Abstract: Exemplary embodiments include improved systems and methods for sorting and metering materials to be recycled at a material recovery facility. Systems and methods for the accurate and automated sorting and metering of recoverable materials may include a bunker with an integral conveyor adapted to meter presorted materials such that predetermined amounts of the materials may be delivered to a baler for baling and sale. Exemplary systems may include an auger screw type conveyor sized and shaped to deliver the materials to, for example, a baling system. The systems may also include a crusher for reducing the volume of the materials prior to metering from the bunker; by reducing the volume of the materials in the bunker, a baler may operate more efficiently, increasing output from the facility.

Abstract: A system for sorting merchandise tags. The system includes a housing configured to receive a first portion of the merchandise tag and a second portion of the merchandise tag, the first portion and the second portion configured to attach to one another. The system also includes a separator configured to separate the first portion and the second portion based on one or more physical characteristics of the first portion and the second portion. The system further includes a rotating mechanism, where the rotating mechanism allows the user to control the separator. The system additionally includes a container for receiving the smaller portion which falls through the separator.

Abstract: An apparatus for sorting objects, such as firearm cartridge cases is provided. The apparatus may include a motor, such as an electrically powered motor. The apparatus may also include a tray assembly having a first plurality of slots, a box assembly, a base assembly having a bottom member, and a first bin lying beneath the first plurality of slots. The tray assembly may be fixed to the box assembly so that the tray assembly is angled with respect to a flat ground surface when the bottom member lies on the flat ground surface. The motor may be connected to the tray assembly so that when the motor is electrically powered on, the motor vibrates the tray assembly. Each of the first plurality of slots may be sized so that a first type of object will fall through each of the first plurality of slots and into the first bin.

Abstract: The present invention may be used for separation of plant extract material from plant material. A tubular container with an open first end and a closed second end may be constructed of a rigid material. A plant material may be place in the tubular container. The tubular container may be inserted in a tubular screening container having an open first end and a screen covered second end to position the screen covered second end over the open first end of the tubular container. The separation apparatus may then be shaken with the screen covered second end over a surface for receipt of extract material. A frozen material, for example, dry ice, may be placed in the tubular container with the plant material as part of the process method.

Abstract: A serving bowl is configured to segregate un-popped popcorn kernels from popped popcorn kernels. The serving bowl has a bowl rim attached to an upper bowl section; wherein the bowl rim is sufficiently large to accommodate human fingers. A middle bowl section is attached to the upper bowl section. A lower bowl section is attached to the middle bowl section wherein the lower bowl section is perforated with sifting holes. A bowl base is attached to the lower bowl section and detachably coupled to a bottom lid forming a catch basin. The un-popped popcorn kernels and the popped popcorn kernels are accommodated in the serving bowl such that the un-popped popcorn kernels are segregated through the sifting holes and then stored in the catch basin.

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 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 machine enabling automatic sorting of defective gelatin capsules based on the diameter and the weight of the capsule. The machine enables the automatic selection and rejection of the gelatin capsules having assembly and metering defects. The device consists of a rimmed selection disk rotating on an inclined plane of about 20 degrees relative to the horizontal direction. The disk has one or two rows of suitably sized apertures drilled about its circumference for holding the defective gelatin capsules until the defective gelatin capsules are automatically expelled by a blast nozzle. The properly assembled gelatin capsules pass freely through the sized apertures. While falling, the gelatin capsules individually pass a blast screen which expels the flawed gelatin capsules. Acceptable gelatin capsules are not deflected by the air blast and are discharged from the machine via the outlet chute.

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: An apparatus is disclosed for separating popped corn from un-popped kernels. The apparatus includes a popped corn container that holds popped corn and a kernel separator located on a side of the popped corn container. The kernel separator includes a kernel separator screen with a plurality of holes, where a hole in the plurality of holes is larger than an un-popped kernel and smaller than a fully popped corn. The kernel separator also includes a reentry impedance means for impeding an un-popped kernel from entering the popped corn container through the kernel separator. The apparatus also includes a kernel container positioned outside the popped corn container and adjacent to the kernel separator such that the kernel container stores the un-popped kernel after the un-popped kernel has passed through the kernel separator. The apparatus may further include a cover container.

Abstract: A popcorn bowl with a lid that separates unpopped kernels has versatile uses both as a popcorn container and an unpopped kernel separator, and consists of a bowl (3) for receiving popcorn, generally together with unpopped kernels (5), and a lid (2) with (round, rectangular, etc.

