Improvements in Grain Cleaners and Separators.
Year: 1899

page_text: Date of Application, 30th Mar., 1899-Accepted, 21st Oct., 1899
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION.
1
Improvements in Grain Cleaners and Separators.
We, THOMAS HENRY COOPER, Manufacturer, SAMUEL JOHN DUNCAN-CLARK,
Manufacturer, and ROBERT HOLTBY DAVIES, Manufacturer, all of 52, Adelaide
Street, East, in the City of Toronto, in the County of York, in the Province of
Ontario, Canada, do hereby declare the nature of this invention, and in what.
manner the same is to be performed, to be particularly described and ascertained
in and by the following statement:
'
:
Our invention relates to improvements in grain cleaners and separators; and the.
object of the invention is-first-to devise a simple means to adjust the size of.
the orifice at the bottom of the feed hopper secondly to provide a simple, means
whereby the grain may be fed evenly through the orifice of the feed, hopper-
thirdly to devise an improved construction of hopper, under the feed hopper.
screen whereby all seeds may be removed from the grain and carried out of the..
machine before such grain, can reach the riddles, which are subjected to the
action of the blast from the fan-fourthly to provide a simple means whereby
tlie-oats,.chess and other foreign matter may be expeditiously, carried out to the
outer end of the riddle, so as to enable the blast from the fan to act, with the
greatest effect to remove such matter from the grain fifthly touso.construct
the fan chest that, the blast may be directed and confined to, the riddles only..and
at the same time provide for. the conveyance of the grain to the outer ends of
the screens and lower shoes, so that such grain may, be screened to the best
advantage-sixthly to provide an improved adjustable, form of tail-board by
which the grain or refuse may be impeded in its course or directed into or out of
the machine as required-seventhly-to, provide an improved combined form. of
shake and agitator for the lower shoe and screen, so as to prevent such screen
choking with small foreign matter or particles lodging in the mesh of the screen-
eighthly to provide an improved means whereby the shoes may be shaken and
the upper shoe given any desired length of movement and ninthly to provide
a simple means whereby cockle-tares, and other foreign, refuse, matter; that have
not been removed by the, wind blast from the uppermost screen of the lower
shoe may be effectually removed before the grain passes out of the machine: and
it consists in the arrangement and construction of our machine as hereinafter
more particularly explained.
1
1.
Fig. 1, is a perspective view of a grain cleaning and separating machine con-
structed in accordance with our, invention.
Fig. 2, is a longitudinal section through the machine.
Fig. 3, is an enlarged detail showing the means for giving a longitudinal
movement to the grain. distributing mechanism for the feedshopper: the
Fig. 4, is a detail showing the means for imparting movement to the fan and
slioes.
ong high
In the drawings like letters of reference indicate corresponding parts in each
figure.
A is the frame of the machine. A¹ are the side boards of the upper hopper,
which are stationary. B 13 are the inclined end boards. C is the adiustable

page_text: bottom board, which is supported in suitable guide-ways. The inclined end
boards B B are separated in the centre, so as to leave a longitudinal orifice a
and it is with the object of adjusting the size of this orifice in order to feed the
grain more or less quickly that the adjustable board C is provided.
In order to adjust this board we provide a rack D, which is suitably secured
to the end of the board C and has a quadrant E, which engages therewith. The
quadrant E is provided with
a. handle e. A spring rod el extends
through the quadrant and is suitably supported in the side boards
A¹ The spring rod el at the centre fits into a notch. 2 in the
bracket E, which is secured to the bottom of the end board C. It will thus
be seen that the normal tendency of the spring rod e¹, which forms the axle upon
which the quadrant turns, is to keep such quadrant into close mesh with the
rack D.
In order to adjust the size of the orifice a it is merely necessary for the
attendant of the machine to grasp the handle e and swing the quadrant E
whereupon the board C may be adjusted into any position desired and will remain
in such position.
