US709658A - Potato-sorter. - Google Patents

Description

2 O m 2 .t p e S d e .I n e a P L L A W N P S A A L 8 5 r 9 0 7 0 N POTATU SOBTER.

(Application filed Sept. 28, 1901.)

3 Shaets-Sheet I.

(No Model.)

m: Norms Psrzns co, Pmn'o-Lwnu, WASHINGTON. n c.

No. 709,658. Paiented Sept. 23, I902.

L. A. ASPINWALL.

POTATO SORTER.

"Application filed S pt. 28, 1901.)

3 Sheets-Sheet 2.

(No Model.)

m my In: News FZYERS cc. Pnmo-umu. WASHINGTON. u. c.

N0. 709,658. Patented Sept. 23, I902.

L. A. ASPINWALL.

PUTATO SORTEB.

. Application filed Sept. 28, 1901.) (No Model.) 3 Sheets-Sheet 3.

Q @A L a. m A; W

UNITED STATES PATENT OEEICE.

LEWIS AUGUSTUS ASPINWALL, OF JACKSON, MICHIGAN, ASSIGNORv TO ASPINWALL MANUFACTURING COMPANY, OF JACKSON, MICHIGAN,

A CORPORATION OF MICHIGAN.

POTATO- SORTER.

SPECIFICATION formingpart of Letters Patent No. 709,658, dated September 23, 1902.

Application filed September 28, 1901. Serial No. 76,824. lNo model.)

To all 1071/0721 it H/ay concern:

Be it known that I, LEWIS AUGUSTUS AS- PINWALL, a citizen of the United States, residing at Jackson, in the county of Jackson and State of Michigan, haveinvented an Improvement in Potato-Sorters, of which the following is a specification.

My present invention is an improvement upon the devices shown and described in Letters Patent granted to me July 10, 1900, No. 653,332. 1

My invention relates to mechanical devices for sorting potatoes into several sizes and for separately delivering the sizes as assor1ed,and in the operation of sorting the potatoes those that are decayed and otherwise imperfect can be readily detected and removed by hand.

I provide a suitable frame, and mounted thereon are parallel shafts and sprockets. Two endless parallel chains carrying adjustable sorting devices extend around the pairs ofsaid sprocketsand are operated thereby,and I provide devices actuated by a movement of said chains for agitating the same progress ively. The chains and sorting devices connected thereto carry along and deliver the larger potatoes and permit the smaller ones to fall through between the parts thereof upon a suitable incline. These sorting devices are preferably made with one edge scalloped or serrated, and said devices are adjust-ably connected to the chain, so as to provide openings of various dimensions through which all but the larger potatoes are free to pass. The potatoes falling through are received upon and move down an incline onto an inclined hopper and parallel set of inclined bars, the smaller potatoes passing through between the bars and the medium-sized potatoes are received by pickers, as in my aforesaid patent, upon a revolving cylinder and are delivered into a receptacle separate from that re ceiving the smaller potatoes, the larger potatoes meanwhile being delivered from the sorting devices into a chute provided therefor.

In the drawings, Figure l is side elevation representing my improved potato sorter. Fig. 2 is a partial elevation and longitudinal section of the lower end of the machine. Fig. 3 is an end elevation of the higher end of the machine. Fig. 4.- is a cross-section at the line 00 a; of Fig. 1. Fig. 5 a crosssection at the line at 03 of Fig. 1. Fig. 6 is a cross-section at the line 1/ 2 of Fig. 1. Fig. 7 is a partial plan of the inclined hopper and bars. Fig. 8 is a cross-section of the parts shown in Fig. 7. Fig. 9 is an end view of the picker-cylinder. Fig. 10 is a partial section and elevation of the sorting device at the higher end of the machine. Fig. 11 is a plan and partial section representing a part of the sorting devices and chains carrying the same, and Fig. 12 is a cross-section at the line 2 .2 of Fig. 10. Figs. 10, 11, and 12 are of exaggerated size for clearness, and in the other figures of the drawings some of the parts have been omitted also for olearness and to avoid unnecessary duplication.

