Abstract: A flotation apparatus used in reclaiming resin materials from bottles and other scrap articles each comprising a first low density resin component (e.g., polyethylene) bonded to a second high density resin component (e.g., polyethylene terephthlate); the scrap articles are granulated and air classified to form a primary particulate scrap which is flotation separated in two successive stages. The flotation separation stages each include a first auger in an apertured-bottom trough positioned near the top of a flotation tank with inlet means depositing a flow of particulate scrap and flotation liquid into one end of the trough; the heavy material output is afforded by a second auger in the bottom of the tank, whereas the lightweight material outlet is an overflow weir at one side of the tank. A vigorous washing apparatus using a hot aqueous medium connects the first flotation stage to the second, and a feedback connection conveys low density scrap back from the second flotation stage to the first such stage.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for reclaiming reusable resin materials from bottles and other scrap articles each comprising a first low density resin component (e.g., polyethylene) bonded to a second high density resin component (e.g., polyethylene terephthalate); the scrap articles are granulated to form a primary particulate scrap that is air classified to remove paper and film from labels, then flotation separated into a lightweight first resin (PE) material that is dried and air classified for re-use, and a secondary particulate scrap. The secondary scrap is vigorously washed in a hot aqueous medium to disrupt bonds in chips containing both resins, then thoroughly rinsed and again flotation separated into a heavy second resin material that is dried and air cleaned for re-use; there is also a residual low density scrap from the second flotation stage that is returned to the first flotation stage.

Abstract: A rotary shearing/cutting machine, capable of comminuting article of many diverse materials and widely varying dimensional characteristics (i.e., plastic barrels and other containers, plastic and metal films, rubber tires, etc.) has four rotary driven shafts extending across a comminution chamber in parallel spaced relation to each other, with two center shafts rotating in opposite directions and with the shafts rotating at different speeds; a series of primary shear blades interspersed one-for-one with a series of secondary cutter blades are mounted on each shaft for rotation therewith, each shear blade projecting into the space between the shear blades on any adjacent shaft in close overlapping proximity thereto. Each shear blade and each cutter blade is of disc-like configuration having at least one radially projecting C-shaped cutting element affording a transverse cutting edge facing in the direction of rotation; the cutter blades are substantially smaller in diameter than the shear blades.

Abstract: A rotary granulator having a rotor positioned coaxially within a cutting chamber defined by a multi-perforate cylindrical screen mounted on an end plate with a fixed bed knife projecting into the cutting chamber in position to cooperate with a rotor knife in cutting up stock introduced axially into the cutting chamber through the end of the chamber opposite the end plate. The rotor includes a hub adjacent the end plate and at least two spaced rotor arms projecting from the hub parallel to the cutting chamber axis with the rotor knife mounted on a rotor arm. An annular rotor bearing member is mounted on the ends of the rotor arms opposite the hub within a fixed bearing member; the two bearing members comprise an outboard guide/support bearing for the rotor, affording support for the rotor but allowing unimpeded axial feed into the cutting chamber.