Abstract: Apparatus for automatically recording the rate of fluid absorption of the soil includes three subsystems which may be easily assembled on site. During a test procedure the rate of descent of a float is recorded on a tape by a timer controlled marker.

Abstract: A material sorter to sort materials having various weight and aerodynamic characteristics such as, for example, relatively heavy magazines and corrugated cardboard from relatively lightweight newspaper. The sorter comprises a generally elongated hollow member having openings at oppositely disposed ends, the member preferably being a hollow cylindrically shaped tube. The axis of the tube is inclined with respect to the ground and the tube is rotated mechanically. The sorter also includes a source of forced air provided by a fan positioned at the lower opening of the tube, the fan is inclined at a variable angle with respect to the axis of the cylinder and provides a continuous spiral-patterned stream of air flowing upwardly through the cylinder. In the operaton of the material sorter, mixed paper having various weight and aerodynamic characteristics is placed in the upper opening of the tube. As the paper falls downwardly through the tube and is tumbled by the rotation of the tube, it separates.