Abstract: A scrap particle sorting system and attendant sorting process employs a conveyor for conveying the randomly shaped particles in a random orientation, a position sensor for determining the advancement of the scrap particles in the direction of conveyance by determining the position of the conveyor belt, an image detector for periodically recording the image of a predefined viewing area through which the scrap particles are conveyed, and an image processor for periodic acquisition and processing of the images. The image processor includes logic for defining each image of the viewing area into a matrix of cells, and for each acquired image, analyzing the digital data corresponding to the image to determine for each cell in the matrix whether the pixels in that cell satisfy a predetermined criteria, and establishing a discriminator signal for each cell in the matrix as a function of that analysis.

Abstract: A scrap particle sorting system and attendant sorting process employs a conveyor for conveying the randomly shaped particles in a random orientation, a position sensor for determining the advancement of the scrap particles in the direction of conveyance by determining the position of the conveyor belt, an image detector for periodically recording the image of a predefined viewing area through which the scrap particles are conveyed, and an image processor for periodic acquisition and processing of the images. The image processor includes logic for defining each image of the viewing area into a matrix of cells, and for each acquired image, analyzing the digital data corresponding to the image to determine for each cell in the matrix whether the pixels in that cell satisfy a predetermined criteria, and establishing a discriminator signal for each cell in the matrix as a function of that analysis.

Abstract: A drum-like rotor having numerous, closely spaced, elongated rows formed of permanent magnets arranged end-to-end and secured to the outer surface of the rotor, produces a high-density, rapidly reversing magnetic field in a band-like zone which is spaced a short distance from, and extends along the length of, the rotor outer surface. The magnetic field induces eddy currents in pieces of different metals passed through the zone which produces repulsive magnetic forces of different intensities in different metal pieces, and thus, magnetically separates such pieces. The rows of magnets, in their radial direction, are alternatingly thicker and thinner, so that the outer surface of the thinner rows are depressed relative to their adjacent thicker rows. The outer surface of the magnets of each thicker row have a polarity which is opposite to the polarity of their next adjacent thicker row magnets, and the direction of the magnetic polarity of the magnets of the thicker rows are radial relative to the rotor.

Abstract: Mixed pieces of different non-ferrous metals are sorted by initially moving the pieces through a high density, rapidly changing magnetic flux field, and immediately thereafter, freely moving the pieces along unsupported forwardly and downwardly directed trajectories resulting from the momentum of the pieces, the force of gravity and the magnetically induced repulsive forces developed in the pieces by the flux field. The magnitude of the magnetically induced repulsive forces differ for different non-ferrous metals so that the lengths of the trajectories of generally similar size and shape pieces vary accordingly for separating pieces formed of different metals. The magnetic field is provided by a horizontally axised, rapidly rotating, hollow, liquid cooled, iron wall drum having magnets affixed to its outer surface. The magnets are arranged in rows that are formed of numerous, tile-like, small, permanent magnets which are positioned end to end, with their like polarity ends adjacent.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for simultaneously separating volatile metals, including zinc and lead, and non-volatile metals, including copper, from mixtures of metallic and metallic oxide. Finely pulverized metal containing material, is continuously fed into the reactor chamber along with pulverized carbonaceous material, such as coke, and also oxygen or air. The reactor chamber is intensely heated by a transferred arc plasma generator to provide sufficient heat energy which together with the reducing gases cause a reducing reaction and melt the non-volatile copper and other metals which form a puddle upon the floor of the reaction chamber and to form a layer of slag covering the puddle, and simultaneously to vaporize the volatile zinc, lead and the like metals.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for simultaneously separating volatile metals, including zinc and lead, and non-volatile metals, including copper, from mixtures of metallic and metallic oxide and the like materials, includes a reactor having a lower, reactor, chamber, an upper, reflux, chamber and a vertically arranged, hollow shaft interconnecting the two chambers. The shaft is substantially filled with a mixture of pieces of metallic material, having minimal oxide content, and carbonaceous material, such as coke. The reactor chamber is intensely heated by a transferred arc plasma generator to provide sufficient heat energy which together with reducing gases cause a reducing reaction and melt the non-volatile copper and other metals which form a puddle upon the floor of the reaction chamber and to form a layer of slag covering the puddle, and simultaneously to vaporize the volatile zinc, lead and the like metals.