Abstract: An axial classifier, for separating the coarse particles from a fluid flow having both coarse and fine particles, comprising a housing forming a first chamber for the fluid flow to enter the classifier, a vane assembly provided within the housing, wherein the vane assembly includes a plurality of blades aligned around a flow diverter, a cone member forming a second chamber for the fluid flow to pass therein, wherein the cone member includes an opening for the coarse particles separated from the fluid flow to pass therethrough, and an outlet for the particles remaining in the fluid flow after separation of the coarse particles to exit the classifier, wherein the plurality of blades of the vane assembly abut an outer surface of the flow diverter to direct the fluid flow from the first chamber into the second chamber in a manner that congregates the coarse particles for classification.

Abstract: An exhauster bypass system 20 receives an input flow of gases and entrained fine solid particles 15 from a pulverizer 12 and separates the input flow into a particle-deficient gas flow and a particle-laden gas flow. The particle-deficient gas flow is provided to a fan of an exhauster assembly through a central outlet, while the particle-laden gas flow is provided to the exhauster assembly away from the fan through a bypass outlet. The bypass system includes a housing that provides a chamber for separating the particles from the hot gases to produce the particle-laden gas flow and a particle-deficient gas flow. The bypass system further includes a plurality of vertically stacked louvers disposed before the central outlet for separating the particles from the input gas flow. The outlet may include a seal or bypass fan in fluid communication with the bypass outlet to provide the particle-laden gas flow to the exhauster assembly.

Abstract: The airflow classifier includes a dispersing chamber dispersing a powdery raw material with high pressure air; a classifying chamber located below the dispersing chamber and including a center core located on an upper portion thereof and a separator core having an opening at a center thereof and located on a lower portion of the classifying chamber to subject the raw material, which is fed from the dispersing chamber, to centrifugal classification to classify the raw material into coarse particles and fine particles; a fine particle feeding pipe connected with a lower portion of the opening of the separator core; a shield ring to cover an upper portion of the opening; and a louver pipe which is located above the shield ring and in which plural blades are arranged on an edge of the opening at predetermined intervals.

Abstract: Disclosed is a centrifugal separator with an inlet channel for a flow containing coarse and fine particles, a first outlet channel for a flow containing predominantly coarse particles, a second outlet channel for a flow containing predominantly fine particles and a separator chamber with at least one separator device, wherein the separator chamber connects the inlet channel to the first outlet channel and the second outlet channel, and wherein the inlet channel, the separator channel and the two outlet channels form a flow path. To improve the degree of efficiency, as a first separator device, one or more separator pockets are arranged in the separator chamber, which project into the flow path. Also disclosed is a corresponding method for the separation of a flow containing coarse and fine particles.

Abstract: Recovering metallic materials, such as copper, from waste materials. The A dynamic sensor measures the rate of change of current generated by metallic materials in the waste materials. Preprocessing and post processing of the waste materials may be completed to further concentrate the amount the metallic materials recovered from the waste.

Abstract: A cyclone-type processor has a vortex initiator positioned thereabove and an exhaust sleeve extending through the initiator and into the processor. A blower connects to the initiator chamber by a duct having a divider wall that separates the duct into an air-only channel and an entrained material channel. A feed inlet feeds material to be processed into the air flow of the entrained channel. The vortex initiator includes an outer annular chamber and an inner annular chamber open to the cyclone processor and is engaged by the duct to convey air into the outer chamber and air entrained material into the inner chamber. The inner and outer chambers and slots therebetween cooperate to cause the air flow to form a vortex and to urge entrained material away from the inner wall. The system may include additional cyclone stages for further material treatment.

Abstract: Apparatus for separating particulate material into relatively fine and relatively coarse particles wherein such particulate material and a gas stream are introduced independently of one another to a separating zone through which the gas stream flows at such volume and velocity as to entrain fine particles and convey them from the separating zone to grinding or other facilities and wherein the fineness of entrained particles may be adjusted by diverting a selected portion of the gas stream from the separating zone to a bypass passageway followed by recombining the diverted portion of such gas stream with the gas containing the entrained particles.

