Abstract: As an elegant solution for minimizing false positives returned by a sensor tuned to an analyte molecule, filters constructed of carbon nanotubes are positioned relative to the sensor to limit the sensor to being exposed to molecules within a defined range of sizes, with too-big molecules being excluded from reaching the sensor by one filter, and too-small molecules being pumped out through another, finer filter before the sensor is operated.

Abstract: Items to be distributed and transported are separated into at least two categories, based on the shape of the items. Distribution and transportation functions are performed within a system comprising a plurality of Origin Facility/Destination Facility and Network Control Points, with each ODF being assigned to a single NCP. Each ODF, in turn, is assigned one or more geographic area. Items arrive at an ODF, are distributed and then transported to the assigned NCP for further distribution, and then transported to a second ODF for final distribution.

Abstract: A method for forming bundles from stackable objects includes supplying the stackable objects with a first conveying apparatus from above to a shaft of a stacking device to form bundles of the stackable objects inside the shaft of the stacking device. The bundles are transported from a lower section of the shaft of the stacking device with a second conveying apparatus.

Abstract: A mail sorter, method, and software product are used for sorting inbound mail pieces and outbound mail pieces. The mail sorter includes sorter modules cooperatively engaged with each other, so as to receive mail pieces that are a mixture of both inbound mail pieces and outbound mail pieces, and so as to sort both the inbound mail pieces and the outbound mail pieces. The mail sorter also includes an unsorted mail piece path that is utilized by both the inbound mail pieces and the outbound mail pieces. The outbound mail pieces are mail pieces destined for sorting at a remote postal facility prior to delivery to destination addresses, whereas the inbound mail pieces are mail pieces that are not destined for sorting at a remote postal facility prior to delivery to destination addresses.

Abstract: A method of producing a particle-dispersed liquid, using a channel of micro width having a core flow channel, includes: sending the particle-dispersed liquid containing larger particles to an inner portion of the core flow channel; separating and removing the larger particles from the particle-dispersed liquid; and sending the removed larger particles to an outermost part of the core flow channel. An outer diameter of the core flow channel is 50 to 5,000 ?m.

Abstract: A cooler for particulate product includes a substantially enclosed housing. A first cooling screen is disposed in the housing and is configured to receive the product. The first cooling screen is configured to move the product along a surface by gravity when the first cooling screen vibrated. A duct is coupled to the first cooling screen to move cooling fluid through the first cooling screen. A second cooling screen is disposed in the housing below the first screen and is configured to receive the product after discharge from the first screen. The second screen is configured to move the particulate product along a surface when vibrated. A second duct is coupled to the second screen to move cooling fluid through the screen. A collector receives the particulate product after moving along a surface of the second screen. A vibrator is coupled to the housing and vibrates the housing.

Abstract: Separation device of molecules and production method thereof. A molecule is separated from a liquid sample containing said molecule and at least one additional molecule having a larger hydrodynamic diameter than the hydrodynamic diameter of the molecule to be separated, by means of a separation device comprising a substrate, at least one circulation channel arranged in said substrate, and at least one nanotube associated with said molecule to be separated and formed on a free surface of the substrate. Separation is achieved by means of the internal channel of a nanotube, such as a carbon nanotube, presenting an effective diameter chosen in predetermined and controlled manner. The effective diameter of the internal channel is chosen such as to be larger than the hydrodynamic diameter of the molecule to be separated and smaller than the hydrodynamic diameter of the additional molecules of larger hydrodynamic diameters.

Abstract: Apparatus for eliminating the trimmings of rolls or logs of ribbonlike material coming out of a cutting machine, where at least one roll or log is cut into rolls (14) and small rolls or trimmings (15) from the leading portion of the log and/or trimmings (15?) from the trailing portion of the log, said rolls (14) and trimmings (15, 15?) being made to advance one after another by means of at least one conveyor (11), which acts in a plane of feed (13), in which the plane of feed (13) comprises two sets of fixed supporting elements (16, 16?) for supporting the rolls, said fixed supporting elements being set at a distance apart from one another so as to define an opening (19), in which there are arranged guides (18) for mobile supporting elements (17) for supporting the rolls, the mobile supporting elements (17) being controlled so as to displace to and fro between two sets of fixed supporting elements (16, 16?) and with respect to the opening (19) on the guides, which are set at a distance apart from one another,