In order to feed the grain evenly through the orifice a we provide a cross
bar supported in suitable brackets f and provided with upwardly extending
loops f, which are located in close proximity to the edges of the inclined end
board B of the hopper. On the end of the bar F we provide a bracket f. 133 is
a cross bar, which extends across beneath the end board B. G is the upper shoc,
which is provided with side boards G¹. is a cross board forming part of the
shoe G and extending between the side boards G¹. g is a cross bar also extending
between the side boards G¹.
H is a bell-crank, which is pivotally connected to the pin-shaped end of the
bracket at one end and is pivoted on the bracket h attached to the bottom of
the cross bar B3. The opposite end of the bell-crank is pivotally connected to
the pin forming part of the bracket I secured to the top of the cross bar g¹.
It will be seen that as the shoe G derives a longitudinal movement in the manner
hereinafter described that a corresponding crosswise movement will be imparted
by the crank H, to the bar and consequently the loops. f, thereby serving
to distribute the grain as it passes through the orifice of the hopper.
Jis the uppermost screen, which is supported on the cross bars g² and g³ extend-
ing between the side boards of the shoe G. K is a curvulate metal hopper also
supported upon the cross bars and g³ and inclined from one side to the other
as indicated by the full and dotted lines in Fig. 2. At one side of the shoe and
necessarily at the lower side of the incline is formed a spout J', which extends
downwardly and outwardly as indicated, thereby serving to convey all seeds
from the grain before such grain reaches the riddles L L1 and L2 where it is sub-
jected to the action of the wind blast.
M is the fan casing, which is for the most part cylindrical in form and is
suitably supported on the frame of the machine. The bottom, however, of the
casing is inclined at M¹. The casing M is so constructed as to leave an orifice m
at the forward end of the machine, which is bounded at its upper and lower end
by the inclined boards M2 and M³, which necessarily direct the course of the
blast upwardly towards the riddles L L and L2. M is an inclined board extend-
ing from the upper end of the board M³ forwardly to the bottom edge of the side
board G of the shoe. All these boards extend from side board to side board of
the shoe G. The riddles L L and L2 are supported at the inner end upon the
cross bars and pins and 96 respectively and at the outer end by suitable pins
extending into the side racks 97, which it is not necessary here to describe as
it forms no part of our invention.
N is an apron, which is secured at the inner end on a bar n, which is placed to
abutt the outer end of the screen J. The apron N extends outwardly over the
upper riddle L and may be made of canvas, oil cloth or any other suitable material,
its object being to carry the oats, chess and foreign matter far out on to the

page_text: riddle, so as to enable the blast from the fan hereinafter described to remove such
1oreign matter from the grain.
a
U is the fan, which is formed in any usual manner with blades o and supported
on a central shaft o', which is journailed at the end in suitable bearings o*. Un
the end of the shaft o' is secured a sprocket pinion, which is connected by
sprocket chain ot to a sprocket wheel P journalled on a suitable stud on the
trame and provided with a crank handle p. By this crank handle it will, there-
fore, be seen that the necessary movement is imparted to the fan O and to the
shoes as will hereinafter appear.
o³ is a pin extending eccentrically from the sprocket pinion o³ and provided
with a friction roller o°. The friction roller is located in the shoe g of the bar Q
and has washers o' at each side to prevent it being longitudinally displaced. The
lower end of the bar Q is pivoted at g' on the frame and is pivotally connected
intermediate of its length to the pin-shaped end of the bracket g, which is
secured to the side of the lower shoe R. The opposite side of the machine is pro-
vided with a similar bar Q and consequently this end of the shoe R is supported
upon the bar Q by means of the brackets 92. The opposite end of the shoe is
supported by the bell-crank shaped hangers r, which are pivotally connected to
the frame by the bolt r¹ and to the shoe by the bolt 2. A rod 3 extends through
the free end of the bell-crank shaped hangers and through a slot ** in the side
of the shoe. The rod extends directly across underneath the upper screen R¹
of the shoe. R2 is the lower screen of the shoe and R³ is the exit spout for the.