Abstract: Respirable particles with diameters on the order of 0.05 to 10 microns entrained in an air stream, are concentrated in an aerodynamic lens (FIG. 2) for separation from the air steam. The entire structure is made by microfabrication techniques, such as silicon micro-machining which enables arrays of precisely aligned slit lenses to be made on a silicon chip. At a Reynolds number of 800, a slit 25 microns wide by 1 mm tall will pass a flow of only 0.28 liters per minute, but arrays of lenses (FIG. 4), stacked in parallel banks, multiplies the available flow rate. Placing a skimmer (27) at the exit of each silicon micro-machined lens in the assembly and connecting the skimmer channels in chimneys (55), allows the bulk of the gas flow to be stripped off while allowing the concentrated particle stream to pass into a region of much lower flow rate, thereby producing a highly concentrated aerosol in the low velocity stream.

Abstract: A classifier capable of stably providing particles by further reducing the mixing ratio of coarse particles including a rotating fin (21) classifying solid particles by a centrifugal force, a cylindrical downward flow forming member (13) installed on the outer peripheral side of the rotating fin (21), a recovery cone (11) disposed under the rotating fin (21) and the downward flow forming member (13), and a housing (41). A contraction flow area (16) is formed between the housing (41) and the recovery cone (11), and a two-phase flow (52) formed of the mixture of the solid particles and gases blown up through the contraction flow area (16) is collided with the downward flow forming member (13) on the upper side of the housing (41) to form it in a downward flow. Then, that flow is led to the rotating fin side, classified into the fine particles and the coarse particles, and the fine particles are carried together with an airstream, passed through the rotating fin (21), and removed.

Abstract: An apparatus for segregating particulate by density and/or size including a fluidizing bed having a particulate receiving inlet for receiving particulate to be fluidized. The fluidized bed also includes an opening for receiving a first fluidizing stream, an exit for fluidized particulate and at least one exit for non-fluidized particulate. A conveyor is operatively disposed in the fluidized bed for conveying the non-fluidized particulate to the non-fluidized particulate exit. A collector box is in operative communication with the fluidized bed to receive the non-fluidized particulate. There is a means for directing a second fluidizing stream through the non-fluidized particulate as while it is in the collector box to separate fluidizable particulate therefrom.

Abstract: In a screening device for sorting granular material with at least one rotatable rod basket and a downstream fine material separator a cyclone-type eddy separator is attached with the smaller diameter of its housing cone in order to draw off the screening gas flow charged with fine material and flowing out due to twisting energy in such a way that the rod basket screening device and the separator form a compact unit. A submerged pipe is located in the center of the cyclone-type eddy separator for drawing off the screening gas flow freed of fine material. At least one opening is provided for discharging the fine material at the periphery of the eddy separator housing.

Abstract: The present invention provides a fine-particle sorting technique that uses optical pressure (optical force) and that can be applied in place of heretofore known cell sorting techniques; and a fine-particle recovering technique therefor. The fine-particle recovering method of the present invention comprises directing a laser beam toward a flow path of fine particles in such a manner that the laser beam crosses the flow direction of the fine particles to thereby deflect the direction of movement of the fine particles to be recovered, in the direction of convergence of the laser beam. The sorting method of the present invention comprises performing flow cytometric sorting of fine particles according to the above recovering method of the present invention.

Abstract: A compact housing for a dedusting apparatus utilizes a magnetic flux field to disrupt the static charge attracting dust particles to product particles, which along with fluidization and counter current airflow principles that are proven to dislodge dust particles from the product, provides a highly efficient, compact deduster. The housing supports a double wash deck with product flow separated between the back-to-back primary wash decks. A deflector directing the flow of product onto the primary wash decks is provided with an extension that extends parallel to the wash deck to eliminated product bouncing off of the wash deck. The lower air outlets are eliminated, while the upper air outlets are positioned in extensions to the main housing above the product inlet opening. Air flow through the Venturi zones is enhanced by directing clean air through slots formed in the lower deck members into the Venturi zones.