Abstract: A method of processing construction and demolition (C&D) debris at a location includes a set of processing steps. The method begins upon receipt of bulk C&D debris at the location. The bulk C&D debris is sorted into at least a first portion for further processing, and a second portion that is set aside. The first portion is then processed into a substantially homogenous wood waste material having particles of a given size by the unordered steps of shredding, screening, metals separation and flotation. The substantially homogenous wood waste material is then dried so that the particles have moisture content within a desired range. The wood waste material particles are then delivered into a molten metal bath at a submerged depth for gasification. Preferably, the process operates in a continuous or partially-continuous manner within a given facility, or within co-located facilities.

Abstract: A classification apparatus for classifying and separating particles having particle sizes within a predetermined range is disclosed. In a preferred embodiment of the classification apparatus, a center electrode (3) and an outside electrode (4) generate an electric field for classifying charged fine particles according to electric mobility. In the upper part of a housing (1), a sheath gas supply portion (7) is provided. An aerosol supply portion (11) has an introduction port (11a) provided on the outside electrode (4) side in a classification region (5), and supplies a charged aerosol at a constant flow rate through the introduction port (11a). On the downstream side in the flow of a sheath gas in the classification region (5), a larger-size particle discharge portion (13) is provided.

Abstract: The present invention is a method and apparatus for acoustically manipulating one or more particles.

Abstract: The invention relates to a screening device consisting of an elongated comb comprising several flexible combs arranged in parallel. The invention is characterised in that the combs are provided with angular or rounded sections, which form a grid that defines the particle size of the screened material. The invention also relates to a roller crusher comprising a screening device of the aforementioned type.

Abstract: A separator of solids for separating first and second solids, the diameter and density of the first solids being larger than the diameter and density of the second solids. A first substantially vertical internal baffle (2) forms a passage in the low portion of the separator and forms two compartments (1A, 1B) on the passage of the fluidized solids. The fluidization of each compartment is independently controlled by two fluidization gas inlets (3A, 3B) in order to obtain the desired velocity field for separating the first and second solids in the first compartment (1A) and discharging the second solids through a vent (8), as well as for transferring the first solids into the second compartment (1B).

Abstract: A system based on the continuous measurement (20) of the diameter of a cylindrical object (1) moving, laid down, on a belt conveyor (10) allows dimensional compliance of the latter object to be checked. The measurement system (20) may be coupled with a sorting system based on ejection out of the conveyor (10) by projecting a gas through a transverse nozzle (42). By means of the system according to the invention, it is possible to continuously determine whether a nuclear fuel pellet (1), in particular after rectification (2), has to be rejected or not.

Abstract: A classification apparatus including a magnetic stirrer composed of main body (1) and rotor (2) and, arranged on the main body of the magnetic stirrer, classification tube (3). The interior of the classification tube is provided with classification compartments (A-E) partitioned from each other by divider plates (5a-5b). The lowermost classification compartment (A) is furnished with gas emission conduit (7). In the classification compartment (A), the rotor (2) of the magnetic stirrer is arranged. From gas supply source (8), a high-pressure gas is fed into the gas emission conduit. By means of the gas emitted from the gas emission conduit, a vortex flow rising from the lowermost classification compartment sequentially toward higher classification compartments is generated in the classification tube.

Abstract: Systems and methods for the detection of substances (particularly particulate substances) within mail pieces, specifically letters and other “flats” of mail. In particular, the systems and methods are for the detection of residues of Chemical or Biological Warfare Agents (CBWAs) which may be present within the mail pieces. The system is principally designed to be included as part of Dual Pass Rough Cull System (DPRCS) for the collection and detection of the residue when the contaminated mail piece first enters a mail facility and before it is intermingled with other mail pieces.

Abstract: A process for the separation of a multiple domain solid feedstock such as that derived from ASR, WSR, and/or ESR is disclosed which comprises granulating the feedstock to produce particles each of substantially a single domain, with each type of particle having a different density. The particles are introduced into a suitable aqueous salt solution. Aqueous salt solutions containing cations comprising sodium, calcium and ammonium, and anions comprising nitrate, bromide, and chloride are useful. A dispersion mixer having a high shear and/or turbulent zone is utilized to disperse agglomerated particles and a quiescent hydrogravity tank is utilized to effect binary separation of the mixture of particles into a stream with a higher average specific gravity, and a stream with a lower average specific gravity. A higher degree of product purity can be obtained by subjecting either of the product streams from the first hydrogravity stage to additional stages of hydrogravity separation.

