Abstract: The arcuate magnet is made up of a series of magnets that produce a radial shape magnetic field. The arcuate magnet is supported adjacent the outer periphery of the cylindrical blind trommel. The blind trommel is rotated. Steel balls and magnetic material are held to the inner periphery of the blind trommel and carried with it to the end of the arcuate magnet. The arcuate magnet may be made up of either electromagnets or permanent magnets. Another embodiment has one or more magnets attached to spaced positions around the outer periphery of the trommel. Permanent or electromagnets may be employed. Electromagnets are connected to slip rings that energize the magnets from about the 6 o'clock position and de-energize the magnets at about the 11 o'clock position. The permanent magnets are moved away from the blind trommel at about the 11:00 o'clock position. The magnetic material is released from the blind trommel at about the 11:00 o'clock position and collected in a tray inside the blind trommel.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an improved method of removing and transporting empty, recyclable, aluminum and plastic beverage containers returned to redemption centers without requiring the redemption centers to sort the containers by distributor and then separate the containers into like materials for removal. The present invention also illuminates the burden imposed on the distributors from having to pick up the containers from the redemption centers, then shred or bale the materials, and then sell the materials to recyclers. The invention comprises the steps of collecting and depositing the aluminum and plastic containers into a single holding bin at the redemption center's facilities. Using a blower such as a centrifugal fan and chute to blow the contents of the holding bin into a transporter such as a semi-trailer or compactor. Transporting the transporter to a separating facility which automatically separates the aluminum and plastic containers into like materials.

Abstract: An eddy current separator (10,10a,10b,10c,10d, 10e,10f,10g) and a separation method for separating non-ferromagnetic particles (14) by engaging the particles from above by a distal end (50) of an inclined engagement member (42, 42', 42") to force the particles into a primary magnetic field (34) below a conveyor surface (28) to increase the induced eddy current flow that generates particle magnetic fields such that subsequent release of the particles allows increased magnetic field propulsion to propel the particles distances that vary according to their electrical resistance, densities, shapes and sizes.

Abstract: A mixture of electronic component chips 2 and media 3 is placed in a planar state on a transport surface 4 of a conveyor 5. Only the media 3 are collected onto a first circulating circumferential surface 18 by a magnetic force provided by a first collection member 12 and are thereafter collected by a media collecting box 22. Then, only electronic component chips 2 having a plating film of a proper thickness formed thereon are attracted onto a second circumferential surface 28 by a magnetic force provided by a second collection member 23 and are thereafter collected by a good product collecting box 31. Electronic component chips 2a having a plating film of an insufficient thickness formed thereon are collected by a defective product collecting box 32.

Abstract: An apparatus for separating and sorting non-ferrous metals from other materials is provided which has a ferromagnetic core, an infeed conveyor for positioning materials to be separated and sorted, and a collecting bin or container located at a selected distance from the infeed conveyor for collecting separated and sorted non-ferrous metals, and which produces an electromagnetic field which provides a non-steady state, non-uniform magnetic field, and a sharp skin effect in the non-ferrous metal piece. Also provided is a method for separating and sorting non-ferrous metal pieces from other materials wherein non-ferrous metal pieces are subjected to a non-steady state, non-uniform magnetic field so that a sharp skin effect is produced in the non-ferrous metal piece so that the non-ferrous metal piece is separated and sorted according to its density and independent of its conductivity.

Abstract: A magnetic separator for separating a magnetic substance such as metal parts or workpieces from a nonmagnetic substance such as abrasives used in a barrel finishing includes an infeed passage along which a mixture of the workpieces and the abrasives is conveyed. A rotary drum is rotated in a direction crossing the infeed passage, and a magnet is mounted in the rotary drum so that the magnetic substance is attracted to a circumferential surface of the rotary drum. The workpieces picked up onto the rotary drum are conveyed along an outfeed package, and a demagnetizer establishes an alternating field in the middle of the outfeed passage along a direction in which the magnetic substance is conveyed along the outfeed passage. A sweeping brush is located on the infeed passage in the vicinity of the rotary drum so as to scrape the surface of the workpieces attracted to the surface of the rotary drum to sweep off granular abrasives adherent to the surface of the workpieces.