Abstract: A system for pre-processing material into groups of different sizes comprising three levels. The second level is positioned above the third level and below the first level. The first level comprising a feeding mechanism, one or more first screens coupled to ducts and having apertures, blowers and vacuum ducts, dust collectors and a diverter. The screens transport the material along the first level in a first direction while a portion is sifted away before being diverted to the second level. The second level comprising one or more second screens coupled to ducts and having apertures, blowers and vacuum ducts and a takeaway device. The screens transport the material along the second level in a second direction different than the first while a portion is sifted away before falling to the third level. The third level comprising blowers and vacuum ducts and takeaway devices for receiving a portion of the material.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for separating popped corn from un-popped kernels. The apparatus includes a popped corn container that holds popped corn and a kernel separator located on a side of the popped corn container. The kernel separator includes a kernel separator screen with a plurality of holes, where a hole in the plurality of holes is larger than an un-popped kernel and smaller than a fully popped corn. The kernel separator also includes a reentry impedance means for impeding an un-popped kernel from entering the popped corn container through the kernel separator. The apparatus also includes a kernel container positioned outside the popped corn container and adjacent to the kernel separator such that the kernel container stores the un-popped kernel after the un-popped kernel has passed through the kernel separator. The apparatus may further include a cover container.

Abstract: A classifying device for classifying particles using a centrifugal force contains a microchannel includes a curved portion including a first tubular channel and a second tubular channel; and a diaphragm that is provided within the curved portion, and that is located at a position between the first tubular channel and the second tubular channel; and wherein the diaphragm has at least a first apertured group formed in a central region of the diaphragm and a second apertured group formed in a first end region and a second end region of the diaphragm, the first apertured group and the second apertured group communicate the first tubular channel with the second tubular channel along a direction of the centrifugal force, the first apertured group has a mesh, and the second apertured group has a mesh that is different in size from the mesh of the first apertured group.

Abstract: An attrition mill for reclaiming foundry sand from deposited material having lumps of used foundry sand and included material includes a housing defining a chamber for receiving the lumps of used foundry sand and included material. A base is disposed within the housing and has an elevated end defining a reject outlet adjacent a reject end of the mill and a lower end, and a discharge wall is positioned adjacent the base lower end to define a sand outlet adjacent a sand end of the mill. A resilient support is attached to the housing, and a vibratory drive is attached to the housing and includes first and second eccentrically loaded motors.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of sorting submillimetric particles entrained in a fluid flowing in an axial direction of a main channel, the particles being of density different from the density of the fluid, and the method being characterized in that it implements, in a first region of the main channel, focusing of the particles along a wall (7) of the main channel (1) by means of at least one focusing device (3), and downstream from said region, collecting of particles in at least one sorting and take-off device (40) in communication with the main channel (1) via an opening such that the particles collected are selected by the take-off device as a function of the size of said particles, and in that said at least one sorting and take-off device is a recirculation chamber (40) in communication with the main channel (1) and presenting at least one recirculation zone (41) for concentrating the collected particles.

Abstract: A system, methodology, and product to sort, organize and store individual members of building/construction toy sets utilizing a multi-level system of bins with sieves at different heights using user applied forces and gravity to automatically sort and organize pieces into bins, while providing a fun hands-on sorting experience for kids. The location, size and shape of the sieves can be designed to optimize sorting speed and user experience for specific toy manufacturer brands including Lego™ bricks made by Lego Corporation. The system also functions as a storage unit for the pieces, during and after sort. A flexible binding mechanism holds the system together during sort. The system is designed with see-through materials to monitor the status of the sort and find specific pieces in respective bins. A set of wheels enables mobility. The “hands-on” involvement in sorting also makes this an entertaining and educational apparatus for kids.

Abstract: An air classifier contains a cylindrical casing provided with at an upper part thereof a feed port to feed high pressure air and a powder material, an umbrella-shaped center core in the casing, and an umbrella-shaped separator core arranged downstream of the center core in the casing and including an opening at center thereof. The air classifier has a configuration containing a dispersion chamber to disperse the powder material, being surrounded by an inner wall of the upper part casing and the center core, and a classification chamber to classify the powder material into fine and coarse powders by centrifugation, being surrounded by the center core, separator core and inner wall of the casing. In the dispersion chamber provided are a louver ring containing guide slats circularly arranged at regular intervals, and a space encircling the louver ring and serving as flow passage of the air and powder material.

Abstract: A process for classifying water-absorbing polymer beads, wherein screens having different mesh sizes are used before and after the postcrosslinking to remove the oversize.

