Abstract: An apparatus and method for deagglomerating powder which allows for the powder to be pressed immediately after being deagglomerated. The deagglomerating apparatus is preferably mounted on the powder pressing machine or shares the same housing with the powder pressing machine so that deagglomerated powder may pass from the deagglomerating apparatus into the powder pressing machine.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for screening peat moss material. The method comprises the steps of forming an aqueous slurry of peat moss material and flowing the slurry on a screen to separate fines from coarser particles in the slurry. A spray of relatively large water drops is directed at the slurry to agitate the coarser particles blocked by the screen in order to dislodge fines adhering thereto, whereby the fines freed from the coarser particles are allowed to egress the slurry through the screen. The water spray also has the effect of clearing the screen of fines which clog the screen openings. The invention also comprehends a method and apparatus for screening peat moss material, comprising the steps of flowing an aqueous slurry of peat moss material on a sieve to extract from the slurry excessively large particles, and washing the rejects remaining on the sieve to dislodge therefrom smaller particles of acceptable size which are returned to the slurry.

Abstract: Culling device for vacuum cleaners and other equipment which is made either as uni-functional (1) or two-functional (16), a part of which enclosure (6) is most frequently made of transparent materials, the device itself being made as tube, handle, part of handle or a specially constructed device which is inserted into the conveying tunnel of a vacuum cleaner (suction pipes), or similar devices. Inside the culling device there are waveformed paralell teeth (4) on a moveable axle (9), so-called culling comb (2), which by an external actuating mechanism (13, 24, 14, 5) is either adjusted so that:a) it rises diagonally into the air path and arrests articles which are carried into the culling device, while they are inspected and, as the case may be, removed (uni-functional culling device), or sucked or otherwise collected into a special collecting compartment (two-functional culling device), orb) it lies down and allows passage for the articles into the vacuum cleaner's accumulation case (its dustbag).

Abstract: An apparatus for scattering fibrous material, e.g., chips or the like, to form a precisely controlled blanket of chips, together with a binder, onto a scattering band conveyor or a mold, includes a scattering chamber including a dosing conveyor for transferring the material to be scattered toward the discharge end of the scattering chamber. The apparatus is further implemented by arranging to the discharge end of the scattering chamber, next to the dosing conveyor, a roll set comprised of at least three rolls aligned mutually parallel, whereby slots of individually adjustable width are formed between the rolls.

Abstract: A cart that is useful to contain, store and/or transport lawn and/or garden debris and filter or screen this debris into different size classifications.

Abstract: Contaminated particulate materials of varying particle sizes are washed and separated by size by a steam washing process which concentrates the contaminant in the small size fraction.

Abstract: A system for laying a trench bed layer consisting of fine grained material derived from unclassified fill material. The system includes a main frame that is pivotally supported by a hitch carried by a front end loader. The hitch includes a support bar that extends in the direction of travel of the front end loader whereby the main frame is securable to the support bar so as to extend transverse to the travel direction of the front end loader. Hydraulic cylinders normally used for manipulating the arms of the front end loader vary the attitude or angle of attack of the main frame in accordance with ground slope. The hitch also carries means for pivoting the main frame about a pin connection joining the main frame and the support bar. The system further includes a hopper carried by the main frame into which unclassified backfill material is loaded. A first conveyor transports the fill material from the bottom of the hopper to a vibrating screen.

Abstract: A seafood separator for separating sea creatures captured by a net is provided, comprising a support structure attached to the deck of a boat; a number of vertically arranged frames attached to the support structure, each frame containing a screen for retaining sea creatures of predetermined sizes, wherein the grid spacing of each screen is smaller than the grid spacing of any higher screen. Each screen is capable of slidable motion relative to the support structure or to any other screen in order to facilitate cleaning and seafood removal. A tray for collecting trash and unwanted seafood is attached to the support structure below a lowermost screen and has an end positioned over the boat deck to allow return of the trash back into the sea. A method for separating sea creatures and returning undesirable sea creatures back to the sea alive is also provided.

Abstract: The vehicle is intended as a self-propelled utility model for beach cleaning. It has a vehicle frame which comprises at least one front and rear axle. A garbage pickup is disposed therebetween. The vehicle is to be a multi-purpose vehicle. The vehicle frame equipped with wheels consequently has a centric, rectangular opening between the front and the rear axle. The garbage pickup is adjustably mounted in this opening, namely from an operating position in which it contacts the ground to a ready position in which it is lifted from the ground. Seen in the direction of driving, a collecting receptacle for the picked up garbage is located behind the garbage pickup.