Abstract: A system and method for separating an electrically conductive particulate material, such as gold, from other materials. A ferromagnetic core is formed in a torroidal-like shape and is provide with a gap. A coil is wound around the core and an alternating current is applied to the coil to induce an alternating magnetic field at the gap. A stream of particles is directed into the gap. The frequency of the alternating current is set according to the specific resistivity of the particulate material which is to be separated from the rest of the material and according to the size of the particles which are to be separated from the rest of the material. By properly adjusting or setting the frequency of the alternating magnetic field, the first particles are imparted a trajectory which is different than the trajectory of the second particles in the particle stream.

Abstract: A super-conducting magnet includes a vessel (8) defining a separation zone through which material to be separated passes. The magnet includes a super-conducting coil (4) located in the vessel and surrounding the separation zone for providing a magnetic field therein. A tube (6) holds the coil and liquid helium to provide a liquid helium reservoir around the coil. At least one radiation shield (12) is positioned between the tube and the vessel. The magnet is a closed system with no helium circulation from the reservoir to outside the vessel and back and the tube is sized to provide a reservoir of sufficient capacity for operation without helium addition for a number of months, preferably a year. A helium reliquifier (46) is positioned in the neck assembly (16), and a non-return valve (49) is located on the neck assembly for release of helium gas from the reservoir.

Abstract: A compact aluminum can separator have a a continuous conveyer belt, means mounting the conveyer belt to have an upper layer and a lower layer and for revolving said belt to cause the upper layer to travel generally horizontally from an input end of the separator to an output end of the separator and means for positioning cans and bottles on the belt proximate the input end of the separator an a forced air-magnet separator for separating aluminum from steel cans is disclosed.

Abstract: A system for recycling cans includes a housing adapted for displaying promotional advertising, a deposit slot for receiving the cans and a discharge system for providing immediate payment for the recyclable cans. The system incorporates a rotating drum for receiving the cans and advancing the cans into a conduit where they are then transported to a crusher for compression and storage. A magnet associated with the drum maintains ferrous cans on the drum until they have passed the conduit opening for separating ferrous cans from non-ferrous, recyclable cans.

Abstract: Solid waste is sorted by passing it through a rotating hollow drum which has sets of extensions, called flights, from the interior wall of the drum, some sets of flights being separated from each other and from the entrance to the drum by blank sections along the drum wall. The first set of flights are knives, so that filled plastic waste bags are opened and emptied. The second set of flights are adjustable magnet strips, lifting and depositing ferrous material onto a conveyor. A ferrous scraper removes ferrous materials, for depositing onto the conveyor. The third set of flights are flexible lifters for lifting and depositing glass, grit and dirt onto another conveyor. A bar screen is positioned over the conveyor to screen out larger materials, clean the lifters, and to be cleaned by the lifters.

Abstract: Optimized utilization of combinations of fluid catalyst magnetic separator, classifier, and/or attriter can be used to achieve lower catalyst cost, and better catalyst activity and selectivity through control of metal-on-catalyst, particle size and particle size distribution. This process is especially useful when processing high metal-containing feedstocks. This provides a catalyst recovery unit (RCU.TM.) ancillary to an FCC or similar unit.

Abstract: The disclosed eddy-current separator has several new features. One includes a magnet assembly which is metal-sleeved for protecting the magnets from impact by particles or objects piercing the waste-carrying conveyor belt with which the separator is used. A low-rotating-speed epoxy-layered shell surrounds the sleeve for additional protection. A conveying extension carries ferrous "fines" from the conveyor into the receptacle used to collect waste from which non-ferrous material has been separated. Such extension permits such fines to be under the substantial influence of the magnet assembly over an arc well less than 180.degree.. The conveyor belt uses relatively-closely-spaced cleats of reduced height to reduce the "loading" of an individual cleat with potentially-piercing ferrous fines. A two pole magnet assembly may be used and/or a magnet assembly in which the magnet pole faces are curved for air gap reduction.

Abstract: A mobile apparatus and process for the separation and recovery of abrasive grit material from blasting material containing waste material and contaminants. The mobile apparatus has a low profile which facilitates the movement of the apparatus to job sites. At the job site the blasting material is collected by the mobile apparatus through a flexible hose connected to a chamber which is under sub atmospheric pressure. A vacuum generator that reduces the pressure in the chamber has sufficient power to allow vacuum collection of the blasting material through the flexible hose when material flow might otherwise clog the hose. The abrasive grit material is removed from the blasting material by a self-contained, multi-step separation process situated within the chamber. The mobile apparatus utilizes an initial physical separator, a rotary screen separator, a magnetic separator, and an air wash separation device that are interconnected by a rotary lift wheel.