The frame of the machine comprises the legs 01' supports 2, the bar sides 3, andthe end bars 4. These bar sides are inclined, and at the lower end bracket-arms 5 are provided, and an inclined supply-hopper 6 is connected to these bracket-arms and rests at its lower forward edge upon the bar sides 3. The bar sides 3 are in reality three pieces, two parts being within the outer parts and extending above and below the same and connected thereto, so that between the inner parts there are ways provided for the endless chains 0 0', upon which they bear and over which they are moved.

At the upper end of the machine I provide an end chute 7, and shafts Ct a, parallel to one another, are placed transversely of the machine at the respective ends and are mounted in suitable bearings, the uppershaft at one end being provided with an operating-handle and crank it. Upon these shafts act and near their ends between the bar sides I provide pairs of sprockets b b. The endless chains 0 o are of any desired link construction and 6X- tend around the pairs of sprockets Z) Z). The alternate links of these endless chains are provided with lugs, and cross-bars d extend between the chains and are connected by bolts 8 to these alternate links. Between the bar sides 3 I provide an incline 9, extending lengthwise of the machine between the pairs of sprockets, and the endless chains and sorting devices on the return movement pass be low this incline 9.

I provide sorting-plates 6, having one straight edge and the opposite edge scalloped or serrated. The ends of these sorting-plates are provided with a series of holes 15, and on each cross-bar d at the respective ends I provide hubs d with arms, the hubs beingloose on the cross-bars d and the ends of the arms being perforated for bolts 10, which pass through the same and through one hole of the series at the respective ends of the sorting-plate c. It will be apparent that if the bolts pass through holes in the sorting-plates nearest to their straight edges said straight edges will be farthest away from the adjacent crossbars and that the serrated edges will be nearest to the next cross-bars, which are those adjacent to the serrated edges, and, as will be seen from Fig. 11, there are series of openings between the incurves of the serrated edges and the cross-bar upon which said serrated edge rests, which openings are approximately of triangular form; It will be also noticed that if the bolts 10 are shifted to the second or third holes of the series the said openings between the serrated edge and the crossbar will be increased, the straight edge of the sorting-plate coming nearest to the cross-bar, to which it is pivoted. In this way the openings in the serrated edge of each sorting-plate and between the same and the cross-bar on which such plate rest-s may be increased in size. Potatoes that are small enough pass through these openings, and those that are too large are carried upon the sorting-plates from the inclined supply-hopper 6 up the inclined sorting-plates and are delivered over into the end chute 7. The sorting-plates e being freely pivoted by hubs d and arms to the cross-bars d normally rest upon said bars, and I provide means for agitating these sortingplates, so as to move the potatoes as they are conveyed along toinsure the smalleronespassing through the aforesaid openings. For the purpose ofagitation I employ toothed wheels f, that are pivotally connected to the inner opposite faces of the bar sides 3. (See specially Figs. 5, 10, and 12.) These toothed wheels or agitators are of dishing form, and, asshown in the drawings, each one is provided with four teeth and each tooth formed by a short radial edge and an inclined edge. These agitators are so set that they are acted upon and turned by the hubs d on the cross-bars d, which come in contact therewith as the endless chains and sorting devices move along up the inclined frame. The object of these agitators is to raise the sorting-plates a short distance to compel a movement of the potatoes supported thereby, and the constant movement of these sorting-plates shifting the potatoes into different positions makes it possible for the smaller potatoes to come into such position that they will be caused to pass through the openings between the cross-bars and the serrated edges. From Fig. 1 of the drawings it will be noticed that six of these agitators are shown by dotted lines in the length of the machine and that they occupy different positions. Consequently the sort-- ing-plates are irregularly lifted, which has a tendency to increase the agitation and keep the potatoes moving as they are conveyed along. These agitators are necessarily arranged inpairs upon opposite sides of the machine, the one exactly opposite the other and occupying a corresponding position, the forward movement of the endless chains by the sprockets b upon the shaft a automatically effecting the movement of these agitators, so that the pairs act progressively upon the sorting-plates and as they rotate under each sorting-plate to raise the same with their movement they drop one plate before raising the next plate. In this manner the mass of potatoes moving up the range of sorting plates is kept in a constant state of agitation, so that the larger potatoes only remain on top and the smaller potatoes find their way down and through the openings hereinbefore spoken of between the incurves of the serrated edges and the adjacent cross-bars. Fig. 11 shows by full lines one position of the sorting-plates, the dotted line 20 shows the second position of adjustment, and the dotted line 30 the next or last position of adjustment.

