Abstract: Polysilicon chunks or granules are classified into size fractions using a mechanical screen having a profiled surface having peaks and valleys, and terminating in widening slots through which a polysilicon size fraction falls. The device is effective and the slots are resistant to clogging.

Abstract: A system and method for separating mixed materials employing an angled screen that is moved through a vertically oriented circular path by a single drive element.

Abstract: A gold dry washer comprised of a stand assembly and a trough assembly. The trough assembly is angled from an upper end with a hopper for raw soil to a lower end where denser gold is collected. Along the declining path of the trough are a series of graduating apertures that successively isolate the denser materials in the soil and allow waste to fall overboard. The stand assembly includes a motor or other gentle agitation means to encourage the dry soil to move with the aid of gravity towards the lower end of the trough where the heavier gold may be collected.

Abstract: A grape processing apparatus and method is described and which includes a screen, a cleated conveyor belt with a bottom flight and which is spaced from the screen, and a source of bunches of grapes which have associated stems, and which are fed into a predetermined space between the bottom flight of the cleated conveyor belt and the screen, and wherein the bunches of grapes move along the screen in a rolling and tumbling motion to separate the individual grapes from the associated stems, and wherein the individual grapes are collected thereafter.

Abstract: A system for processing returned drilling fluid including a flow line configured to provide a return flow of drilling fluids and at least one vibratory separator having at least one screen, wherein the vibratory separator is fluidly connected to the flow low and is configured to receive at least a partial flow of fluids and separate the flow of fluids into a primarily fluid phase and a primarily solids phase. The system further includes a dual-trough configured to receive the primarily solid phase from the at least one vibratory separator and a slurry tank configured to receive the solids phase from the trough. Additionally, a method of processing a return drilling fluid including dividing the return drilling fluid into a primarily fluids phase and a primarily solids phase with a primary separatory operation.

Abstract: A grape processing apparatus and method is described and which includes a screen, a cleated conveyor belt with a bottom flight and which is spaced from the screen, and a source of bunches of grapes which have associated stems, and which are fed into a predetermined space between the bottom flight of the cleated conveyor belt and the screen, and wherein the bunches of grapes move along the screen in a rolling and tumbling motion to separate the individual grapes from the associated stems, and wherein the individual grapes are collected thereafter.

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 sorting apparatus is described, and which includes a conveyor which transports a produce stream for inspection. The conveyor has various regions formed in part of ridges, troughs and apertures which reduce the weight of the produce stream, as well as reduces the vertical and horizontal components of motion of the produce stream, as the produce stream progresses from one end to the other.

Abstract: A device for sorting a plurality of articles which vary in size by linearly translating the articles over a plurality of apertures that also vary in size. An article may be accepted into a guide that releasably retains the article while the guide and the article are linearly translated across a sorting surface by an actuator until the article falls through an aperture for which the article was intended. The article is supported from below by a support surface. The sorting surface may be angled relative to the horizontal plane to facilitate passage of the articles through the apertures. The base portion of the article may slide along the support surface as the guide translates the article across the sorting surface.

Abstract: A motor driven crusher for agitating and crushing material is provided. The crusher includes a frame removably coupled to a mechanical bucket and a plurality of shafts rotatably coupled within the frame and operationally coupled to the motor. The crusher further includes a plurality of crushing agitators coupled to each shaft of the plurality of shafts; and a plurality of screening spaces each having a predetermined spacing, wherein material placed on a top side of the crusher is agitated and crushed by the plurality of crushing agitators while the plurality of shafts rotate, screening small material through the plurality of screening spaces while crushing the larger material on the top side of the crusher to fit within the plurality of screening spaces.

Abstract: A motor driven agitator comprises a frame and a plurality of shafts rotatably coupled within the frame. The plurality of shafts are operationally coupled to the motor. The axes of the plurality of shafts are substantially parallel when coupled within the frame. The agitator further comprises a plurality of scalping agitators coupled to each shaft of the plurality of shafts. The agitator may further comprise a plurality of screening spaces each having a predetermined spacing. Material placed on a top side of the agitator is agitated by the plurality of scalping agitators while the plurality of shafts rotate, screening small material through the plurality of screening spaces while maintaining the larger material on the top side of the agitator. The agitator may be removably coupled to a mechanical bucket.

