CERTAIN IMPROVEMENTS IN MACHINES FOR GRINDING AND FOR DRESSING OR SIFTING GRAIN AND OTHER SUBSTANCES
Year: 1843

page_text: TO ALL TO WHOM THESE PRESENTS SHALL COME, I, LUKE
HEBERT, of Dover, in the County of Kent, Civil Engineer, send greeting.
WHEREAS Her present most Excellent Majesty Queen Victoria, by Her
Letters Patent under the Great Seal of Great Britain, bearing date at West-
minster, the Nineteenth day of January, in the sixth year of Her reign, did,
for Herself, Her heirs and successors, give and grant unto me, the said Luke
Hebert, Her especial licence, full power, sole privilege and authority, that the
said Luke Hebert, my exors, admňors, and assigns, or such others as I, the said
Luke Hebert, my exors, admors, or assigns, should at any time agree with, and
no others, from time to time and at all times during the term of years therein
expressed, should and lawfully might make, use, exercise, and vend, within
England, Wales, and the Town of Berwick-upon-Tweed, my Invention of
"CERTAIN IMPROVEMENTS IN MACHINES FOR GRINDING AND FOR DRESSING OR
SIFTING GRAIN AND OTHER SUBSTANCES;" in which said Letters Patent is contained
a proviso that I, the said Luke Hebert, shall cause a particular description of
the nature of my said Invention, and in what manner the same is to be per-
formed, to be inrolled in Her said Majesty's High Court of Chancery within
six calendar months next and immediately after the date of the said in part
recited Letters Patent, as in and by the same, reference being thereunto had,
will more fully and at large appear.
NOW KNOW YE, that in compliance with the said proviso, I, the said
Luke Hebert, do hereby declare the nature of my Invention, and the manner

page_text: in which the same is to be performed, are-particularly described and ascertained
in and by the following description, reference being had to the Drawings
hereunto annexed, and to the figures and letters marked thereon.
The first machine which I shall describe is delineated on the annexed
Drawing, marked Sheet A, wherein Fig. I. exhibits an external end eleva-
tion; Fig. 2 a side elevation; Fig. 3 a vertical and transverse section; and
Fig. 4 is a vertical and longitudinal section; and Figures 5, 6, 7, 8, are
separated portions of the former. At a is the hopper which has an eduction
aperture at b, regulated by a slide at c, that permits the corn to pass between
the coils (the spaces of which continually enlarge) of a worm d, fixed upon
the axis e, and revolving therewith, supplying an uniform quantity of corn
at each revolution to the grinders. These operate in a vertical plane. They
are made of white, hard, cast iron. At f is the stationary grinder,-which is
adjusted to a carrier plate h, fixed to the frame i, i, of the machine. The
other grinder g is adjusted to a platej, which is fastened to the axis e; k is a
fly-wheel which carries the winch l. At.m, n, o, are three pieces of wire gauze,
which are tacked down to the edges of four partitions p, p, shewn in plan by
Figure 5, and in elevation by Figure 6. At q, q, are two long straight brushes,
the bristles of which are worked in oblique rows, as explained by a plan of one
of the stocks in Figure 7. These brushes revolve with the axis by fastening
one end of each to the lugs 7, 7, and the other to a wooden carrier s, fastened
to the axis. At t is a semicircular shoot, inclined on its face, for projecting the
meal as it falls from the grinders upon the wire-gauze trough, and to bring it
under the operation of the brushes q, 2, which gradually sweep the meal from.
one end of the trough to the other, causing the different qualities to be separated.
and deposited in the several compartments of a drawer underneath. To the
upper edges of the wire-gauze trough are screwed narrow plates of iron w, w,
which slide in rebates made in the sides of the frame i, i. By this arrange
ment, therefore, whenever it may be required to convert the compound machine
into a simple grinding mill, it only becomes necessary to slide the trough from
to y, which opens a gap at the other end, and. permits the meal from the
grinders to fall uninterruptedly into the drawer u. To adjust the space between
the grinders, a nut is screwed on to the end of the axis; by turning this nut
forward, it draws up the revolving plate nearer to the stationary one; and by.
turning the nut backward it permits the plate g to recede from it. To prevent
the nut from shifting its adjusted point, a series of shallow conical holes are
formed equidistantly around the axis, as shewn by the consecutive Figures I to.8
in Figure 8, into any one of which holes the point of a screw 1 may be
turned to make all fast.
1

