Abstract: A materials handling or processing system which includes at least two processing devices such as shredders, for example, which are subject to unexpected and relatively sudden discontinuance of operation as by clogging or other breakdown condition, and transporting apparatus for conveying materials being processed to the processing devices, the invention comprising means for detecting such breakdown in one of the devices and for consequently directing to the second device the flow of materials normally directed to the broken down device, thereby maintaining continued processing of materials without interrupting their flow through the system.

Abstract: A system for separating glass particles from a mixture containing magnetic materials and glass, which system comprises a completely enclosed apparatus which protects against pollution by harmful silica dust and avoids excessive abrasion of conveying mechanism by utilization of pneumatic impulse feed devices whereby mixed particles are transported from a pressure vessel to one of a series of magnetic roller separators and further including dust separation or air cleaner means whereby substantially only glass and magnetic particles to be separated are introduced into the magnetic separators.

Abstract: Materials separator apparatus for segregating electrically conductive particles having a wide range of sizes from a stream of commingled materials. The apparatus includes a material feeder device disposed for directing the commingled particles into a stream. A spatially alternating, steady-state array of juxtaposed, oppositely directed magnetic fields of varying widths is established adjacent the stream. As the materials pass through the magnetic fields, forces exerted on the electrically conductive particles cause lateral deflection of these particles from the stream thereby providing the desired separation. Because the widths of the magnetic fields vary over a wide range, the apparatus provides effective separation of a wide range of sizes of electrically conductive particles.

Abstract: A materials separator apparatus comprising a stacked array of horizontally oriented and vertically spaced separator stages, which may be interconnected by a material conductor disposed for receiving commingled materials from an upper stage and feeding it to an input portion of a lower stage, each stage including a vibrating, endless belt supported for carrying a stream of commingled materials longitudinally over a steady-state magnetic array of spatially alternating, oppositely polarized magnets disposed substantially parallel to one another and extended transversely at an oblique angle to the stream whereby electrically conductive items of nonferromagnetic material passing over the magnetic array are deflected laterally out of the stream, the materials remaining in the stream may be discharged from the belt by passing them over a roller which may be magnetized for segregating dielectric nonferromagnetic material from ferromagnetic material.

Abstract: A material handling apparatus comprising an air classifier system which includes a material receiving chamber having at its lower end a discharge conveyor which removes material from the chamber to another area, and conveyor means within the lower end portion of the chamber for moving material which has been deposited in the chamber and discharging it onto the discharge conveyor without clogging, together with suitable air locks and controls for regulating material flow through the apparatus.

Abstract: An air classifier system which embodies two rotary drum classifiers, each with an individual adjustable plenum, the drums being individually angled at selected inclinations and the plenum capacities being variable, so that two separate masses of commingled materials such as municipal refuse and oversize bulky waste, for example, may be simultaneously classified and will produce a combined single output of refuse derived fuel.

Abstract: A rotary drum air classifier system which includes a conveyor positioned to feed unclassified materials of various densities and weights into one end of a drum, and supporting means for the conveyor having means for moving the conveyor in any of three directions axially, vertically and laterally of the drum's axis so as to position its discharge end in desired position depending upon the density of the mixture of materials being fed into the drum, thereby obtaining maximum efficiency of the classification procedure.

Abstract: An air classifier system for separating mixed materials and comprising the combination of a horizontal drum or tunnel having a feed screw therein at one end of which mixed materials are deposited for movement toward the discharge end of the drum, and means for directing a flow of air through the drum at relatively high velocity for entraining and removing light materials from the drum while permitting heavy materials to be independently moved out of the drum by the screw.

Abstract: A waste materials handling system which includes materials transporting apparatus for conveying materials being processed to a processing device such as a shredder which is subject to unexpected and relatively sudden discontinuance of operation as by clogging or other breakdown condition, the invention comprising means for detecting such breakdown and for consequently diverting flow of materials away from the apparatus without interrupting the flow of materials through the system.

Abstract: A material collecting device such as a hopper, shredder, or enclosed conveyor having an entrance opening for deposit of material into the device, an exit opening for removal of material, and a hood on the device connected with duct means for exhaust of dust particles from the material, the hood being provided with a circumferential passage through which air is drawn into the device for entraining such dust particles, and with coils or rings for removing moisture from the air, the coils being connected with a source of hot fluid or refrigerant for drying the material and/or the air within the device, and being Coanda-shaped if desired for extraction of water from a moving air stream.

Abstract: A rotary drum air classifier apparatus for separating light and heavy materials introduced into the drum by conveyor means, means for producing a flow of air at relatively high velocity through the drum for entraining light materials, heating means encircling the drum for radiatively heating the drum and drying materials therein during the separation process, and means at one end of the drum for heating air as it enters the drum for further assisting in the drying process.

Abstract: Apparatus for separating magnetic materials from nonmagnetic materials in a supply of mixed waste material, comprising an inclined rotary drum having loading means for introducing a continuous flow of mixed waste materials into the drum, means for simultaneously directing a stream of air at relatively high velocity through the drum to entrain and thereby remove light materials from the mixture therein out of the higher end thereof, means for rotating the drum to move heavy materials toward the lower end thereof, and magnetic means for selecting magnetic materials from the separated heavy materials and removing the magnetic materials separately from the drum.

Abstract: A screw conveyor for moving water-laden materials from one location to another comprising a feeder screw extending longitudinally within an enclosing duct or housing and a dewatering cylinder closely encircling the screw and comprised of closely spaced elements of substantially triangular or teardrop cross-sectional shape to remove water from the material as it is moved progressively along the duct by the flights of the screw.

Abstract: A rotary drum air classifier system which includes a side feed hopper by which mixed materials to be separated are fed to a screw feed which deposits the materials inside the drum for major separation into light and heavy materials, the screw feed being longitudinally adjustable and including air injection means for fluidizing the mixed materials as they are being transported to the drum and thus accomplishing a preliminary stage of air classification during the time the mixed materials are transiting the length of the feed screw.

Abstract: An air classifier drum for receiving mixed materials and separating them into light and heavy materials, the heavy materials being dropped from one end of the drum during operation onto a conveyor, the drum being rotatable about an axis disposed at a selected angle to the horizontal and being vertically adjustable to the selected angle, the conveyor being vertically adjustable with the drum so that it will be constantly retained at a reasonably close-spaced relation to the drum to assure minimum impact of the heavy materials on the conveyor as they are discharged from the drum.