High efficiency sorting apparatus

Apparatus for sorting items according to size comprising a pair of opposed sorting discs having facing sides formed as flat, planar continuous surfaces inclined relative to each other such that the spacing between said sides varies radially of said discs, means for depositing items to be sorted to between said facing sides of said sorting discs and means interposed at various selected radial locations between said relatively inclined surfaces for withdrawing said items separately from between said sorting discs in accordance with the size of said items in dependence upon the spacing between said relatively inclined surfaces at the radial location where said withdrawing means are interposed, said depositing means being located to permit said items to fall by force of gravity to between said facing sides of said sorting discs, said depositing means comprising container means, oscillating conveyor means for receiving said items from said container means and a pair of feed discs having facing sides generally aligned with the facing sides of said sorting discs, said feed discs being arranged to receive said items from said conveyor means between said facing sides thereof and to deposit said items to between said facing sides of said sorting discs.