Abstract: An adjustable roll sizer for sorting objects of different sizes includes a first set of rollers mounted to a support structure and arranged in a first parallel array. A second set of rollers is mounted to the support structure in a second parallel array that is interleaveably alignable with the first parallel array. Means for automatic control are provided for misaligning the second parallel array from the first parallel array to vary gap width between adjacent rollers. Each roller in the second parallel array may also be tapered to vary gap width as a function of roller length. Rollers may include helical ridges for urging objects along the gaps.

Abstract: A disc for use in a disc screen is disclosed. The disc includes a longitudinal disc axis and a hub extending a length along the longitudinal disc axis. The hub further includes a hub surface and a helical ridge structure extending away from the hub surface and twisting about the longitudinal axis at least 360 degrees. A cross-section of the hub taken perpendicularly to the longitudinal disc axis is non-circular.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus for grading sensitive products. The apparatus treat the objects to be graded gently and is accurate and may be constructed so as to handle extremely large quantities. The grading device of the present invention has grading channels that are wider at the outlet than at the intake. The belt machine draws the objects forward between two inclined belts which form the channel. An adjusting device is implemented perpendicular underneath the belts of the apparatus comprising alternatively arranged support members and adjusting members arranged on an adjusting screwing shaft. Both components comprise screwing sections which regulates an increase or a decrease in the gap between the support members when the adjusting screwing shaft is rotated.

Abstract: The present specification relates to a method for preparing a metal nanoparticle.

Abstract: The object of the present invention is to provide a method of producing oxide particles, which can improve crystallinity of the obtained oxide particles, more desirably can form single crystal oxide particles stably.

Abstract: A method for densifying a fibrous mat, such as scrim, to achieve a uniform mat density, including a set of parallel bars each having a row of pins extending downward therefrom which can engage the mat fibers, a plurality of shafts along which the bars slide so as to maintain the bars parallel, a plurality of extendable accordion linkages connecting the set of bars, and a linear positioning assembly having a reciprocating drive mechanism coupled to one of the bars which can move the bars in response to an actuation signal. As the drive mechanism retracts the bar to which it is coupled the spacing between the rows of bars is decreased uniformly and the rows of pins draw the fibers together and compress them uniformly across the width of the mat.

Abstract: Provided is a method for producing metal microparticles in which the ratio of crystallite diameter to the particle diameter of the metal microparticles is controlled. At least two types of fluid to be processed are used, including a metal fluid in which a metal or a metal compound is dissolved in a solvent, and a reducing agent fluid which includes a reducing agent. Sulfate ions are included in one or both of the metal fluid and the reducing agent fluid. The fluid to be processed is mixed in a thin film fluid formed between at least two processing surfaces, at least one of which rotates relative to the other, and which are disposed facing each other and capable of approaching and separating from each other, and metal microparticles are precipitated.

Abstract: The present invention addresses the problem of providing a novel, sold metal alloy. Provided is a metal alloy containing two or more types of metal, wherein an equilibrium diagram of the metal alloy shows the two or more types of metal in a finely mixed state at the nanolevel in a specific region where the two types of metal are unevenly distributed. This metal alloy has a substitutional solid solution of the two or more types of metal as the principal constituent thereof. This metal alloy is preferably one obtained by precipitation after mixing ions of two or more types of metal and a reducing agent in a thin-film fluid formed between processing surfaces, at least one of which rotates relative to the other, which are arranged so as to face one another and are capable of approaching and separating from one another.

Abstract: A sorting table for separating fruits from foreign bodies has at least one set of rollers revolvingly mounted in a frame. Each roller has a shaft with an axis orthogonal to the longitudinal axis of the frame. The sorting table has adjustment means intended to adjust the distance between the axes of rotation of the rollers according to the dimensions of the fruits to be selected.

Abstract: A disc screen includes a shaft, a first disc mounted on the shaft, and a second disc mounted on the shaft. An interfacial opening (IFO) extends between the first disc and the second disc. A width of the IFO as measured between the first disc and the second disc varies according to a rotational position of the shaft.

Abstract: A disc for use in a disc screen is disclosed that creates an “intended space”—i.e., the designed space through which material is intended to pass—that undulates in both directions in the plane defined by the screen's rotatable shafts. The disc design includes a major axis that is rotated along the length of the shaft, creating a helical ridge. The ridge is continuous and non-stepwise, thereby avoiding the “pinch” of the prior art designs. And by having the helical ridge of adjacent discs on the same shaft with opposing rotations, the lateral movement of material may alternate along the length of the shaft—further spreading the material throughout the width of the disc screen and increasing the screen's efficiency.

