Abstract: A screen according to the invention comprises replaceable screen modules A screen module are detachable from the screen as well as replaceable and attachable to the screen. According to an aspect of the invention, the screen comprises a frame and one or more screen modules which are detachable from the frame of the screen, attachable to the frame of the screen, and/or replaceable.

Abstract: A separator for separating granular material, such as seed, fertilizer or pesticide, from a material-laden airflow (FI) includes a separator zone (Z) having an inlet (11) for a material-laden airflow, a material outlet (13) and an air outlet (12, 12?), and at least two separator parts (15, 15?), which extend only substantially along a material flow (FM) in the separator zone (Z) and between which is formed a separator gap (12, 12?), which is sufficiently narrow to allow air, but not the granular material, to pass through it. At the material outlet (13), the separator gap (12, 12?) is at least partially open, viewed in a direction which is substantially parallel with the material flow (FM), so that material which gets stuck in the separator gap (12, 12?) is allowed to leave this by means of displacement principally along the material flow (FM).

Abstract: An adjustable spring grizzly bar material separator provided and includes a plurality of flexible tines, a cassette, wherein the plurality of flexible tines are each coupled on an end to the cassette, and a first set of spacers removably coupled within the cassette between the plurality of tines, wherein the first set of spacers separate the plurality of flexible tines a first predetermined distance to set the size of material that is to be separated from an amount of aggregate flowing over the tines. The material separator may also include a second set of spacers; the first set of spacers is replaceable with the second set of spacers, wherein the second set of spacers separates the plurality of flexible tines a second predetermined distance, the second predetermined distance being different from the first predetermined distance.

Abstract: A grape processing apparatus and method is described and which includes a screen, a cleated conveyor belt with a bottom flight and which is spaced from the screen, and a source of bunches of grapes which have associated stems, and which are fed into a predetermined space between the bottom flight of the cleated conveyor belt and the screen, and wherein the bunches of grapes move along the screen in a rolling and tumbling motion to separate the individual grapes from the associated stems, and wherein the individual grapes are collected thereafter.

Abstract: The invention relates to an air jet sieve device having a housing, at least one sieve for insertion in the housing, a sieve deck and chamber located below the sieve, a slotted nozzle beneath the sieve deck, a drive for the slotted nozzle, an air inlet to the slotted nozzle, an air outlet through the housing and out of the chamber located beneath the sieve deck, and a control unit to control operation of the device. The invention also relates to a method that permits not only detection of the sieving progress during a sieving process but also provides a criterion to permit establishing the sieving time. This is achieved by equipping the sieving machine with a measuring sensor through which the particles in the air outlet flow are detected triboelectrically and which are correlated with the sieving progress to permit establishing the sieving time.

Abstract: A process for classifying water-absorbing polymer beads, wherein the polymer beads are separated into n particle size fractions by means of at least n screens and n is an integer greater than 1.

Abstract: In combination, a wheelbarrow and a cooperating sieve. The sieve has an outer frame and a central screen. One end of the frame is mountable on a lip of one side wall of the wheelbarrow as the remainder of the sieve is held in position by engagement of the end of the sieve opposite from the channel with the opposite side wall of the wheelbarrow.

Abstract: The invention relates to an air jet sieve device having a housing, at least one sieve for insertion in the housing, a sieve deck and chamber located below the sieve, a slotted nozzle beneath the sieve deck, a drive for the slotted nozzle, an air inlet to the slotted nozzle, an air outlet through the housing and out of the chamber located beneath the sieve deck, and a control unit to control operation of the device. The invention also relates to a method that permits not only detection of the sieving progress during a sieving process but also provides a criterion to permit establishing the sieving time. This is achieved by equipping the sieving machine with a measuring sensor through which the particles in the air outlet flow are detected triboelectrically and which are correlated with the sieving progress to permit establishing the sieving time.

Abstract: A system, methodology, and product to sort, organize and store individual members of building/construction toy sets utilizing a multi-level system of bins with sieves at different heights using user applied forces and gravity to automatically sort and organize pieces into bins, while providing a fun hands-on sorting experience for kids. The location, size and shape of the sieves can be designed to optimize sorting speed and user experience for specific toy manufacturer brands including Lego™ bricks made by Lego Corporation. The system also functions as a storage unit for the pieces, during and after sort. A flexible binding mechanism holds the system together during sort. The system is designed with see-through materials to monitor the status of the sort and find specific pieces in respective bins. A set of wheels enables mobility. The “hands-on” involvement in sorting also makes this an entertaining and educational apparatus for kids.