page_text: For the purpose of explaining certain modifications of the foregoing
machine, I will now describe one with reference to sheet B, in which they
are introduced, taking a very brief notice of such parts as were included in
the previous description: Fig. 1 represents an end elevation, and Fig. 2 a
vertical and longitudinal section. At a is the hopper; b, its eduction aper-
ture; c, the slide; d, the feeding worm; e, f, the grinders; g, the shoot;
and h, h, the brushes; i, i, the cover; j, j, ribs thereon; k, l, m, n, o, are
bins for the separated qualities of the meal. The modifications alluded to
are, first, the feeding worm d, instead of being made of cast iron, and solid,
like the former, is made out of a tapered piece of wrought iron or steel turned
into a helix. The thick end of this helical worm is fastened firmly to the
axis, and the thin end is compressed by means of a forked wedge p, p, acting
upon an intermediate washer q. By the pressure thus exerted against the
helix, the space between the coils at the thin end is considerably more reduced
than at the thick end, and the increase of space is gradual from one end to the
other. This spring worm has the advantage of being capable of adjustment
through the medium of the forked wedge, so as to enlarge or diminish the
space for the passage of the "feed." Second, the cover in the inside is pro-
vided with a series of arched ribs j, j, shewn in plan by Fig. 3, and in elevation
by Fig. 4.
These ribs are slips of very thin metal, soldered edgeways, and
oblique to the axis, and whilst they serve to stiffen a very light cover they
cause the meal that is thrown up against them by the revolution of common
brushes to be gradually and undeviatingly propelled throughout the cylinder.
The extremities of the brushes during their revolution describe the dotted
semicircle p under the cover shewn in Fig. 4, and the spacej is that occupied
by the ribs, so that the meal which is thrown against the ribs by the elasticity
of the bristles is by the reaction of the ribs carried round the cylinder in an.
elliptical direction.
In the annexed Sheet C are Drawings of a third machine, in which are
introduced several other modifications of parts, though the same characteristic
combination of a grinding and a dressing mechanism on a single horizontal
axis is preserved. Fig. 1 represents a front elevation of this machine, drawn
to a scale of 2 inches to the foot, but in the Figures 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, the scale is
4 inches to the foot. Fig. 2 exhibits an elevation, but with the front plate
removed to shew the interior, and Fig. 8 is a vertical and diametrical section.
At a is the hopper; b, a feed pipe soldered to a concave tinned plate to which
is connected a thin spring slide c, for regulating the passage of the feed which
descends the pipe 6 into the space between the stationary and the rotary
grinders & and g. The form of the stationary grinder is. best shewn in the.

