GB693833A - New or improved means for the decortication of fibrous vegetable stems - Google Patents

Abstract

693.833. Decorticating machines. THOMPSON, H. D., WIGHTWICK, H.D., and RHODESIAN JUTE INDUSTRIES, Ltd. [formerly VANDENBERGH BLACK & CO., Ltd.] June 26, 1951 [June 29, 1950], No. 16243/50. Class 120(i) A machine for decorticating fibrous vegetable stems or stalks comprises a series of co-operating but independently rotatable splitting rollers through which the stems are successively fed and which are adapted to split the stems lengthwise and loosen the fibre-containing bark from the central core, in combination with a separating roller arranged at the rear of the last pair of splitting rollers and rotating in the opposite direction to the bottom roller of the last pair of splitting rollers to separate the bark from the core and take it off at an angle to the direction of movement of the core. As shown, stems are placed by hand in a feeding box 14, comprising longitudinal bars, through which the stems fall in longitudinal alignment onto a belt 13 which feeds them to feed rollers 15, 15' and splitting rollers 21, 21<SP>1</SP>. 22, 22<SP>1</SP> and 23, 23<SP>1</SP>. The upper roller of each pair is of smooth-surfaced steel and is spring-pressed towards the lower roller which is covered with rubber or similar material. Alternatively, the roller surfaces may be roughened, grooved or ribbed. The stems are split longitudinally by the splitting rollers and flattened into ribbon form with the split bark below the cores. The splitting rollers of each pair may be spaced apart, each successive pair being arranged closer together than the preceding pair so that the stems are progressively flattened. On leaving rollers 23, 23<SP>1</SP> the split bark, being soft and flexible, drops between roller 23 and a contra-rotating ribbed separating roller 26 to bark delivery rollers 27, 27<SP>1</SP> and a delivery apron 28. The cores, being stiffer than the bark, pass over roller 26 and below an idler roller 29 which guides them to core delivery rollers 30, 30<SP>1</SP> and a delivery shoot 31. Rollers 26, 27, 27<SP>1</SP>, 29, 30 and 30<SP>1</SP> are all mounted in a sub frame 32 which is adjustable about the axis of roller 23 to adjust the angles at which the bark and core are taken off relative to the feed. Stripping roller 26, instead of co-operating with roller 23, may co-operate with a separate roller or with a stationary plate or brush. The machine may be stationary, or made as a portable unit for mounting on a trailer.