Vibratory separator plate for flake-like members

A plate construction for a vibratory separator machine for separating elongated flake-like members having a thickness dimension and a width dimension which is larger than said thickness dimension from other members which have a smallest dimension which is larger than the thickness dimension of said flake-like members comprising a plate body having a plate axis, a plurality of elongated slot openings in said plate body extending longitudinally of said plate axis, said elongated slot openings being wider than said thickness dimension of said elongated flake-like members but less wide than said smallest dimension of said other members, and orienter means on said plate body having side means which extend upwardly from said plate body immediately adjacent to said elongated slot openings for engaging and lifting portions of said elongated flake-like members which contact said side means so that said elongated flake-like members are lifted into an orientation with their thickness dimensions and their width dimensions extending longitudinally of and aligned with elongated slot openings which are immediately adjacent to said orienter means which engaged and lifted said flake-like members as said elongated flake-like members pass in a random orientation in a direction longitudinally of said plate axis as said plate body is vibrated in an inclined attitude for causing said elongated flake-like members to fall through said elongated slot openings notwithstanding that said width dimension thereof is wider than said width of said elongated slot openings while said other members are prevented from passing through said slot openings because their smallest dimension is greater than the width of said slot openings.