Abstract: There is provided a method and apparatus for processing domestic garbage wherein the garbage is debagged and placed on a series of vibrating conveyors which are tilted with respect to the horizontal in a direction substantially normal to the direction of conveyor operation whereby the garbage is separated according to the density/hardness of the material. The apparatus can include various accessory devices including electro magnets, vacuum devices and blowing devices to assist in the separation of the material.

Abstract: A magnetic capture rack is disclosed for holding a plurality of tubes, the magnetic capture rack including a primary housing member having a stepped upper surface, a substantially planar base surface, and a longitudinal bore formed in the primary housing. The longitudinal bore is open at least at one end thereof, and a plurality of linearly arranged wells are formed in the stepped upper surface of the housing on opposing sides of the longitudinal bore and along substantially an entire length of the primary housing. A slidable magnetic member is provided which conforms in outer surface shape to an inner surface shape of the longitudinal bore, the magnetic member being selectively slidable into and out of the longitudinal bore.

Abstract: A hand held tool for gathering and later releasing metallic particles such as paper clips or a spilled box of pins or tacks includes a handle with a magnetic attached at the bottom and a sweeper cover covering the magnet and hinged to the handle. Ferrous particles are gathered on the surface of the sweeper cover and later released by pivoting the magnet away from the cover.

Abstract: An apparatus for separating non-ferrous metal particles from residue composed of rubber, dirt, wood, plastic, glass, an the like, as well as the non-ferrous metal particles. The residue is transported by a conveyor belt over a pair of rotating magnetic separating discs which generate a magnetic field flux upward. This magnetic field flux induces an eddy current in the non-ferrous metal particles. The eddy current is a repulsive force to the magnetic field flux, which enables the non-ferrous metal particles to be levitated above the conveyor belt and the other residue material. The rotation of the field accelerates the particles off the side of the conveyor belt, into discharge chutes which collect the separated particles for recycling. The other residue material is collected at the end of the conveyor belt.

Abstract: A mobile apparatus and process for the separation and recovery of abrasive grit material from blasting material containing waste material and contaminants. The mobile apparatus has a low profile which facilitates the movement of the apparatus to job sites. At the job site the blasting material is collected by the mobile apparatus through a flexible hose connected to a chamber which is under sub atmospheric pressure. A vacuum generator that reduces the pressure in the chamber has sufficient power to allow vacuum collection of the blasting material through the flexible hose when material flow might otherwise clog the hose. The abrasive grit material is removed from the blasting material by a self-contained, multi-step separation process situated within the chamber. The mobile apparatus utilizes an initial physical separator, a rotary screen separator, a magnetic separator, and an air wash separation device that are interconnected by a rotary lift wheel.

Abstract: A device for separating magnetically labelled cells in a sample using an applied magnetic field having a housing; an inlet element at the top portion of the housing having an input end and an output end; a filter chamber adjacent to the output end of the inlet element for filtering the magnetically labelled cells from the fluid while allowing unlabelled cells to pass through when a magnetic field is applied thereto, and containing a multiplicity of magnetic matrix elements extending transversely across the filter chamber; and an outlet element for collecting the fluid which passes through the filter chamber having an input end coupled to the filter chamber and an output end.

Abstract: A magnetic separator made up of a drum bearing a plurality of stacked spaced rings each having a U-shaped cross section in the form of an arc outwardly facing channels. An upper set of magnets and a lower set of magnets supported on the separator frame and extending into the channels and matrix module are supported on the rings in spaces between the rings. A mixture of magnetic and non-magnetic material is fed onto the matrix modules and first upper nozzles spray water on the matrix modules as the matrix modules pass between the upper magnets thereby flushing non-magnetic material. The second upper nozzles spray water on the matrix modules as the modules move away from the upper magnets so that magnetic material is flushed from the matrix modules and falls into the non-magnetic hopper.

Abstract: A system and method for separating an electrically conductive particulate material, such as gold, from other materials. A ferromagnetic core is formed in a torroidal-like shape and is provide with a gap. A coil is wound around the core and an alternating current is applied to the coil to induce an alternating magnetic field at the gap. A stream of particles is directed into the gap. The frequency of the alternating current is set according to the specific resistivity of the particulate material which is to be separated from the rest of the material and according to the size of the particles which are to be separated from the rest of the material. By properly adjusting or setting the frequency of the alternating magnetic field, the first particles are imparted a trajectory which is different than the trajectory of the second particles in the particle stream.

