Based on an idea from other:Halfbakery:Problem Bank.
A machine that can sort through a large amount of small items (screws, washers, coins, other assorted hardware) and sift out items that match the desired target in terms of weight, size, density, whatever. Need quarters for laundry day? Dump your changebox in. Need two more screws to match the one you have? Dump that in too!-- koz, Sep 21 2000 Jesus, the paint hadn't even dried on the problem bank.-- thumbwax, Sep 21 2000 How about one for softer goods, like laundry?-- bristolz, Nov 04 2003 Coin sorters exist and give you more useful change from your penny jar, but most I've found take a percentage for the privlege. (thieves) Any idea how it would work koz? You know many amazing effects can be achived with "particular" media and vibrations. Perhaps that would be the way to go. Peas are sorted in a processing plant like this in size order. By many trays with holes that shake and smaller peas fall through etc.-- not-arf, Jun 23 2004 Perfect job for Asimo to do at night...-- James Newton, Jun 23 2004 random, halfbakery