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 device for separating a fine solid component includes a substrate and a diaphragm provided on the substrate. The substrate has a first surface and a second surface opposite the first surface. The substrate has a recess provided in the second surface, a cavity opening to the first surface, and a first through-hole allowing the recess to communicate with the cavity. The diaphragm has a second through-hole formed therein at a position corresponding to the cavity. The second through hole has a diameter smaller than a diameter of the first through-hole. This device and a method using the device enables only small solid components included in fluid having plural solid components having sizes different from each other to pass without clogging.

Abstract: An apparatus for the removal of objects and other debris from cement that is pumped via a concrete pump includes a secondary screen that is pivotally attached at one end thereof to a concrete pump a predetermined distance above a grate that is disposed over a hopper, the screen having a smaller opening size than that of the grate. An opposite end of the screen is urged toward an opposite end of the hopper by a pair of elastomeric straps. A pair of upraised sides are included at a top and bottom of the screen, the screen having a planar member that is disposed at a steeper angle than is the grate. When cement is poured it first contacts and passes through the secondary screen which automatically descends and rises, thereby maximizing the flow rate of cement through the screen as the objects are removed from the mixture.

Abstract: An apparatus and method of separating heavy materials in garbage from light ones is taking advantage of water as a means for carrying floated garbage and submerged garbage and sinking the heavy materials in garbage by considering specific weight, buoyancy, and flow rate of water so as to remove the light materials in garbage and the heavy materials in garbage from the water container at different elevations and then to classify the heavy materials in garbage prior to collection.

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: An apparatus comprises a cylindrical rotary piercing and screen assembly including surface openings, rows of first needles, and rows of blades, and a channel-shaped washing and dispersion mechanism. Garbage bags are pierced by the first needles and the blades as the piercing and screen assembly is rotating, and the pierced garbage bags discharged from the piercing and screen assembly to the washing and dispersion mechanism are pushed forward by water sprayed from the first injection nozzles, scattered by water sprayed from the second injection nozzles, and further pierced by the second needles so as to facilitate a subsequent garbage classification. The invention can effectively recycle garbage for future use, resulting in a significant reduction of garbage and an improvement of environment.

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: There is provided screen apparatus comprising side walls having a lower edge portion configured to accept tubular screen support members. An upper edge extends from the inlet end of the side walls to an apex from which a declining edge extends to the foot of the side walls. The lower edge, upper edge and declining edge are each provided with edge stiffening. A torque tube is secured between the respective exciter mount castings, the torque tube and stiffened side wall being selected to provide that the first fundamental frequency mode greater than the exciter frequency is at least 2 Hz greater than the exciter frequency and the first fundamental frequency below the exciter frequency is at least 2 Hz lower than the exciter frequency.

Abstract: An apparatus which is useful in the separation of solids from a diluted, wet, concrete mixture has (a) a free-standing first container with a drain port and a top opening, (b) a strainer disposed within the first container, (c) a drain port shut-off valve, (d) a second container capable of providing a reservoir for recovered liquid, and (e) a transfer conduit for allowing effluent from the drain port of the first container to gravitate into the second container.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for supplying sample sand from a mixing machine to a sand-property-measuring apparatus so that sample sand having no clump of sand is sampled, and so that the value of the compactibility correlates with the value measured by conventional sand-property-measuring apparatus.

Abstract: A screen cylinder (125) used for screening cellulosic fibrous material pulp in the pulp and paper industry incorporates first (66) and second (67) downstream surfaces (16) having contoured slopes that form a funnel entrance of the grooves (13) at the screen cylinder slots (17). The contoured construction of the screen cylinder (125) effects greatly enhanced utility compared to conventional milled and discrete element screen cylinders, including substantially avoiding the Coanda effect.

Abstract: A high-speed, high-volume coin sorter includes a coin feed device and a coin sorting device. The coin sorting device includes a number of stationary sorting plates, each plate associated with a respective coin denomination. Coins are successively driven along each sorting plate, with coins associated with the sorting plate discharged at the end of the plate. The other coins drop through the plate and fall onto a conveyor to be transferred to the next sorting plate.

Abstract: For sieving biocompatible adsorbent beaded polymeric materials, a column is formed for accommodating beads of the polymeric material, a fluid is formed into the column upwardly, a plurality of screening elements located in the column between a bottom of the column and a top of the column and spaced from one another in a vertical direction, the screening elements having openings of different sizes, so that beads of the polymeric material below a predetermined threshold are displaced by a fluid flowing upwardly and through a respect to one of the screening elements, while beads above the predetermined threshold are retained under a respective one of the screening elements, and a plurality of further fluids are supplied downwardly onto each of the screening elements so as to prevent clogging of a respective one of the screening elements and to agitate the polymeric beads in the column under a respective one of the screening elements.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus to prevent malfunctions or sorting errors when supplying coins to coin separation holes in a coin separator. The coin separator includes a coin carrier vessel with a coin supply control vessel that can successively supply a small quantity of coins, and an automatic coin release mechanism that causes the above coin carrier vessel to rotate in the reverse direction instantaneously to prevent malfunction and then rotate in the normal direction again resume normal coin separation operations. The automatic coin release mechanism operates in response to any coin that gets caught in the coin carrier vessel during the operation of coin separation that causes the operation to come to a stop.