Abstract: A material separator apparatus having a continuous conveyor belt for support and transportation of materials to be separated and a motor to rotate the conveyor belt. The apparatus includes an electromagnet within the continuous belt to produce a magnetic field at the belt. An alternating current drives the electromagnet. This produces a magnetic field which in turn induces an eddy current in the materials to be separated. The eddy currents form the basis of a repulsive force which will produce different material trajectories based on the material properties such as conductivity and permeability. The wave form of the driving current is controlled to improve repulsive efficiency and help assist in differentiating among several classes of materials.

Abstract: A dynamic landfill recycling system has wheels attachable to a plurality of refuse processing sections in one or more semi-trailer or other vehicular units. A refuse receiving section has a dump bed or one or more vehicular refuse bins to accept new refuse from refuse trucks or optionally to accept old refuse from old refuse sites for processing, A primary conveyor belt is slanted upwardly towards a vibratory feeder. The primary conveyor is rotated rapidly to throw the refuse in an arc onto the vibratory feeder where the throwing action causes the refuse to spread out as it falls. The vibratory feeder is slanted downwardly at an angle which causes vibrated refuse to fall towards a bottom end and a bag cutter that is positioned above and intermediately between ends of the vibratory feeder to further expose and scatter the refuse on the vibratory feeder. A magnetic separator belt conveys the scattered refuse upwardly to a magnetic pulley wheel which separates ferrous from non-ferrous materials.

Abstract: Solid waste is sorted by passing it through a rotating hollow drum which has sets of extensions, called flights, from the interior wall of the drum, some sets of flights being separated from each other and from the entrance to the drum by blank sections along the drum wall. The first set of flights are rotatable knives, positioned in a reverse spiral, so that larger items, usually filled plastic waste bags, are inhibited from advancing until opened and emptied. The second set of flights are adjustable magnet strips, lifting and depositing metal material onto a conveyor belt. The third set of flights are flexible lifters for lifting and depositing glass, grit and dirt onto the takeout belt, which rub against the conveyor, thus cleaning both the lifters and the conveyor. A bar screen is positioned over the conveyor to screen out larger materials, clean the lifters, and to be cleaned by the lifters. There is also a movable conveyor belt which relieves jamming by moving away from the drum wall.

Abstract: An apparatus for separating recyclable waste which has a conveyor belt transport track, collecting belt under a section of the transport track, and belt guides positioned along a section of the transport track. The conveyor belt is provided with openings and mutually contacting surfaces of the conveyor belt and the belt guides are profiled such that movement of the conveyor belt along the transport track causes a portion of the belt passing the guides to shake in a direction substantially transverse to the transport track.

Abstract: The invention comprises a method and apparatus for separating and recycling plastics from plastic parts containing, for example, light metal, rubber, non-ferrous metals and labels of any type attached. The plastic parts are also reduced to selected sizes. The method and apparatus basically includes shredding the plastic parts so as to reduce the plastic parts into a first reduced size of plastic pieces; moving the shredded plastic pieces to subject them to a magnetic device so that light metal material is removed from the shredded plastic pieces; subjecting the plastic pieces to a grinder device to reduce the plastic pieces to smaller pieces; subjecting the smaller plastic pieces to a sufficient high pressure steam to remove contaminate materials from the plastic pieces; and drying the plastic pieces and contaminate materials and separating the plastic pieces from the contaminate materials.

Abstract: This invention relates to an improved catalytic process for carrying out heavy hydrocarbon conversion, usually, but not necessarily, in the presence of nickel and vanadium on the catalyst and in the feedstock, by catalytic cracking gas oils and heavy carbometallic oils to lighter molecular weight fractions. The process is facilitated by the continuous addition of one or more heavy rare earth additives, including gadolinum, terbium, dysprosium, holmium, erbium, and thulium, all having exceptionally high paramagnetic properties, which as they accumulate on aged catalyst, are used to achieve enhanced magnetic separation of aged catalyst. These additives are unusual in that they not only act dramatically as magnetic hooks to assist in removing old, nickel and vanadium poisoned catalyst, but also act to achieve increased activity and improve selectivity of the remaining catalyst, and of equal importance, tend to resist catalyst deactivation.

