Abstract: Separation of heavy tramp metal pieces from lighter weight machine tool turnings and chips is accomplished by apparatus and method in which turnings or chips containing tramp objects are moved along a conveying path and across an elongate free-fall area or region which is generally transverse to the conveying path. A stream of gas is directed through the free-fall area to blow the chips and turnings away from the free-fall area and into a separate processing path while the tramp objects fall through the free-fall area under the influence of gravity. In order to ensure than the tramp objects are properly dumped into the elongate free-fall area and do not bridge the free-fall area in the conveying path, an abutment member is placed along the elongate free-fall area for deflecting a leading portion of an elongate tramp metal object upwardly and/or sidewardly with respect to the conveying path.

Abstract: An air classifier system which embodies two rotary drum classifiers, each with an individual adjustable plenum, the drums being individually angled at selected inclinations and the plenum capacities being variable, so that two separate masses of commingled materials such as municipal refuse and oversize bulky waste, for example, may be simultaneously classified and will produce a combined single output of refuse derived fuel.

Abstract: Apparatus for separating urban waste materials is formed with a vertically extending duct having a waste material inlet and a suction device at the upper end of said duct with a slanted wall being provided opposite the material inlet to deflect downwardly into the duct certain portions of the waste material caused to impinge against the slanted wall. The duct inlet is formed to enable ambient air to enter the duct through the interstice of the inlet in order to impart an accelerating force to the incoming material.

Abstract: A metering surge bin airlock feed device having a conveyor which extends from a surge bin to the interior of a pneumatic materials separator is disclosed. Airlock inlet and outlet means are provided at the points where the conveyor passes through a wall of the separator so that gas cannot pass through the wall at those points.

Abstract: A rotary drum air classifier system which includes a side feed hopper by which mixed materials to be separated are fed to a screw feed which deposits the materials inside the drum for major separation into light and heavy materials, the screw feed being longitudinally adjustable and including air injection means for fluidizing the mixed materials as they are being transported to the drum and thus accomplishing a preliminary stage of air classification during the time the mixed materials are transiting the length of the feed screw.

Abstract: A materials separating apparatus which comprises a conveyor on which materials to be separated are deposited and conveyed to a hopper mounted on an adjustable platform, a rotary drum air classifier mounted on said platform, and transport mechanism connecting the hopper with the interior of the drum whereby materials may be moved from the hopper to the drum for separation therein, the platform being movable together with the hopper and drum whereby the drum may be positioned at a selected angle of inclination, and the conveyor and hopper being interconnected in a manner whereby the conveyor remains in position for proper deposit of materials in the hopper regardless of the position of the hopper when the platform is moved.