Abstract: A machine and method for separating chip-like particles according to thickness which provides low blinding and high efficiency at high throughput in sustained operation. The machine has a sloping deck mounting a series of spaced flexible louvers or slats which extend parallel to the direction of chip flow down the deck. The slats are canted transversely to the direction of flow, and present unobstructed full length slot-like chip openings between them. The deck is driven with a horizontal gyratory motion such that during the upstream half of each cycle of movement, each slot moves toward chips on the adjacent slat which slopes toward it, and moves away from such chips during the downstream half of the cycle. The path of screening movement is uniform over the entire deck, that is, the motion of the lower or discharge end of the deck matches that of the upper or feed end.

Abstract: An apparatus for automatic screen analysis of a granular material in which the material is screened from a polygonal drum which is divided crosswise into at least two chambers by a transverse partition. A first chamber has progressively coarser screens on each of its faces except one, which has a downward slanting ramp for transferring the sample into a second chamber. Particles are transferred or chuted into the second chamber after they have been screened on all the screens of the first chamber. The second chamber has screens progressively coarser than those in the first chamber, for making more cuts. This construction increases the number of graded screening surfaces available without requiring greater drum length or more sides.

Abstract: Disclosed is a device for sequentially cleaning the screens of a particle size analyzer of the indexing drum type, as each screen moves out of the screening position. The cleaning member is preferably removed from the drum during each screening step. The particles dislodged from the screen being cleaned are returned to the sample being analyzed in a manner which maintains the accuracy of the analysis. In an alternative embodiment, each screen is cleaned during a screening step, at an indexed position other than the screening position.

Abstract: A screening machine having an improved seal operable between the stationary inlet and outlet conduits of the machine and the movable inlet and outlet ports of the screen enclosure. The improved seal comprises a low friction slideable ring movable relative to a slide surface on one or the other of the conduit or the screen enclosure.

Abstract: In a multiple deck screening machine, the feed material is divided into separate equal fractions as it falls into parallel vertical channels. Each channel serves a particular screen deck via a chute which diverts the respective fraction from the channel onto the screen. The lower chutes include widened portions that extend laterally from their respective channels into areas which are masked or closed above by overlying upper chutes, in order to provide flow areas onto the respective screens which are wider than the channels that feed them, and thereby provide better flow distribution onto the screens.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for improving the distribution of a stream of incoming feed material onto the screen of a screening machine. The distributor apparatus includes a rotating, dished or cupped thrower surrounded by a fixed shroud. The shroud is of a cross-sectional area substantially larger than that of the thrower but substantially less than the surface area of the screening machine's top screen. The incoming material is discharged into the cup of the thrower, the rotation of which slings the material outwardly over the rim of the cup and against the shroud, in a more symmetrical angular distribution. A roof having directional vanes on it is interposed above the screening machine's top screen, and below the thrower and shroud. The infed material drops from the shroud onto the vaned roof, and the vanes direct it outwardly in a predetermined pattern toward the peripheral edges of the screening machine's top screen.

Abstract: The screening motion of a screening machine is changed by adding ballast, while the machine is in operation, to selected closed compartments moving with the vibrating assembly. In the preferred embodiment, the ballast is added through flexible tubing which is inserted through ports that close with spring loaded oil hole caps. When the tubing is pulled from the ports, the caps snap closed to capture the ballast in the selected compartments.

Abstract: A radio control for a press includes a radio receiver connected to actuate the press upon receipt of a predetermined radio signal, and a belt-mounted transmitter worn by the press operator. Two series-connected manually operated transmitter actuating buttons are mounted on the belt at opposite sides of the operator. The buttons must be simultaneously pushed to actuate the transmitter and, since the buttons are on opposite sides of the operator, he must use both hands to push them at the same time. This precludes the possibility that an operator's hands will be in the danger zone of the press during operation, while at the same time providing relatively unlimited freedom of position for the operator. Provisions are made for two or more receivers and transmitters to equally protect two or more operators, and for overriding the belt transmitter in the event of special workpiece set ups.