GB921158A - Improvements in machines for cutting wool from wool-covered skins - Google Patents

Abstract

921,158. Apparatus for removing hair from skins. F. DALE, and S. DALE. July 3, 1959 [July 8, 1958], No. 23016/59. Class 76. In a machine for cutting a desired depth of hair from hair-covered skins, e.g. sheep skins, the skin is first engaged by a comb 49 which delivers it to a belt-type conveyer 31 which carries it beneath a continuously moving or oscillating cutting blade 38 running transversely of the conveyer. The base of the machine comprises a long horizontal channel member 9 (Fig. 1) and rearwardly extending channels 10 (Fig. 7). Pairs of vertical channels 12 are secured to the channels 10 adjacent the channel 9 and short vertical channels 13 are similarly secured to the opposite ends of the channels 10. Between these sets of vertical channels is mounted a vertically displaceable box-frame 14. The machine is operated by a pedal 30 which, when depressed, forces frame 14 down against the action of springs 25. The pedal is pivoted at 28 and vertical tie-rods 29 secure the frame 14 to the pedal 27. Stops 26 adjustably bearing against pins 21 limit the upward movement of the pedal. The rotary comb 49 is provided with a series of pins or bristles arranged on a belt 51, the lower run of the comb being movable along the upper run of the conveyer. The comb is driven from the conveyer by chain drives and spur gearing 55. The conveyer is mounted on rollers 32, 33, 34, roller 34 being driven by a chain drive. The cutter 38, which is mounted on a driving pulley 39 and an idler pulley 41, passes transversely directly above the roller 33 carrying the conveyer 31. The distance between the cutter and the conveyer may be adjusted by a stop 26 (Fig. 7) to correspond to the thickness of the hair to be shorn and the layer of the residual hair, if any, to be left on the surface. The cutter band, where it traverses the conveyer 31, is held in place by an adjustable horizontal plate 45 extending over the width of the conveyer. A suction device (Fig. 2, not shown) is mounted beneath the conveyer and serves to draw air upwardly through the skin on the conveyer. Hair shorn off by the cutter blank 38 is guided by a grid 58 associated with the comb 49 over the plate 45 to a container or conveyer. The shorn skin remains on the conveyer until it reaches a receiving hopper. Means for sharpening the cutter band and associated means for cleaning and lubricating the band are provided (Fig. 4, not shown), as well as means to permit the removal of the comb and/or the blade from the conveyer 31. Means for cleaning the lower run of the conveyer may also be provided. The comb 49 may be replaced by oscillating rakes engaging the grid 58.