lower screen, which is inclined and extends outwardly from the side of the
machine and R' is the exit spout for the upper screen, which extends out from
the end of the machine on the same incline as the screen. The shoe R it will
be seen from the description herein before referred to derives by means of the
eccentric roller extending into the slotted end of the bar Q at each side of the
machine a longitudinal vibratory movement being supported by the bar Q and
hangers r. As this movement is imparted it will be seen that the rod 3 will be
tilted upwardly underneath the screen R¹, so as to strike it continuously and
thereby thoroughly agitate it at the same time that the shoe is getting its_
vibratory movement and thus effectually prevent such screen from choking with
foreign matter or particles lodging in the mesh.
At the front end of the board. M we attach an apron m¹ made of canvas or other
suitable light material, which lies upon the screen R¹ of the lower shoe for the major
portion of its length. This light apron has the effect of retarding the passage
of the grain to the spout R until all cockle tares and other foreign matter are
completely removed therefrom. The bottom of the screen is provided with a
suitable plate R
The screens R and R2 are furnished to produce two grades of grain, namely,
fine and coarse, the first grade coming from the spout R and the second grade
from the spout R3, both grades being entirely free from cockle tares and other
foreign matter not taken out by the fan blast.
It will be noticed from the construction of our fan chest that the blast is
directed upwardly underneath the riddles, thereby operating with the greatest
efficiency upon the grain and screening it thoroughly.
Primarily it is necessary to confine the grain, so as to direct it to the upper
screen of the lower shoe and for this purpose we provide a tail board S having
confining metal straps s forming slots at the bottom thereof and through which
extends the cross rod S. In the position shown in the drawing the tail board is
shown inclined so as to leave an orifice m above the screen and between it and
the board M' through which the grain is directed upon the screen. This tail
board on account of its peculiar connection by the metal straps s to the rod,
which serves to limit the movement thereof without detaching from the machine
can readily be swung around into different positions, this of course pending upon
the class of grain that is being passed through the riddles and as to whether it is
desired to blow it out from the machine or impede its progress.

page_text: Q' is the upper shaker bar, which is bent intermediate of its length and pivotally
connected at 3 intermediate of its length to the frame of the machine. The
upper end is provided with a slot q through which .extends a pin q³, which is
held in a metal strap T having the elongated slotted ends t through which pass
the bolts t¹, into the block 2, which is fastened to the shoe. The upper shoe is
supported at each side by the hangers U pivotally connected to the. frame and
the shoe as indicated.
It will be seen that by adjusting the metal strap T and pin g³ therein, in relation
to the slot in the bar Q, that the length of movement of the upper shoe may be
varied as may be required-for-different sorts of grain, which is an important
desideratum. The lower end of the bar, Q is bent:at.q and extends through a
slot in the upper end of the bar Qand consequently the movement that-is-im-
parted to the bar throws the lower shoe R in one direction and serves on account
of the peculiar pivoting of the bars Q and Q¹ to throw the upper shoe G in the
opposite direction simultaneously.
It will thus be seen from this description that we have provided various im-
provements in the construction of grain cleaners and separators, which we find
from practice has effectually overcome all defects of construction, heretofore
experienced in this class of machine.
Although we show the vibratory bars at one side of the machine with their
accompanying mechanism and hangers for supporting, and vibrating the shoes it
will of course be understood that duplicates of these parts are provided on the
opposite side of the machine for the support of the shoes, on that side.
. Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of our said
invention, and in what manner the same is to be performed, we declare that'
what we claim is::
1: In a grain cleaner and separator, the combination with the feed hopper
located at the upper portion of the machine and held stationary in the frame and
having inclined ends converging to the centre and leaving a suitable orifice, of
an adjustable closing board for such orifice supported in suitable guide-ways
at the side and provided with a rack, and a quadrant suitably pivoted on the
frame meshing with such rack, and provided with a handle whereby it may be
manipulated as and for the purpose specified.