page_text: separate Figures 4 and 5, 4 being a section and 5 a plan. Also the shape of
the rotary grinder is represented by Figures 6 and 7, 6 being a plan and 7 an
elevation. The stationary grinder is fixed by lugs and screws, as shewn at e,
to the frame, and the revolving one is keyed to the axis h. Upon the axis and
against the back of the revolving grinder is screwed a circular plate, from
which radiate four bent arms 1, 1, 1, 1, carrying a hollow cone of wire gauze
m, n, to the smaller end of which is soldered a continuation piece of tinned
plate o; at p is a brush suspended at one end upon a rod q. By this arrange-
ment of parts it will be noticed, first, that the sieve or dresser revolves and
acts against a self-adjustable stationary brush. Second, that by the withdrawal
of the brush, the dresser is converted into a simple sifter adapted to such
drugs or powders as do not require brushing. Third, that the inclination of
the cone when its axis is horizontal is sufficient to cause the substances on it,
by mere gravity, to pass from one end to the other. Fourth, that the screw-
like form of these grinders at the feed-hole supersedes the use of the worm
feeder described in the above-mentioned machines. These grinders being cast
from the hardest white iron do not admit of boring, cutting, or filing to fit
them up, therefore an alloy (yellow brass, for example) is poured into holes.
cast for that purpose in the grinders, and the alloy is bored, turned, cut, or
filed, instead of the metal. This process is indicated by the yellow colour
around the axis and at the screw-hole. Another modification of this machine
consists in making the hollow cone of wire-gauze stationary, by fixing it to the
sides of the frame, and the brush revolve by connecting it to the axis, as in
the previous described examples of cylindrical dressers. It will also become
obvious that only half of the frustrum of the cone of wire work (that half
which lies below the plane of the axis), may be used advantageously, such
reduced surface being ample, in most cases, to dress or sift effectually as fast
as the materials can be communicated by the grinders.
(Note, in general it will be found that by doubling the brushes, half the
wire-work will suffice to produce a nearly similar result to that of doubling
the extent of the wire-work with half of the brushes).
Figures 8, 9, and 10, have been added to Sheet C, rather to shew a cheap
mode of making small mills in wooden cases than that of exemplifying any
peculiar novelties of construction not before explained; and as it is presumed
that every machinist will be able (after the preceding descriptions) to read off the
arrangements without verbal explanation, none is here added respecting them.
With reference to the novel form of the grinding apparatus delineated in
Figs. 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, on Sheet C, I desire to notice particularly that I have found
it to work advantageously as a coffee and spice mill, either with or without the

page_text: sifting mechanism, the latter being useful for returning any portion to the
hopper that may have escaped the grinders in too coarse a state. No other
Drawings than those given are necessary. The principle and its combinations,
under every modification, is claimed, whatever may be the substances operated
upon thereby.
Sheet D is explanatory of the arrangements in my improved tea mill.
Figure 1 represents a vertical and longitudinal section, and Fig. 2 an end
elevation and section of that part of the machine indicated by the dotted line
Z, Z, in Figure I. At a is the axis revolving in three bearings b, c, d, and
having a fly-wheel e at one end and a winch at the other. On the axis is also
mounted a cylinder, formed by a lateral combination of toothed wheels with
intermediate circular plates. The consecutive numerals 1 to 8, in Fig. 1,
represent the said wheels (a side view of one of which is given at 5, in Fig. 2),.
between each pair of which wheels the double lines denote the circular plates,
which are made of wrought iron. Thus the whole surface is divided into
cavities of a uniform figure, except at the two ends of the cylinders, which.
are provided with two wheels having plain peripheral surfaces, 9 and 10. All-
these are contained in a cast-iron box g, g, on one of the inclined sides h of
which is fixed by set screws a kind of knife i. At j is a hopper to receive
the tea, which deposits itself continually as the roller is turned in the aforesaid.
cavities, permitting the smaller portion of the tea buried in the cavities to pass
under the knife i unaltered, but the long leaves and stalks, which only become
partially imbedded in the cavities, are severed by the said knife. By the
continued revolution of the axis the whole bulk of the tea is made to pass.
down an inclined shoot k, which throws it upon a half cylinder of wire-gauze,.
1, m, n, o, of four different textures. To the axis are attached bearers p, p..
and brushes q, 7 (like those connected to the dressing machine in:Sheet A),
which separate the tea into the sizes required by the dealer, and deposit them
into distinct compartments underneath. The mill portion of the machine is
bolted on to the front of the dresser, to facilitate the employing of the mill.
only when required. For this purpose the shoot is made to be easily
removable by unfastening the screw S, when the cut tea will fall direct from
the cavity roller into a recipient placed beneath. It is intended to construct
the mill part quite separate, for the convenience of such dealers as do not
require their tea dressed or separated.
Sheet E is descriptive of a mill for the comminution of bark, and as it is on.
the principle of the tea mill just described, a brief explanation will suffice..
At a is a hopper for containing the bark; b, a strong knife; c, a cylindrical
roller, of large cavities, by which the bark is broken into coase pieces, and.