Abstract: A vibratory material separating apparatus has at least two plateau conveying surfaces interrupted by a drop out opening. A composite mixture is conveyed by a vibrating action beyond the first conveying plateau and over a foraminous section in the first conveying plateau adjacent the drop out opening. Air is directed upwardly through the foraminous section to break apart the composite mixture, and an air supply formed by an air duct is also directed angularly in relationship to the plane of the first conveying plateau to further break apart the composite mixture and to propel particles of predetermined density and/or dimension to the landing area on the second conveying plateau. The air duct is adjustable between a first position and a second position to form an air stream having an adjustable and width. In another aspect, a separating tube is located between and spaced from the first and second conveying plateaus, within the drop out opening.

Abstract: The aim of the invention is to create a compact circulating grinding plant comprising a product bed comminution roller mill or roller press and a sifter device, in which the problem of mechanically transporting the grinding product that is directed through the circuit is minimized. Said aim is achieved by a circulating grinding plant in which a static cascade sifter is disposed below the gap of the roller press while a subsequent sifter, particularly a dynamic rod basket sifter, is disposed above said roller press. The sifting product discharge area of the static cascade sifter is connected to the sifting air and sifting product inlet of the subsequent sifter via an ascending duct which pneumatically conveys the product.

Abstract: The illustrative embodiment of the present invention is a unmanned aerial vehicle that includes a sensing system for the detection and limited identification of biological agents. The system is small, light weight, requires little power to operate and uses few consumables. The system incorporates elements that enable it to obtain an air sample, extract particulates from the air sample and retain them on a stationary-phase collection media, exposes the particulates to electromagnetic radiation, and monitor the particulates for fluorescent emissions. To the extent that fluorescent emissions are detected and exceed a predetermined value, an alarm is triggered. In some embodiments, in addition to performing real-time analyses on the extracted particulates, the collection media is removed from the system and the sample is subjected to more detailed analysis via additional equipment.

Abstract: An air suspension grain cleaner system for efficiently cleaning grain in small applications. The air suspension grain cleaner system includes a frame, a cleaning chamber, a blower unit fluidly connected to a lower portion of the cleaning chamber, a grain inlet fluidly connected to the cleaning chamber, an exhaust chamber fluidly connected to an upper portion of the cleaning chamber, a cleaning damper within the cleaning chamber, and an exhaust damper within the exhaust chamber. A first control member is preferably positioned between the grain inlet and the cleaning chamber to prevent pressurized air from passing through the grain inlet.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for removing concentrated spots of collected particulates from an impact collection surface, and transferring those particulates into a container suitable for preparing a liquid sample. A jet of fluid can be utilized to remove and transfer the particulates. If a liquid jet is employed, care is taken to minimize the quantity of liquid to avoid unnecessarily diluting the sample. A mechanical scraper can alternatively be employed to remove and transfer the particulates into the container. The scraper can be rinsed with liquid or vibrated to remove the particulates. Alternatively, the portion of the surface containing a specific spot of particulates can be removed and placed into a container.

Abstract: A method, system, apparatus, and article of manufacture provide a cross-flow migration classifier capable of separating particles. The classifier provides a channel through which a sample, having one or more particles, passes in a first direction, wherein the channel comprises two or more walls that are permeable to a flow of fluid. A cross-flow enters the channel through one of the permeable walls and exits through another of the permeable walls. An imposed field is applied in a second direction that is counter to the cross-flow and having an orthogonal component to the first direction. The imposed field causes one or more of the particles to migrate at a first velocity opposite and/or equal to a second velocity of the cross-flow. The particles that migrate opposite to the cross-flow are continuously discharged from the cross-flow migration classifier.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for separating particulate material into relatively fine and relatively coarse particles wherein such particulate material is introduced to a separating zone through which a gas stream flows at such volume and velocity as to entrain fine particles and convey them from the separating zone to grinding or other facilities and wherein the fineness of entrained particles may be adjusted by diverting a selected portion of the gas stream from the separating zone to a bypass passageway followed by recombining the diverted portion of such gas stream with the gas containing the entrained particles.