Abstract: A screening arrangement and a modular system and modular protective cover for protecting a support frame in a screening arrangement is disclosed. The modular system includes a plurality of modular protective covers mounted in side-by-side relationship. Each of the modular protective covers includes a top surface and two opposing side walls that define a recess. The modular protective cover has a male component located at a first end of the modular protective cover and a female component located at a second end of the modular protective cover. The male component of the modular protective cover is adapted to mate with the female component of an adjacent modular protective cover to provide a generally continuous protective surface along a length of a support frame.

Abstract: A screening machine of the type used to separate or classify mixtures of solid particles of different sizes includes a fixed base and a perforate screen mounted for movement relative to the base during a screening operation. The screens are pre-tensioned and mounted in a perimeter frame for separating various granular and particulate material. The frame is slid into the side of the machine in a direction parallel with two opposing bevel lips at the ends of the frame which mate in the screening machine with a complementary channel such that when the screen is raised into sealing contact in the screening machine, the bevel ends of the screen panel frame align the screen panel in the machine. The bevels on the screen panel frame provide a positive sealing surface for contact with the adjacent portions of the channel to prevent product from escaping off of the screen during use. The sealing contact of the screen panel is enhanced by a seal member on the screen panel.

Abstract: A sieve for separating popped corn from un-popped kernels of corn is disclosed. The sieve includes a plate having a first surface, a spaced apart second surface, and a peripheral edge. A plurality of holes is formed in the plate. An engaging member is provided to facilitate grasping the plate. The sieve includes a plurality of legs depending from the second surface of the plate. The sieve is adapted to be received in an associated receptacle and form a chamber at the bottom of the receptacle, wherein un-popped kernels of corn pass through the holes formed in the plate and are received in the chamber to substantially separate popped corn from un-popped kernels of corn.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for separating material are described. A material separator may comprise a frame. The frame may comprise a base supporting a slanted grate deck. The base may comprise two upright back supports. The slanted grate deck may comprise: an upper end member coupled to and separating upper portions of the upright back supports; an opposing lower end member; and a plurality of grate members located and coupled between the opposing end members. The space between upper ends of at least two grate members may be less than the space between lower ends of the at least two grate members.

Abstract: A pet litter apparatus has an upper screen to retain litter and debris, a plurality of upper bars, a lower plurality of bars, mechanism for lowering the lower plurality of bars to define spaces for passage of particulate matter between the upper and lower bars, by rotating rods on sprockets to lower the second plurality of bars.

Abstract: A separator for use in separating larger rocks from smaller rocks and soil in which the upper rear support includes a connecting member allowing the sizing members to be adjusted to reject different minimum sizes, and in which the connecting member is recessed to protect it from damage during transport.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a large stationary, aggregate processing screening tower by fabricating weldment modules and preassembling them with aggregate processing equipment internal within the weldment modules, transporting the preassembled weldment modules to a field work site where the tower is to be erected on a foundation, aligning the modules and stacking the modules in layers and then bolting adjacent modules together. A large stationary, aggregate processing screening tower has weldment modules preassembled with aggregate processing equipment internal within the modules. The preassembled modules are stacked up on one another and secured together and can receive aggregate product at the top module and the product is processed by screening and sizing as it moves downwardly by gravity through the modules and their processing equipment for final clarification and collection of the product.

Abstract: The invention relates to a silo for sludge, especially sewage sludge, comprising a sludge-receiving part (12), a feeding part (16), said feeding part being located above the sludge-receiving part (12) and communicating with said sludge-receiving part (12) via a inlet (14), and a sludge-discharge device. Said sludge-discharge device is located in the lower area of the sludge-receiving part, and can preferably be connected to a pipeline system. According to the invention, a separator device (18) for removing foreign bodies is located in the area of the feeding part (16) so that the sludge which is temporarily stored in the silo can easily be used later on. Said separating device for removing foreign bodies (18) has a sieve grate (20) covering the inlet (14) and at least one counter-surface (22) positioned above said sieve-grate (20). Said sieve-grate and said counter-surface are able to move in relation to each other as sludge pushes through the sieve openings of said sieve-grate.

Abstract: A wheelbarrow sifter attachment including a bin portion coupled with respect to an outer edge of a wheelbarrow. The bin portion has a plurality of drainage slots formed therein.

Abstract: A mobile, portable filter mechanism is disclosed that allows a single user both to transport and treat liquid. The device consists of a trailer-type vehicle that includes an expanded metal screen lying inside the rectangular body. A disposable filter bag is placed upon the screen and a pump is used to fill the bag. The treated water flows out of the bag and is collected in the collection basin located in the trailer body. A plug is located in the rear of the trailer to allow the treated liquid to be drained or pumped to another filter stage. Additionally, a hydraulic ram, of the standard dump-bed type is part of the apparatus and allows the user to drain the collected liquid and to aid in the disposition of the filter bag.