page_text: delivered into the hopper d'underneath, which supplies the roller e, consisting of
smaller cavities. By the action of this, together with the knife f, the bark is
further reduced, and is delivered into a hopper g, which feeds the lowest roller
h, containing still smaller cavities. By the action of this and the knife i the
bark is reduced to the size required for tanners' use, without the production of
much powder or dust, and without calling into action so great a power as is
usually employed.
To prevent choking in the lower rollers, it is advisable to cause these revolve
át greater velocities, as intended to be explained by the red ink circles j, k,
which denote toothed wheels, and l, m, pulley's driven by a band n.
Sheet F is explanatory of a machine for separating the farina or starch from
potatoes, arrow-roots, and other similar substances containing farinaceous
matter; also serving for the reduction of apples, pears, and other fruits, for the
separation of their juices from the fibre or refuse. On a revolving axis a is a
conical grinding or rasping instrument 6; above this a hopper c, made out by
unfolding the lid of the case d, d; this hopper contains the roots, fruit, &c., to
be ground, which descend between the cone band a stationary abutment e, which
is adjustable by the means represented, or any other that may be preferred.
The teeth of the cone in the machine are represented as rather too coarse, but
they are presumed to be such as will reduce the roots to a fine pulp, which is
projected along the line between 6 and e on to an inclined f. The lower part
of this shoot (when used for separating farina) is to be kept covered with
water when the machine is not moving; and during its action the agitation of
the water is sufficient to wash off any pulp that may lodge on the surface
of the shoot, which pulp slides down on to the surface of a half cylinder of
wire-gauze g, g, of such a texture as will allow the farina to pass through, and
the refuse matter to be detained on its surface. The axes likewise carries a
brush or two h, h, of the kind described on Sheet A, but the bristles should be
fewer and wider apart, to prevent their taking up much water in their passage
through it. The brushes take up the fibrous matter from the surface of the
wire-work, wash out the adhering farina, and carrying it forward at each revo-
lution, ultimately projects into the long slot hole i, through which it is con-
ducted by a spout into a suitable recipient. When the operation has been con-
tinued long enough to sufficiently fill the drawer k, k, underneath, the deposited.
farina may be removed in the following manner:-First draw off the superin-
cumbent water by the turning of cocks conveniently situated for that purpose.
Then turn back the screws at 1, l, which loosens the continuous rope or band
of elastic packing, which is the means used for making the drawer water-tight.
The drawer can now be discharged of its contents, the elastic packing replaced

page_text: and screwed up, when the operation of grinding and separating may be renewed.
The grinding cone, instead of being of cast iron, with teeth formed out of the
solid, may be a plain cone with a shell of sheet iron fitting over it, which shell
may be punched full of holes of this figure, so as to raise an edge
thus, which is effected by the edge of a firmer chisel.
Sheet G is descriptive of a machine designed in particular for the grinding
of gorse or furze, but applicable to numerous other uses. Figure 1. represents
a plan of the machine looking down inside the hopper. Figure 2 is a vertical
section of Figure 1, in the plane described by the dotted line Z, Z. At a is a
conical toothed roller turning on an axis b, and mounted in a strong frame c, c.
At d' is a serrated segmental piece partaking of the form of the cone, and
adjustable by set screws; g is a hopper with parallel sides, into which the gorse
is put, and by the revolution of the cone a is partially reduced; upon emerging
at the aperture h, the gorse is carried forward by another toothed cone i, which'
is mounted in a reverse position to the other (with the small end of one next
to the large end of the other); and provided with another segmental piece set
closer to the cone than the former, by which means the gorse is ground finer ;
I is a bar to take off any gorse adhering to the cone. The cone i is made to
revolve faster than a by means of spur-wheels, indicated by the red circles m and
n; o is a fly-wheel; and p a winch for actuating the machine.
Sheet E exhibits, in Fig. 1, an improved mill feeder. a is a metallic frame'
to the bottom of the hopper b, a fluted roller turning on an axis c, having bear-
ings at d, d; e, a thin case to the roller, loosely fitting the axis, and having
pieces f, f, of the shape of and fitting into the flutes of the roller with which it
revolves; h, h, are mitre-wheels driven by the mill spindle i; j, a shoe. Fig.
2 represents sections of the sliding case. Fig. 3, sections of the roller; as the
roller revolves the grain in the flutes is discharged; their contents are regulated'
by the sliding case. Figures 4 to 9 shew my improvements in the grinding
plates. Fig. 4 represents the back of a plate having three projections k, with
cavities for the reception of bolt heads. Figure 5 represents a side view of
these, and Figure 6 the same, combined with a carrier plate 1, the surfaces in
contact being brought to true planes before bolting them together. Figures 7,
8, and 9, are designed to shew plates that are serrated on both sides; 7 shews
one of the faces and the holes for the bolts'; 8, an edge view; and 9, the plate
bolted to the carrier l. When one face shall be worn out it is proposed to turn
it and use the other.
Sheet H also represents a machine for coarse grinding or crushing malt,
oats, and other substances. Figure 10 is a vertical section; Fig. 11, a plan; a, a,
are two cones placed in reverse positions and mounted in a strong frame. The

