Patent ID: 8496114
Filing Date: 2013-07-30
Classification: B07B,D01B

Abstract:
1. A separation apparatus for processing a fiber sample that includes both fibers and trash, the separation apparatus comprising: a pinned cylinder for rotating in a first direction and receiving the fiber sample, the pinned cylinder having a cylindrical surface with a length extending along a longitudinal axis, and rigid pins having distal ends extending from the cylindrical surface, the pins for selectively engaging and retaining the fibers of the fiber sample, a knife edge extending parallel to the longitudinal axis and along substantially the entire length of an underside of the pinned cylinder, and disposed adjacent the distal ends of the pins, for selectively removing from the fiber sample the trash that is not retained by the pins, the trash thereby separating from the fiber sample along a substantially downward direction, a counter-flow of air moving at a first velocity in a substantially upward direction towards the underside of the pinned cylinder, the first velocity sufficient for the counter-flow of air to blow the fibers that are not originally retained by the pins up toward the bottom of the pinned cylinder and thereby engaging the fibers with the pinned cylinder, and the first velocity insufficient to prevent gravity from pulling the trash downward through the counter-flow of air, and a collection surface for receiving the trash that has fallen downward through the counter-flow of air.