Abstract: A sorting apparatus comprising a frame, a sorting surface assembly, a roller control assembly, a first movable cam surface adjustment assembly and a drive assembly. The sorting apparatus is configured, through adjustment of the sorting surface by the roller control assembly, to separate small particles and articles, such as fruit berries, based on the relative size thereof.

Abstract: An agricultural article sizer with a frame assembly and a plurality of elongate rollers on the frame assembly with substantially parallel lengthwise axes and through which agricultural articles are advanced and separated by size. First and second of the rollers have first and second axes and first and second peripheral surfaces. A third roller has a third peripheral surface and a third axis between the first and second axes along a conveying direction. The third roller is movable selectively relative to the first roller to change a spacing between the third axis and a plane containing the first and second axes to thereby change a dimension of a gap between the first and third peripheral surfaces to thereby allow passage through the gap of different selected ranges of agricultural article size.

Abstract: A sorting table with grading rolls supported by end supports and positioned to form a sorting plane. The rolls are rotated in the same direction and configured to create at least one opening between adjacent rolls to permit the pass-through of only the products to be sorted or calibrated. Larger products remain at the surface and are evacuated downstream. The gap between rolls can be modified. Elastic elements are interposed between said end supports and means of actuation for are provided bringing said end supports and the rolls supported by the latter closer together or moving them farther apart, in opposition to the antagonistic action exerted by said elastic elements, to decrease or increase the cross section of the openings, displacements in the opposite direction of said end supports and of the grading rolls being achieved by the action of extension or compression of said elastic elements.

Abstract: A screening disk for use on a roller of a roller screen for screening an ore feed is disclosed, which includes first and second opposing side working surfaces, and provisions for mounting the screening disk on a shaft of the roller. At least one of the first and second side working surfaces has a plurality of protrusions operable to extend outwardly into an interstice between the applicable side working surface and a side working surface of an adjacent mounted screening disk. A spacer may be disposed in the one interstice for confining an extent of the one interstice to a region disposed generally between the third working surface and the shaft. A screening disk may have a keyway configured to receive a key for coupling the body of the screening disk to the shaft for rotation therewith.

Abstract: A seafood grading apparatus that includes a first roller supported from the frame; a drive motor for rotating the first roller about a longitudinal axis thereof; a second roller also supported from said frame and constructed and arranged in juxtaposition to the first roller. The first roller has a helical outer surface, and the second roller is for driving about a longitudinal axis thereof and in unison with the first roller. An inlet port receives pieces of seafood for the purpose of the grading thereof and arranged relative to the rollers to dispose the seafood between the rollers. At least two receiving trays are disposed downstream of the inlet port for receiving different respective size seafood pieces.

Abstract: An apparatus for sorting material, includes a frame, at least one first shaft rotatably mounted onto the frame, and at least one second shaft rotatably mounted onto the frame in a substantially adjacent and parallel relationship with respect to the at least one first shaft. The first and second shafts define a conveying surface along which material to be sorted is intended to travel via a rotation of the shafts. At least one single disc is mounted in a substantially transverse relationship with respect to the at least one first shaft. At least one compound disc is mounted in a substantially transverse relationship with respect to the at least one second shaft, each compound disc having a main disc and an associated secondary disc, each main disc having an outside perimeter greater than that of the associated secondary disc, each secondary disc being in alignment with the at least one single disc of an adjacent first shaft.

Abstract: A conveying and separating device for root crop has a separating stretch with at least two rotatingly driven separating rollers, wherein the separating stretch receives a harvested material of root crop and admixed parts and wherein the at least two separating rollers transport on a topside of the separating stretch primarily the root crop while the admixed parts are removed in a screening phase through a screening gap between the at least two separating rollers. By a direct forced cleaning action, the at least two separating rollers are kept free at least of admixed parts that can adhere to the at least two separating rollers.

Abstract: A sorting table with grading rolls supported by end supports and positioned to form a sorting plane. The rolls are rotated in the same direction and configured to create at least one opening between adjacent rolls to permit the pass-through of only the products to be sorted or calibrated. Larger products remain at the surface and are evacuated downstream. The gap between rolls can be modified. Elastic elements are interposed between said end supports and means of actuation for are provided bringing said end supports and the rolls supported by the latter closer together or moving them farther apart, in opposition to the antagonistic action exerted by said elastic elements to decrease or increase the cross section of the openings, displacements in the opposite direction of said end supports and of the grading rolls being achieved by the action of extension or compression of said elastic elements.