Abstract: A magnetic rotor for use with an eddy current separator. The rotor has a plurality of permanent magnets bonded to a polygonal outer periphery and undercuts are formed in the flat surfaces to relieve stresses due to differences in thermal co-efficient of expansion of the permanent magnets and the rotor structure. A carbon filament is wrapped around the permanent magnets under tension overcome the centrifugal force due to rotation of the rotor. The rotor is supported on a bearing sleeve that surrounds the rotor shaft with rotor bearings which support the rotor on the sleeve and the sleeve extends inwardly over the rotor shaft and the shell has shell bearings supported on the sleeve extension. Therefore, the sleeve supports the rotor independent of the shell so that the bearing of the shell and the bearing supporting the rotor are each independent of one another. The sleeve is supported on pillow blocks. The ends of the rotor are clamped to the rotor shaft by means of a locking assembly arrangement.

Abstract: A tube transport assembly is provided for individually transporting tubes of the type onto which yarn is wound on a textile machine. The tube transport assembly includes magnetic components for guiding and transporting the tube support members along a transport path by magnetic interaction with ferromagnetic portions of the tube support members. The magnetic components can be configured as electromagnets or as permanent magnets. The transport path includes a junction at which the tube support members can be individually branched onto a branch path and a magnetic component is positioned adjacent the junction for selectively magnetically engaging the tube support members to guide the tube support members along to selected branch paths. A vertical transport component includes magnetically active carrier members mounted on an endless belt and is operable to magnetically engage and carry the tube support members vertically.

Abstract: This invention relates to an improved catalytic process for carrying out heavy hydrocarbon conversion, usually, but not necessarily, in the presence of nickel and vanadium on the catalyst and in the feedstock, by catalytic cracking gas oils and heavy carbometallic oils to lighter molecular weight fractions. The process is facilitated by the continuous addition of one or more heavy rare earth additives, including gadolinum, terbium, dysprosium, holmium, erbium, and thulium, all having exceptionally high paramagnetic properties, which as they accumulate on aged catalyst, are used to achieve enhanced magnetic separation of aged catalyst. These additives are unusual in that they not only act dramatically as magnetic hooks to assist in removing old, nickel and vanadium poisoned catalyst, but also act to achieve increased activity and improve selectivity of the remaining catalyst, and of equal importance, tend to resist catalyst deactivation.

Abstract: One embodiment is an improved process for economically converting carbo-metallic oils by means of catalytic particulates into lighter products, wherein a portion of the particulates is withdrawn and passed through a high strength magnetic field of at least 1 KG and field grandients of at least 10 KG/inch while conveyed on an electrostatic conducting belt to enable separation of the mass of particulates by inertia into at least two fractions; one of which has, in the case of catalyst, higher activity and lower metals content and is recycled back to the unit; a second higher metals, lower activity catalyst which is disposed of or treated for recovery of metals; and optimally, intermediate fraction which can be disposed of, or first treated to remove metals, and then chemically reactivated and returned to the unit.

Abstract: By continuously or intermittently adding amounts of magnetically active moieties, e.g. iron compounds, over time so that the moiety deposits on a catalyst or sorbent in a fluid catalytic cracker or similar circulating hydrocarbon conversion unit, older catalyst, being more magnetic, can be readily separated from catalyst which has been in the system a shorter time. Separation is readily accomplished by passing the catalyst and/or sorbent through a magnetic field and discarding the more magnetic 50% by wt. or more preferably 20% by wt., while recycling the remainder back to the hydrocarbon conversion unit.

Abstract: The present invention is addressed to an apparatus and method for carrying out the effective separation or classification of MSW into fractions with improved efficiency. This improved efficiency is achieved inter alia through the use of various separation devices designed to segregate fractions of MSW based on their ultimate usages or physical properties. Through the utilization of devices optimized to categorize by the physical properties of various fractions, a large percentage of the sortation process can be achieved without the use of human sorters.

Abstract: A magnetic trap in the pan floor of a vibratory conveyor comprises a recess in the pan floor for momentarily receiving articles falling therein. A magnet is provided beneath the recess to retain magnetic articles in the recess.

Abstract: The invention provides a method of separating predetermined non-magnetic electrically conductive items from a flow of non-magnetic electrically conductive materials containing such items and other non-magnetic electrically conductive materials comprising the steps of passing the flow of materials adjacent to electromagnetic field generating apparatus; controlling the flux field generated by the apparatus such as to create electrical currents within the predetermined electrically conductive items which react with the generated electromagnetic flux field causing the creation of a directional force upon the predetermined items such as to move only the predetermined electrically conductive items out of and away from the flow of material.

