GB900784A - Improved apparatus for sorting stones and other matter from potatoes, or other crops or vegetables - Google Patents

Abstract

900,784. Separating solid materials. BRICE, A. Sept. 19, 1960 [June 23, 1959; Jan. 2, 1960 Nos. 21431/59 and 168/60. Class 117. Apparatus for separating stones &c. from potatoes or other crops includes a rotary drum 1 having a yieldable surface on to which the stones &c. and potatoes are discharged from a conveyer 3, whereby due to the different degrees of frictional contact &c. the stones &c. are directed in one direction and the potatoes pass in another direction to a receptacle 19. A number of adjacent depending rods 5 pivoted at their upper ends are yieldable and direct the feed on to the drum. Some of the rods have tension springs 7 between their upper ends and an adjustable anchorage 9 so as to impart an impulse to the feed particularly the potatoes as it falls towards the drum. In a modification, the deflector rods are inclined to provide an increased potato directing action. The drum surface may consist of rubber or synthetic plastic with a cushion 12 of foam rubber etc.; the surface may be fluted or corrugated annularly or helically to provide ribs 13. The latter may be smooth and the grooves therebetween rougher. A pad 15 bears against the underside of the drum and keeps the drum surface clean and may also moisten it. Instead of the conveyer 3 the feed may be delivered by a hopper or shoot; instead of a drum, the feed may be delivered to an endless belt passing around upper and lower rollers so as to present an upper cylindrical yielding surface.