Abstract: A weight filling device for filling small objects comprising a vibrating feed assembly, at least two bins in a side by side orientation, and a chute assembly. The feed assembly includes feed stations having a feed tray with a large feed portion and a small feed portion in a side by side orientation, either integrally formed along a part or all of the length thereof, and each extending to a distal end thereof and vibrating at a predetermined frequency. The bins are positioned so as to be placeable in communication with the distal end of the at least one feed tray. The chute assembly is positioned below the distal end of the at least one feed tray, and has at least one directing chute station having a large feed selector positioned below the large feed portion of the feed tray and a small feed selector positioned below the small feed portion of the feed tray.

Abstract: A motor driven agitator comprises a frame and a plurality of shafts rotatably coupled within the frame. The plurality of shafts are operationally coupled to the motor. The axes of the plurality of shafts are substantially parallel when coupled within the frame. The agitator further comprises a plurality of scalping agitators coupled to each shaft of the plurality of shafts. The agitator may further comprise a plurality of screening spaces each having a predetermined spacing. Material placed on a top side of the agitator is agitated by the plurality of scalping agitators while the plurality of shafts rotate, screening small material through the plurality of screening spaces while maintaining the larger material on the top side of the agitator. The agitator may be removably coupled to a mechanical bucket.

Abstract: A planting board system is provided for use in performing germination testing or planting within the flat of a seed type. The planting board system includes a housing, a lower panel disposed in the housing, said lower panel having a plurality of apertures disposed within the lower panel in a predetermined, spaced apart relationship and an upper panel disposed within the housing, the upper panel at least partially overlapping the lower panel and being moveable within the housing relative to the lower panel between first and second positions.

Abstract: A mechanical bucket for separating small material from larger material. The mechanical bucket includes a bucket adapted to receive and retain material within the bucket and a roller screen assembly removably secured to a bottom portion of the bucket. The material received within the bucket rests on the roller screen assembly when deactivated. The roller screen assembly is adapted to separate smaller material from larger material of the material received within the bucket when activated. The mechanical bucket may include a scraper device for removing debris from the roller screen assembly when the roller screen assembly is activated.

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: A method of attenuating the sound emanating from a bank of a plurality of vibrating screens of a plurality of vibrating screening machines including the steps of providing a master pulse of known phase and frequency, comparing the phase and frequency of a plurality of vibrating screens with the known phase and frequency of said master pulse, and adjusting the phase and frequency of said bank of plurality of vibrating screens so that the waveforms produced thereby tend to cancel each other. An apparatus for implementing the method is also disclosed.

Abstract: A screen repair apparatus is disclosed for temporarily repairing holes or worn screen elements of screens used in gyratory or vibratory screening machines in the coal mining and rock quarrying industries. The apparatus is comprised of a flat plate which covers the damaged area of screen on the screen's top, a number of duplex jaws which are used to clamp the apparatus to the lower surface of the screen elements, and a clamping means, including an attachment rod which draws together the plate and duplex jaws on either side of the screen elements, thereby clamping the two to the screen. The screen repair apparatus also is comprised of a set of cauls, which are disposed between the clamping means and the upper surface of the plate and which distribute the force exerted by the clamping means across the face of the upper surface of the plate.

Abstract: A hopper used in conjunction with a deep fryer basket to remove small pieces of the food item, breading or ice crystals from the basket before it is placed in a deep fryer for cooking. Removing the small particles of food prevents them from falling into the shortening and accumulating in the deep fryer. The shortening in the deep fryer will last longer and not discolor when the food items being cooked are totally removed from the shortening after cooking and do not leave behind small pieces of food, breading or water. The hopper when used over a bucket will collect all the small food items, which would otherwise fall into the shortening. The bucket when full can be emptied or replaces with another bucket. The hopper has a lid to engage the bucket and prevent spills or food escaping from the bucket.

