IMPROVEMENTS IN FLOUR AND MIDDLINGS DRESSING AND PURIFYING MACHINES
Year: 1879

page_text: LETTERS PATENT to William Comerford and James Comerford, both of Rath-
:
drum, in the County of Wicklow, Ireland, for the Invention of "IMPROVEMENTS
IN FLOUR AND MIDDLINGS DRESSING AND PURIFYING MACHINES."
Sealed the 4th November 1879, and dated the 5th July 1879.
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by the said William Comerford and
James Comerford at the Office of the Commissioners of Patents on the 5th
July 1879.
WILLIAM COMERFORD and JAMES COMERFORD, both of Rathdrum, in the County
of Wicklow, Ireland. "IMPROVEMENTS IN FLOUR AND MIDDLINGS DRESSING AND
PURIFYING MACHINES."
Our Invention of improvements in flour and middlings dressing and purifying
machines consists in the employment in such machines of two or more conductors
or conveyors working side by side on the same level, but entirely distinct from one
another, and capable of receiving at the same time from one main hopper. It also
consists in adjustable hoppers beneath the main hopper, formed by transverse par-
titions with valves between them, capable of being so arranged that the different
qualities of dress coming from different parts of the machine may either be delivered
directly upon different conductors, to be thereby conveyed separately towards the
head or tail of the machine, or may be combined or mixed in any way rendered
necessary by the exigencies of the work in hand. The machine is thus rendered
capable of being immediately adapted to suit the ever varying conditions under
which it works. It is well known that the variable quantity and quality of the
feed, the nature or condition of the wheats, and the changes of the atmosphere
materially affect the operation of the machine, but by means of our Invention the
working of the machine is brought under the most complete control, and moreover
any slight inaccuracy in the quality or fineness of the silk used on the machine may
be readily compensated for. By arranging the conductors side by side on the same
level, the double or multiple system of conductors of our Invention can be applied
to most machines in which single conductors are used without any change in
the size, position, or drive of the said machines, and our system of double con-
ductors in particular can be applied to machines where, owing to insufficient head-

page_text: room, it would be impossible to employ double conductors arranged one over the
other-(as-they-are now sometimes used) without unduly curtailing the size of the
reel or other part of the machine.
As each quality of dress is transferred by the adjustable hopper-into which it
falls to a special and distinct conductor, no subsequent mixing in course of con-
veyance is possible, as is frequently the case whereas in the system of superposed
_double conductors above referred to, the uppermost conductor conveys both good
and bad, and delivers-the-one.or the other (at the point where it becomes necessary
to separate them) through the bottom of its case into the second conductor under-
-neath. In carrying out our Invention there may be two, three, or more conductors,
as required, side by side, but-in-separate casings. These conductors may either be
archimedean screws or endless creepers, and they may carry either towards the head
or tail of the machine, or in both directions, and one or more of them may if
necessary be divided at any point of its length into two conductors working in the
⚫ same case end to end.
We prefer endless creepers for flour or sharps as they leave no deposit at the
angles, and are also less expensive and simpler of construction.
Beneath the reel or sieves (as the case may be, there is a main hopper as usual,
and beneath this any number of the adjustable hoppers, each of a length to
receive a greater or less portion of the dress, as may be required. In the case
of two conductors each of these adjustable hoppers consists of two transverse
partitions and of an oscillating or sliding valve, with convenient means of adjust-
ment while the machine is running, whereby it can be made to deliver onto
one or other of the conductors. When oscillating valves are used they work
on centres at their lower edge, and are thrown over from one side to the other,
according to the direction in which they are required to deliver. Each hopper can
deliver on to one conductor only at a time, but each conductor may receive
from one hopper only or from several hoppers at a time, as required. The con-
ductors work in separate cases beneath these hoppers, as above mentioned,
and when endless creepers are used the hoppers deliver to the lower half of the
creeper, as usual.
When head room is limited the upper or return portion of the
creeper passes through the main hopper under cover, and the valves oscillate or
slide between the upper and lower portions of the belts. When head-room is not
a consideration the creepers can be entirely beneath the hoppers. When sliding
valves are used they are fitted at a suitable inclination at both sides of the main
hopper so that the valve at either side can be withdrawn, and the other left to form
the inclined side of the hopper which delivers the dress to the conductor. Where
three or more conductors are used the main hopper would deliver to a first set of
valves, that deliver to a second set of valves, which deliver in turn to one or other
_ of the conductors.