Abstract: A self-cleaning vacuum head is disclosed which has the ability to discriminate between particles of different size, or the ability to separate fluids from particulate matter. The invention has two relatively moving surfaces which provide a changing locus of vacuum so that particles drawn against the surfaces are later separated therefrom. Each of the two surfaces has slots which are transverse to one another. The surfaces are moved relative to one another in a moving direction which is transverse to the orientation of the slots on the first of the moving surface, and also transverse to the slots on the second surface. The transverse arrangement of the slots, and the relative movement of the slots in a direction which is transverse to each of the slots causes particles drawn against the surface to roll about two substantially perpendicular axes to encourage thorough decontamination of the particles. An oil spill clean-up system is also disclosed utilizing the self-cleaning vacuum head.

Abstract: An apparatus having a pair of rollers disposed below an input hopper so that beverage bottles having caps thereon will be pulled between these rollers as they rotate in opposite directions, thereby compressing the bottles, and at the same time exploding the top off of the bottle. A screen is provided below the rollers for receiving the bottles and caps and the screen has openings therein larger than the caps and smaller than the bottles, whereby the caps will be collected below the screen and the bottles can pass on to a separate collection area.

Abstract: The present invention is a device for separating semiconductor grade silicon pieces into desired size ranges, while minimizing contact contamination of the separated pieces. The device employs a rotatable cylindrical screen, with contact surfaces of semiconductor grade silicon. In a preferred embodiment, the cylindrical screen consists of parallel rods of semiconductor grade silicon separated by semiconductor grade silicon, internal, spacers. In addition, external spacers of semiconductor grade silicon are arranged along the length of the parallel rods to further define the exclusion characteristics of the cylindrical screen.

Abstract: The present vibrating bucket screen attachment for cleaning beaches and for being mounted on mobile machines such as skid-steer loaders includes an outer excavating bucket with a sand-scooping blade and runners on the outer bucket for supporting the outer bucket relative to the beach. An inner vibrating screen bucket is resiliently mounted in the excavating bucket and includes a hydraulically operated vibrator. Resilient bumper pad mounts disposed between the inner and outer buckets suppress the vibrations of the inner vibrating bucket relative the outer excavating bucket. A floor screen portion of the inner bucket is mounted above bottom, sand-engaging portions of the outer bucket such that the screen portion is spaced from the surface of the beach to vibrate freely during the separation of sand from litter.

Abstract: A chicken breading machine including a basket, with a mesh bottom, which is adapted to be rocked while holding floured chicken pieces. The mesh bottom of the basket allows loose flour and cracks to fall from the basket. The basket includes at least one tumble bar positioned at or near the bottom of the basket to cause chicken to tumble as the basket is rocked. A rocking device is adapted to rock the basket. A sifting device can be removably positioned below the basket. The sifting device contains a screen to retain cracks and permit flour to sift through the screen so that the flour can be reused without having to manually sift the flour from the cracks.

Abstract: A separator for continuously separating comparatively small particles of light bulk density such as, for example, expanded polystyrene x-beads from unexpanded polystyrene beads produced by an expansion process, preferably including a vibrating screen of a mesh size for passing smaller particles, but not larger particles, and a pulsed pressure differential across said screen for drawing smaller particles through the screen and for clearing the screen.

Abstract: An improved pipeline paddling apparatus includes a separator for separating fine material out of spoil which is piled along side an excavation, an elevator for transporting spoil to the separator, a pair of guide projections for guiding spoil into the elevator and a pair of auger type devices for directing spoil from the guiding projection both toward the elevator and in the elevating direction. A conveyor is provided to transport the separated fine portion of the spoil back into the excavation, thereby padding the pipeline. The elevator, guide and augers are pivotally adjustable as a unit with respect to a tracked vehicle, which provides maximum adjustability. In a second embodiment for use in rocky soil, the auger-type devices are eliminated and the guide projections are given a broader, concave inner guide surface.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for padding a pipeline lying in a ditch by separating fine particles from coarse particles in the material excavated from the ditch and windrowed along the side of the ditch comprising moving a frame supporting a rotating separator drum at the desired distance above ground to engage windrowed material at the level required to obtain sufficient fines to pad the pipeline while rotating the separating drum to separate the fine and coarse material and conveying the fines laterally into the ditch.

