Patent ID: 6112903
Filing Date: 2000-09-05
Classification: B07C,G01N

Abstract:
Method for separating a stream of mixed particulates of at least two distinct materials having at least one of different thermal, dielectric strength and loss tangent characteristics, comprising:providing a conveying means having a heating path followed by a detecting path;spreading a heating layer of mixed particulates, having a heating layer thickness, along the heating path;heating the heating layer to an exit temperature with an electromagnetic induction heater disposed along the heating path, the electromagnetic induction heater being operable to apply an electromagnetic field to heat the heating layer;spreading the heating layer along the detecting path thereby forming a detecting layer having a detecting layer thickness, the heating layer thickness being larger than the detecting layer thickness;detecting and signaling a difference in temperature between the two distinct materials in the detecting layer using a temperature sensor operable to detect and signal the difference in temperature between the two distinct materials occurring as a result of said different thermal characteristics;diverting a portion of the detecting layer as a function of the difference in temperature, whereby the two materials are separated using at least one controllable diverting mechanism responsive to a signal of the temperature sensor for diverting a portion of the detecting layer.