Abstract: A bar screen is primarily intended for use in draining liquid from wood chips and pulp without blocking the bar screen. The area of use is especially a process area, in which cooking and circulation liquid is removed from a pressure vessel when making chemical pulp and paper pulp by continuous method. This type of bar screen is characterized in that behind the filtering gap of the screen bars, there is a flow space in which the liquid flows towards a discharge outlet. By adjusting the flow space, a flow rate of liquid which stops blocking due to accumulation is maintained in the background. The sturdiness of the screen structure is improved by adjustable support taps.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a large stationary, aggregate processing screening tower by fabricating weldment modules and preassembling them with aggregate processing equipment internal within the weldment modules, transporting the preassembled weldment modules to a field work site where the tower is to be erected on a foundation, aligning the modules and stacking the modules in layers and then bolting adjacent modules together. A large stationary, aggregate processing screening tower has weldment modules preassembled with aggregate processing equipment internal within the modules. The preassembled modules are stacked up on one another and secured together and can receive aggregate product at the top module and the product is processed by screening and sizing as it moves downwardly by gravity through the modules and their processing equipment for final clarification and collection of the product.

Abstract: An oscillator apparatus for sorting out pieces of lumber for separating smaller scraps of wood from larger usable pieces of wood. The oscillator apparatus for sorting out pieces of lumber includes a base assembly including leg members and elongate side members interconnecting pairs of leg members; and also includes a table assembly being movably mounted upon the base assembly; and further includes an oscillator assembly being mounted to the base assembly for oscillating the table assembly.

Abstract: A rotary filter (1) for fibrous suspensions (S) is disclosed comprising a rotor (2) coaxially arranged inside a filtering basket (4), an annular hollow space (8) being defined between them. In the annular hollow space (8) there are one or more wing profiles (15) fixed to the outer lateral surface (2a) of the rotor (2) extending in an axial direction along the rotor (2). The outer surface (16) of each wing profile (15) facing the filtering basket has one or more discontinuity zones (16b, 16d) whose points have an increasing distance from the longitudinal axis (3) of the rotor (2).when running on the outer surface (16) of said wing profile (15) in a direction opposite to the rotation direction (V) of the rotor (2).

Abstract: An apparatus and method for separating recyclable corrugated paper from a stream of commingled waste. Commingled waste is loaded onto a conveyor with two alternating sets of jogger beams. A motor drives the jogger beams out of phase with respect to one another causing the waste to fall between the jogger beams, while corrugated paper remains above and moves along the jogger beams, thereby separating the two components. Optionally, a second stage of jogger beams can be positioned forward of the conveyor to create a drop therebetween to further separate the commingled waste. The jogger beams are cantilevered beyond the motor so that waste falls clear of the motor.

Abstract: A mobile screening unit for screening bulk material. The screening unit comprises a first screener, a second screener, and an elongated mobile support frame having a longitudinal axis. The first screener is mounted to the support frame and extends longitudinally thereon. The first screener has an inlet for receiving the bulk material containing large-sized, medium-sized, and small-sized particles. The first screener also has a first outlet for releasing large-sized particles and a second outlet for releasing medium-sized and small-sized particles. The first screener is used for screening the bulk material along a first direction substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the support frame. The second screener is mounted to the support frame and extends longitudinally thereon.

Abstract: A doughnut or puck-shaped spacer has a centrally positioned square hole. A pie-shaped cutaway portion of the spacer allows the spacer to be elastically deformed mounting on a square rod. The rod and spacers join together the bars of a bar screen rack. Bars making up a screen bed are approximately one-quarter inch thick and cantilevered sections of the screening bars benefit from being joined together to control the spacing of the bars and to add rigidity to each rack of bars which makes up the bar screen rack. For ease of assembly, canted slots receive a square rod. The spacers are readily positioned between legs on the square rod. The individual bars are then joined by tightening a nut at the threaded end of the rod, clamping the bars in spaced parallel relation.

Abstract: Two racks of parallel screening bars each have rigid rack frames which extend beneath the bars. Two crankshafts with offset cam surfaces are mounted to the machine frame, and the rack frames are mounted by bearings to the crankshaft cam surfaces. The rack frame bearings are closely spaced beneath the bars to balance the system, while the rack frames provide a stiff oscillatory platform for the bars, permitting narrow gauge bars and increased screening area. The rack frames also include counterweights to dynamically balance the system.

