The invention is of a process for increasing the productivity and separation efficiency of a short-belt type dry magnetic separator such as is used for separation of magnetic iron ore from gangue. The process includes providing magnets extending in an arc within the pulley head which begins at a location spaced beyond the point where substantially all of the particles are thrown off of the belt surface in the direction of belt travel.

A system, apparatus and method collects data on rolled product usage at a dispensing location by monitoring the amount of product pulled or removed from a roll. A spindle assembly may be configured to support a product roll. The spindle assembly includes a rotating member disposed about a sensor. The sensor is capable of detecting one or more parameters of product usage from the roll. Furthermore, the sensor may be configured to measure at least the degree of movement of the rotating member during removal of product from the roll. A recording device also may be provided for receiving data from the sensor, the recording device being adapted for receiving and recording data. Data that may be generated, and may be recorded, includes roll product usage data. An electronically controlled system of monitoring product inventory, and/or ordering more product when inventory falls below a predetermined threshold amount is also included.