Abstract: A sorting apparatus which separates a work according to a predetermined standard flowing on a production line and arrays the work in one column is characterized by being equipped with a carrying-in line carrying in the work, a work identifying machine provided on the way of the carrying-in line, a plurality of columns of temporary accumulating units installed neighboring the carrying-in line at an approximately same height as the carrying-in line, a plurality of trays provided respectively corresponding to the temporary accumulating units of plurality of columns of temporary accumulating units, a pusher pushing out a work which flows in said carrying-in line into one column of the temporary accumulating units based on a result identified by the work identifying machine, and a transfer machine gripping/transferring a predetermined number of works all together to the trays corresponding to the temporary accumulating units when the predetermined number of works is accumulated in a temporary accumulating unit.

Abstract: A foreign substance eliminating apparatus transfers raw material by passing the raw material between an upstream conveyor (6) and a downstream conveyor (8), and detects a foreign substance on the upstream transfer conveyor with a foreign substance detector (9). An eliminating airflow (R) is ejected from a row of air nozzles (13) when the detected foreign substance falls down, and deflects the falling direction of the foreign substance. At this point, a small foreign substance (BS) is blown off by the eliminating airflow, and sent to the foreign substancereceiving box (16). On the other hand, a large foreign substance (BL) goes across the eliminating airflow, and falls down onto the bar screen conveyor (20). The bar screen conveyor captures the large foreign substance, and removes it outside of the conveyor.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for sorting round objects which are received in a first sorter in which objects not meeting a predetermined minimum dimension are passed out of the apparatus and taken away, whereas objects meeting the predetermined minimum dimension are taken to a second sorter, through which only objects which do not exceed a predetermined maximum dimension can pass. The second sorter includes a pair of substantially parallel gauging members, between which acceptable objects can pass, while objects which are too large are taken away from the sorter.

Abstract: A flatware separating apparatus comprising a track having a top surface for receiving and delivering different items of flatware along a selected path; a mechanism for contacting selected items of the flatware at a selected point along the path of the track and pushing the selected items off the surface of the track and allowing other selected items of the flatware to remain on the surface; and a mechanism for further separating the selected items of flatware pushed off the surface of the track.

Abstract: A gin for use with leafy herbs separates the leaves from the stems, seeds, and other debris. A rotary bristle brush is rotatably mounted in the lower end of a hopper to transfer the leaves from the hopper into a collection compartment. The collection compartment is attached to the lower end of the hopper and supports a concave grate meshing with the brush. On rotation of the brush, the leaves are forced through the grate and the stems, seeds, and debris are retainingly enmeshed within the brush bristles.

Abstract: A substrate grader accepts or rejects a substrate depending upon the degree of warp and then sorts the accepted substrates according to a dimension thereof. The grader comprises a first plate which is U-shaped and inclined at an acute angle with respect to the horizontal, the two arms of the first plate extending above the base thereof. A first elongated member (or lower guide) that is attached to the front of the base has a straight side which is adjacent to and spaced a short distance away from the opening in the first plate. A second elongated member, that is attached to the back of the free ends of the arms, supports a second plate (or upper guide) thereon which extends between the arms, which has a top surface in a plane containing the top surfaces of the arms and base, and which has a stepped edge in the opening.