Abstract: In a method of handling mail items in a postal sorting machine, in which method the mail items pass a first time and then a second time through the machine in compliance with a sorting plan, the following steps are performed: during the first sorting pass, and for each current mail item, measuring a physical magnitude specific to the mail item, and determining an expected sequence of mail items for the second sorting pass; and, during the second sorting pass, and for each current mail item, measuring the same physical magnitude once again, and, if it is determined that said current mail item is not the item expected in said sequence, comparing the physical magnitudes as measured for the same mail item respectively during the first pass and during the second pass so as to identify the presence of mail items in multiple takes.

Abstract: Various systems, methods, and devices are provided for focusing particles suspended within a moving fluid into one or more localized stream lines. The system can include a substrate and at least one channel provided on the substrate having an inlet and an outlet. The system can further include a fluid moving along the channel in a laminar flow having suspended particles and a pumping element driving the laminar flow of the fluid. The fluid, the channel, and the pumping element can be configured to cause inertial forces to act on the particles and to focus the particles into one or more stream lines.

Abstract: The present invention describes a device allowing secondary filtration of catalyst particles contained in an effluent from a process comprising a reactor operated in three-phase mode.

Abstract: A pre-sorter forwards items from solid waste to designated processing paths in response to their size. Large items are manually processed to remove non-recyclables, to fuel a generator, to be returned to the pre-sorter after removal from a container, or forwarded to processing streams. The smallest items are forwarded to a first chain of machines that remove metal and glass from the items. Intermediate sized items are forwarded to an assembly that separates small, relatively dense, items from larger lightweight items. The former items are mixed and processed by a first chain of machines. The latter items are forwarded to a second chain of machines that separate and remove paper and other containers from recyclable metal and plastic. Multiple paper types are identified and removed by a third chain of machines. A remediator receives residual items from each of the first, second and third chains of machines.

Abstract: A method is provided for determining the robustness of a tubular assembly in a fluid flow assembly for a hydraulic system and predicting the performance of the endform tubular assembly in high pressure applications, wherein the tubular assembly has inherent features therein that are measured to provide quantified values for assessing the robustness of the assembly and predict the performance of such assembly in high pressure applications for prolonged periods of time.

Abstract: Processes for separating carbon nanotubes according to their length are described. The processes involve forming highly dispersed systems of the nanotubes followed by creating an array of layers in a centrifugation vessel. Each layer contains dispersed nanotubes with varying proportions of a density adjusting agent. The vessel array includes a first layer containing the nanotubes to be separated, and one or more layers of lesser density disposed above the first layer. Upon centrifuging for a sufficient period of time, a series of liquid fractions form in the vessel. The average length of nanotubes in a respective fraction is different than the average length of nanotubes in the other fractions.

Abstract: A method and device for sorting postal items according to formats, wherein postal items having at least two formats are fed by first conveyor to a sorting location; postal items of a first format are removed from the first conveyor in the area of the sorting location at a number of sorting stations arranged one behind the other in a direction of conveyance of the first conveyor, and are fed to a second conveyor, which, in the area of the sorting location, extends laterally next to the first conveyor, and; the postal items with other formats remain on the first conveyor.

Abstract: A process is provided for analyzing the physical characteristics of flat articles being sorted to determine which downstream operations the articles should be processed with next. Length, height, width and stiffness information are received from sensors, and the data is analyzed to determine if the mail piece is automation compatible, extended capability or manual letter, or a flat.

Abstract: A system for capturing multiple images of an object, the system including: means, in communication with a source of objects, for delivering an object into an image capture zone whereby the object passes through a predetermined point in space within the image capture zone; a first image capture device located a first predetermined distance from the predetermined point in space; and a second image capture device located a first predetermined distance from the predetermined point in space, the second image capture device being substantially 90 degrees offset from the first image capture device.

Abstract: An in-line sorter for fasteners which includes a track for receiving the head of a fastener. Fasteners move along the track, past one or more stations which reject those fasteners which do not meet certain specifications. Specifically, four stations may be provided—a first station for rejecting fasteners which have bolt portions which are too short; a second station for rejecting fasteners which have too long a head or too long a shaft portion extending above the head; a third station for rejecting fasteners which have bolt portions which are too long; and a fourth station for rejecting fasteners which have too large a head or washer portions which are either too small or too large. More or less than four stations may be provided. Also, the stations may be provided in a different sequence. Still further, in some cases, stations may be combined.