Abstract: A static V-classifier or cascade classifier having a stairway cascade (13) and oppositely arranged classifying flues (15) with upward extending and adjustable guide vanes (21) at their upper ends for altering the cut point of the classifier by controlling the classifying gas velocity in the several classifying ducts lying between the classifying flues (15).

Abstract: An apparatus, including a settling chamber having a top section and a bottom section. An outlet port is positioned on the top section and an inlet port is positioned on the bottom section. The ratio of height to width of the settling chamber is greater than 0.7. A gas fluidized particle stream is introduced through the inlet port at a given velocity. A gas stream flow pattern is established within the settling chamber. Once group of particles is retarded from transportation to the outlet port and the transportation of another group of particles is facilitated to the outlet port.

Abstract: The present invention discloses an impactor with a cooled impaction plate capable of efficiently separating aerosols by cooling the impaction plate below a temperature of fluid inflowing into the impactor and a method for classifying and collecting the aerosols using the same. The impactor with a cooled impaction plate according to the present invention comprises: an accelerating nozzle for accelerating movement of the aerosols; an impaction plate for changing the flowing direction of the aerosols by means of impacting the aerosols exhausted from the accelerating nozzle, and for collecting the aerosols which are out of the flowing path of the aerosols and have larger inertia than critical value, wherein the impaction plate is installed apart from an outlet of the accelerating nozzle; and cooling means for cooling the impaction plate below a temperature of fluid inflowing into the impactor, wherein the cooling means is fixedly installed at the impaction plate.

Abstract: Airborne particles are impacted on a collection surface, analyzed, and then the collection surface is regenerated. Thus, the same collection surface can be used in numerous cycles. The analysis can be focused on one or more properties of interest, such as the concentration of airborne biologicals. Sensors based on regenerative collection surfaces may be incorporated in many networks for applications such as building automation.

Abstract: A fine-particle classification apparatus includes an aerosol generation section which generates an aerosol containing fine particles in a medium background gas, a fine-particle classification section which classifies the fine particles contained in the aerosol in a sheath gas, and an introduction section, between the aerosol generation section and the fine-particle classification section, which introduces the aerosol generated in the aerosol generation section into the fine-particle classification section. The introduction section uses a carrier gas with an adequately high velocity to introduce the aerosol generated in the aerosol generation section to the classification section using a pressure difference.

Abstract: A separator that provides a convergent conical flow path for a mixture introduced into the separator at fairly high velocity. Within the convergent flow path, the angular velocity of the spiraling mixture increases such that heavier species are segregated from lighter species. The convergent flow path transitions into a substantially uniform flow path where the spiraling mixture maintains a fairly uniform velocity and further separation occurs. The uniform flow path then transitions to a divergent conical exhaust flow path where some or all of the heavier species are exhausted from the separator. Within the substantially uniform flow path, a retrograde flow of the lighter species is created with an interaction with a diffuser surface arranged in the exhaust flow path. As such, the lighter species are channeled to a separate exit port to provide some degree of separation of the mixture.

Abstract: A system for separating particles entrained in a fluid includes a base with a first channel and a second channel. A precision gap connects the first channel and the second channel. The precision gap is of a size that allows small particles to pass from the first channel into the second channel and prevents large particles from the first channel into the second channel. A cover is positioned over the base unit, the first channel, the precision gap, and the second channel. An port directs the fluid containing the entrained particles into the first channel. An output port directs the large particles out of the first channel. A port connected to the second channel directs the small particles out of the second channel.

Abstract: In a method of separating unwanted fine matter from heavier granular matter a flow of the material is produced under vacuum firstly through alternating expansion and contraction passages and then against impact surfaces to cause multiple redirections of the material and separation of the heavier granular material from the material flow.

