GB704642A - Machine for separating the pericyclic fibres from textile plant stems - Google Patents

Abstract

704.642. Preparing fibres for spinning. BOURCIER, P. G. Nov. 8, 1951 [Nov. 13, 1950], No. 26198/51. Class 120(1) A machine for separating the pericyclic fibres from textile plant stems comprises a first gripping device for gripping the stems at one extremity and conveying them to a water jet directed on to the stems in substantially their longitudinal direction and a second gripping device comprising means for conveying the stems longitudinally, in a direction substantially opposite to the direction of the jet, whereby complete action of the jet over the entire length of the stems is ensured, the jet operating to separate the fibres from adjacent non-fibrous tissues. As shown, stems 7, with their ends aligned by a moving belt 8 or by a fixed guide plate, are gripped by the first gripping device, comprising a moving belt 13 and a feed conveyer 3, and carried to a water jet 20 issuing from nozzles 30 and 31 (not shown) which direct two flat streams of water violently on to opposite sides of the stems longitudinally thereof. As the stems are released by belt 13, their ends are gripped between faster-moving belts 22 and 23 (not shown), constituting the second gripping device, and they are pulled in a direction substantially opposite to that of the jet 20. An'abutting member which extends between the two nozzles retains the stems within the jet 20 as they are pulled by belts 22, 23 so that the jet acts on the whole length of the stems. Belts 22, 23 are preferably at an angle of 130-160 degrees to the direction of jet 20. Fibres removed by the jet from stems such as those of the broom plant are thrown into a casing 33 which guides them to a washing tank or the like. When dealing with plants which have been previously retted, jet 20 eliminates the retted tissue and the fibres are carried out of the jet by belts 22, 23.