Abstract: A bar screen is combined with a wire or punch screen which is suspended beneath the screen deck from a pair of oscillating bar support beams so that a single bar screen, screen combination, may not only size materials for thickness but remove small particulate material from the chips or materials which pass through the screen deck of the bar screen.

Abstract: Used single use camera bodies (10) and miscellaneous loose parts (130, 132, 134) are dumped into a receiver conveyor (72) from which they move to a metering conveyor (88) which delivers them to a series of vibratory grid separators (106, 108, 110) having grid bars (124) separated by slots (126) configured such that each camera body can be positioned with at least one lengthwise corner (148-154) located in the slot and the center of gravity (156) of the camera body positioned above the slot. Camera bodies are thus conveyed lengthwise along the vibratory grid separators to enable loose parts to fall more readily through the slots. Camera bodies are then separated by types at a plurality of sorting stations (186).

Abstract: A clamping bar assembly for a bar screen with a plurality of screen bars and in which at least one leg extends downwardly from each bar and a bar support beam extends below the bars. The bar of this invention includes a plurality of spacers positioned on the support beam between neighboring bar legs. The spacers are clamped together with the bar legs by a first flange which is fixed to the support beam and which has an upwardly extending portion, and a portion which extends inwardly above the beam to engage the spacers. A second flange, removably fixed to the beam, has an upwardly extending portion, and a portion which extends inwardly above the beam toward the first flange so that the clamped spacers and bars are restricted from vertical displacement by the first and second flanges.

Abstract: An apparatus for sorting fragile objects has a grading structure connected to a base. The grading structure is movable in first and second substantially horizontal directions with respect to the base. A displacement mechanism imparts reciprocating, substantially horizontal movement of predetermined frequency and amplitude to at least part of the grading structure to thereby move the objects in the first substantially horizontal direction along the grading structure. A displacement controller variably controls the frequency and amplitude of the reciprocating horizontal movement. The frequency of movement in the first substantially horizontal direction is controlled independently of the frequency of movement in the second substantially horizontal direction.

Abstract: Two racks of parallel spaced bars are supported for oscillatory motion from overhead drive shafts having eccentric cam surfaces. A first drive shaft is driven by a belt connected to a motor, and a second shaft is connected to the first shaft for synchronized movement by a rigid link. The bars are clamped to bar support beams without the need for bolts to extend through individual bars. The support beams are connected by side frames to the eccentric cam surfaces.

Abstract: A blade guide for a dual-frame wood chip sorter comprising a plurality of fingers having a slot therethrough to receive therein a blade, first and second mounting plates on each frame mounting thereon the bottom of a respective number of the fingers. At least one blade on the first frame is disposed intermediate adjacent fingers attached to a first mounting plate with each finger holding an intermediate blade being on another first mounting plate that is longitudinally separated from the other first plate on the frame. The pattern repeats for the second mounting plates with blades from the second frame.

Abstract: An apparatus for inspecting an O ring which detects surface flaws of O rings by successively sending O rings by a conveyor, projecting light and inputting pictures of O rings, and processing the pictures. The apparatus is provided with a vibrating screening machine for separating products and flashes removed from the products and feeding the products of O rings to the conveyor.

Abstract: A vibratory screening machine for separating materials according to particle size includes a vibratory frame and a sizing screen supported by the frame having a plurality of finger plates. Each of the finger plates includes a plurality of fingers separated by lateral gaps therebetween and each of the fingers includes a side deflector wedge extending substantially vertically downwardly from the fingers thereby providing a chute for a properly sized product to fall through.

Abstract: Elongated objects are aligned by being placed on a vibratory grid having elongated holes arranged parallel to one another and to the direction of advance and removal of the aligned objects. They drop through the grid onto conveying means which then moves them away in the desired direction of removal. This removal on the conveying means can be relatively fast. Desirably the vibratory grid is in the form of a number of parallel but spaced round bars which quickly and effectively align the elongated objects as they pass down through the spaces between the bars.

