Abstract: A shield to prevent crop material from wrapping around the shaft of a rotary conveyor of a harvester, such as a baler, includes a body. The body is positioned between a stripper finger and a shaft of the rotary conveyor and has an end surface facing the shaft. A lug is positioned at the opposite end of the body from the end surface and is attached to the housing of the rotary conveyor. The body has opposite side surfaces positioned in spaced relation at a distance substantially equal to the width of the separation fingers of the rotary conveyor.

Abstract: A self-cleaning apparatus for sorting a mixture of materials is disclosed that comprises a material sorter and a gantry positioning system elevated above the material sorter. The gantry positioning system includes a longitudinal travel rail with a longitudinal travel rail carriage, a traverse travel rail connected to the longitudinal travel rail carriage running perpendicular to the longitudinal travel rail, with a traverse travel rail carriage, and a vertical travel rail connected to the vertical travel rail carriage running perpendicular to the traverse travel rail. A cutter and optionally, a picker, are connected to the vertical travel rail. The gantry positioning system can move the cutter and picker various directions to dislodge and remove material that may have accumulated on the sorter. Instead of a gantry positioning system, the apparatus may have a multi-axis arm.

Abstract: A self-cleaning apparatus for sorting a mixture of materials is disclosed that comprises a material sorter and a gantry positioning system elevated above the material sorter. The gantry positioning system includes a longitudinal travel rail with a longitudinal travel rail carriage, a traverse travel rail connected to the longitudinal travel rail carriage running perpendicular to the longitudinal travel rail, a traverse travel rail carriage, and a vertical travel rail connected to the vertical travel rail carriage and running perpendicular to the traverse travel rail. A cutter and, optionally, a picker, are connected to the vertical travel rail. The gantry positioning system can move the cutter and picker in various directions to dislodge and remove material that may have accumulated on the sorter. Instead of a gantry positioning system, the apparatus may have a multi-axis arm.

Abstract: A splitter that physically delineates the travel path between material steams having different trajectories mounted on a metal sorting system. The splitter has an outer edge and comprising an automatic mechanism located at the outer edge for removing accumulated debris from the splitter. The automatic mechanism may be a sliding body that moves across said outer edge or a retractable blade extends and retracts to remove debris from the splitter.

Abstract: Sowing heart for a single-grain sowing machine comprising: a sowing disk rotatable in a rotational direction R, the sowing disk having at least two sowing hole series, arranged concentrically to the sowing disk, with sowing holes, a receiving area for receiving seed at the sowing holes and a dispensing area for dispensing seed, in front of the dispensing area, a wiping device is provided for singulating seed at the sowing holes during the operation of the sowing heart, which has a first wiping element for the first sowing hole series and a second wiping element for the second sowing hole series, whereby the wiping elements are coupled and are designed to be adjustable with respect to one another. In addition, the invention relates to a single-grain sowing machine with a considerable number of sowing aggregates, in each case with an above-mentioned sowing heart and a corresponding wiping device.

Abstract: A system for removing a plastic wrap from a cylindrical module includes a conveyor transporting the cylindrical module toward a disperser with the cylindrical axis of the module parallel to the direction of conveyor movement. The direction of the wrap around the module is determined and the cover is removed during rotation of the module, either by unwrapping the plastic or by slitting the plastic and then rotating the module. In one embodiment, the equipment used to handle a cylindrical module is moved out of the path of movement of a conventional rectangular module so an installation can handle both rectangular and wrapped cylindrical modules.

Abstract: A document sorting machine having dual feeders which feed documents onto common tiers of sort pockets form each end of the machine. The machine includes an induction buffer section which prevents a document already in the transport on a particular tier from colliding with a document being fed into the same transport by a different feeder. Also, the machine includes a serpentine piggy-back unit which can stack consecutive documents going to the same sort pocket.