Abstract: A transporter/sorter and a transport box therefore are disclosed. The transporter/sorter 1 comprises a guide rail 50 having straight portions and curved portions and forming an endless loop path, a plurality of transport wagons 30 undergoing excursion along the endless loop path in an inter-coupled state, and transport boxes 20 supported on the transport wagons 30, respectively, in a state of being found on the outer side of the guide rail 50.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method to separate particles having a first granulometry, between some hundredths of a millimeter and about 6 tenths of a millimeter, from an incoherent mass of woody material consisting of particles of wood and contaminants, having a second granulometry between some hundredths of a millimeter and about 10 mm. The apparatus has fixed screening elements, substantially tubular in shape, inside which rotary members are mounted rotatable, which impart to the mass a determinate centrifugal force. The fixed screening elements are provided with a plurality of through apertures through which the particles having the first granulometry pass. The apparatus also has command members which impart to the rotary members a determinate peripheral velocity such as to apply to each unitary quantity of mass a centrifugal force sufficient to expel the contaminants having the first granulometry through the through apertures.

Abstract: The invention relates to a sorting device and method for sorting granulated mass containing varied materials, such as granulated mass containing varied materials, such as granulated electronic scrap. According to the invention, the sorting device comprises a planar, elongated trough conveyor (1) having at least a first elongated and vertical edge (2, 3, 4); a feeding device (5) for feeding the mass into the first end (6) of the trough conveyor, a vibrator (9) provided with a motor (7) and an eccentric (8), whose rotation axis (10) is disposed in a plane deviating from the plane defined by the trough conveyor so that the mass proceeds obliquely forwards in the trough conveyor towards the first edge and second end (11); a first suction device (12) for removing the lightest surface portion of the mass near the edge, a guide (13) which is oblique with respect to the edge for bringing apart the mass flow from the edge; as well as a mechanical separator member (14) for dividing the mass flow into two parts.

Abstract: A device for separating a fine solid component includes a substrate and a diaphragm provided on the substrate. The substrate has a first surface and a second surface opposite the first surface. The substrate has a recess provided in the second surface, a cavity opening to the first surface, and a first through-hole allowing the recess to communicate with the cavity. The diaphragm has a second through-hole formed therein at a position corresponding to the cavity. The second through hole has a diameter smaller than a diameter of the first through-hole. This device and a method using the device enables only small solid components included in fluid having plural solid components having sizes different from each other to pass without clogging.

Abstract: Systems and methods for the detection of substances (particularly particulate substances) within mail pieces, specifically letters and other “flats” of mail. In particular, the systems and methods are for the detection of residues of Chemical or Biological Warfare Agents (CBWAs) which may be present within the mail pieces. The system is principally designed to be included as part of Dual Pass Rough Cull System (DPRCS) for the collection and detection of the residue when the contaminated mail piece first enters a mail facility and before it is intermingled with other mail pieces. The system also utilizes aerosol chambers using at least two arrays of pinch rollers to provide for decreased incremental changes on mail pieces and decrease the likelihood of mail piece damage.

Abstract: Systems and methods for the detection of substances (particularly particulate substances) within mail pieces, specifically letters and other “flats” of mail. In particular, the systems and methods are for the detection of residues of Chemical or Biological Warfare Agents (CBWAs) which may be present within the mail pieces. The system is principally designed to be included as part of Dual Pass Rough Cull System (DPRCS) for the collection and detection of the residue when the contaminated mail piece first enters a mail facility and before it is intermingled with other mail pieces.

Abstract: To provide a process for producing an aluminum oxide powder, whereby the content of impurities is controlled by a physical means. A process for producing an aluminum oxide powder, which comprises pulverizing electrofused alumina by a batch system and classifying the obtained pulverized product to obtain an aluminum oxide powder different in the content of impurities. It is possible to obtain aluminum oxide of high purity by pulverization to a smaller average particle size and separating a powder having a larger average particle size by classification.