Abstract: A separation plate separates a major flow of fluid from a minor flow of fluid. The major flow includes a minor portion of particles greater than a “cut size,” while the minor flow includes a major portion of particles greater than the cut size. Plates define a laterally extending passage between a front of the separation plate and its rear. The passage telescopes or converges from an initial height at its inlet, to a substantially smaller height at its outlet. A slot extends transversely into the plates from within a minor flow portion of the passage and connect into major flow outlet ports. The flow of fluid into the outlet is thus divided into the major flow, which flows from the major flow outlet ports and the minor flow that exits the outlet of the passage. To accommodate a desired flow of fluid, the width of the passage can be changed, or an array of stacked separation plates can be employed.

Abstract: The present invention employs a virtual impactor to separate a flow of fluid into a major flow and a minor flow, such that the minor flow contains a higher concentration of particulates of a desired size. The minor flow is directed toward an archival surface, causing the particulates to impact against and be deposited on the archival surface. Over time, the archival surface and the virtual impactor are moved relative to one another such that particulates collected at different times are deposited as spaced-apart spots on different portions of the archival surface. The particulates are stored on the archival surface until analysis of the particulates is required. The archival surface can be coated with a material that enhances the deposition and retention of the particulates and can further be coated with materials that sustain the life of biological organism particulates deposited on the archival surface.

Abstract: An air material separator may be used to separate scrap from a conveying air flow while having a relatively low weight and short height so that the separator may be positioned within today's single-story manufacturing or processing facilities. The air material separator of the invention includes a generally cylindrical inlet chamber having a spiral wall that directs the inlet flow circumferentially and downwardly. An outlet chamber is positioned below the inlet chamber and includes a conical, perforated wall that allows the conveying air flow to escape through the perforated wall. The scrap carried by the conveying air flow cannot pass through the perforated wall and moves down and out an outlet at the bottom of the conical wall. The overall height of the device is substantially less than prior art air material separators.

Abstract: In the production of meal-fine products by a milling process the milling material generated in a comminuting device is ordinarily separated at the desired grain size in a downstream sifter and the fine material (meal-fine product) obtained here is then separated in the fine material separating device from the sifting air. According to the invention it is proposed to construct the sifter as a V-sifter and to connect this latter, without interposition of the otherwise ordinarily used pipelines, directly with the fine material separating device, preferably an electro-filter.

Abstract: A cleaning system is disclosed for cleaning contaminants from animal litter. In a first embodiment of the invention, a vacuum and a blower are coupled together and configured so that the blower blows a first fluid stream into animal litter simultaneous with the vacuum drawing a second fluid stream from the animal litter. Relatively light contaminants are drawn into the vacuum while the relatively heavy animal litter is left behind. In a second embodiment of the invention, a cyclonic separator is used to draw the animal litter and the intermixed contaminants into the cyclonic separator simultaneously, and separate the animal litter from the contaminants. The animal litter is returned to the area from which it was removed. The embodiments of the invention have particular use in cleaning horse stalls to separate the horse bedding from the allergens which collect in the horse bedding over time and present health risks to the horse, and return the horse bedding for continued use.

Abstract: A diffuser for a pulverized coal delivery pipe near an elbow connection to a burner nozzle. A diffuser structure is located in the pipe adjacent the elbow outlet, with both radial and axial diffuser elements for diffusing radial and axial components of coal concentrations between the elbow and the nozzle. In a preferred form, the elbow is formed with an access hatch aligned with the pipe at the elbow outlet, and the diffuser structure is formed as a drop-in insert that can be installed and accessed through the hatch. The diffuser has a venturi inlet that produces an initial diffusion effect with minimal pressure drop before the coal flow reaches the radial and axial collision-style diffuser elements.

Abstract: A method of grading comminuted charging material in a wind sifter having a sifting rotor. The sifting air and the charging material are introduced into a sifting chamber and blocking air is blown into a ring seal region in the transition region between the sifting rotor and a stationary withdrawal duct. In order to be able to adjust the grain size distribution range in the fine material/end product in a reliable manner and with relatively little structural outlay, the grain size distribution in the discharged fine material is adjusted in a selective manner with the aid of a bypass stream, which flows in an alterable volume from the sifting chamber into the withdrawal duct and which is charged with sifter charging material or sifter grit, by controlling the supply of blocking air.