Abstract: A device for separating cardboard components from bulk waste paper features a sorting unit that includes a feed area (1) including a flexibly mounted support (5) on which the bulk waste paper is supplied to a receiving device (3) studded with spikes (2). The spikes (2) and the feed area (1) are designed such that the spikes (2) essentially skewer only the cardboard components of the bulk waste paper fed in the feed area (1) while any material that cannot be skewered may cause the support (5) to move downwardly upon application of a specified force and bypass the spikes (2). At least one of the spikes (2) is connected to a receiving device (3) such that it can be displaced when a prespecified force is encountered.

Abstract: A measurement apparatus includes a support frame to support a feed mechanism, an orientation mechanism, a measurement mechanism, a transfer mechanism, and an unloading mechanism. The feed mechanism includes a first holding assembly, a first elevation assembly, a second elevation assembly, and a first clipping assembly. The first elevation assembly and the second elevation assembly are positioned under the holding assembly, and the first clipping assembly is positioned over the holding assembly. The measurement mechanism includes a support stage and at least one calibration head. The transfer mechanism includes at least one pickup head. The orientation mechanism includes a driving member and a securing assembly driven by the driving member. The unloading mechanism has the same structure as the feed mechanism. The disclosure further provides a measuring method using the measurement apparatus.

Abstract: A raw coal impurity automatic separator includes a rack and a shell; a rotating shaft set on the rack within the shell; shift teeth are arranged on the shaft; spiral-shaped scraping plates are fixed on the rack and are symmetrically arranged between the shift teeth; a slide block is arranged as a sleeve on each shift tooth; each slide block is provided with upper and lower rollers, between which the scrapping plates are set; a raw coal inlet is provided corresponding to an upper part of an inner cavity of the shell, a raw coal outlet is set on a lower part of the inner cavity; and an impurity outlet is set corresponding to an end of the scraping plates.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a system for removing a plastic wrap from a cylindrical module includes a conveyor transporting the cylindrical module toward a disperser with the cylindrical axis of the module parallel to the direction of conveyor movement. In another embodiment, the disperser is a travelling head disperser thereby providing relative movement between the modules and the disperser. The direction of the wrap around the module is determined and the cover is removed during rotation of the module, either by unwrapping the plastic or by slitting the plastic and then rotating the module. The equipment used to handle a cylindrical module is moved out of the path of movement of a conventional rectangular module so an installation can handle both rectangular and wrapped cylindrical modules.

Abstract: In an apparatus for separating plastic film material from waste, a plurality of hooks is mounted on a hook carrier for circulating the hooks along a trajectory through an engagement area near a supply track and through a disengagement area downstream of the engagement area. The engagement area is located higher than the supply track and/or in supply direction beyond the downstream end of the supply track, such that, in operation, a remainder of the waste passes by the trajectory of the hooks without contacting the hooks. The hooks project from the drum via openings in the circumferential surface of the drum and are retractable into a circumferential surface of the drum. A method for separating plastic film material from waste is also described.

Abstract: An apparatus for disposing garbage bags in one embodiment includes a screen assembly including a first conveyor for conveying garbage bags from a feeding device to a hollow screening cylinder for piercing, and a second conveyor mounted below a rear discharge opening of the cylinder for conveying materials released from the pierced bags to a subsequent station; a nonrigid, elongate object collection assembly extended from within the cylinder to a place rearward of the cylinder, a gable roof mounted on an elongate housing, a lengthwise gap formed on a top of the gable roof, and a second container mounted below a rear end of the object collection assembly for collecting nonrigid, elongate objects dropped therefrom; and a washing assembly including one or more sets of pump and pipe having nozzles terminated within the cylinder for washing the released materials.

Abstract: Provided is a bean sprouts-like articles loosening supply device that can exhibit a sufficient dispersing function even for fine and light weight bean sprouts-like articles liable to be entangled with each other, such as alfalfa sprouts. The loosening supply device comprises two conveyors (1, 10) having their both end portions constructed to turn so as to run endlessly, having their outer surfaces provided with needle members (6, 16) and running at velocities different from each other. The conveyors (1, 10) are arranged having their running paths opposed to each other so that their running directions there are both downward and the needle members (6, 16) of the two conveyors (1, 10) at least at one portion thereof get into each other. Alfalfa sprouts are supplied into the running paths from above and encounter the needle members (6, 16) of the two conveyors (1, 10) running at velocities different from each other and intersecting with each other.

