Abstract: An air separator for removing relatively dense foreign materials from shredded paper comprises a downwardly pitched inlet duct which causes relatively dense particles to impact the wall of a vertical discharge duct and deflect downward for removal while the shredded paper follows the air flow through a horizontal outlet duct.

Abstract: A drum separator includes a cylindrical screen drum which is mounted for rotation within a sealed housing such that a small portion of the perimeter of the screen drum is exposed. Air, fibers, and fines are introduced onto a first part of the exposed portion of the screen drum and fines and air pass through the screen drum into the interior of the housing and then to a fines collector. Fibers which are too large to pass through the screen drum are carried by the rotation of the screen drum to a pick-up head which applies a low pressure to the exterior of the screen drum to remove the fibers. The pick-up head is pivotably mounted to the housing, and air cylinders lift the pick-up head away from the screen drum in the event of an impact. The pick-up head includes a pick-up bar and a plurality of fins which are shaped to optimize removal of fibers from the exterior of the screen drum.

Abstract: A method of deinking comprises: (a) mechanically fiberizing a secondary fiber source in a substantially dry state, preferably air dry, thereby producing a fibrous material consisting of substantially discrete fibers and ink-bearing fines: (b) depositing the fibrous material onto a moving screen or wire which retains fibers and allows fines to pass therethrough; and (c) lifting the fibrous material above the screen with upwardly directed forced air and redepositing the material onto the screen, whereby upon re-deposition of the material, additional fines pass through the screen.