GB636100A - Device for separating stones and rubbish from potatoes - Google Patents

Abstract

636,100. Separating solid materials. McROBERT, J. L. April 5, 1948, No. 9430. [Class 117] The separation of stones and rubbish from potatoes is effected by feeding the mixture through a shoot 8 on to a belt conveyer 4, of which at least the upper flight is disposed within a horizontal trunk 1 formed with discharge openings 2, 3 in the bottom near the ends of the conveyer belt, and directing an air current from a nozzle 5 connected to a fan 6 longitudinally of and against the direction of movement of the conveyer, so that potatoes, weeds, straws and other light rubbish are blown towards the rubbish discharge port 7. The heavy potatoes strike the movable pivoted flap 11 and fall down the discharge opening 3. The remainder of the mixture in the air current passes through port 7 while the stones are left on the conveyer and are tipped into the discharge opening 2. Flap 11 may be adjustable to trap potatoes of different sizes and the nozzle 5 may be angularly .adjustable. Agitating means may be provided to agitate the mixture on the conveyer as, for example, an eccentric or lobed drum or, as shown, a drum 9 furnished with paddles 10 adapted to come up against the lower surface of the upper flight of the conveyer. A cleaning brush may be provided to brush the lower flight of the conveyer.