Abstract: Provided is an apparatus comprising a screen assembly for sifting powder including a rear feeding device, a first conveyor adapted to convey garbage bags from the feeding device to the screen assembly, an inclined board extended downwardly from a front end of the screen assembly, and a second conveyor provided below the board, the second conveyor being adapted to convey materials leaving the screen assembly to a subsequent station for processing; and a nonrigid, elongate object collection assembly extended from the rear of the screen assembly through the screen assembly to a point in front of the screen assembly, the object collection assembly including an elongate housing of rectangular section, a gable roof provided on the housing, a lengthwise gap provided on a top of the gable roof, and a container provided below a front end thereof for collecting nonrigid, elongate objects dropped therefrom.

Abstract: A machine for removing articles such as debris and the like deposited on a tract of ground, comprising a wheel unit; a support frame mounted on said wheel unit, having means for advancing said machine along said tract of ground; a endless conveyor mounted on said support frame, having a plurality of tines projecting from an outer side thereof and a flight extending from a front end adjacent ground level, upwardly and inwardly to an elevated rear end; a receptacle mounted on said support frame, positioned to receive articles removed by said tines and carried upwardly and rearwardly on said conveyor and discharged into said receptacle, and having a set of tines cooperable with said conveyor tines to dislodge articles carried by said conveyor tines; and means mounted on said support frame for driving said conveyor.

Abstract: A conveyor device (2) is provided on which the bulk material containing both card board and paper is transported to a sorting station (5). At this point, the cardboard components are extracted mechanically. For this, the paper and cardboard components are transported while lying flat, and are only partially supported, for which the conveyor device (2) includes lowered free spaces (7) between the support areas. A receiver device (9) possessing freestanding barbs (11) moves synchronously with the conveyor device (2). These barbs (11) are arranged pointing toward the non-supported sections of the paper and cardboard components, and can extend into the free spaces (7) formed on the conveyor device (2). For this, the cardboard components are transfixed by, and held to the barbs (11) of the receiver device (9), but the paper components are not.

Abstract: An apparatus transfers performs traveling along an inclined path from an upper loading station to a lower unloading station. The apparatus includes a device that includes plural rotary forks which rotate so as to engage and remove from the inclined path performs that are joined together.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for sorting any desired pieces of products in dependence on criteria, and a method for operating the same. It is the object of the invention to provide a solution which permits a very fast at least three-channel fractionating of a product flow with a simultaneous mild treatment of products, at low expenditures for energy, and at a high wear resistance. The object is realized in that the products pass a first approaching zone, arrive in a second zone in which a separating element set into rotations by operation of a stepper-motor, including on its circumference with equidistantly spaced fingers, and which, in dependence on a respective control, transfers the products to be sorted into at least three further zones. A real-time image tracking system is provided which is adapted to capture the entire path of the products through the zones.

Abstract: A device for removing flat materials from a mixture of valuable substances comprises a conveyor (1) on which the substance mixture is conveyed, and an extractor for extracting flat materials from the substance mixture in an extraction zone. The extractor comprises extracting prongs (4) which are provided on a revolving transporter (3) which is deflected at least at two points of deflection, with the materials which have been picked up being discharged in a discharge zone.

Abstract: A waste separation device for removing wrappable materials such as film plastics, rags and rope from a moving stream of solid waste material which device consists of a pole like casing rotatable about it longitudinal axis housing an endless chain drive carrying a plurality of spaced spikes extending from the casing in their movement along the length of the casing in the direction towards the free or discharge end of the casing and retracted within the casing in their movement in the opposite direction.