Abstract: A litter system includes a chamber for containing a quantity of particulate litter. The chamber includes front and rear walls, the front wall thereof including an aperture providing an entry way to the chamber for an animal. A helical shaped screen is disposed within the chamber and extends from adjacent the front end to adjacent the rear end of the chamber for separating the litter from animal waste and for transporting the animal waste through the chamber. Structure is provided for rotating the chamber, such that animal waste is transported through the chamber as the chamber rotates.

Abstract: A self-cleaning kitty litter box and method for cleaning the litter box are disclosed. The kitty litter box has a removable pan in which kitty litter is placed. A motor and timing device are provided for periodically moving a rake through the kitty litter so to push solid waste to one end of the pan. The rake is then rotated in contact with a stop out of the pan, the rake then moves forward and drops the collected solid waste into a storage tray. The motor and timer allow this process to be periodically repeated without involvement of the cat owner until ultimate disposal of the cat waste is desired.

Abstract: A litter cleaning apparatus that has a large new litter receptacle, a waste receptacle and a cleaned and reclaimed litter receptacle. Brand new, or recycled, litter is introduced into the new litter receptacle and is opened at the bottom to release litter into a litter pan when necessary or when used litter is seen to be uncleanable. Used, soiled litter is taken from litter boxes and poured over a separator screen. Cleaned litter will fall through while waste can be dumped off the screen into the adjacent waste receptacle. The cleaned litter receptacle can be emptied from the bottom in order to fill litter pans individually or to empty the litter directly into a recycling bucket. The apparatus can be wheeled about from area or area on a large animal raising installation.

Abstract: A vending machine for particulate comestibles that includes a conveyor screw for delivering a predetermined quantity of particulate comestibles accurately and includes a perforated plate located below the screw that functions to remove undersized particulate comestibles so that they will not be delivered to the purchaser.

Abstract: A screen or grid adapted to be placed in close proximity to the receiving end of a trash receptacle housed within an enclosure which permits smaller dimensioned trash to pass through openings in the screen or grid but will prevent larger dimensioned reusable objects, such as food carrying trays, from being mistakenly or inadvertently disposed in the trash receptacle.

Abstract: A riprap separation apparatus and method which riprap apparatus comprises a frame having an open space within the frame, an upper grizzly section composed of a tiltable upper grizzly section having a plurality of fixed, spaced apart bar elements so that riprap material discharged onto the grizzly section is separated into a large size material and a smaller size material which passes through the bar elements and a downwardly angled discharge chute to receive the larger size material and to deposit the large size material to one side of the apparatus. The apparatus includes a support section disposed to be within an earthen sloped access ramp to provide support for the apparatus and with the ramp to provide for the movement of vehicles to discharge riprap material into the grizzly section.

Abstract: Apparatus for non-impact handling of foundry castings utilizes a sand pervious basket to receive a sand mold and casting and to segregate the casting from the mold. A turntable assembly lifts and translates the basket to a secondary conveyor which removes the casting for further processing. The secondary conveyor may be a walking beam conveyor adapted to operate inside a quenching tank and the basket adapted to align with the walking beam conveyor for removal of the casting.

Abstract: A flour sifter for separating doughballs from fine particulate matter in a breading mixture, comprises a hopper for receiving the breading mixture. The lower portion of the hopper includes a sifting screen along most of the longitudinal length that is sized to allow only the fine particulate matter to pass therethrough. The hopper may be an insert for a sifter table that is readily removably mounted within a flour sifter enclosure. The hopper insert is mounted to accommodate a breading lug above the insert. A slot at one end of the hopper is large enough for the doughballs to pass therethrough. The enclosure is provided with mounting flanges to support another breading lug below the hopper insert to receive the sifted fine particulate matter. A doughball ejector chute is associated with the slot of the hopper insert to direct the doughballs from the hopper insert to a doughball collector pan. The hopper further includes an auger brush having a helical pattern of bristles along the length of the brush.

Abstract: A primary vessel, such as a flotable float or the like, having a crustacean retrieving means attached to the forward end of the vessel, with the vessel being motor driven, the motor driving a plurality of dasic wheels to maintain the vessel above the water, and allowing it to move on the bottom of the pond. The retrieving means includes a first primary roller positioned substantially the distance of the width of the vessel and moving along the bottom of the pond for distrubing the crustaceans as the vessel moves forward. There is provided the primary conveyor wall directly to the rear of the primary roller wherein the crustaceans moving over the roller are deposited on the conveyor which transports the crustacean upward into a first receiving bin in the vessel. The primary conveyor includes a puralilty of spaced apart shelf members along its width so that the crustaceans will be lodged against the shelf member and will be deposited into the receiving bin as the conveyor belt circulates.