At the lower portion of the machine I provide an inclined hopper g, the higher end of which is securely connected to the legs 2, and the said hopper is also supported from the bar sides 3 by the arms g. This hopper g has a transverse metal plate 11, which forms the edge to the hopper, and secured to this metal plate are the inclined fingers h. These fingers are preferably let into the plate 11, so that their upper surfaces are flush with the plate, and they are secured thereto by bolts. Figs. 6, 7, and 8 show these parts clearly, and I prefer to enlarge the upper end of the bars h where they are let into the plate 11, so as to strengthen the upper end of the bars on account of the bolt-holes, A

The lower end of the inclined hopper sides carry the cylinder 41 in suitable bearings connected therewith, and upon the surface of this cylinder 2' there are pickers 12. These pickers 12 each have aportion curved to correspond to the periphery of the cylinder, and at this portion said pickers are connected to the cylinder in any suitable manner. From this portion of each picker there is a rising portion extending outward from the surface of the cylinder and adapted to come in contact with and raise the potatoes that have passed down the fingers h and not passed through between the same. The smallest potatoes pass between the fingers h and fall into a pile or are received into a receptacle. The larger potatoes remain upon the fingers and are taken up by the pickers 12 and carried over the cylindert' and delivered into another pile or into a receptacle provided therefor.

The pickers 12 are not only of the shape hereinbefore described and shown in the drawings, but they are arranged about the cylinder in two spiral sets, so that there are fou r pickers for the openings between the respective fingers, except the two outside fingers at either side, and here there are only two pickers'for each space. By this construction it will beapparent that the larger number of potatoes are lifted over the central portion of the cylinder rather than at the respective ends, as the potatoes would he more liable to be injured by coming in contact with the sides of the hopper, and this is avoided by moving the larger number of them at the center, which consequently causes a movement of the potatoes toward the center to fill up the space from which potatoes have already been taken. l

The cylinder i is provided at one end with a sprocket l5, and there is a sprocket lei on the end of the shaft a, and a chain 13 passes over these sprockets, the rotation of the cylinder i being effected by the rotation of the endless chains from the shaft a to the shaft a and from the shaft a to the said cylinder, the parts all rotating in the same direction.

The potatoes that come down the incline S) shoot off the lower end thereof and readily pass between the vertical hanging sortingplates 6 on their return'movement, the said plates not interfering, materially with the movement of the potatoes. By this construction it will be apparent that the potatoes are sorted out in at least three sizes. The pota toes that pass over the chute 7 are usually those reserved for the market. Those that pass over the cylinder t are usually those reserved for seed, while the small ones, that pass through between the fingers h, are preferably employed for feeding stock.

I claim as my inventiou 1. In a potato-sorter, a sorting device for separating the potatoes and retaining only larger potatoes, comprising parallel endless chains,crossbars extending between and connecting the same, a series of sortingplates scalloped or serrated along one edge, devices for loosely pivoting and for adjustably connecting said plates to said arms so that in use the scalloped edges rest upon the next adjacent cross-bars and on the return movement the said sorting-plates turn over and hang freely.