Abstract: A grain separator to separate and remove contaminants such as dust and debris from grain including an intermediate separator housing having a grain inlet port to receive grain to be scoured from an external source, a grain outlet port to feed scoured grain to an external collector, a first containments discharge port to discharge heavier contaminants removed from the grain to a first external receptacle and a second contaminants discharge port to discharge lighter contaminants removed from the grain to a second external receptacle, a mechanical separator and transport assembly operatively disposed within the intermediate separator housing to receive the grain and contaminants from the grain inlet port to separate the contaminants from the grain and to move the grain from the grain inlet port to the grain outlet port for collection in the external collector, a first containments transport assembly disposed to receive the heavier contaminants from the mechanical separator and transport assembly and to move the

Abstract: A system and a method for sorting are provided for distributing articles, such as mail pieces or other flats, to predetermined destinations. At the destination, the particular article is raked by a raking assembly from a carrier for placement into a container. The container, when full, is gravity fed onto a discharge conveyor and automatically replaced with a new empty container. The carrier operates on two levels for delivery of articles to containers on two levels while maintaining the carriers in a horizontal position throughout the sorting process. A sloped front end of the carrier allows the articles to be transported at a rapid speed and in a continuous fashion.

Abstract: A grain separator to separate and remove contaminants such as dust and debris from grain including an intermediate separator housing having a grain inlet port to receive grain to be scoured from an external source, a grain outlet port to feed scoured grain to an external collector, a first containments discharge port to discharge heavier contaminants removed from the grain to a first external receptacle and a second contaminants discharge port to discharge lighter contaminants removed from the grain to a second external receptacle, a mechanical separator and transport assembly operatively disposed within the intermediate separator housing to receive the grain and contaminants from the grain inlet port to separate the contaminants from the grain and to move the grain from the grain inlet port to the grain outlet port for collection in the external collector, a first containments transport assembly disposed to receive the heavier contaminants from the mechanical separator and transport assembly and to move the

Abstract: A system and a method for sorting are provided for distributing articles, such as mail pieces or other flats, to predetermined destinations. At the destination, the particular article is raked by a raking assembly from a carrier for placement into a container. The container, when full, is gravity fed onto a discharge conveyor and automatically replaced with a new empty container. The carrier operates on two levels for delivery of articles to containers on two levels while maintaining the carriers in a horizontal position throughout the sorting process. A sloped front end of the carrier allows the articles to be transported at a rapid speed and in a continuous fashion.

Abstract: An apparatus for detangling a plurality of conventional garment hangers located on a common supporting rail, comprising a generally cylindrical elongated rigid barrel having a plurality of spaced elongated bristles fixedly attached to the barrel projecting radially from the surface of the barrel, the bristles being spaced substantially around the circumference of the barrel; and, a motor for rotating the barrel about its axis. Hangers presented to the apparatus, such as by a conveyor, are supported by the barrel. The bristles turn in the direction of the hanger hook curve and any crossed hangers are automatically combed apart and separated. The hangers are moved from the front end toward and off the rear end of the barrel during rotation.

Abstract: A new separating method and a corresponding apparatus and the use of the apparatus for the environmentally sound separation of different material mixtures, are disclosed wherein, in addition to dynamic forces, the area pressure between the bodies to be sorted and an inwardly elastic sorting drum are made of use. Bodies which are heavy with respect to specific area pressure sink into the interior of the drum and are thrown out at a lower location. Parts which are light with respect to specific area pressure, on the other hand, are rejected from the surface of the drum and guided away separately. In so doing, the device achieves very efficient separation. The invention is particularly effective for the separation of reclaimable material mixtures, so-called "recyclables", particularly with respect to fractions such as liftings which are otherwise difficult to separate.

Abstract: A cotton module handling system includes one or more feeder beds delivering seed cotton modules into a feeder head to disintegrate the module into a large number of small clumps of cotton, seed and plant trash for transport into a gin. A shaver assembly is provided, upstream of the feeder head, for removing part of the bottom of the module to remove a band of wet and/or dirty cotton.