Abstract: Disclosed is an assembly for splitting open contents-filled garbage bags selected from bags filled with yard waste and bags filled with cans and bottles. The assembly is composed of a flighted conveyor that conveys the filled garbage bags into a confined bag splitter assembly. The bag splitter assembly has sidewalls to confine filled garbage bags therein and has an overhead array of blade assemblies laterally spaced across the conveyor for confronting filled garbage bags conveyed by said conveyor into the bag splitter assembly. The blade assemblies are composed of a pivotally mounted blade holder disposed above the conveyor and carry horizontally-disposed canard-like blades having a forward point for confronting the filled garbage bags. The blades are disposed substantially continuously laterally across the width of the bag splitter assembly. For garbage bags filled with cans and bottles, the blades have a forward tip carry pointed elongate elements for puncturing the bags.

Abstract: A method and a device for the separation of semiconductor material has the separation procedure carried out on screens coated with ice made of ultrapure water, optionally mixed with particles of semiconductor material. During the separation, the screens are sprayed with ultrapure water and the screen holes are cut free.

Abstract: The present invention provide apparatus and method for removing agglomerates from a slurry comprising a transport fluid and particulate matter carried by the transport fluid. The present invention includes a fluid flow control unit and an agglomerate removal unit fluidly connected thereto. The fluid flow control unit provides for a reduction in the flow velocity entering the agglomerate removal unit by increasing the output cross section relative to the input cross section and by providing a dewatering door that can be opened to varying degrees to allow variable outflow of transport fluid from the fluid flow control unit. The agglomerate removal unit has at least a first screen over which the slurry flows as it exits the fluid control unit. The screen includes a plurality of apertures appropriately sized to allow the transport fluid and the particulate matter to flow therethrough but not the agglomerates.

Abstract: A rotary sweep scalper for cleaning grains deposited within a hopper. Grains to be processed are deposited through an upper inlet opening in the hopper and fall unto a screen located below. Those grains below a predetermined size pass through the screen to the hopper's lower discharge opening. A drive moves impeller arms located above the screen in the hopper to either force particles below a specified size through the screen or to discharge large particles through the hopper's side discharge opening. These movable impeller arms may be of different sizes and be spaced at different locations above the screen. Actual contact with the grain may be through a flexible flap attached to the lower edge of the impeller arms.

Abstract: A modular deck support framework system employing support tray framework sections for vibrating screens having an essentially rectangular outlined perimeter framework. Each support tray perimeter framework has at least: two opposed side framework members and a square cut cross-angle 50, or notched end angle 62, as a feed end cross framework member; and a square cut flat stock 52 or curved top flat stock 52C as a discharge end cross framework member. Square cut cross-angle 50 is oriented such that square cut cross-angle upper leg 50U is pointing essentially upwards and essentially perpendicular to the flow of particles over support trays, and square cut cross angle lower leg 50L is pointing essentially with the flow of particles over support trays. Notched end angle 62 is oriented similarly whenever employed.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for the classification of solid particles, in particular powdery catalytic components for the polymerization of olefins, which comprises sending solid particles suspended in a transporting gas flow through a screening device. Immediately upstream to the screening device there is an auxiliary fluidized bed classifier, in which the top of the bed is at the level of the lower part of the screening device.

Abstract: A device for handling small objects which performs the combined functions of collection, inspection, sorting, transfer, and funneling. The device has a planar sheet of material optionally having uniformly dimensioned openings therethrough, a three-sided frame attached to the top and side edges of the sheet for support, with the top frame member and the side frame members remaining unattached to one another. Optionally hinges can be used to connect top frame member and side frame members when the sheet is required to support heavy loads. The dimension and configuration of top and side frame members are defined by the size and shape of objects to be retained on the surface of the sheet. A portion of each side frame member extends beyond the unbounded bottom edge of the sheet to form a handle. When the sheet is fully opened into a flat configuration, the device can be used for collection, inspection, and sorting.

Abstract: The invention relates to the use of open-pass ash from coal-fired plants as bed sand in fluidized-bed firing.

