A New or Improved Machine or Apparatus for Washing, Cleansing, and Drying Grain, Fruit, and the like, also for Removing Small Stones, Seeds, and other Objectionable Matter therefrom.
Year: 1898

page_text: Date of Application, 21st June, 1898
Complete Specification Lett, 10th Jan., 1899-Accepted, 18th Mar., 1899
A New or Improved Machine or Apparatus for Washing, Cleansing,
and Drying Grain, Fruit, and the like, also for Removing Small
Stones, Seeds, and other Objectionable Matter therefrom.
I, ALFRED HARVEY, of 187, Oxford Road, Reading, in the County of Berks,
Biscuit Baker, do hereby declare the nature of this invention to be as follows-
The object of my invention is to provide a new or improved machine or
apparatus by the aid of which grain, fruit and the like may be thoroughly
washed, dried and otherwise treated, objectionable matter such as small stones,
seeds and the like being removed from such fruit, grain or the like, while under
treatment.
According to my invention, I provide a cylinder in which a wire screen is
fitted near the bottom, the cylinder being used horizontally or vertically. In
the cylinder I fit a brush capable of revolving and pressing on the screen.
When used horizontally arms may be attached to the central shaft or pillar, in
substitution for the brush, which can be used with or without the drying
apparatus. Also a valve on a level with the screen arranged to work automatic-
ally. This valve when open allows the material under treatment to escape from
the cylinder to another wire screen, the material being conveyed by the water.
used for washing purposes. This last mentioned screen is inclined downwards
from the cylinder to a conical wire screen which is arranged to revolve at a.
high speed in a vertical position, the widest end of the conical wire screen being
uppermost. The conical wire screen is provided with a central shaft or pillar
carrying a suitable number of arms or blades so arranged that the material is
propelled through the conical screen to suitable receptacles.
Dated this Twenty-first day of June 1898.
2
WM. JORDAN,
Agent for the Applicant.
A New or Improved Machine or Apparatus for Washing, Cleansing,
and Drying Grain, Fruit, and the like, also for Removing Small
Stones, Seeds, and other Objectionable Matter therefrom.
I, ALFRED HARVEY, late of 187, Oxford Road, Reading, but now of Ashley
House, South Street, Reading, in the County of Berks, Biscuit Baker, do hereby
declare the nature of this invention and in what manner the same is to be
Price d

page_text: performed, to be particularly described and ascertained in and by the following
statement:-
The object of my invention is to provide means for washing, cleansing, drying
and otherwise treating grain, fruit and the like; my invention being also suit-
able for removing small stones, seeds, and other objectionable matter from such
grain, fruit, and the like while under treatment.
And in order that my said invention may be particularly described and
ascertained, reference is hereby made to the accompanying drawing, which illus
trates one arrangement of the apparatus in sectional elevation.
According to my invention I provide a cylinder, a, in which a wire screen, b,
is fitted near the bottom; the cylinder being used vertically as shown, or
horizontally.
I fit a brush or brushes, e, mounted radially on a shaft, d, within the cylinder,
so arranged that it is capable of revolving and pressing on the screen, whereby
the grain, fruit, or the like is scrubbed or cleansed, and the objectionable matter
detached and pressed through the screen to the lower portion of the cylinder;
a suitable valve being provided for the removal of such objectionable matter
therefrom.
A slide valve, e, is fitted to the cylinder, the opening being on a level with
the screen b, for regulating the discharge of the grain, fruit, or the like into
a spout, f, attached to the cylinder at a slight angle. In the bottom of the
spout is a well, g, for the purpose of arresting and retaining any small stones,
etc. passing with the fruit, etc. along the spout on to the vibrating screen, k.
Attached to this screen is a link, , pivoted to one end of a lever, y, pivoted at h,
and operating a valve,, working into the spout from the underside through a
slot, and so opening and closing the spout with the motion of the screen k, which
is hinged at i to the spout.
The valve works from the under side of the spout, so as not to cut the fruit
passing through it.
The well g of the spout f is constructed of open wire mesh, perforated metal,
or otherwise, as found desirable in practice.
A trough, p, extending under the spout and screen k, is provided to receive
the water, etc. draining from them and is fitted with a suitable valve.
As the grain, fruit, or the like escapes from the cylinder it passes on to an
inclined wire screen, k, being conveyed thereto by the water used for washing
purposes. The screen is preferably caused to vibrate by means of a cam, 7,
acting upon a suitable striking plate, m, attached to the screen, the cam being
driven by any suitable means.
At the lower end of the inclined screen k a conical wire screen, n, is fitted in
a vertical position as shown. This conical screen is arranged to revolve at a
high speed to expel moisture and to dry the grain, fruit, or the like; suitable
arms or brushes, o, being provided to assist in the operation and to remove any
remaining objectionable matter which may have passed through the screen.
The
treated material is carried downward through the conical screen to suitable
receptacles by the action of the brushes.
When the cylinder a is used horizontally I provide the shaft d with arms or
propellers in substitution for or in combination with the brush. The washing
cylinder may be used without the drying apparatus.
Although I have described the screens as of wire, they may be made of per-
forated metal or other suitable material as found desirable in practice.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of my said
invention, and in what manner the same is to be performed, I declare that what
I claim is
1. The new or improved machine or apparatus for washing, cleansing, drying
and otherwise treating grain, fruit and the like; also for removing small stones,
seeds and other objectionable matter therefrom; substantially as described.

page_text: 2. In apparatus for the purposes aforesaid, the combination of a washing and
separating cylinder a, an inclined screen (vibrated or not as desired), and a
rapidly revolving conical screen », constructed, arranged and operating sub-
stantially as herein before described and illustrated by the drawing.
3. The combination with the improved apparatus described of the arrangement
and method of working the valve substantially as set forth.
Datch
uns on day of January 1899.
ALFRED HARVEY,
By his Agent,
William Jordan,
120, Chancery Lane, London, W.C..