Abstract: A system for mechanically sorting pickle chips with holes from those without holes. Pickle chips with holes are hooked on rotating hooks, separated out, gravity dropped off the hooks and conveyed to a location where they are processed into relish. The hooks face in direction opposite to their rotation and away from the chip infeed direction. The pickle chips without holes (the good chips) are accordingly not hooked and are sent to another location where they are packaged as pickle chips.

Abstract: Apparatus for separating angel hair from bulk material includes a hollow drum which is partly immersed in the flow of bulk material and rotates in such a manner that the immersed part of the drum moves in opposite direction to the bulk material flow. The drum has an outer jacket which is provided with circumferentially spaced bores through which one end of spikes projects, with their other end being swingably mounted to a bearing member. The bearing member has a center axis which is offset to the axis of rotation of the drum so that the spikes project beyond the outer surface of the drum at their bulk material facing side while being retracted at the bulk material distant side of the drum. Thus, during a revolution of the drum, the spikes gradually move in and out of the drum.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for separating an uncontaminated portion of a seed cotton module from a water-contaminated face stratum are disclosed. The technique includes conveying a contaminated cotton module toward a housing having a plurality of rotating fiber release bodies mounted therein. The housing and the conveyor are arranged for relative movement so that only the uncontaminated portion of the module is fed into the fiber release bodies while the contaminated face stratum passes beneath the bodies. The uncontaminated cotton is collected and conveyed to a cotton gin and the contaminated cotton is conveyed to a disposal location.

Abstract: Good legumes or pistachio nuts are separated from those to be discarded by feeding the pistachios or legumes to a longitudinally inclined trough between a laterally inclined plate and a rotating cylinder, such cylinder having outwardly projecting edges along its exterior surface. On the opposite side of such cylinder is provided a second cylinder having a brush on its outer circumference, and the two cylinders are driven in opposite directions. Good legumes and pistachio nuts are merely tumbled within the trough by the first cylinder and are fed partly by gravity to a collector at the foot of the device. The unsatisfactory legumes and pistachios are picked up by the outwardly projecting edges of the first cylinder and flipped over where they are then brushed downwaardly off the first cylinder by the brush of the second cylinder.

Abstract: The present invention is an apparatus for segregating desired articles of predetermined dimensions from a jumbled flow of such articles and unwanted pieces longer than the predetermined dimensions. The apparatus includes structure, tilted relative to the horizontal, that restricts the jumbled flow to a fixed-flow space whereby the jumbled flow is caused to flow along a flow path. The apparatus comprises a three-dimensional array of rotatable pickup fingers substantially filling the fixed-flow space and extending therebeyond. The apparatus includes a biasing element that co-acts with the rotatable pickup fingers to retain an unwanted piece removed from the jumbled flow by the pickup fingers.

Abstract: A sorting installation for separating a first type of articles from a second type of articles fed mixed to the sorting installation. The articles of the first type are relatively light and substantially two-dimensional, while the articles of the second type are relatively heavy and substantially three-dimensional. There is provided an article-supporting surface which receives the first and second type of articles in a generally mixed state and which has a length dimension and a width dimension perpendicular to the length dimension. The article-supporting surface is inclined to the horizontal in a direction parallel to the width dimension for causing primarily the second type of articles to move by gravity downwardly on the article-supporting surface transversely to the length dimension and laterally off the article-supporting surface.

Abstract: A sorting installation for separating a first type of articles (relatively light and substantially two-dimensional) from a second type of articles (relatively heavy and substantially three-dimensional), includes a travelling conveyor belt having an article-supporting surface receiving the first and second type of articles in a generally mixed state. The article-supporting surface is arranged for travel in its length dimension and is inclined to the horizontal in its width dimension for causing primarily the second type of articles to move by gravity downwardly and laterally off the article-supporting surface. The article-supporting surface slopes upwardly as viewed in a direction of travel. There is further provided a vibrator connected to the belt conveyor for enhancing movement by gravity of the second type of articles on the article-supporting surface.