Abstract: A trommel screen machine including at least one revolving screening drum, at least one drive for the screening drum, a feeding hopper as well as at least one collecting device, such as a transport device, for collecting and transporting the screened good. In front of and/or on the trommel screen machine at least one disc screen is arranged which screens a defined grain, in particular oversized particles.

Abstract: A reconfigurable grizzly-type system providing improved field processing of ore, rock, and soil. The system provides reconfigurable screening of rocks, rubble, gravel, and debris from soil based on material size. The system also provides improvements related to efficient storage and transportation.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for producing nanoparticles, which comprises maintaining a minute space of 1 mm or less between two processing surfaces capable of approaching to and separating from each other and being rotating relative to each other, allowing the minute space maintained between the two processing surfaces to serve as a flow path of a processed fluid thereby forming a forced thin film of the processed fluid and separating nanoparticles in the forced thin film.

Abstract: A multi-fingered clamshell disc is taught that is used with an apparatus for classifying a stream of mixed recyclable materials. The disc includes a body with outwardly extending fingers, a centrally located square opening, a tapered notch and a tapered slot, with the notch and slot on opposite sides of the square opening. Insert sets are molded within the body adjacent to the notch and the slot configured to receive socket head cap screws that compress the notch and slot thereby tightly gripping the shaft of the apparatus. The disc is installed by spreading open the body in clamshell manner then slipping the body over the shaft allowing it to spring back in shape then attaching with the cap screws. A spacer is installed on one side or both sides of the body for separating the disc from other discs.

Abstract: An adjustable apparatus for sizing objects, mainly delicate foods, by the rotation of a set of at least 7 rollers, each roller having one less tooth so that the rollers move at progressively higher revolutions per minute, from the in-feed shear roller of 144 revolutions per minute to the discharge roller of 210 revolutions per minute. The rollers are shaped and finished by 7 to 12 flats, alternated with a crown in between each flat, cut the horizontal length of the roller. The rollers are then sandblasted over the entire circumference of the surface to a depth range of 280 to 300 micro-inches.

Abstract: Multiple shafts are aligned along a frame and configured to rotate in a direction causing paper products to move along a separation screen. The shafts are configured with a shape and spacing so that substantially rigid pieces of the paper products move along the screen while non-rigid pieces of the paper products slide down between adjacent shafts. In one embodiment, the screen includes at least one vacuum shaft that has a first set of air input holes configured to suck air and retain the non-rigid paper products. A second set of air output holes are configured to blow out air to dislodge the paper products retained by the input holes.

Abstract: Multiple shafts are aligned along a frame and configured to rotate in a direction causing paper products to move along a separation screen. The shafts are configured with a shape and spacing so that substantially rigid pieces of the paper products move along the screen while non-rigid pieces of the paper products slide down between adjacent shafts. In one embodiment, the screen includes at least one vacuum shaft that has a first set of air input holes configured to suck air and retain the non-rigid paper products. A second set of air output holes are configured to blow out air to dislodge the paper products retained by the input holes.

Abstract: A trommel for classifying and sorting objects. The trommel is an open cylinder including a drive plate and a feed plate. A series of supporting rods extend between the drive plate and the feed plate. Disposed therebetween is a rod support ring dividing the trommel into a classifying zone and a discharge zone. A plurality of vibrating rods, floating in the vicinity of the rod support ring and anchored to the feed plate, oscillate and flex as the trommel rotates causing preselected sized objects to pass through the vibrating and support bars while the remaining objects are passed into the discharge zone with reduced clogging.

Abstract: Multiple shafts are aligned along a frame and configured to rotate in a direction causing paper products to move along a separation screen. The shafts are configured with a shape and spacing so that substantially rigid pieces of the paper products move along the screen while non-rigid pieces of the paper products slide down between adjacent shafts. In one embodiment, the screen includes at least one vacuum shaft that has a first set of air input holes configured to suck air and retain the non-rigid paper products. A second set of air output holes are configured to blow out air to dislodge the paper products retained by the input holes.

