GB449058A - Improvements in or relating to potato harvesters - Google Patents

Abstract

449,058. Potato harvesters. NAAMLOOZE VENNOOTSCHAP TER BORG & MENSINGA'S MACHINEFABRIEK, Appingedam, Holland. Sept. 6, 1935, No. 24897. Convention date, Sept. 27, 1934. [Class 6 (iii)] The potatoes are lifted by an adjustable scoop 4 and pass on to an inclined endless chain grating 11 oscillated by eccentric toothed wheels 9, 12. Members 6 arranged over the scoop and actuated by cranks 8 assist the passage of the potatoes on to the grating: these members have spade - like lower ends, the lower edges of which may be covered with rubber, leather, or the like. The grating carries the material to an inclined fixed grid 13 along which it is swept by rubber cross strips 15 mounted on an endless chain 14: the inclined part of this grid leads to an horizontal portion 13a the bars of which are far enough apart to permit the potatoes to fall between them. Haulm and weeds are discharged over the end of the grid. The potatoes fall on a spring comb 21, the inclination of which can be adjusted, and are thrown therefrom into a grid cylinder 24. Remaining weeds and some of the potatoes fall from the comb on to an upwardly moving conveyer 23 which carries the weeds upwards while the potatoes roll downwards into the cylinder. A rubbercovered baffle 24<a> prevents potatoes from being thrown clear of the cylinder. A screw conveyer forces the potatoes laterally along the cylinder, removing the last traces of soil therefrom, to an elevator 26 that carries the potatoes to a trough 27. Any fine soil carried up by the elevator falls through a gap between the elevator and the trough. The parts of the screw conveyer and of the elevator which engage the potatoes are made of rubber. The trough 27 is carried by wheels on rails 28 so that when it is full it can be run to an inclined position at one side, its contents then forcing open a door and falling into a car below.