Abstract: The present invention is an apparatus for segregating desired parts of predetermined dimension from a jumbled flow of such parts and by-product runners. The apparatus includes structure that defines a path for restricting the jumbled flow to a fixed-flow space along a flow length. The apparatus comprises a three-dimensional array of rotatable pickup fingers substantially filling the fixed-flow space and extending therebeyond. The apparatus further includes a suitable device for continuously moving successive distal portions of the rotatable finger array out of and into the fixed-flow space. The rotatable fingers are spaced apart by distances greater than the predetermined dimensions of the desired parts but less than the longest dimension of the runners, for capturing the runners while allowing the desired parts to pass through the pick-finger array.

Abstract: An apparatus for separating larger foreign bodies from a granular feed including a conveyor for moving a mixture of the larger foreign bodies and the granular feed, is provided. The apparatus comprises a wheel having an axis of rotation, a circumference and a plurality of outwardly extending resilient fingers, preferably projecting at a trailing angle from the circumference. The wheel is mounted so that its plane forms an angle with respect to the direction of travel of the conveyor. The wheel is positioned so that the conveyed mixture contacts and pushes the fingers causing the wheel to rotate and the fingers to rake the larger foreign bodies from the mixture.

Abstract: An improved device and method for segregating molded parts and runners flowing from a molding operation is disclosed. The device includes a restricted flow space, an array of fingers filling the space and movable therein to capture and lift runners away from the space, and strippers removing the runners to a lateral position. Prefered embodiments include a cylindrical chute and a rotating array.

Abstract: Apparatus for receiving and disposing of animal wastes and particularly the bodily wastes of cats, include an upper chamber adapted to hold a supply of preferably nonabsorbant litter material, a rake assembly for separating waste products from the litter material, a removable container for receiving the wastes and automatic control apparatus for energizing the rake and tumbling the container at an appropriate time after the departure of the animal.

Abstract: An improvement is presented in an apparatus for processing soil for planting wherein a separator are provided for initially separating rocks and other large objects from soil prior to crushing thereof, the separator comprising a plurality of respectively upwardly and downwardly directed pins which cooperate in the removal of said rocks and other large objects from the soil. Also provided is a vertical rotatable power driven shaft centrally located in said apparatus wherein a plurality of radially extending arms are fixed thereto and are rotatable with the shaft. Some of said separating pins are fixed to the arms and some cooperating separating pins are fixed to a disc plate also mounted about said power driven shaft. A rotating plurality of discs crush said soil to reduce large particles and destroy weed seeds, insects, and larvae.

Abstract: A parts separator for separating molded plastic parts from sprue-runner elements. The separator comprises a supporting frame, a hollow drum mounted for rotation about a first horizontal axis and constituting an outer separator element, and an inner separator element mounted within the drum for rotation about a second horizontal axis which is spaced from and parallel with the first axis. The drum has a plurality of apertures in its outer surface and the inner separator element includes a plurality of pins which extend through the apertures, so that rotation of the inner and outer separator elements about their respective axes causes the outer end of each pin to reciprocate within the aperture between an inner position wherein the end of the pin is flush with the outer surface of the drum to an outer position wherein the end of the pin extends substantially beyond the outer surface of the drum.

Abstract: There is disclosed in the present application an apparatus for sorting acceptable molded parts from material coming from a molding machine and requiring to be reprocessed or recycled. The present apparatus includes an auger formed with closely spaced flights in a receiving zone and more widely spaced flights in a transport zone in which scrap such as sprues, runners and defective molded parts are carried to a scrap discharge area. The acceptable articles, which have already been separated from the sprues and runners upon discharge from the mold, are of a size which allows them to pass between the closer flights of the receiving zone whereas the sprue and runner assemblies are carried by both the closer and more widely spaced flights to the scrap discharge area.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for the sorting out of plastic foil from a mixture of refuse previously divested of heavy materials such as stone, glass and iron. The mixture is conducted in a thin layer, using moderate feeding power, past pointed spines on a reel, by a broom or brush, so that components with high tensile strength remain hanging on the spines, while components with low tensile strength, such as paper, or components not impaled, such as leather, cardboard, wood and thick-walled plastic, are further conveyed by the broom or brush. One or more brush rollers, preferably armed with strips or brushes transverse to the direction of conveying, sweep the mixture of refuse across one or more spiked rollers studded with spines. Combing-off rollers may be used, rotating at higher velocity and in opposite direction to the spiked rollers, to loosen impaled foils from the spines.