Abstract: A method utilizing a simple mechanism to circumvent the effect of the magnetic conveyor head (12) of a magnetic separator (11), whereby ferrous material such as steel cans can be diverted from the stationary reject chute (13) to go instead to the place where nonferrous materials go. The mechanism, called a movable chute (14), is actually a movable extention of the stationary reject chute (13) and pivots up or down on a hinge device (15) that connects it to the stationary reject chute (13). It can be secured in the up position by a latching device (16). It can be maintained at a constant angle in the down position by a stopping device (17). Edges (18) to the movable chute are provided to prevent material from falling off the sides. These edges are mounted either on the movable chute or on the sides of the magnetic separator. In the latter case they are called stationary guides (19). When the movable chute (14) is in the up position it forms a straight extension to the stationary reject chute (13).

Abstract: An apparatus for sorting recyclable materials including an inlet conveyor with a magnetic pulleys that directs magnetic objects out of the flow of recyclable materials. A vacuum inlet is positioned adjacent a stepped region of the conveyor so as to pull lighter weight materials out of the material flow. A size sorting conveyor separates larger objects from the smaller lighter weight objects, and heavier objects such as glass are conveyed to still another collecting region.

Abstract: A drum-like rotor having numerous, closely spaced, elongated rows formed of permanent magnets arranged end-to-end and secured to the outer surface of the rotor, produces a high-density, rapidly reversing magnetic field in a band-like zone which is spaced a short distance from, and extends along the length of, the rotor outer surface. The magnetic field induces eddy currents in pieces of different metals passed through the zone which produces repulsive magnetic forces of different intensities in different metal pieces, and thus, magnetically separates such pieces. The rows of magnets, in their radial direction, are alternatingly thicker and thinner, so that the outer surface of the thinner rows are depressed relative to their adjacent thicker rows. The outer surface of the magnets of each thicker row have a polarity which is opposite to the polarity of their next adjacent thicker row magnets, and the direction of the magnetic polarity of the magnets of the thicker rows are radial relative to the rotor.

Abstract: Mixed pieces of different non-ferrous metals are sorted by initially moving the pieces through a high density, rapidly changing magnetic flux field, and immediately thereafter, freely moving the pieces along unsupported forwardly and downwardly directed trajectories resulting from the momentum of the pieces, the force of gravity and the magnetically induced repulsive forces developed in the pieces by the flux field. The magnitude of the magnetically induced repulsive forces differ for different non-ferrous metals so that the lengths of the trajectories of generally similar size and shape pieces vary accordingly for separating pieces formed of different metals. The magnetic field is provided by a horizontally axised, rapidly rotating, hollow, liquid cooled, iron wall drum having magnets affixed to its outer surface. The magnets are arranged in rows that are formed of numerous, tile-like, small, permanent magnets which are positioned end to end, with their like polarity ends adjacent.

Abstract: A substantially cylindrically shaped rubber scrap block is mounted over a variable size opening on a steel dish cleaning table with any type of disposal system located below the table. The interior of the scrap block includes a plurality of magnets partially embedded in the interior wall thereof in a specific preferred configuration and a slitted flexible diapram attached to the wall intermediate the ends of the scrap block. The exterior of the scrap block deviates from its substantially cylindrical shape only by an alteration of the outside diameter so that it fits any standard opening as various disposal systems have different dimensional specifications. Wastes scraped from dishware pass through the scrap block to be disposed but stainless steel flatware and other metal items are attracted to and held by the magnets.

Abstract: A machine for sorting rod-shaped articles 3-6 of magnetic material in accordance with their respective lengths, such as knives, forks, and spoons, includes a transporting arrangement 1 which comprises magnetic collecting rods 2 which attract magnetically the ends of respective items and carry them past a plurality of underlying magnetic delivery rods 11-14 with the items hanging vertically. The delivery rods are spaced at a progressively diminishing distance from the movement path of the collecting rods so that the lower ends of the longest items 3 come into contact with the first delivery rod 11 and are drawn loose from a collecting rod 2 thereby, this procedure being repeated at each classifying station until the shortest item 6 comes into contact with the last, commensurately spaced delivery rod 14 and is drawn loose thereby.

Abstract: A device for preventing magnetically attractable flatware and other objects from falling into a food disposer. Round tubes containing magnets are arranged parallel to one another across a collar at the mouth of the disposer. Each tube contains an assembly of cylindrical magnets, separated by spacers, which are magnetized and oriented to provide a strong attractive force around the tube.