2. In a grain cleaner and separator, the combination with the feed hopper
located at the upper portion of the machine, and held stationary in the frame, and
having inclined ends converging to the centre and leaving a suitable orifice, of
an adjustable closing board for such orifice supported in suitable guide-ways
at the side and provided with a rack, and a quadrant pivotally held on a suitable
spring rod extending across the frame and a bracket secured at the bottom of the
end board and provided with a notch through which such spring' rod extends
and which is designed to limit its inward spring as and for the purpose specified.
3. In a grain cleaner and separator, the combination with the feed hopper
located at the upper portion of the machine and held stationary in the frame and
having inclined ends converging to the centre and leaving a suitable orifice, of the
cross bar extending underneath one edge of the end bar in proximity to the
orifice and provided with upwardly extending fingers or loops, the brackets for
supporting the rod, the bell-crank pivotally connected to one end of the bar,
pivotally supported on the frame and pivotally connected to a cross bar on the
upper longitudinal vibratory shoe as and for the purpose specified.
4. In a grain cleaner and separator, the combination with the feed hopper
and upper shoe deriving movement as, specified and provided with a screen beneath
the orifice, of the curvulate hopper inclined to one side and the downwardly
extending side spout leading therefrom and having a lateral extension outside the
shoe as and for the purpose specified.
5. In a grain cleaner and separator, the combination with the feed hopper, 5
of the upper shoe and a suitable screen located beneath the hopper, and a riddle

page_text: extending the length of such screen and suitably supported, and a flexible apron
abutting the outer end of the screen and extending partly over the riddle as
and for the purpose specified.
6. In a grain cleaner and separator, the combination with a substantially
cylindrical fan casing held in a stationary portion of the machine and having
an orifice at the front side thereof and a fan having the shaft suitably journalled
on the frame and means for driving such fan, of the shoe having the inclined
directing boards Mª M³ and M and the riddle suitably supported on the shoe
in the path of the blast formed by such directing boards as and for the purpose
specified.
7. In a grain cleaner and separator, the combination with a substantially
cylindrical fan casing held in a stationary portion of the machine and having an.
orifice at the front side thereof and a fan having the shaft suitably journalled on
the frame and means for driving such fan, of the shoe having the inclined directing
boards M2 M3 and M4 and the riddles suitably supported on the shoe in the path
of the blast formed by such directing boards and the tail-board S having the
limiting metal straps and rod extending through such straps as and for the pur-
pose specified.
8. In a grain cleaner and separator, the combination with the fan casing and
fan and the upper shoe suitably driven and having the directing boards M²
and M³ and M and riddles, of the lower shoe having suitable screens and spouts
leading therefrom and an apron connected to the front end of the directing
board M and extending down for the major portion of the length of the upper
screen as and for the purpose specified.
9. In a grain cleaner and separator, the combination with the lower shoe and
screen suitably held in the same, of the lower supporting and vibratory bars
pivoted to the bottom of the frame and the brackets pivotally connecting them
to each side of the lower shoe and the bell-crank shaped hangers pivotally con-
nected to the frame and to the shoe at the higher end thereof and the rod con-
nected to the free end of the bell-crank and extending through slots in the side
of the shoe underneath the upper screen as and for the purpose specified.
10. In a grain cleaner and separator, the combination with the lower vibratory
bars suitably pivoted and provided with slots at their upper end, of the fan shaft
extending through the same and suitably driven and provided with eccentric
crank pins at each end and having rollers extending into slots at the upper end
of the vibratory bars, and flanges secured on each side of the rollers as and for
the purpose specified.
11. In a grain cleaner and separator, the combination with the frame and
shoes and hangers for supporting the shoes, of the lower vibratory bars provided
with slots at their upper ends and deriving a rocking movement from the crank
shaft. of the upper vibratory bars having the lower bent ends extending through
the slots in the lower bars and suitably pivoted on the frame and provided with
slots at their upper ends and the metal straps provided with slotted ends an
pins extending into the slots at the upper end of the upper vibratory bars as
and for the purpose specified.
G. F. REDFERN & Co..
4, South Street, Finsbury, London,
Agents for the Applicants.