Abstract: Two horizontally spaced parallel shafts (27,28) are rotatably mounted on a base plate (24) having an aperture (27a) therethrough. Each shaft has a plurality of rows of radially extending fingers (36). A casing (38,40) around the fingered portions of the shafts has an inlet throat (44) for receiving shopped strands (16). The shafts are operatively connected by a pair of gears (32,34), and a motor (30) connected to one of the shafts drives the shafts to move the fingers upwardly between the shafts for breaking up clumps of strands and carrying strands of a desired chopped length around the outer sides of the shafts for exit through the aperture. Excessively long strands become wrapped around one or the other of the shafts.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for mechanically removing tomatoes from their vines after the vines have been severed from their roots and lifted aboveground. The severed and lifted vines are fed in between a rotary shaker and stationary guides, for example, a rotary drum with radially outwardly projecting rods and arcuate guide rods around the drum. The vines are shaken by subjecting them to angular acceleration and deceleration while the vines are transported around an arcuate path. The tomatoes shaken from the vines are collected, and the stripped vines are dropped back on the ground.

Abstract: A sorting apparatus for a stock suspension obtained from waste paper, comprising a separation container having a free liquid surface for the separation of heavy weight particles and floating particles. Arranged after the separation container is a segregating or separator container for the separation of large surface particles floating in the stock suspension. The removal of the particles can be accomplished by rake devices provided with tines or prongs or the like. There also can be subsequently arranged removal devices containing coarse-mesh and fine-mesh sieves.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for treating waste paper by pulping or defibering the paper in a stock pulper or slusher while infeeding water, wherein there are removed in succession, externally of the stock pulper, heavy weight particles, floatable substances and plastic foils. Thereafter, paper constituents which have incompletely defiberized are removed and further defibered in a special apparatus. The already defibered fibers are directly infed for further processing. The removal of the contaminants can be accomplished at a suspension density in the order of 1%, whereas the defibering or pulping of the waste paper in the stock pulper occurs at about 4%. The employed sorting apparatus is connected with the stock pulper, while dispensing with the use of a sieve or screen.

Abstract: A rotary cylinder type separator comprises a slightly tiltable, horizontally installed rotary cylinder, a plurality of combs secured to the inside of the cylinder, in parallel and substantially axially of the cylinder, a feeder for introducing a mixture of grainy material and impurities into the cylinder at one end, an outlet formed at the other end of the cylinder for discharging the grainy material out of the cylinder, and a device for discharging the impurities larger in size than the grainy material and that have been scooped by the combs to a high level and have then fallen within the cylinder. The last-mentioned device is a fan for producing an air blast within the cylinder, or a combination of a stationary collection trough inserted axially through the cylinder for receiving the impurities that fall from the high level, and a screw conveyor mounted inside the trough.

Abstract: Apparatus for separating composite waste materials composed chiefly of plastic film and paper including a conveyer for moving the composite material along a substantially horizontal path in a given direction and a reel device having a plurality of hooked members extending therefrom rotating to move the hooked members through the composite material at a portion of the horizontal path, with the hooked members moving in the same direction in which the composite material is moving while being passed therethrough. The hooked members of the reel device engage plastic film contained in the composite material to separate the plastic film therefrom.

Abstract: An improved device and method for segregating molded parts and runners flowing from a molding operation is disclosed. The device includes a restricted flow space, an array of fingers filling the space and movable therein to capture and lift runners away from the space, and strippers removing the runners to a lateral position. Preferred embodiments include a cylindrical chute and a rotating array.