Abstract: A system and process for sorting and recovery of recyclable materials, and in particular, sorting and recovery of recyclable materials from mixed waste comprising municipal solid waste in a materials recovery facility or “MRF” are provided. Advanced technology and machinery are integrated into a multi-step system and process that are designed to treat contaminated MSW streams to meet or exceed minimum material quality specifications while also reducing and minimizing headcount of sorter personnel. Because the mix of materials in MSW can be so varied and unpredictable, the system and process are designed to effectively sort and recover desired materials from MSW streams having a variety of material compositions.

Abstract: The present invention includes devices and methods for handling and sorting paper. Devices for accelerating and spreading paper from a paper input to a sensor are disclosed. Operably thin layers of paper are passed through a sensor at cost effective feed rates. One embodiment of the invention includes a spreader positioned to receive paper from the input and an inclined feed section downstream of the spreader. The inclined feed section includes first and second inclined conveyors to further accelerate and spread the paper. A feed accelerator is operably positioned to receive paper from the second inclined conveyor. The feed accelerator further accelerates and separates the paper. The feed accelerator feeds the paper to the sensor which is operably connected to an ejector downstream of the sensor. Targeted paper is ejected from the paper stream and product paper continues downstream to a product conveyor.

Abstract: A rotary valve for use in a particulate material handling system having an elevated device for holding a supply of the particulate material, a lower material receiving device and a remote control device. The rotary valve includes a housing having a rotor chamber, a side inlet communicating with the rotor chamber, a lower outlet communicating with the rotor chamber and communicable with the material receiving device, a rotor journalled in the rotor chamber having a plurality of radially disposed vanes and a slide valve disposed in the inlet for controlling the flow of material therethrough. The slide valve is operatively connected to the remote control device and is operated in response to the operating conditions sensed by sensing devices which are connected to the remote control device.

Abstract: A solid material pump or conveyance apparatus and method including a pump housing an inlet and an outlet with a passageway between them. The passageway is formed and defined by a friction drive wall which is movable relative the pump housing towards the outlet and a wall stationary relative the pump housing. The friction drive wall has a greater surface area for contacting the solid material than the stationary wall. The friction drive wall exerts frictional forces upon the solids material introduced through the housing inlet which exceed the frictional drag exerted upon the material by the stationary wall, so that the net frictional force drives the material in a forward direction toward the housing outlet. The solid material is compacted or compressed prior to or upon entry into the pumping apparatus to a sufficient level so that the solid material exhibits some of the properties of a liquid.