Abstract: A litter separator including a container, an inclined baffle and a sieve, the separator being useful for removing unwanted animal waste from a reusable litter. A reusable litter containing particulate animal waste material is poured into the open top of the container. The particulate mixture being made of unwanted waste and litter is propelled under force of gravity, and the guidance provided by the inclined baffle toward the sieve which is pivotally affixed to the baffle. The sieve serves as a porous barrier covering a hole in the baffle and is held in position by gravity and the weight of the litter mass to be processed. The clumps of unwanted waste which are too large to pass through the porous sieve remain above the sieve and barrier in the upper portion of the container. The smaller litter passes through the sieve, free of contaminated clumped waste, and proceeds under the force of gravity through the opening in the baffle into the lower portion of the container below the sieve and baffle.

Abstract: A separating apparatus is disclosed for separating debris from materials. The apparatus includes a container which defines an opening for the flow therethrough of the materials. A frame is disposed adjacent to the opening. The frame has a first side which is pivotally connected to the container about a pivotal axis. A second side of the frame is disposed remote from the first side. A separating device is pivotally secured to the frame about a further pivotal axis. The separating device extends across the opening between the first and second side of the frame when in a first disposition thereof. An actuator co-operates with the separating device for permitting movement of the separating device to a second disposition thereof away from the frame and the opening.

Abstract: A large or square plansifter has a large number of sieve stacks with e.g. more than 20 sieve boxes. Such boxes are constructed without a supporting grating and design so as to be exchangeable in the covered state and so that they can be placed on or in the sieve frames. A free product fall-through space or discharge space is accordingly formed between the sieve screen and a flat base plate. The sieve cleaners are placed on or in the flat base plate. In a particularly preferred manner, the sieve frames are constructed as metal frames. The sieve cleaners clean the sieve screen and clear the product from the base plate. The sieve cleaners preferably have 2, 3 or 4 arms.

Abstract: An adjustable sieve mechanism for an agricultural harvesting machine comprising louvres positioned behind one another and being movable through a range of positions between a fully closed and a fully opened position. Consecutive louvres define an opening when in an opened position. An adjustment mechanism is provided for changing the opening. Also provided is an opening indicator including a movable part which is unitarily moved with one of the louvres when the opening is adjusted. The indicator permits verification of the sieve opening even when the louvres are not accessible for measurement with gauges, and a direct link between the louvres and the movable part avoids the inaccuracies which are conceivable when the indicator is sensing the movement of further, intermediate components of the adjustment mechanism.

Abstract: An asymmetrical ice dam has a half dome projecting inwardly from the upper rim of a water pitcher. A strainer projects down from the major lip. These two members form a major lip. A spout projects outward from the upper rim of the container adjacent the strainer. A minor lip projects inwardly from the upper rim of the water pitcher adjacent the spout. The server can precisely control the flow of ice by rotating the major lip/strainer combination away from its vertical axis. A cooking container embodiment is also disclosed.

Abstract: A screen or grid adapted to be placed in close proximity to the receiving end of a trash receptacle housed within an enclosure which permits smaller dimensioned trash to pass through openings in the screen or grid but will prevent larger dimensioned reusable objects, such as food carrying trays, from being mistakenly or inadvertently disposed in the trash receptacle.

Abstract: A package for holding frangible particulate material, such as breakfast cereal. The package is designed to separate the crumbs or fines from the larger or unbroken and more palatable particles of cereal and to trap the crumbs so they will not recombine with the more edible portion of the cereal when the container is upended to pour the cereal into a bowl. The package has a partition member insert comprised of an apertured screening section and at least one imperforate ramp section inclined towards the screening section. The screening and ramp sections are supported above the bottom of the container to provide for sifting of the crumbs through the screening section, while the package is in its normal upright position, and to allow the crumbs to gravitate into the trapping space, defined by the imperforate ramp section, the bottom closure and the surrounding walls, when the package is tilted during pouring.

Abstract: An elastomeric element for forming surfaces engageable with loose abrasive materials comprising a base having a working surface in the form of a surface of revolution. In a section taken perpendicularly to the axis of the surface of revolution the base is fashioned as a sector of a ring. A sizing screen from the elastomeric elements has secured on a frame thereof a plurality of elastomeric elements with a plurality of holes made therein. Each elastomeric element is secured by the attachment means on the frame of the sizing screen to form a substantially flat working surface.

Abstract: A catalyst loading hopper suitable for positioning in vertical position above a reactor vessel, having an inlet at its upper end, a catalyst outlet at its lower end and a diagonally-disposed baffle extending downwardly across the hopper but terminating short of one of the walls of the hopper and a weir adjustably arranged so as to control the flow of catalysts through the hopper. There is a dust outlet at the top of the hopper, which may be connected to a conduit so as to draw dust away from the upper end of the hopper and a screen at the bottom of the hopper to separate the catalyst from any fines or undersized catalyst particles. The screen feeds into a catalyst outlet which, in turn, feeds into a conduit, which extends into the reactor vessel so as to allow arrangement of the cleaned catalyst pellets in layers in the vessel. A gas nozzle opens in the wall of the hopper and allows dust to be blown from the catalyst pellets and through the dust outlet to be collected in a suitable filter.