Abstract: A pneumatic weighing device has a weigh pan, which is supported for vertical movement by a load cell in response to the weight of an article; the weigh pan is provided with a plenum chamber having an apertured upper surface through which air under pressure is directed for purpose of providing an air cushion for supporting and transporting articles to be weighed. The weighing device additionally includes pneumatic means for rejecting articles of improper weight.

Abstract: A device for de-dusting a particle flow associated with a unit for dense loads supplying said particles and for removing dust in an enclosure in a generally downward direction, characterized in that it comprises:

Abstract: A stopper debris separator useful for removing unwanted debris from stoppers utilized to seal bottles of IV pharmaceutical compositions at the manufacturing process. Debris-containing stopper in the stopper injection hopper are drawn through the stopper duct into the cyclone separator tube by the vacuum wherein the debris on the stoppers is separated therefrom and drawn through the vacuum duct into the vacuum filter.

Abstract: An apparatus for separating coarse particles from a stream of gas entrained with a mixture of coarse and fine particles includes an outer casing, an inner casing disposed within the outer casing and configured to define a passageway between the outer casing and the inner casing through which the stream of gas and mixture of coarse and fine particles can flow substantially upwardly, a plurality of angled vanes for imparting a rotational flow to the stream of gas and particles as the stream passes from the passageway to within the inner casing in order to separate the coarse particles from the fine particles entrained within the stream of gas, a plurality of outlets for discharging the stream of gas and fine particles from the apparatus, and at least one distribution vane pivotably mounted with respect to the outlets for controlling the distribution of fine particles among the various outlets by affecting the rotational flow of the stream of gas and fine particles.

Abstract: A pre-separator for separating out large particles from a fluid flow has a housing forming an interior chamber with an inlet and an outlet, and a separator plate in the chamber between the inlet and outlet. The separator plate has a surface facing the inlet that is provided with a liquid carrying tank into which the flow is directed when it enters the interior chamber through the inlet. The separator plate has a series of nozzle openings therethrough adjacent its periphery to the outside of the tank. The nozzle openings adjacent the periphery of the separator plate overlie a surface of the housing adjacent the outlet. The pre-separator thus has two impaction stages that permit use across a wide range of flows. The separator plate and the housing have surfaces which are tapered so that liquid in the housing can be drained out when the housing is inverted.

Abstract: A diffuser system for multi-outlet pipe structures of the type found in coal pulverizer classifier skirts and in the piping between such classifiers and combustion chambers in coal-fired power plant delivery systems. A plurality of vertical and horizontal diffuser elements comprising toothed bars and rings are arranged in the “skirt” or plenum just prior to the multiple pipe outlets so as to effectively diffuse both axial and radial components of uneven flow distributions.

Abstract: A classifier is proposed which includes a dispersion chamber for dispersing a powder material therein, a classification chamber connected to the dispersion chamber, and a conical member disposed between the dispersion chamber and the classification chamber, wherein the dispersion chamber includes a particle residence prevention member for preventing the powder material from residing within the dispersion chamber by changing the speed of the cyclonic flow of the powder material in the dispersion chamber so as to be decreased in the direction of the feed inlet within the dispersion chamber, and a method of preparing toner by use of the classifier is also proposed.

Abstract: An apparatus for separating coarse particles from a stream of gas entrained with a mixture of coarse and fine particles includes an outer casing, an inner casing disposed within the outer casing and configured to define a passageway between the outer casing and the inner casing through which the stream of gas and mixture of coarse and fine particles can flow substantially upwardly, a plurality of angled vanes for imparting a rotational flow to the stream of gas and particles as the stream passes from the passageway to within the inner casing in order to separate the coarse particles from the fine particles entrained within the stream of gas, a plurality of outlets for discharging the stream of gas and fine particles from the apparatus, and at least one distribution vane pivotably mounted with respect to the outlets for controlling the distribution of fine particles among the various outlets by affecting the rotational flow of the stream of gas and fine particles.