2. In a potato-sorter, the combinationwith an inclined hopper, of two endless parallel chains, devices for connecting said chains and operating the same, cross-bars extending between the chains and connected to opposite links, sorting-plates each having one edge scalloped or serrated, devices at their respective ends for adjustably and loosely pivoting said plates to said cross-bars, so that each plate is pivoted to one crossbar and is normally supported by the adjacent crossbar, means for agitating said plates as they are drawn along by the cross-bars with the forward movement of the chains, whereby the sorting'plates turn over and hang free from the chains on the return movement.

3. In a potato-sorter, the combination with an inclined hopper, of two endless parallel chains, devices for connecting said chains andoperating the same, cross-bars extending between the chains and connected to opposite links, hubs with arms extending therefrom loosely surrounding the said crossbars at the respective ends, sorting-plates having at their respective ends a series of holes by which With bolts they are adjustably con nected to the arms of said hubs, and toothedwheel agitators in pairs secured to the frame of the machine beneath the chains and adapted to be operated by the movement of the chains and to come into contact with the said sorting-plates alternately and progressively for raising the same and agitating the potatoes, substantially as set forth.

4. In a potato-sorter, the combination with an inclined hopper, of two endless parallel chains, devices for connecting said chains and operating the same, cross-bars extending between the chains and connected to opposite links, hubs with arms extending therefrom loosely surrounding the said cross-bars at the respective ends, sorting-plates each having one edge scalloped or serrated and having at their respective ends a series of holes by which with bolts they are adjustably links of the chains, sorting-plates having one edge scalloped or serrated, devices pivoted to the crossbars and adjustably engaging the ends of the sorting-plates, the said sortingplates at their serrated edges normally resting upon the said cross-bars so that between their incurves and the cross-bars there are openings, the sizes of which may be increased or diminished and through which openings potatoes may pass, substantially as set forth.

6. In a potato-sorter, the combination with an inclined hopper, of two endless parallel chains, cross-bars connected at their ends to links of the chains, sorting-plates having one edge scalloped or serrated, devices pivoted to the cross-bars and adjustably engaging the ends of the sorting-plates, the said sortingplates at their serrated edges normally resting upon the said cross-bars so that between their incurves and the cross-bars there are openings the sizes of which may be increased or diminished and through which openings potatoes may pass, and toothed-wheel agitators pivotally connected to the inner faces of the side frames and rotated by the movement of the chains for raising alternate sortingplates and so agitating the mass of potatoes carried by the said devices, substantially as set forth.

7. In a potato-sorter, the combination with an inclined hopper, of two endless parallel chains, cross-bars connected at their ends to links of the chains, sorting-plates having one edge scalloped or serrated, devices pivoted to the cross-bars and adjnstably engaging the ends of the sorting-plates, the said sortingplates at their serrated edges normally resting upon the said cross-bars so that between their incurves and the cross-bars there are openings the sizes of which may be increased or diminished and through which openings potatoes may pass, and toothed-Wheel agitators securely connected to the inner faces of the bar sides and each tooth of which COlllprises one radial and one inclined edge, the radial edges being acted upon by the chains and the inclined edges raising the sortingplates alternately and progressively with the movement of the parts, substantially as set forth.

8. In a potato-sorter, the combination with the inclined hopper g, of the metal plate ll transversely thereof, 'the inclined fingers h connected to said plate 11 and let into the upper face thereof, the cylinder 'i above the free ends of said fingers, and pickers l2 arranged in two spiral sets about the cylinder so that there are two pickers at the respective ends of the cylinder coming between the end fingers and four pickers in circular rows upon the said cylinder coming between each of the other fingers, substantially as and for the purposes set forth.

Signed by me this 20th day of September, 1901.

LEWIS AUGUSTUS ASPINWALL.

Witnesses:

O. G. RoWLEY, W. O. SHANAFELT. v

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