Abstract: A magnetic can separator where a supply device drops crushed cans onto a mechanism that includes a non-magnetic separator disc positioned by a shaft for permitting rotation of the disc at a controlled speed, a plurality of magnetic members secured to the under surface of the disc for attracting magnetic cans and retaining them on the disc, and a guide secured adjacent to and above the top surface of the disc to engage any articles thereon and extending generally radially of the disc offset from its center to engage cans or articles on the upper surface of the disc and as the disc is rotated, the crushed cans are progressively stripped from the upper surface of the disc by the guide whereas the non-magnetic cans are thrown circumferentially from the disc substantially immediately upon deposit thereon. The separator disc can be positioned at an angle of up to about 50 degrees to the horizontal for improved operation.

Abstract: A superconducting magnetic separator wherein the magnet coil or coils are in the shape of a vertically oriented oval. The coils are mounted in an evacuated cryostat housing which provides a flat vertical magnetic separating zone on one or both vertical faces.

Abstract: A can-orienting system in which open-topped steel-based cans in random orientations are first automatically aligned with each other by feeding them to an aligning chute to form an end-on train of cans which are fed end-on, at a controlled rate, to the edge of a first rotating magnetic pick-up wheel which picks up and carries with it the successive leading cans in the train. A second magnetic wheel, rotating oppositely to the first wheel, is preferably located above the first wheel and to the opposite side of the first wheel from the point at which the cans are fed to the first wheel. Those cans initially having their bottoms against the first wheel stay on the first wheel until they are rotated far enough to be wiped off onto a first separator plate, all with their bottoms against the plate; those cans having their open ends against the first wheel are pulled off by the second wheel and carried by it to a second separator plate, all with their bottoms against the plate.

Abstract: A magnetic drum for separating ferrous and non-ferrous beverage containers having a plastic drum which rotates around a series of permanent magnets mounted on a structural support. The plastic drum has an inner cylindrical portion coupled to a power roller which induces rotational movement in the plastic drum. An input chute funnels ferrous and non-ferrous crushed beverage containers onto the outer cylindrical portion of the plastic drum such that crushed ferrous beverage containers are held against the outer cylindrical portion and traverse a predetermined distance around the circumference of the outer cylindrical portion until they are no longer within the influence of the magnetic force field produced by the permanent magnets mounted between the outer cylindrical portion and inner cylindrical portion of the plastic drum.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for removing and counting artificial drill cuttings from a returning drill mud containing a mixture of both artificial and natural drill cuttings. The artificial drill cuttings are injected into the drilling fluid and supplied to a drill string and have magnetic properties, while the natural drill cuttings do not. A rotary magnetic drum having a first endless belt travelling therearound receives the cuttings mixture and the magnetic artificial cuttings adhere to the first belt by being attracted to the drum, while the natural drill cuttings do not, thereby permitting separation of the two. The artificial cuttings are removed from the drum by a second endless belt cooperating with the first endless belt to define a nip between them. The belts positively engage with and remove the artificial cuttings from the drum.

Abstract: Solid waste incinerator fuel is preclassified by passing it through a hollow rotating cylindrical drum which has magnetic extensions called flights protruding from the inside of the drum wall along its length. The drum may also have a first set of non-magnetic flights toward one end protruding farther from the wall toward the center or axis of the drum then a second non-magnetic portion on the other side of the magnetic flights along the length of the drum. The magnetic flights attract particles and material subject to magnetic attraction. The ends of the first set of non-magnetic flights toward the middle of the length of the drum are preferably shaped or rounded somewhat lengthwise. A scraper assembly preferably having two material removal channels or chutes in addition to a scraper blade, may be arranged to extend into an exit end of the drum. The scraper blade removes magnetic or iron particles from the magnetic flights as the drum rotates.

Abstract: By continuously or intermittently adding amounts of magnetically active moieties, e.g. iron compounds, over time so that the moiety deposits on a catalyst or sorbent in a fluid catalytic cracker or similar circulating hydrocarbon conversion unit, older catalyst, being more magnetic, can be readily separated from catalyst which has been in the system a shorter time. Separation is readily accomplished by passing the catalyst and/or sorbent through a magnetic field and discarding the more magnetic 50% by wt. or more preferably 20% by wt., while recycling the remainder back to the hydrocarbon conversion unit.