Abstract: A separation plate separates a major flow of fluid from a minor flow of fluid. The major flow includes a minor portion of particles greater than a “cut size,” while the minor flow includes a major portion of particles greater than the cut size. Plates define a laterally extending passage between a front of the separation plate and its rear. The passage telescopes or converges from an initial height at its inlet, to a substantially smaller height at its outlet. A slot extends transversely into the plates from within a minor flow portion of the passage and connect into major flow outlet ports. The flow of fluid into the outlet is thus divided into the major flow, which flows from the major flow outlet ports and the minor flow that exits the outlet of the passage. To accommodate a desired flow of fluid, the width of the passage can be changed, or an array of stacked separation plates can be employed.

Abstract: The present invention discloses an impactor with a cooled impaction plate capable of efficiently separating aerosols by cooling the impaction plate below a[the] temperature of fluid inflowing into the impactor and a method for classifying and collecting the aerosols using the same. The impactor with a cooled impaction plate according to the present invention comprises: an accelerating nozzle for accelerating movement of the aerosols; an impaction plate for changing the flowing direction of the aerosols by means of impacting the aerosols exhausted from the accelerating nozzle, and for collecting the aerosols which are out of the flowing path of the aerosols and have larger inertia than critical value, wherein the impaction plate is installed apart from an outlet of the accelerating nozzle; and cooling means for cooling the impaction plate below a[the] temperature of fluid inflowing into the impactor, wherein the cooling means is fixedly installed at the impaction plate.

Abstract: The present invention employs a virtual impactor to separate a flow of fluid into a major flow and a minor flow, such that the minor flow contains a higher concentration of particulates of a desired size. The minor flow is directed toward an archival surface, causing the particulates to impact against and be deposited on the archival surface. Over time, the archival surface and the virtual impactor are moved relative to one another such that particulates collected at different times are deposited as spaced-apart spots on different portions of the archival surface. The particulates are stored on the archival surface until analysis of the particulates is required. The archival surface can be coated with a material that enhances the deposition and retention of the particulates and can further be coated with materials that sustain the life of biological organism particulates deposited on the archival surface.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for conditioning and/or classifying seed is disclosed. The apparatus includes a seed conditioning/classification unit having an acceleration conduit and a convexly curved Coanda surface provided adjacent to the conduit at its outlet, curving upwardly therefrom. As the crude particulate feed stream is discharged from the outlet, it is conditioned by the Coanda effect into a first outlet stream of entraining gas and lightweight extraneous materials, which is channeled approximately along or parallel to the Coanda surface, and a second stream of relatively heavier materials such as seeds, which is expelled approximately parallel to the central axis of the conduit at the outlet. Seeds which are expelled from the conduit are also classified by momentum discrimination.

Abstract: An air material separator may be used to separate scrap from a conveying air flow while having a relatively low weight and short height so that the separator may be positioned within today's single-story manufacturing or processing facilities. The air material separator of the invention includes a generally cylindrical inlet chamber having a spiral wall that directs the inlet flow circumferentially and downwardly. An outlet chamber is positioned below the inlet chamber and includes a conical, perforated wall that allows the conveying air flow to escape through the perforated wall. The scrap carried by the conveying air flow cannot pass through the perforated wall and moves down and out an outlet at the bottom of the conical wall. The overall height of the device is substantially less than prior art air material separators.

Abstract: A gravity separator with improved efficiency comprising a gravity table with pins at the feed area and a flow channeler. The pins create space in the bed of material to be separated which increases stratification of the weight fractions. The flow channeler creates flow paths of the fractions which do not cross and therefore the fractions do not slow each other from feed to discharge.

Abstract: In a separating wheel for an air separator the radially outside ends of the separating wheel blades are tilted backwards in the direction of rotation of the separating wheel. In the area of the radially outside end of the separating wheel blades the front wall of the separating wheel blades which is viewed in the direction of rotation is tilted to the radial direction at a greater angle than the rear blade wall. Very good separating behavior is achieved by the dramatically inclined front wall of the separating wheel blades. The smaller tilt of the rear wall of the separating wheel blades with respect to the radial furthermore prevents the separated material from attaching to the rear wall of the separating wheel blades.