Abstract: Apparatus and methods for grading products and forming predetermined mixes of graded products. Graders sort products into different grades. The graded products are formed into batches of known quantity. Each batch is designated for deposit in a bin specified to have a certain mixture of graded products. A conveyor conveys the batches to the designated bin. The quantity of each batch is determined by count or weight.

Abstract: Apparatus, methods and systems are used to separate fines from objects of a feed mixture being processed (e.g., iron bearing pellets, chips and dust). For example, at least a portion of an endless belt defining a channel is movable up an incline relative to horizontal (e.g., an incline that is at an angle relative to horizontal that is greater than an angle of repose associated with the objects, but less than an angle of repose associated with the fines being removed). Further, obstruction elements may be used on the endless belt to impede the flow of the fines down the incline.

Abstract: A flowable particulate distributor is provided having at least one wall and a multiplicity of posts. Each of the posts have a first end and a second end. The posts are attached at the first ends to the at least one wall forming a geometric array such that the second ends of the posts extend away from the at least one wall. An inlet port is also provided. The inlet port is connected to the at least one wall and is positioned above the geometric array. The flowable particulate distributor can be attached to a vibratory feeder assembly. The vibratory feeder assembly includes an elongated feed tray and a vibrator. The feed tray contains the flowable solids and has an open end thereon. The vibrator is mounted on the feed tray opposite the open end and the open end is aligned with the inlet port. This invention can also be described as a method for dispensing flowable solids. This method includes the step of introducing a high density of flowable solids into a flowable particulate distributor.

Abstract: The present invention represents a further extension of the automation of the various steps of the wood gluing process. This invention presents a method for automatically selecting and transmitting to further work stations appropriately size pieces of stock which, when glued together (utilizing variations of the apparatus shown in the art for glue such strips together) saves time in the formation of the end products.

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 separator for aggregate including an upwardly opening bin having converging sides at its lowermost extremity, an endless, cleated belt adjacent the lower extremity and defining, together with at least one of the sides, a first discharge opening, a motor for driving the belt longitudinally of the first discharge opening and a second discharge opening at an end of the bin adjacent the belt. The bin receives aggregate of mixed size and the smaller rocks pass through the first discharge opening while the larger rocks pass through the second discharge opening. Movement of the belt agitates material received in the bin and conveys the larger rocks to the second discharge opening.