Abstract: A sorption vessel including a tank for retaining a pulp of an aqueous slurry and a sorbent at a predetermined liquid pulp level therein; and an interstage screening system disposed within the tank and at least partially submerged beneath the predetermined pulp level. The interstage screening system includes a housing for isolating the system from the pulp, thereby providing a hydraulic differential between the predetermined pulp level and the screening system; a conduit for selectively introducing the pulp onto the screen member, the pulp being urged through the conduit by the hydraulic differential; and at least one screen member disposed within the housing for selectively and continuously separating the sorbent from the pulp.

Abstract: A separation system for removing drilled solids from a drilling fluid being circulated in a well including a vibratory screen apparatus (10) and method for separating materials having a base (12) supporting a vibratory support frame (13) for relative vibratory movement. A pair of transversely aligned motor vibrators (88) are mounted on a transverse horizontal support (82) secured between opposed sides (64,66) of vibratory frame (13) generally in the area of the center of gravity of the vibratory from (13). The motor vibrators (88) have rotational axes (L3) extending at an angle A with respect to the horizontal and being in a vertical plane parallel to the longitudinal axis (L1) of the screen bed.

Abstract: Fluffy grass seed with accompanying coarse trash and fine trash are placed upon the top of a vibrating screen. The fluffy grass seed are enmeshed in the meshes of the screen while the fine trash falls through the screen and the coarse trash is loose upon the top of the screen. The coarse trash is dumped from the screen by inverting the screen. Thereafter the fluffy seed are doffed from the screen by brushes.

Abstract: An apparatus for separating dough balls from reusable breading having a container for holding breading containing dough balls, the container having an aperture in the bottom thereof for selectably discharging the breading having dough balls co-mingled therewith, a sifter having foraminous portions positioned below the container bottom aperture and having a bottom with a central opening therein, an actuator to cause breading to be sifted through the foraminous portions, a plurality of concentric circular walls having openings therethrough arranged to cause dough balls to be separately discharged through the sifter central opening, a breading collector container below the sifter to receive breading sifted from the sifter, and a dough ball collector directly below the sifter central opening for separately receiving dough balls passing therethrough.

Abstract: A litter screening and separating apparatus including a storage compartment arranged for towed movement, a loader structure affixed at one end of the storage compartment for picking up encrusted litter material from floors of chicken houses, a conveyor including a pair of chains for moving the encrusted litter from the loading structure to the storage compartment, a baffle plate adjacent and beneath the conveyor chain for preventing contamination of the conveyor chain from the material stored in the storage compartment, a plurality of loading panels arranged between the pair of chains and being replaceably affixed thereto, and vibrator rollers adjacent the pair of chains for engagement with projections on spaced links of each chain for vibrating the loading panels. The loading panels may be of solid panel construction or of expanded metal, depending upon the type of litter being picked up and the method of use of the apparatus.

Abstract: This invention is a simple, easy to use, self-cleaning pet litter box that separates reusable litter material from solid pet droppings. This task is accomplished through the use of swelled-out chutes strategically formed along the litter box walls combined with a trough-shaped, wire mesh separator that is also built into the litter box. A hole is cut in the side wall adjacent to the wire separator with a tubular-shaped protrusion extending from the outside of this hole in the wall. By using a tilting, rotating motion, the used litter is passed through the chutes in the walls and into the wire mesh separator. The solid pet waste is trapped in the separator while the still usable litter is filtered through. With one final tilt, the solid waste is dumped through the hole in the wall, through the tubular protrusion, and into an attached disposable plastic bag.

Abstract: A vibratory screening machine having a main frame, a screen frame pivoted at substantially its midpoint on the main frame, a weir which receives a liquid-solid mixture to be screened, a discharge spout on the weir, a linkage interconnecting one end of the screen frame with the discharge spout, and a hand wheel effectively connected to the discharge spout to raise and lower it and thereby simultaneously adjust the inclination of the screen frame while maintaining the drop of the liquid-solid mixture being discharged onto the screen frame substantially constant in all inclined positions of the screen frame.