Abstract: A utensil sorting apparatus simultaneously sorts and/or orients a plurality of utensils, such as spoons, forks, and knives. A movable conveyor is movably disposed over a template having a plurality of first aperture sized to receive therethrough only the spoons. The conveyor sequentially moves the utensils through locations, including a receiving location, and a sorting location.

Abstract: A utensil sorting apparatus simultaneously sorts and/or orients a plurality of utensils, such as spoons, forks, and knives. A movable conveyor is movably disposed over a template having a plurality of first aperture sized to receive therethrough only the spoons. The conveyor sequentially moves the utensils through locations, including a receiving location, and a sorting location.

Abstract: A hollow rotating drum 1 is provided in an oblique manner and is rotated by two pairs of rollers 3a, 3b. A size classification unit 2 is provided in the vicinity of a center of the rotating drum in a lengthwise direction of the drum, and water is added from a water addition unit 4. An object to be moisturized is supplied from an opening on an upper portion of the rotating drum in a supplying direction 5 of the object. Then, the object is moved spirally within the rotating drum to be moisturized. An object, i.e., a moisture-processed substance having a size equal to or smaller than the predetermined size is classified by the size classification unit to be continuously discharged in a direction 6 of movements of the moisture-processed substance. Also, an object, i.e., residue having a larger size than the predetermined size, is continuously discharged from an opening on an underside of the rotating drum in a direction 7 of movements of the residue.

Abstract: A tablet tester has a screw-like vibratory conveyor and isolating unit, a positioning unit having a transport rake and an orientation unit between the two first-mentioned units, which in particular is in the form of a linear vibratory conveyor. A sensor arrangement triggers the transport rake and permits automatic ejection of tablet residues via a fragment trap.

Abstract: A utensil sorting apparatus simultaneously sorts and/or orients a plurality of utensils, such as spoons, forks, and knives. A first movable conveyor is movably disposed over a first template having at least one first aperture sized to receive therethrough only the spoons. The first conveyor sequentially moves the utensils through at least three locations, including a receiving location, a sorting and orienting location, and a discharge location. A bar may be disposed laterally across the first aperture in the first template at a location configured to correspond to a midpoint of the spoon. The center of gravity of the spoon causes the spoon to pass over one side of the bar to orient the spoon as it passes through the aperture. The apparatus has a first stage, including the first template and first conveyor, to separate the spoons, and a second stage, including a second template and a second conveyor, to separate the forks from the knives.

Abstract: In a film processor, filmstrips are contained in their specific cartridge shells with their film leaders attached to a leader plate, and are fed into processing baths with the leader plate in the lead, while being pulled out from the cartridge shells. After the filmstrips are separated from the cartridge shells, the cartridge shells drop on a chute and slide down on the chute. Smaller cartridge shells sift through a sifting slit formed through the chute along the sliding direction, while larger cartridge shells slide down to a lower end of the chute. A lateral guide plate extends under the sifting slit, to guide smaller cartridge shells having sifted through the sifting slit in the lateral direction of the sifting chute toward a cartridge recovery box. Larger cartridge shells drop from the lower end of the chute down to a second cartridge recovery box.

Abstract: A process for producing packaged products from a film roll includes the steps of detecting whether an elongate film is defective or not, detecting whether a spool is defective or not, detecting whether an assembled cartridge is defective or not, and detecting whether a case is defective or not. Various defective products detected in these steps are removed without being fed to subsequent steps. By thus detecting various defects in the process for producing packaged products from a film roll, high-quality packaged products can efficiently be manufactured.

Abstract: A method for jogging bunches of standard-size documents of prescribed height mixed in with anomalous- size documents of lesser height, these standard-size documents to be shaken and tilted to register against a first-wall of a receptacle. This method also involving: relieving the first wall to form a cutout to pass only the anomalous-size documents; providing a second wall in the receptacle forward of the first wall; and shaking the documents so as to register the forward edges of the anomalous-size documents against the second wall after passing through the cutout.