page_text: SPECIFICATION in pursuance of the conditions of the Letters Patent filed by
the said William Comerford and James Comerford in the Great Sea! Patent
Office on the 5th January 1880.
WILLIAM COMERFORD and JAMES COMERFORD, both of Rathdrum, in the County
of Wicklow, Ireland. "IMPROVEMENTS IN FLOUR AND MIDDLINGS DRESSING AND
PURIFYING MACHINES."
Our Invention consists in the employment in flour and middlings dressing and
purifying machines of two or more conductors or conveyors, working side by side
on the same level, but entirely distinct from one another, in combination with what
we term adjustable hoppers formed by oscillating or sliding valves fitted at the
lower part of the main hopper. By means of the said valves the different qualities
of the dress or product coming from different parts of the machine may be delivered
directly upon the same or different conductors, to be thereby conveyed together or
separately towards the head or tail of the machine, as required. The machine is
thus rendered capable of being immediately adapted to suit the ever varying con-
ditions under which it works. It is well known that any variation in the quantity
and quality of the feed, or in the nature or condition of the wheats, the changes of
the atmosphere, and the wear of the silk or other clothing, materially affect the
operation of dressing and purifying machines, but our Invention enables the
working of these machines to be brought under the most complete control, both by
means of " returns to the same or other machines, and also by assorting the
different grades as they fall. Moreover any slight inaccuracy in the number of the
silk or other clothing used may be readily compensated for in the same way.
Invention also enables us to regulate the feed passed to other machinery, as from
purifiers to rollers, for example. By arranging the conductors side by side on the
same level, the double system of conductors of our Invention can be applied to
most machines in which single conductors are used, without any change in the
size, position, or drive of the said machines; and our system of double conductors is
especially applicable to machines in which, owing to insufficient head room, it
would be impossible to employ double conductors arranged one over the other, and
delivering the one to the other, as they are now sometimes used, the advantage
being of course still greater where it is desired to place one such machine over
another in the same chest.
"
The
With our system 2, 3, or more grades or qualities can be assorted and conveyed
each by a separate and distinct conductor, so that no subsequent mixing in course
of conveyance is possible, as happens with double conductors placed one over the
other, the top conductor carrying both qualities, and delivering either through an
opening in the bottom of its case.
In carrying out our Invention there may be 2, 3, or more conductors, as required,
side by side, but in separate casings. These conductors may either be archimedean
screws or endless creepers, and they may carry either towards the head or tail of
the machine or in both directions, and one or more of them may if necessary be
divided at any point of its length into 2 conductors working end to end, or formed
in the case of a screw conveyor of 2 threads on the same shaft. We prefer endless
creepers for flour or sharps, as they leave no deposit at the angles, and are also less
expensive and simpler of construction. The lower part of the main hopper is
divided into any number of the adjustable hoppers, each of a length to receive a
greater or less portion of the dress, as may be required.
In the case of two conductors each of these adjustable hoppers consists of an
oscillating or sliding valve, a pair of valves capable of being adjusted while the
machine is running, whereby it can be made to deliver onto one or other of the con-
ductors, the said valves being preferably, but not necessarily, separated by transverse
partitions. When oscillating valves are used, they are preferably arranged to work on
or near their lower edge as a centre, and are thrown over from one side to the other,
+

page_text: Figure 1 is a longitudinal section (taken on line 1-1, Figure 2) of a flour
dressing machine provided with a pair of endless creeper conductors running side
by side and oscillating valves, the latter being arranged to work between the upper
and lower portions of the creepers; Figure 2 is a cross section of the same machine
on line 2-2, Figure 1; Figure 3 is a longitudinal section of the lower portion of
the machine; and Figure 4 a cross section showing the oscillating valves arranged
entirely above the creepers; Figure 5 is a cross section of a similar arrangement to
the last, screw conveyors being used instead of endless creepers; Figure 6 is a cross
section of the lower part of a machine on which endless creepers are used, and the
"dress" is delivered to the one creeper or the other by sliding valves passing
between the upper and lower portious of the creepers; Figure 7 is a cross section
of a similar machine, in which the sliding valves are wholly above the creepers;
and Figure 8 is a cross section of a machine in which sliding valves and screw
conveyors are used; Figure 9 is a cross section, in which pairs of horizontally
sliding valves are used connected by the bars so as to be shifted together, as
indicated by the dotted lines. This arrangement of valves is applicable with any
of the conductors shown in the previous Figures. Figure 10 is a cross section of a
machine in which three endless creepers are arranged to run side by side, with
oscillating valves above delivering to either of the conductors as desired. The same
arrangement of creepers with sliding instead of oscillating valves, or of screw con-
veyors with either description of valve, will be sufficiently clear by reference to
Figures-7_and_S.
Figure 11 is a cross section--showing the arrangement of the oscillating valves
when four conductors (which may either be creepers; as shown, or screw conveyors)
are used side by side. We have not thought it necessary to illustrate more
than 4 conductors side by side, as that number will be generally sufficient, but
it will be evident that 5 or more may be similarly arranged by adding another
valve to each adjustable hopper for each additional conductor, the valves being
arranged to deliver from the one to the other next below, in the way shown in
Figures 10 and 11. Figure 12 is a longitudinal section, and Figure 13 a plan of an
arrangement of 3 endless creepers on the same level, two short ones being placed
end to end, and the other, which is longer, extending alongside the other two. The
same letters of reference are used in all these Figures to indicate similar parts or
parts fulfilling the same purpose.
We have illustrated our Invention as applied to a flour dressing machine, but it
must be understood that the following description applies equally to a middlings
purifier, whether working with or without sieves or reels, the dress or product of
the machine being in either case received in a main hopper, and thence delivered
by our adjustable "hoppers" to either conveyor at will. "We have illustrated both