Abstract: An endless conveyor for conveying substantially rotationally-symmetrical products, comprising at least one endless conveying element and a number of transverse elements extending substantially perpendicularly to a conveying direction. At least one hourglass-shaped roller is mounted on each transverse element. The mutual distance between the successive transverse elements in a first path part is smaller than in a second path part. A first control device is provided for effecting an increase of distance between the transverse elements at a first transition from the first to the second path part. A second control device is provided for effecting a decrease of distance between the transverse elements at a second transition from the second to the first path part. A rotationally-symmetrical support element is movable, in a portion of the second path, between each pair of successive hourglass-shaped rollers for supporting the products to be conveyed.

Abstract: An off-line micro device processing system is provided having a longitudinally extending feeder/processing/buffer system for providing processed micro devices to a pick point. A portable robotic system has a longitudinally extending robotic system body extending parallel to the longitudinally extending feeder/processing/buffer system and a transverse support on the robotic system body transversely positioned relative to the longitudinally extending robotic system body. A pick and place mechanism on the transverse support picks micro devices from the input, transversely moves the micro devices, and places the micro devices on the output system for receiving and storing processed micro devices.

Abstract: A grading apparatus, especially for delicate material such as fish. The apparatus consists of a feeding device, ridged belts, rail guides for the transport and grading of material, grading compartments, a driving device and adjustment mechanism. The material to be graded is fed to the feeding device and therefrom onto the ridged belts, which transport it and grade it by thickness into the appropriate grading compartments. The apparatus is unique in that the feed device (4) consists of one or more interconnected and adjustable stages (4a, 4b, 4c). Each stage is equipped with side panels (67) or/and turning pins (55), side panels (67) dividing each stage into one or more channels (70) through which the objects are transported to thereby control the flow direction (77) and the velocity of the objects at each stage and onto the ridged belts (3).

Abstract: The present invention provides a roller screen gapping system for a roller screen including a series of spaced parallel rolls mounted on pillow blocks at each end thereof, the pillow blocks slidable along respective bed plates transversely of the roll axes to adjust the gap between adjacent rolls. The gapping system comprises spring biased bolts to clamp the pillow blocks on the bed plates, unclamping cylinders carried by each pillow block and exerting an unclamping action on the bed plate to unclamp the pillow blocks for lateral sliding, gapping cylinders carried by each pillow block adapted to contact an adjacent pillow block to adjust the gap between adjacent rolls and a common push cylinder mounted on each of the bed plates and adapted to push all the pillow blocks against a fixed pillow block. A hydraulic control circuit including various solenoid valves controls the operation of the different hydraulic cylinders. The invention also provides for the method of operating the gapping system.

Abstract: A cherry sizing process and apparatus in which cherries are sized in stages, with each stage including substantially parallel rollers and with each stage having a gap different than the other stages. Preferably, the larger size cherries are removed before the final sizing stage. In addition, the larger cherries are preferably removed as an overs product, i.e., as the cherries which do not pass through the gap between rollers at the stage at which the larger cherries are removed. The different gap settings can be set based upon recommended ranges which have been determined based upon the recognition that a particular gap will have a predictable removal efficiency for each of various cherry sizes. In addition, the gap can be selected utilizing a simulator which determines the result of each sizing stage based upon statistical information concerning the size distribution of cherries to be sized and the removal efficiencies of each stage for each cherry size.

Abstract: The invention relates to a roller screen for screening pellets for sintering, the roller screen including several successive rotating rollers that are spaced apart and arranged transversally in relation to the proceeding direction of the material. The roller screen is provided with separate rotation motors for rotating each of the rollers and an adjusting member for adjusting the mutual position of the rollers in order to screen a desired particle size. The screen path of the roller screen is composed of three successive screening parts, which are mutually connected so that the rollers of the screening parts are made to rotate in relation to each other, and the speed of rotation of the roller increases in the proceeding direction of the material towards the final end of the roller screen.

Abstract: Device incorporating rollers to separate particles of different gradings a plurality of adjacent rollers (11) forming a selection bed where each roller (11) has a surface conformation defining a plurality of circumferential peaks (12) alternating with circumferential grooves (13), the rollers (11) including at least a working position where the grooves (13) of one roller are facing and at least partly penetrated by the peaks (12) of the adjacent roller (11), the discharge gap (18) between the two adjacent rollers (11) having a substantially zig-zag development, in at least some rollers (11) the connection surface (26) between the peaks (12) and grooves (13), and/or the peaks (12) and/or the grooves (13) themselves being at least partly worked with protuberances, protrusions, hollows and/or facets (23, 24, 25).