Abstract: A screening conveyor (10) for conveying particulate matter, such as comminuted wood fiber, in a forward direction while also screening to separate particles over a predetermined size from small particles under a predetermined size. The screening conveyor includes a frame (17, 50) and first and second conveyor bed sections (16, 30) supported by the frame. Each conveyor bed section defines a longitudinal axis and an upper surface (22) formed from a tiled series of trough shaped trays (20). Each tray defines a step including an ascending surface portion (96). The first and second conveyor bed sections are reciprocated in opposing balanced fashion along the longitudinal axis by a motor (48), cam assembly (54) and connecting rods (64, 66). The received particulate matter is carried on the stepped upper surfaces of the reciprocating conveyor bed and thrown forwardly from tray to tray. The upper surfaces further each define a plurality of apertures of predetermined size.

Abstract: In a preferred embodiment, a system for collecting and segregating particulate food debris from the whole pieces in a packaged food product, and a system to facilitate and ease the opening of the sealed plastic/cellophane/other packaging material within an outer cardboard food box, including: an inner bag; a system of small filter holes perforating the bottom of the inner bag; an outer bag adhered thereon; a system where the composite inner and outer bags are adhered to the inside and toward the top of the cardboard box, in order to maintain a food debris collection pocket at the base of the two-bag system; two gripping devices, of a style/type to include but not limited to, a pull-ring or pull-tab; and a system for affixing the gripping devices directly opposite one another on the outside and at the top of the sealed composite double-bag packaging material, to facilitate breaking the plastic packaging system's hermetic seal.

Abstract: This invention discloses a paper eject passageway auto-switching device, which is installed in an information processing machine, suitable for automatically switching between two eject passageways for paper sheets from the processing unit. The paper eject passageway auto-switching device includes: a first paper eject passageway and a second eject passageway. The first paper eject passageway has a first guide vane provided with a guide surface capable of guiding paper sheets from the processing unit to move along the first paper eject passageway, and a first outlet portion through which paper sheets leave the information processing machine. The second paper eject passageway has a branched opening having its width smaller than that of the first guide vane, a second guide vane, and a second outlet portion. The second guide vane has a guide surface capable of guiding paper sheets from the branched opening into the second paper eject passageway.

Abstract: A mechanical apparatus for separating annealed laminate plates which have become stuck to one another during an annealing process. The apparatus is positioned along a conveyor path of the annealed laminate plates and is used to vibrate the plates to break them apart. The apparatus is comprised of a power roller conveyor, a vibratory table positioned along the conveyor path, and a cage to prevent the plates from falling from the table when vibrated. A tray of laminate plates is moved onto the table by means of the power roller conveyor. With the cage lowered over the tray of plates, the table is vibrated for a short cycle causing the plates to break apart from one another. The cage is then lifted and the tray of separated plates is conveyed further down the line.

Abstract: A method for jogging bunches of standard-size documents of prescribed height mixed in with anomalous-size documents of lesser height, these standard-size documents to be shaken and tilted to register against a first-wall of a receptacle this method also involving: relieving the first wall to form a cutout to pass only the anomalous-size documents; providing a second-wall in the receptacle forward of the first-wall; and shaking the documents so as to register the forward edges of the anomalous-size documents against the second-wall after passing through the cutout.

Abstract: An apparatus for filling a grain drill with grain includes a grain hopper and a manifold assembly. The hopper includes an open upper portion and a lower portion, and a conveying conduit communicates with an outlet in the lower portion of the hopper such that grain exits the outlet into the conduit. An air blower device is positioned at an end of the conveying conduit and forces pressurized air through the conduit and beneath the hopper outlet. The air in the conveying conduit entrains grain exiting the outlet and carries the grain along the conduit to the manifold assembly mounted on the planting apparatus. The grain and air pass into a manifold tube having a delivery slot and air exhaust apertures, with the grain passing through the slot into the grain drill and the air exiting through the exhaust apertures. The hopper, blower device and conduit may be formed as a stand alone unit which, during filling, is connected to the manifold assembly that is secured to the grain drill.

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 colander structure is arranged of a generally semi-spherical configuration to include a matrix of first apertures directed therethrough of a first width, with a plurality of annular arrays of second apertures extending from a floor portion of the colander, wherein the second apertures are of a second width substantially greater than the first width to permit the reception of popcorn kernels therethrough to eliminate such kernels, with only fully expanded popcorn components remaining within the colander structure.

Abstract: A device for separating unpopped popcorn kernels from popped popcorn. The device comprises a flat flexible disc having tapering edges, feet or ridges to elevate the disc, and a plurality of holes perforated through the disc. The diameter of the holes will only allow unpopped popcorn kernels to fall through the disc, and not popped kernels. Therefore, regardless of whether the disc is supported at its edge of its feet, there is space for the kernels to fall through.