Abstract: The bars of one of two sets of interleaved screen bars is extended beyond the interleaved portion of the screen bed, thus forming a region of the screen bed which has screens particles of intermediate dimensions. A second improvement is a clamping member which holds the downwardly extending legs of individual bars of the screen. The clamping member is a steel channel which has a steeply peaked roof between legs which sheds particles. The bar legs fit into slots which penetrate the peaked roof transverse to the lengthwise direction of the channel. The legs are retained by transverse bolts which pass through the vertical sidewalls of the channel and the legs, retaining and clamping them. The third improvement mounts the clamping member to a flange which may be traversed by a screw and bolt arrangement such that the clamping member may be adjusted in its lateral position. A fourth improvement is a clamping member which extends longitudinally and which has a keyway formed therein.

Abstract: A loop-like material sorting device includes a comb-like member arranged with an inclination in a supply path supplied with materials to be sorted and formed in a row at a pitch corresponding to the shape or size of loop-like materials, and a vibrating device connected to the comb-like member and for applying the mechanical vibration to the comb-like member, wherein the loop-like materials contained in the materials to be sorted are caught by the comb-like member and then guided to the free end by the inclination of the comb-like member and the vibration applied to the comb-like member by the vibrating device to enable the sorting of the loop-like materials.

Abstract: The bars of one of two sets of interleaved screen bars is extended beyond the interleaved portion of the screen bed, thus forming a region of the screen bed which has screens particles of intermediate dimensions. A second improvement is a clamping member which holds the downwardly extending legs of individual bars of the screen. The clamping member is a steel channel which has a steeply peaked roof between legs which sheds particles. The bar legs fit into slots which penetrate the peaked roof transverse to the lengthwise direction of the channel. The legs are retained by transverse bolts which pass through the vertical sidewalls of the channel and the legs, retaining and clamping them. The third improvement mounts the clamping member to a flange which may be traversed by a screw and bolt arrangement such that the clamping member may be adjusted in its lateral position. A fourth improvement is a clamping member which extends longitudinally and which has a keyway formed therein.

Abstract: A sieve assembly for combine includes a frame having side frame and divider members, a wire rotatably supported and extending transversely between the side and divider members. The wire has a majority portion and offset portion and at least one slat mounted thereon including a first pocket for removably receiving the major portion of the wire and a deflectable finger for positively locking the major portion of the wire into the first pocket to prevent accidental displacement of the slat from the wire. The slat includes a second pocket for removably receiving the offset portion of the wire to prevent rotational movement of the wire relative to the slat. In one embodiment, the side frame and divider members have circular apertures through which the wires extend. The inside diameter of these apertures are approximately the same, but slightly larger than, the outside diameter of the wire.

Abstract: A tensioning member for a blade screen that permits simultaneous tensioning of a plurality of blades in a blade screen, such as for wood chip sorting, is shown. The blade screen tensioning member includes a hinged bracket that may be supported on a portion of a frame, a spring steel blade holder for engaging a press-snap inserted into a hole in each of the engaged blades, and an elastic stop nut and stud for tightening and tensioning the blades. The blades are held in place at the opposite end of the frame by a similar holder, which, however, is fixed rather than hinged. The spring steel blade holder is reinforced for additional strength, and is bent at an approximately 45 degree angle where the press-snap is engaged. The blades themselves may also be provided with a sawtooth detail on a bottom edge to reduce the build-up of wood ribbons or fines that would otherwise occur. A sliding bearing with a dovetail configuration is also provided.

Abstract: The bars of one of two sets of interleaved screen bars is extended beyond the interleaved portion of the screen bed, thus forming a region of the screen bed which has screens particles of intermediate dimensions. A second improvement is a clamping member which holds the downwardly extending legs of individual bars of the screen. The clamping member is a steel channel which has a steeply peaked roof between legs which sheds particles. The bar legs fit into slots which penetrate the peaked roof transverse to the lengthwise direction of the channel. The legs are retained by transverse bolts which pass through the vertical sidewalls of the channel and the legs, retaining and clamping them. The third improvement mounts the clamping member to a flange which may be traversed by a screw and bolt arrangement such that the clamping member may be adjusted in its lateral position. A fourth improvement is a clamping member which extends longitudinally and which has a keyway formed therein.