Abstract: Systems and methods for the detection of substances (particularly particulate substances) within mail pieces, specifically letters and other “flats” of mail. In particular, the systems and methods are for the detection of residues of Chemical or Biological Warfare Agents (CBWAs) which may be present within the mail pieces. The system is principally designed to be included as part of Dual Pass Rough Cull System (DPRCS) for the collection and detection of the residue when the contaminated mail piece first enters a mail facility and before it is intermingled with other mail pieces. The system also utilizes aerosol chambers using at least two arrays of pinch rollers to provide for decreased incremental changes on mail pieces and decrease the likelihood of mail piece damage.

Abstract: Systems and methods for the detection of substances (particularly particulate substances) within mail pieces, specifically letters and other “flats” of mail. In particular, the systems and methods are for the detection of residues of Chemical or Biological Warfare Agents (CBWAs) which may be present within the mail pieces. The system is principally designed to be included as part of Dual Pass Rough Cull System (DPRCS) for the collection and detection of the residue when the contaminated mail piece first enters a mail facility and before it is intermingled with other mail pieces. The system also utilizes aerosol chambers using at least two arrays of pinch rollers to provide for decreased incremental changes on mail pieces and decrease the likelihood of mail piece damage.

Abstract: Systems and methods for the detection of substances (particularly particulate substances) within mail pieces, specifically letters and other “flats” of mail. In particular, the systems and methods are for the detection of residues of Chemical or Biological Warfare Agents (CBWAs) which may be present within the mail pieces. The system is principally designed to be included as part of Dual Pass Rough Cull System (DPRCS) for the collection and detection of the residue when the contaminated mail piece first enters a mail facility and before it is intermingled with other mail pieces.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for separating a mixture of particles of various sizes in a capillary tube into groups by size using multiple forces of controlled amplitude. Ultrasonic radiation at a first selected frequency is applied to set up a standing pressure wave in the capillary tube, resulting in a first aggregating force which causes particles of all sizes to aggregate at positions within the capillary tube which correspond to nodes or anti-nodes of the standing wave. Transverse vibrations are also applied to the capillary tube. The frequency of the ultrasonic radiation is adjusted to reduce the magnitude of the first aggregating force. Inertial forces resulting from the transverse vibrations then cause the particles to separate by size. The apparatus and method allows a mixture of particles to be separated by size quickly, without requiring the use of high voltages.

Abstract: Systems and methods for the detection of substances (particularly particulate substances) within mail pieces, specifically letters and other “flats” of mail. In particular, the systems and methods are for the detection of residues of Chemical or Biological Warfare Agents (CBWAs) which may be present within the mail pieces. The system is principally designed to be included as part of Dual Pass Rough Cull System (DPRCS) for the collection and detection of the residue when the contaminated mail piece first enters a mail facility and before it is intermingled with other mail pieces.

Abstract: A screen repair apparatus is disclosed for temporarily repairing holes or worn screen elements of screens used in gyratory or vibratory screening machines in the coal mining and rock quarrying industries. The apparatus is comprised of a flat plate which covers the damaged area of screen on the screen's top, a number of duplex jaws which are used to clamp the apparatus to the lower surface of the screen elements, and a clamping means, including an attachment rod which draws together the plate and duplex jaws on either side of the screen elements, thereby clamping the two to the screen. The screen repair apparatus also is comprised of a set of cauls, which are disposed between the clamping means and the upper surface of the plate and which distribute the force exerted by the clamping means across the face of the upper surface of the plate.

Abstract: An apparatus and method of separating medium-sized materials such as trash, bottles, floated articles, and submerged articles from garbage for collection by means of wind and water is disclosed. Moreover, an initial cleaning of garbage and a dilution of toxic materials contained therein are performed while disposing garbage, thereby significantly reducing a possibility of contracting diseases by or poisoning cleaning employees.

Abstract: A hopper used in conjunction with a deep fryer basket to remove small pieces of the food item, breading or ice crystals from the basket before it is placed in a deep fryer for cooking. Removing the small particles of food prevents them from falling into the shortening and accumulating in the deep fryer. The shortening in the deep fryer will last longer and not discolor when the food items being cooked are totally removed from the shortening after cooking and do not leave behind small pieces of food, breading or water. The hopper when used over a bucket will collect all the small food items, which would otherwise fall into the shortening. The bucket when full can be emptied or replaces with another bucket. The hopper has a lid to engage the bucket and prevent spills or food escaping from the bucket.