page_text: bearings of one of the cones are made adjustable, and are acted upon by screws
b, b, for regulating the space between the cones; c, c, are spur-wheels for turn-
ing the cones in opposite directions; d is a hopper; and e, a feed roller at the
bottom of it, containing cavities for the reception of the grain, having a speed
pulley on its end, which pulley, by means of a band g, and another speed pulley
h, on the axis of one of the cones, may be driven at any of the various veloci-
ties shewn, to regulate the feed at pleasure; i is a fly, and j a square, for the
application of a pulley or winch to actuate the machine. Fig. 12 represents an
arrangement of reversed toothed cones m, n, provided with a serrated double
segmental piece o, o, which is to be elevated or depressed by a lever underneath
to regulate the distance between it and the cones. The motion of the cones
and that of the material (gorse for example) is shewn by the arrows. Fig. 13
is a plan, the red lines showing the double segmental piece underneath the
cones. The subordinate parts to be as usual.
Having now given "a particular description of the nature of my said Inven-
tion, and in what manner the same is to be performed," I desire it to be
distinctly understood that my aforesaid improvements may be considerably varied
without departing from the principles of my Invention; and I hereby declare
that my claims to originality do especially consist of the following points, namely:
1. The combination of vertical grinding plates or stones and a horizontal
dressing machine upon the same axis.
2. The application of a screw feeder between the hopper and the grinders to
any kind of mill.
3. The use of brushes of the kind described at Fig. 7, on Sheet A, to
dressing machines.
4. The making of dressing machines on horizontal axes conical instead of
cylindrical, whether brushes be used in them or not, and whether the said
dressers be half or whole cones.
5. The application of inclined ribs to the upper half of cylindrical dressing.
machines.
6. The use of grinders of the form described on Sheet C, which combine the
properties of a screw feeder with those of flat plates.
7. The construction of a cylindrical system of cavities (instanced in the tea
and bark mill described) to whatever comminuting or separating uses they may
be applied. And whereas a conical system of cavities would produce nearly the
same effects as the cylindrical, that form is included in this claim.
8. The use of two or more cones placed in reverse positions with regard to
each other (as instanced by the mill, on Sheet II) for grinding, separating, or
crushing purposes.

page_text: AND BE IT REMEMBERED, that on the Fifteenth day of July, in the
year of our Lord 1843, the aforesaid Luke Hebert came before our said Lady
the Queen in Her Chancery, and acknowledged the Specification aforesaid,
and all and every thing therein contained and specified, in form above written.
And also the Specification aforesaid was stamped according to the tenor of the
Statute made for that purpose.
Enrolled the Eighteenth day of July, in the year of our
thousand eight hundred and forty-three.
Lord One