Abstract: The present invention provides a method for classifying fine particles, the method comprising: introducing a fine particle dispersion in which fine particles are dispersed in a liquid medium into an inlet of a microchannel having the inlet and a recovery portion; and delivering the fine particle dispersion, which has been introduced through the inlet, to the recovery portion in laminar flow, wherein delivering the fine particle dispersion includes classifying the fine particles using the difference in sedimentation speed or floatation speed among the fine particles in the fine particle dispersion. The present invention also provides a device used in the method for classifying fine particles.

Abstract: In a sprigger a tiller aligned with a plow and weighted to disks. The tiller breaks the ground forming narrow grooves into which fertilizer may be distributed and a plow following behind, preferably at a depth less than that of the tiller, forms a substantially flat bottomed furrow in the path of the groove. A plurality of chutes are aligned, one over each of the furrows, and a separator mounted above the chutes loosens the sprigs and distributes them through the chutes into the furrows. Weighted disks shift the ridges of loose soil over the sprigs and trailing tires on the sprigger transport carriage compact the earth over the sprigs. Each of the plows operates in a three-stage fashion, with V-shaped blades cutting the horizontal path through the earth, a lifting wedge raising the cut earth at a modest angle above the furrow and a pair of curling plates having convex surfaces curling the uplifted earth into ridges on either side of the plow to provide a clean, consistent furrow.