Abstract: The bars of one of two sets of interleaved screen bars is extended beyond the interleaved portion of the screen bed, thus forming a region of the screen bed which has screens particles of intermediate dimensions. A second improvement is a clamping member which holds the downwardly extending legs of individual bars of the screen. The clamping member is a steel channel which has a steeply peaked roof between legs which sheds particles. The bar legs fit into slots which penetrate the peaked roof transverse to the lengthwise direction of the channel. The legs are retained by transverse bolts which pass through the vertical sidewalls of the channel and the legs, retaining and clamping them. The third improvement mounts the clamping member to a flange which may be traversed by a screw and bolt arrangement such that the clamping member may be adjusted in its lateral position. A fourth improvement is a clamping member which extends longitudinally and which has a keyway formed therein.

Abstract: A bar screen system comprising two sets of interleaved bars. In each set, the height of the individual bars is staggered so that every third bar is higher than the other bars, which are the same height. The bars are driven such that the bars in one set are approximately 180.degree. behind the other set in their respective predetermined paths of movement, resulting in a tipping and agitation action which tends to present the wood chips loaded at a high rate onto the bar screen in their thickness dimension to the slots between adjacent bars.

Abstract: A screening deck for a wood chip screening apparatus including a plurality of parallel bars mounted in separate, interlaced grids, with the bars of at least one grid having top surfaces disposed in at least two planes, such that, during oscillatory movement of the grids, at all times at least two bar height positions result, for promoting chip action.

Abstract: A bar screen apparatus (10) having inner and outer frame assemblies (14, 16), with each frame assembly including a plurality of thin, blade-like bar elements (44). Each frame assembly (14, 16) further includes means for maintaining the blade-like bar elements under tension (58, 76). The inner and outer frame assemblies are driven by a drive system which includes a drive motor (97), a first drive shaft (121) at the infeed end of the apparatus, a second drive shaft (128) at the discharge end of the apparatus and a connecting assembly (126) for connecting the two drive shafts. Certain eccentric cams (114, 116, 118 and 120) are mounted on the first drive shaft (121) and are connected to the inner and outer frame assemblies (14, 16), while other eccentric cams (140, 142, 144 and 146) are mounted on the second drive shaft (128) and are connected to the inner and outer frame assemblies (14, 16), with the bar elements in the inner frame assembly being driven approximately 180.degree.

Abstract: The apparatus makes use of a pair of rotating combs (11-14), the discs of the second comb being interposed between the discs of the first comb and positioned at the top between fixed guide plates (17). The discs of the first comb intercept the streams of closed capsules, from which any covers not provided with shells have already been removed. The capsules are inserted by their shells between the discs of the first comb and remain suspended on said discs by their covers (C1). Only capsule shells and any crushed capsules fall through the discs of the first comb. The capsules conveyed by the first rotating comb arrive on the discs of the second comb, generally with their covers at the front.

Abstract: A device for sorting small articles by size. A chute conveys the articles. A gap allows articles of less than a prescribed size through it. The gap is between the chute and a mechanism that extends across the slide. The mechanism detaches and conveys larger articles away along the gap. The object is to prevent articles from becoming jammed upstream of the gap. The gap is a channel that extends essentially across the slope of the chute. The channel is demarcated by two baffles. One baffle merges into the chute. The other merges into the detaching and conveying mechanism. The mechanism also has means of intermittently lifting or tossing articles that become jammed upstream of the channel.

Abstract: A trash removal system for separating trash and loose tobacco shreds from cigarettes that are rejected in cigarette manufacturing and packaging operations. A mixture comprising cigarettes, cigarette wrapper, trash and loose tobacco is metered onto a vibrating trash removal conveyor comprising a plurality of vertical plates arranged in a sinusoidally varying pattern.

Abstract: A material separating apparatus for separating particles up to a preselected size from a material having particles of different sizes therein includes a trough having a material input longitudinally spaced from a material discharge end. The apparatus also includes a separator having a plurality of longitudinally spaced finger screen sections between the input end and the discharge end and along the longitudinal axis of the trough. The finger screen sections each have a backbone extending from side to side across the width of the trough and also each have forwardIy extending fingers connected at one end to the backbone. The fingers are spaced side by side from each other by a preselected amount at forward ends thereof sufficient to allow particles up to the preselected size to pass through the fingers as the trough is vibrated to cause the material to move from the input end to the discharge end.