GB253241A - Improved method of and means for shelling or husking nuts, and the like - Google Patents

Abstract

253,241. Wokes, C. March 24, 1925. Husking.-In a method of shelling or husking nuts and the like, the nuts are subjected to the action of steam, air, or gas under pressure in a closed vessel, and the pressure suddenly released so that the steam &c. which has penetrated the shells will burst or fracture the same. Suitable apparatus consists of a closed vessel A mounted on trunnions B, B<1> in bearings C, C<1> of supports D, D' and provided with a charging and discharging aperture a having a detachable cover a<1>. Steam &c. is supplied by a valve-controlled pipe F, which fits into a stuffing-box E at the outer end of the trunnion B, and passes by passages d, d<1> in the trunnion and a pipe L to a box M at the bottom of the vessel A, whence it passes through a perforated plate d<3> into the vessel. The hollow trunnion B<1> is covered at its 'inner end by a perforated plate d<2> and at its outer end carries a cylindrical extension G by which it is closed and supported in a bearing H. When the vessel is overturned, a port g in the extension G registers with the outlet J connected to a pipe J<1>, which may be fitted with a cock or valve j. The member G may be dispensed with, and the trunnion B<1> made sufficiently long to pass into the bearing H. A collar N secured to the trunnion B<1> is provided with arms n for use in overturning the vessel. Stirrers or the like may be provided in the vessel to agitate the nuts during the treatment. When treating Brazil and other nuts, the steam &c. is supplied at such pressure as to loosen the kernels within their shells, which are afterwards broken by any suit. able means and the kernels removed complete. Means may be provided for creating a vacuum in the container and for breaking the vacuum instead of or in addition to the means for supplying steam &c.