GB762218A - An improved machine for separating potatoes and like crops or other substances from stones and/or other refuse - Google Patents

Abstract

762,218. Potato harvesters. CAIRNS, W. R. and SOUTER, J. S. March 30, 1955 [March 30, 1954], No. 9236/54. Class 6(3). [Also in Group II] A machine for separating potatoes or other substances from stones or other refuse material comprises an endless belt conveyer 8 having flexible spreader flaps 12 travelling transversely of the conveyer of which the delivery end is disposed above the delivery end of an endless belt separator A. Flexible flaps 14 are provided between a second separator B and separator A which has its delivery end above a transverse conveyer 16. Linkage for adjusting the inclination of the separator A is operable by independent levers 29, 31, Fig. 3. In Fig. 4, which shows the spreading conveyer and separators as seen from the opposite side of the machine, a cable 36 attached to one side frame 18 of the spreading conveyer enables that side, and simultaneously the corresponding sides of the separators A and B, to be raised or lowered. In addition, the rear end of the spreading conveyer 8 is adapted for raising or lowering and the inclination of separator B may be adjusted by means of a further lever, Fig. 5 (not shown). As shown in Fig. 1, the separating machine forms part of a potato digger or harvester, the potatoes, earth, stones and other material being pushed over a share 1 on to a chain elevator 2 through which most of the earth and small stones fall. After any shaws and potato haulms have been separated by an endless extractor 4, the potatoes and other material are deposited in a drum screen 6 and then carried by a conveyer 7 on to the spreading conveyer 8 where they are spread over the whole width thereof. Most of the other material passing on to the separator A from the spreading conveyer is discharged over the rear end of the separator on to a transverse conveyer 13 for disposal at the side of the harvester. The potatoes, however, roll on to a separator B after being checked by the flaps 14, and finally roll rearwardly off separator B on to a transverse conveyer 15 ready for loading. The remaining material discharged over the front of the separator is carried away by conveyer 16. The inclination of the separator A is adjusted to compensate for conditions when the harvester is moving uphill or downhill and the raising or lowering of the sides of the spreading conveyer and the separators A, B permits the harvester to work on uneven ground.