Abstract: An aggregate separator has a fan-shaped separating surface made up of an array of diverging end-stretched wires which are permitted to oscillate individually in response to vibratory stimulus. The surface includes a plurality of identical fan-shaped panels, each panel including a plurality of wires and a pair of end sheaths which retain the ends of the wires in fixed relation to each other so that the wires of each panel diverge. Each panel is stretched on the frame of the separator until the length and tension of the wires are substantially the same. Intermediate transverse bridges may be used to position the wires between the upstream and downstream ends of the separator and ensure that the effective spacing between adjacent oscillating wires does not exceed the exit interval.

Abstract: A device for loading granular material containing some foreign matter into a container, such as a railroad car, has upper and lower chutes arranged in parallel. The upper chute has a bottom screen for allowing the foreign matter to fall through to the lower chute. The grain flow remaining on the upper chute is discharged down the center of the car and fills toward the sides, while the foreign matter falling to the lower chute is distributed evenly by sidewardly extending wings out toward the sides and in towards the center of the car. By the operation of the device, the foreign matter carried in the grain is evenly distributed and mixed throughout the car, and the tendency of the foreign matter to concentrate along the center under the hatchway of the car is prevented. A sample of the grain taken from the hatchway of the car thereby contains a truer percentage of foreign matter to grain than would occur by conventional loading devices.

Abstract: A grain harvesting combine is provided with an improved sieve plate for more efficient cleaning of the grain. The sieve plate is mounted on the combine adjacent the rearward end thereof and is substantially rectangular in shape. The sieve plate has forward and rearward edges and opposite side edges, the forward edge and side edges being substantially coplanar. The sieve plate also has a forward portion which slopes downwardly from the forward edge and terminates in a substantially flat portion extending rearwardly to the rearward edge. Inclined opposite side portions are also provided which slope downwardly from each side edge to the flat portion of the sieve. The degree of incline of the forward portion and side portions is approximately 5.degree. from the flat portion. The inclined side portions minimized grain loss when the combine is operating on sloping terrain.

Abstract: A garden sieve for mounting on a wheelbarrow has a frame and a stand adapted for detachable connection by means of selectively engageable projections and recesses, with the frame in any one of a series of positions whereby the extension and/or angular position of the stand relative to the frame is adjustable. In the preferred embodiment the stand has two arms, the free ends of which engage opposite sides of the frame near one end thereof and the other end of the frame carries clips intended in use, to fit over an edge of the wheelbarrow.

Abstract: A cat toilet assembly is disclosed. The assembly includes a box-like hollow enclosure having upstanding interconnected sides, one of which has a discharge passageway therethrough. The top of the enclosure is open and is normally closed by a selectively operable hinged trap door arranged below the top edge of the enclosure. Cat litter is received on the trap door which may be opened when it is desired to separate excrement from the cat litter. A screen member is disposed at a downwardly directed angle beneath the trap door. The lower edge of the screen communicates with the discharge passageway through the one side of the enclosure. A tray or the like is arranged below the screen to catch cleaned litter passing therethrough. A container or bag is arranged outside the passageway to receive excrement which will move along the screen and out of the enclosure because of the screen's incline.

Abstract: An apparatus for separating curd fines from whey including a closed housing having an inlet to receive whey that contains a substantial portion of curd fines. The whey is introduced onto an inclined delivery trough and is discharged from the lower end of the trough onto a stationary inclined screen which is inclined in the opposite direction from the delivery trough. In passing from the delivery trough to the screen the whey passes through a slot which distributes the whey in a thin layer over the screen. In flowing down the screen a portion of the whey drains through the screen and is collected in a whey bin, while the remaining portion of the whey and fines, in the form of a slurry, is collected in a separate bin and can be returned to the cheese making vat.

Abstract: A device enabling the separation and removal of cementitious material from a concrete mix contained within a concrete mixer is provided. The concrete mixer, usually of the mobile type mounted on a land vehicle, comprises essentially, a drum or mixing vessel, a discharge or dump outlet and means for introducing water into the drum. The instant device comprises restraining and diverting member adapted to be positioned in alignment with said outlet, pulley means, for example pivotally mounting the device on the cement mixer enabling movement of the device from a position aligned with said outlet to a position displaced from said outlet, latch means for securing the device in aligned position with said outlet, and means for moving said device to a position out of alignment with said outlet, as required for normal operation of the concrete mixer.