Abstract: An easily adjustable grader for sizing and sorting food products, especially shellfish such as shrimp. The grader includes a series of parallel rotating rollers attached at either end to drive chains. The drive chains include adjustment levers attached rotatably at each roller position. The levers have a first arm terminating in a rolling wheel and a second arm whose end conforms to the chain. An adjustment rail is positioned above each chain along the length of the grader. The wheels of the levers ride along cam surface on the underside of the rail. Rail adjusters at each end of the rail raise and lower each end of the rail to change the spacing between the cam surface and the chain along the length of the grader. The pressure exerted by the cam surface on the lever causes the chain to kink in proportion to the distance between the cam surface and the chain, which adjusts the gap between consecutive rollers. The widths of the gaps determine the size gradations of the grader.

Abstract: A waste paper sorting conveyor for sorting waste paper from waste cardboard has a sorting bed formed by a row of rotatable, driven shafts mutually spaced in a conveying direction and each extending transversely to the conveying direction. The shafts each carry a row of impellers for intermittently urging material on the sorting conveyor upward and in the conveying direction. The impellers of each of the rows are mutually spaced in longitudinal direction of the respective shaft. Rotary contours of impellers carried by each of the shafts project between rotary contours of the impellers carried by a neighboring one of the shafts. Since the mutual spacing of the impellers of at least one of the rows in longitudinal direction of the respective shaft is adjustable, waste paper and waste cardboard mixtures of varying compositions can be sorted to an improved purity.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and equipment for grading by thickness sensitive objects (particularly fish), large and small, involving gentle treatment of the objects, using ridge belts which are drawn by a drive along guides which are wider at the output end than at the intake end and covey the material gently without vibration or rubbing, together with infeed equipment.

Abstract: A roller screen is provided with an assembly for adjusting the spacing between the rolls simultaneously. The assembly includes an elongated bar is provided adjacent one end of the rolls and has a plurality of wedges slidably mounted thereon. Bearing support plates slidably mounted in a frame have v-shape wedge portions slidably engaging adjacent side surfaces of the wedges on said bar. In a preferred embodiment a plurality of computer assisted hydraulic cams selectively move the bar upwardly and downwardly to adjust engagement of the wedges and the spacing between the rolls. Preferably a spacing adjustment assembly is provided at both of the opposite ends of the rolls in the roller screen.

Abstract: An apparatus for sorting round produce by diameter size using a conventional transport conveyer assembly and including a sorting size adjustment mechanism to automatically adjust the produce sorting size and an anti-pinch mechanism to prevent damaging the produce during the sorting process is disclosed. The conveyer assembly has a horizontal top run and a V-shaped bottom return run formed by a plurality of elastic conveyer bands trained about three elongated roller shafts. The conveyer bands are spaced across the width of the roller shafts at a fixed horizontal distance. As the produce is transported across the top conveyer run, the produce, whose diameter is smaller than the spacing between the adjacent conveyer bands, falls between adjacent conveyer bands for collection and the remaining produce travels to the end of the top conveyer run for separate collection.

Abstract: Sizing screen apparatus is provided with mechanism for enabling the extent of spacings, longitudinally of an elongate sizing screen between transversely extending, individual rows of spacing members, to be adjusted individually. Each transversely extending row of sizing members is mounted on a rotatable shaft journaled at its opposite ends in the lower end portions of a pair of mounting arms that are pivoted at their upper end portions to opposite longitudinal side members of a supporting frame and hang downwardly for back and forth space adjusting movement. The mounting arms of the pair are pivotally interconnected adjacent their lower ends with an elongate connection member of an operating device that is manually or power operated.

Abstract: The invention relates to a roll screen having variable screening apertures having axle-fitted rolls which are spaced at adjustable distances apart and a device for adjusting this spacing. The roll spacing adjusting device functions to act on all rolls simultaneously, so that the spacing change will be the same for all rolls. The device includes two parallel running tracks (10, 11) and the distance between these tracks can be varied. A change in the distance between the running tracks causes the roll axle housings (6) to rotate and move the axles (2). This roll screen also includes a device for adjusting the individual distance between two consecutive rolls without affecting the distances between the remaining rolls. This device includes a spacer (32) which is inserted between the housings of the two rolls in which the roll axles are journalled. The roll screen is also provided with a separate elastic sealing element between the roll axle and the roll drive arrangement.

