Abstract: A vacuum system with multiple suction cups is provided to grasp and move irregularly-shaped objects to reduce the likelihood of dropping the object and contaminating collections of objects, for instance, when sorting objects in a recycling facility. In some embodiments, each suction cup is part of a spindle that moves independently with respect to a spindle flange assembly, and each suction cup is made of a pliable and deformable material. Therefore, as the vacuum system presses the suction cups into an object, the suction cups can deform and/or the spindle can move to better conform the suction cups to the irregularly-shaped object. A pump or other device can draw air through a lower opening in each suction cup to form a seal with the object. As a result, smaller cups and less powerful pumps can be used for improved sorting of objects and material.

Abstract: A system is provided for sorting solid materials, that system comprising: a plurality of shafts disposed upon bearings, the bearings being fixed on an inclined slope; each shaft of the plurality of shafts being configured with a plurality of sorting discs, the sorting discs being configured with a receiving cavity and material contact fingers; spacers configured to be received by the receiving cavity of the discs and to maintain a desired space between the discs; and the spacers being configured with a hexagonal or pentagonal cross section.