page_text: oscillating and sliding valves, but we consider the first kind the best, as they are
simpler, easier to adjust, and (in the case of not more than 3 conductors) do not
necessitate access to both sides of the machine in order to set them.
A is the silk reel of a flour dressing machine constructed and driven in the usual
or any other suitable manner; B is the main hopper into which the dress or product
falls. This hopper may be divided transversely by partitions C, which may either
rise the whole height of the hopper, as indicated by dotted lines in Figure 1, or
the partitions may be no higher than those shown in full lines, or they may
be omitted altogether. If used it is preferred the partitions should be of the
height shown. They should be placed at a distance apart corresponding to the
length of the valves, and they then serve to support the pivots of the oscillating
valves in or to carry the guides for the sliding valves. D are the valves, which are
shown as separated by the partitions C, but if the latter are omitted the valves
would abut closely end to end.
In Figures 1 and 2, 3 and 4, the valves oscillate on pins a as centres fixed in the
partitions C, and received in holes in the ends of the valves. These centres are
shown near the lower edge of the valve, but the latter may be supported or hung
at any other point preferred. To each valve a handle b is hinged, said handle
passing through the side of the hopper to enable the valve to be readily thrown
over tone side or the other, as indicated by the dotted arcs, or other convenient
means of adjustment may be employed. c are angular strips of hard wood fastened
along the ends of the oscillating valves and resting upon inclined rails d fastened
to the partitions C for the valve to rest upon, the angular form (shown in cross
section in Figure 2) being intended to prevent any of the flour that may lodge on
the rails & being compressed between them and the valve, and to allow the latter
to fall home against the rails & and make a tight joint. E, E, are the endless
creeper or screw conveyors, as the case may be.
In Figures 1 and 2 the valves oscillate between the upper and lower portions of
the endless creepers E, and in this case the flour is conveyed by the lower portions
of the latter, the upper or return portions passing under cover of small sheds g.
The two endless creepers are contained side by side in a casing F, the sides of which
rise to meet the inclined sides of hopper B, and the said casing having a central
longitudinal division f, forming thus two distinct channels in which the creepers
work. It is above this central division that the valves D are pivoted or placed,
whether they oscillate through the creepers, as in Figures 1 and 2, or above them,
as in Figures 3 and 4. Each oscillating valve when in one or other of its two
positions forms a continuation of one or other of the inclined sides of the hopper B,
so as to direct the dress or flour to the channel of the one conveyor whilst covering
over that of the other conveyor. The endless creepers we prefer to make of leather
bands (or they might be webbing or chains), with cross bars or cleats e attached
that act as scrapers in the channels in which they travel, but any form of creeper
may be used, and it may carry either by its upper or lower portion, except when
the valves are arranged as in Figures 1 and 2, 6 and 7. In Figures 10 and 11
each adjustable hopper compresses 2 or more tiers of valves, viz., a valve D, as
above described, which receives the dress from the main hopper B and delivers it to
one of two passages, in one or both of which there is another valve D' at a lower
level than the first valve D. Each valve D' similarly delivers the dress to one of
two conductors, as shown, or to a still lower tier of valves if more than 4 conductors
are employed side by side. The working of the sliding valves will be sufficiently
clear without further description.
Having described the nature of our Invention and the manner of performing the
same, we declare that what we claim as our Invention to be protected by the
hereinbefore in part recited Letters Patent is,―
1st. In a flour dressing or middlings purifying machine we claim two or more
conductors or conveyors working side by side in combination with adjustable
hoppers" or valves at the lower part of the main hopper, by which the product
"E

page_text: coming from different parts of the machine may be directed to one or other of these
conductors at-will, substantially as shown and described.
2nd. In-a flour dressing and middlings-purifying machine we claim the several
arrangements of the oscillating or sliding valves fitted in-the-main hopper, whether
disposed between the upper and lower portions of endless conductors, or wholly-
above the same or screw conductors, substantially as described and shown in
-the-Drawings.
3rd. In a flour dressing and middlings purifying machine we claim the arrange-
ment of valves in which one valve delivers to either of two other valves, which in
turu-deliver to a greater number of valves, and so on according to the number of
conveyors working side by side, substantially as described in reference to Figures.
10 and 11 of the Drawing.
4th. In a flour dressing or middlings purifying machine we claim the arrangement
of three conductors, described in reference to Figures 12 and 13 of the Drawings, in
combination with adjustable valves, as set forth.
In witness whereof, I, the said James Comerford, for myself and on behalf
of the said William Comerford, have hereunto set my hand and seal, this
Twenty fourth day of December, in the year of our Lord One thousand
eight hundred and seventy nine.
JAMES COMERFORD. (L.S.)