Abstract: A proportional spacing mechanism proportionally spaces objects from a reference position on a fixed support frame. At least one supplemental drive mechanism assists the proportional spacing mechanism in moving the coupling elements and respective objects relative to each other for proportional spacing from the reference position. The supplemental drive mechanism incorporates a first portion coupled to a coupling element spaced from the reference position. A second portion of the supplemental drive mechanism is coupled to the fixed support frame. The supplemental drive mechanism extends and retracts the distance between the first and second portions for assisting motion of the coupling elements and respective objects during rotation of the shaft and crank of the proportional spacing mechanism. Various supplemental drive mechanisms are described including a chain and sprocket drive, a cylinder and piston drive, and a screw drive mechanism.

Abstract: A disc screen for classifying material by size. The disc screen comprises a frame, a plurality of shafts mounted on the frame parallel with one another, a first stage including discs mounted on the shafts in a substantially coplanar row, each of the discs having a perimeter shaped to maintain the space between discs substantially constant during rotation; and a second stage including discs mounted on the shafts in a substantially coplanar row, each of the discs having a perimeter shaped to maintain the space between discs substantially constant during rotation. The first stage discs are positioned to allow passage of only small fraction material and the second stage discs are positioned to allow passage of intermediate fraction material thereby classifying the material into a small fraction, an intermediate fraction and a large fraction.

Abstract: A stone separation table (30,70) selectively separates and drops stones, clods, and dirt (27) between selected rollers while conveying potatoes (33) or other root crops from one side of the table to the other. The stone separation table incorporates sets of rollers (32,72) including separating (36,76) and spacing (40,80) rollers of substantially the same diameter. The sets of rollers are coplanar forming a planar conveying level (45,75) with all rollers driven in the same direction of rotation. The separating roller (36,76) is constructed with projecting elements, either projecting fingers (38) of a star roller (36) or bristles (78) of a brush roller (76) for receiving stones, clods, and dirt (27) for rotation downward and dropping in the separating passageway (42,82) between the separating roller (36,76) and spacer roller (40,80).

Abstract: A roll (110) sorter includes a pair (111) of counter-rotating rollers (112,114) separated by a gap (124). A sorting region (128) is defined by the gap and the facing roller surfaces (130,132). Particles (46) fed into the sorting region float on the rollers and are sorted into two groups, those that pass through the gap and those that cannot pass through the gap. The accuracy of the sorter is increased by associating a metering facility (220) such as a gate (222) with the sorting region. The metering facility limits the number of particles which can simultaneously enter the sorting region. Typically, the particles enter and move along the sorting region one-at-a-time and in single file.

Abstract: A roll sorter (110) includes two counter-rotating, circular cross-section, spaced rollers (112,114) defining a gap (124) therebetween. Particles 46 float on the rollers (112,114) within a sorting region (128) and are sorted by passing through the gap (124) or not so passing and being retained in the sorting region (128). The particles (46) are prevented from hopping or jumping out of the sorting region (128) by a circular cross-section rod 160 floating above the sorting region (128) on the rollers (112,114), so that sorting accuracy and throughput are not degraded.

Abstract: A device for separating long-size materials included in the scraps of a crushed car, etc., has an inner cylinder which is installed with a slope and around which a plurality of short pipes are radially installed as they open to the inside of the inner cylinder, and receiving plates which are installed around the outside of said short pipes with a predetermined spacing therefrom. The inner cylinder is rotated at a low speed with the receiving plate, and the scraps charged from the upper stream of said inner cylinder are separated to the short-size materials which have passed through the short pipes and the long-size materials which have flowed down through said inner cylinder.

Abstract: A roller bed for separating fines and slivers from sliced food product such as french fries includes a plurality of rollers placed side-by-side on parallel roller shafts and are shaped to provide alternating crown and flat portions about the periphery of each of the rollers. A motor coupled to the roller shafts rotates the rollers which are phased so that in the gaps between adjacent rollers the crown portions of one roller coincide with the flat portions of adjacent rollers. This arrangement moves properly sized product across the roller bed while allowing smaller fines and slivers to fall between the rollers.

Abstract: A classifying machine for sizing articles, separating the articles so sized and delivering those within given size limits to particular bins having a pair of juxtapositioned rollers raised at their feed ends so that they move in part under the force of gravity to their discharge ends. The rollers are each individually adjustable at different ends to taper outwardly of each other from the feed end to the discharge end so that the smallest selected sizes of the articles drop between the rollers in a collection bin at the feed end and the articles of the largest size are discharged at or near the discharge end of the rollers.