Abstract: A method and apparatus for detecting foreign matter in a particulate material stream, particularly tobacco, including an optical scanner, in combination with a camera system with beam splitter and filters, and a computer to process signals from the camera to determine whether foreign matter is present. If foreign matter is detected, a diverter deviates the flow of the contaminated material onto a discharge conveyor.

Abstract: A conveyor system for moving small particles of material from one location to another includes a flow diverter to divert the flow leaving a first conveyor to a second or third conveyor wherein one of the second or third conveyors is a reject conveyor to remove that material which includes foreign objects therein. The flow diverter is operated in response to a foreign object detection device which is operable in response to material moving along the first conveyor wherein the information obtained from the foreign material detecting device is received in a computer, wherein the computer actuates a piston operated air cylinder to move a perforated sheet member from one location to another so that the flow of material from the first conveyor or any part of the material leaving the first conveyor may be diverted to a reject conveyor.