Abstract: A debris catcher comprising a conical screen (filter) in a drill string which defines an annular accumulation space between the screen and the inner wall of the drill string is presented. The central portion of the screen is open to establish an unimpeded flow path. A centrifugal deflector, impeller or similar device above (upstream from) the screen establishes a helical flow pattern in the drilling mud whereby debris entrained in the mud is forced outwardly by centrifugal action. The debris is then caught in the annular accumulation space between the screen and the drill string wall when the mud flows through the screen. If the accumulator fills or the screen becomes clogged, mud will still flow through the center flow passage. The debris catcher of the present invention is preferably positioned within a drill string upstream of a mud powered turbine or other device in the mud stream, the operation of which may be jeopardized by debris in the mud stream.

Abstract: A cat litter box with a mechanism for screening and draining reuseable, liquid-impervious granular material contained in the box, the box having a housing with a container, the container having an inner compartment with holes for holding the granular material and draining liquids, and an outer compartment for receiving drained liquids, the inner compartment having a screen, wherein the mechanism both raises the screen through the granular material to separate solid wastes, and tips the container to drain the liquid wastes and separated solids into a collection box for removal, and lowers the container, returning the screen to the inner compartment and redistributing the granular material over the screen before the container seats in the housing for reuse.

Abstract: Apparatus for mechanical separation of cat solid waste, randomly buried in cat litter, and cat urine saturated litter clump waste from surrounding clean cat litter and mechanically removing the waste to storage, the apparatus including: a support including a waste collection region; a circular housing that is rotatably mounted about its axis on the support over the waste collection region, the housing having an opening in its periphery for passage of a cat when in a first rotational position and for passage of the solid waste and litter clump waste when in a second, downwardly directed, rotational position over the waste storage region; a solid partition extending inwardly from the periphery at a location adjacent to the opening so as to trap litter on the side opposite of the solid partition from the opening when the opening is in the second rotational position; a screen that retains the solid waste and litter clump waste, the screen extending inwardly from the periphery at a location spaced from the solid p

Abstract: A golf ball dredge which comprises a shallow draft, buoyant support vessel in the form of a pontoon boat that provides a floating platform from which the dredging apparatus is supported. The pontoon boat has a small outboard motor mounted at its bow for providing a means for propulsion and steering of the boat. A relatively high pressure, gasoline powered, centrifugal water pump is mounted on the pontoon boat with its suction intake located below the water level. The pump provides a high pressure water outlet discharge that is supplied through eductor tubes into the inlet end of a bottom suction intake piping system. The bottom suction intake piping system also is supported on the pontoon boat with its inlet end submerged below the surface of the water to a suitable depth for lightly contacting the bottom of the waterhole.

Abstract: A multi-stage apparatus and process for separating wood chips of a desired size range for pulp production, from an intermixture of materials e.g. from a log chipper. A disc screen screens out the chips and other materials having a size larger than the designated size range. The chips are deposited on an air separating screen through which a vacuum is drawn to draw out the smaller size materials, e.g. sawdust, and to deposit the desired pulp chips for collection and conveyence to the paper processing station.

Abstract: A mixture of sea plants, some of which have compacted sticky characteristics and others of which exhibit hard incompactible fronded characteristics is separated into its components by pressing against a perforated surface to extrude the compacted sticky material through the perforations.

Abstract: Cells are normally separated by velocity sedimentation and/or density gradient centrifugation, counter current distribution or selective agglutination. The cells may also be separated using a multi-sectioned plastic sleeve defined by a plurality of plastic cylinders with screens and O-rings therebetween and a retaining plate at the top end of the cylinders. These methods present various problems including a large variation in the sizes of cells isolated in any fraction, high costs of materials, and/or exposure of the cells to air immediately following separation. These problems are overcome by means of a simple cell separator which permits separation on the basis of size, and which is sealed maintaining a sterile environment during the separation process.

Abstract: A catalyst loading hopper suitable for positioning in vertical position above a reactor vessel, having an inlet at its upper end, a catalyst outlet at its lower end and a diagonally-disposed baffle extending downwardly across the hopper but terminating short of one of the walls of the hopper and a weir adjustably arranged so as to control the flow of catalysts through the hopper. There is a dust outlet at the top of the hopper, which may be connected to a conduit so as to draw dust away from the upper end of the hopper and a screen at the bottom of the hopper to separate the catalyst from any fines or undersized catalyst particles. The screen feeds into a catalyst outlet which, in turn, feeds into a conduit, which extends into the reactor vessel so as to allow arrangement of the cleaned catalyst pellets in layers in the vessel. A gas nozzle opens in the wall of the hopper and allows dust to be blown from the catalyst pellets and through the dust outlet to be collected in a suitable filter.