Abstract: This invention relates to a device for receiving envelopes, or stacker, for a mail handling machine, comprising a conveyor belt arranged at the exit of the mail handling machine, for receiving these envelopes and conveying them perpendicularly to a direction of advance of these envelopes towards an inclined transfer surface from which these envelopes are then directed by guiding means mounted directly at the exit of the inclined transfer surface towards a first post storage bin of standard dimensions disposed beneath the conveyor belt. There is preferably provided, upstream of the conveyor belt, a motorized sorting flap adapted to be switched depending on the format of the franked mail item and which, in a first position, serves as support for the mail item when it is ejected towards the conveyor belt and, in a second position, forms an obstacle to the mail item which then drops loose directly in a second post storage bin disposed just at the exit of the mail handling machine.

Abstract: There is provided a process for converting wet fly ash into a useful product such as cement replacement or industrial filler. A first amount of wet fly ash is provided. The wet fly ash is fed into a mixing chamber. An amount of aggregate, such as stone, is provided. The aggregate is also fed into the mixing chamber where the wet fly ash is mixed with the aggregate. The mixed wet fly ash and aggregate is fed into a drying chamber where the mixture is heated, thereby drying the fly ash and heating the aggregate. The heated aggregate is separated from the fly ash. The heated aggregate is fed back into the mixing chamber. A second amount of wet fly ash is added to the mixing chamber where is it mixed with the heated aggregate. The heated aggregate assists in drying the second amount of wet fly ash. Once in cycle, the process is continuous.

Abstract: A manure management system that removes a large percentage of solids from a manure slurry when the slurry is run across a series of sloped screen separators. The sloped screen on the separator has very small openings. In addition, the separator has a water line with spray heads formed across the sloped screen. The spray heads direct water under pressure onto the sloped screen. Further, the separator controls the air flow through the sloped screen.

Abstract: A transporting and escapement device includes an internal guide member extending along the conveying path and extending through an aperture in each conveyed article. The guide member will serve to guide the article along the conveying path. The guide member is supported by at least one escapement assembly. Each escapement assembly includes at least two independently operated guide member engaging supports which can selectively engage the guide member at spaced locations along the guide member. At least one support of at least one escapement assembly will be engaged with the guide member at any given time.

Abstract: A device for the elimination of trimmings of rolls or logs of ribbon-like material that can be connected below a cropper machine of at least one roll or log, in turn fed by a feed surface (11) of rolls (12) and top and/or tail crop ends (21), one after another, comprising, below of the feed surface (11), at least one conveyor element (16) closed in a ring which moves around a pulley (14) and which receives the rolls (12) and top and/or tail crop ends (21) on an upper section, the conveyor element (16) having an opening (17) with a dimension at least equivalent to the diameter of a log, inside which the top and/or tail crop ends (21) fall, the opening (17) being positioned as the conveyor element (16) rotates at the beginning of the upper section when the top and/or tail crop ends (21) reach this point.

Abstract: A coin sorting apparatus (S) has a presorting unit (A) and two main sorting units (B1, B2). The presorting unit (A) sorts mixed coins into three groups (large coin group, medium coin group, small coin group). The main sorting units (B1, B2) sort by denomination coins of the two groups (medium coin group, small coin group) among the three groups of coins broadly sorted by the presorting unit (A). Thus, the number of denominations to be dealt with by a single sorting operation can be reduced.

Abstract: A system for separating and aligning small parts including a separating device arranged on an output side of a storage container. The separating device is adjoined by an aligning station connected with a transfer device. The aligning station precisely positions each small part to be transferred and the transfer device transfers each small part to a processing unit.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for separating a mixture of particles of various sizes in a capillary tube into groups by size using multiple forces of controlled amplitude. Ultrasonic radiation at a first selected frequency is applied to set up a standing pressure wave in the capillary tube, resulting in a first aggregating force which causes particles of all sizes to aggregate at positions within the capillary tube which correspond to nodes or anti-nodes of the standing wave. Transverse vibrations are also applied to the capillary tube. The frequency of the ultrasonic radiation is adjusted to reduce the magnitude of the first aggregating force. Inertial forces resulting from the transverse vibrations then cause the particles to separate by size. The apparatus and method allows a mixture of particles to be separated by size quickly, without requiring the use of high voltages.