Apparatus for separating solids of different shapes

An apparatus for separating spherically-shaped solids from irregularly-shaped solids comprising:

• a substantially horizontal separating table, said separating table having a frustoconical upper surface extending in a downwardly direction towards the center, the angle of said upper surface being at least as great as the roll angle of said spherically-shaped solids and less than the slide angle of the irregularly-shaped solids, said table in addition being mounted for rotation about its vertical axis;
• a central vertical conduit, said conduit communicating with a central opening in said separating table for removing the spherically-shaped solids from the apparatus;
• a supply means, said supply means being non-rotatively mounted above said separating table and including an open top cylindrical box structure mounted above said separating table, the lower wall of the box structure having a conical shape extending in an upward direction towards the center and having a slope greater than the slide angle of the irregularly-shaped solids and the outer periphery of the box structure being adjacent the outer edge of the separating table;
• means for supplying a mixture of spherically- and irregularly-shaped solids to said box structure;
• a plurality of supply tubes, said supply tubes being mounted at the periphery of the box structure whereby said solids will flow by gravity from said supply means to the outer portion of said separating table;
• and
• removal means for removing the irregularly-shaped solids from the periphery of said separating table, said removable means being spaced intermediate said supply tubes.