GB189478A - Improvements in apparatus for removing the pericarp from palm nuts and the like - Google Patents

Abstract

189,478. Culley, A. E. June 1, 1921. Hulling, husking, and decorticating. - A machine for removing the pericarp from palm-nuts &c., of the type described in Specification 12655/15, has the springs C, Fig. 6, which project from the surface of the drum B, helically arranged. The drum is built up of discs B' having a flange b<5> surfaced with stabbed metal b<6>, each disc being slit and bent to form one turn of a helix. Through the slot b<10> between adjacent discs project the springs C, mounted upon studs D which form distance-pieces between the discs. Adjacent discs have a slight relative angular displacement. The nuts &c. are fed from a hopper F by one or more reciprocating slides G', actuated by a crank or cranks g<5> on the shaft g<7> driven by friction gearing g<13>, g<14> from shaft b', the ratio being adjusted by sliding the disc g<13> on the shaft g' by means of a lever g<22> operated by a hand wheel. The nuts pass along longitudinal channels formed by plates h<1>, h<2>, h<3>, Fig. 3. The surface of the drum B is cleaned by a brush E which moves, at the point of contact, in the same direction as and at a greater speed than the drum, the action turning the springs C down into the slots b<10>, the length of the recesses b<16> in which the ends c<2> of the springs are anchored allowing a limited movement, the amount of which can be varied by bending the tongue b" at the end of each recess b<16>. The frame of the machine is of tubular bars, and may be hinged at a<9> to allow of the drum being exposed. It is supported on detachable legs, and wheels may be fitted for transport.