Abstract: A hopper into which loosened pieces of the paper collection are fed. A conveyor for transporting the loosened pieces of paper to a higher elevation. A fan for generating a stream of air to blow through the pieces of paper as they leave the conveyor at the higher elevation. A chamber into which the pieces of paper are gently floated by the stream of air generated by the fan. A vertical tube through which the pieces of paper can flutter downwardly due to the force of gravity. A divider separating the bottom of the vertical tube into a number of parts so that the pieces of paper which flutter down the tube can be separated into desired proportions.