Abstract: A sifting device consists of a mesh with a vertical wall and protrusions, which attach the device to the rim of a bowl of a food processor. An open-based cone is co-axial with a central rotatable hub and is provided with protuberances on the inner surface thereof. In operation, ingredients are placed in the device and protuberances engaged in turn with a projection, as the hub is rotated, so as to provide undulations of the mesh, thus tossing the ingredients in the device and introducing them into the bowl through the mesh.

Abstract: Apparatus is provided to size finely divided catalyst particles so that all of the catalyst particles passing through the apparatus are sized so as to have a maximum particle diameter. The apparatus includes:(a) A sealed cylindrical housing having an arcuate opening cut into its lower surface,(b) A fine mesh screen which overlaps the arcuate opening cut into the cylindrical housing,(c) A hemicylindrical housing attached to the lower surface of the cylindrical housing and defining a cavity in communication with the cylindrical housing,(d) An inlet port in the top center surface of the cylindrical housing,(e) An outlet port in the bottom center surface of the hemicylindrical housing,(f) A shaft rotating axially within the cylindrical housing and having brushes attached thereto which force catalyst particles from the cylindrical housing through the screen and break down catalyst agglomerates introduced into the cylindrical housing.

Abstract: Small live insects are separated from green coffee beans or similar sized agricultural commodities by vibrating a screen on which the beans are placed at a frequency of at least 60 cycles per second. The insects are inactivated by the vibrations and fall through a multiplicity of apertures in the screen sized smaller than the beans but larger than the insects. The vibrating screen is usually capable of removing substantially all of the small live insects from the beans. The insects separated from the beans can then be suitable disposed of.

Abstract: A garbage disposal drain protector adapted to be readily secured, in a few seconds, to all commercially available garbage disposal units. The disposal drain protector is mounted adjacent the open end of the disposal to catch silverware or the like that may inadvertently enter the disposal to prevent these objects from being subjected to the cutting blades of the disposal and permits them to be manually retrieved, intact, from the drain protector. The general function is the same as that provided by the device disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,089,474.

Abstract: A receptacle for holding a quantity of litter material and for the deposit of refuse. A sifting screen is mounted on mechanism for movement through the bed of litter to sift therefrom the accumulated refuse, leaving the litter bed for further use. In another form, the litter container is configured to be tilted to pass the litter through a centrally placed sifting screen.

Abstract: An archaeological sifting basket is disclosed for use at the site of an archaeological dig, said basket comprising a frame, with wire mesh screen attached. The basket is hinged to be collapsible and has a bottom wall made up of two planar areas arranged at an angle to each other for increased flexibility of use.

Abstract: The invention relates to vibratory material handling apparatus and more particularly to a dual exciter system derive for vibrating the apparatus wherein the exciters are positioned on either side of the center of gravity of the apparatus and direct vibrations at obtuse and acute angles, respectively, through the center of gravity of the apparauts, the arrangement being much whereby the vibratory force exerted by each exciter may selectively be varied so as to cause the apparatus to vibrate vertically, or displaced from the vertical, so as to convey in one direction or the opposite direction. The arrangement is such that the spring system connecting the exciters to the material-handling apparatus acts as isolation springs when the vibration generator associated therewith is inoperative, and as tuned natural frequency systems when the vibrator is actuating.

Abstract: A mechanical separator having a container providing a chamber for receiving plant material, such as herb plants, spice plants and the like, a motor driven substantially flexible member being rotatably supported for substantially free form random thrashing movement within and about the chamber in juxtarelationship for engaging, fragmenting and separating the intrinsic parts of the plant material as desired for flavoring from the waste portions thereof, a screen being provided across a dischargeway opening from the chamber of the container, such screen being of a mesh size to act to permit the fragmented and separated intrinsic parts of the plant material to be discharged therethrough and to act to retain waste portions of the plant material within the chamber.

Abstract: A garbage disposal drain protector adapted to be secured in a commercially available garbage disposal unit for preventing silverware or the like accidentally swept into the unit from being subjected to the disposal cutting blades. The protector device is pivotally mounted to the disposal wall to catch silverware and may be pivoted out of position by large objects voluntarily forced into the unit so that they may be disposed of readily with the device returning to its normal position.