Abstract: An apparatus for separating slack-filled capsules from properly filled capsules having the same surface area comprising:an endless conveyor belt;means for continuously moving the belt on which is contained at least a single layer of capsules;an inclined plane at the terminal end of the belt;a sorting box consisting of a series of fins for orienting the largest cross-sectional area of the capsule profile;a tunnel whose terminal end is adjacent to the box;means for creating laminar air flow through the tunnel;a first tube aligned in about a horizontal position with the tunnel for receiving said slack-filled capsules;a second tube aligned in about a vertical position with the sorting box such that properly filled capsules enter by gravity;such that when the laminar air flow is created through the tunnel, the slack-filled capsules enter the first tube.

Abstract: A classifier for particulate material of the type wherein a stream of the particles to be classified is introduced into a moving stream of air, classification being achieved by the varying degree of entrainment of the particles in the air stream due to their difference in size. The classifier employs a closed housing having a plurality of outlets, each for a different size of particle, and an inlet located thereabove. An air impeller drives a current of air across the particle outlets. The housing is closed so that the air defining the stream is continuously recirculated. At a point in the air stream downstream of the outlets there is provided an enlarged chamber through which the air flows at an extremely low velocity to preclude particles from being entrained in the air to be carried back to the air impeller.