Airless metal sorter

The ProSort Airless Metal Sorter uses a conveyor belt and sensors, but replaces the air nozzles used in standard air units with cost-effective electromechanical paddles. The two-inch wide “motorized paddles” are constructed with an electromagnetic coil that is attached to a shaft and paddle. The coil is sandwiched between permanent magnets and when energized, causes the paddle to “kick” up until a reverse in polarity causes it to return to its original position. The paddles are positioned side-by-side in a bank as wide as the belt. When the sensors detect a piece of metal on the belt, the control circuit energizes the appropriate paddle at the moment the metal passes above.