) of an inclined engagement member (42, 42', 42") to force the particles into a primary magnetic field (34) below a conveyor surface (28) to increase the induced eddy current flow that generates particle magnetic fields such that subsequent release of the particles allows increased magnetic field propulsion to propel the particles distances that vary according to their electrical resistance, densities, shapes and sizes. Different embodiments move the particles into the primary magnetic field by an inclined engagement member (42) that may be a flexible member (42') or a brush (42"), a vertically movable roll (54a), a rotary brush (54b), an upper auxiliary conveyor (64), an upper belt reach (26) of a belt conveyor (16), a vibratory member (26') of a vibratory conveyor (16'), and an inclined gravity slide (70) that may be a curved trough (72).