Husks from Cocoa-nuts.
Year: 1885

page_text: Husks from Cocoa-nuts.
We JAMES PETER WEST of 46 Cannon Street in the city of London Engineer
and HENRY JOSEPH WILBERFORCE RAPHAEL of 73 Portsdown Road Maida Vale
in the county of Middlesex, Merchant, do hereby declare the nature of the said
invention for "
NEW OR IMPROVED MEANS OF AND APPARATUS FOR REMOVING THE
HUSKS FROM COCOA NUTS to be as follows:-
"
This invention relates to new or improved means of and apparatus for removing
the husks from cocoa-nuts the object being to effect the spliting of the husk and
clearance of the fibrous portion from the shell of the nuts by mechanical appliance
whereby great expedition can be arrived at in effecting the removal of the husks.
This has hitherto been effected by manuel labour but by this invention mechanical
means are employed for cracking, or spliting, the husks, for stripping off the same
and discharging the cocoa-nuts and the husks separately from the apparatus
continuously.
The machine consists primarily of a hollow truncated cone mounted in a framing
and provided with tubular legs. To the slopes of this cone are fitted three (it may
be two or more) chisel pointed cutters 120° apart working in suitable grooves, with
friction rollers or guides These three cutters extend up the slopes of the cone and
converge towards what would be the apex of the cone. Spiral or other suitable
springs attached to the lower ends of these knives and carried in the tubular
legs hold the knives to their normal position but allowing of the knives being
depressed.
Midway between each of the knives and on the slopes of the cone are fixed three
vertical extractors preferably of a T shape section which extractors will enter the
fissures produced in the husk by the action of the cutters and thereby separate the
nut from the surrounding fibres of the husk.
At a suitable distance above attached to the lower end of a "plunger rod" is a
similarly constructed inverted cone fitted with cutters working in grooves with
friction rollers or guides and springs similar to those of the lower cone and to the
base of this upper cone is attached a disc the diameter of which exceeds that of the
base of the cone by about two inches.

page_text: The plunger-rod works in bushes which project from the main framing and is
actuated by means of a crank and wheel. In cases where a large amount of work
has to be done there may be mounted several of these machines in a framing-
having one common slide-carrinying as many plungers as may be required and
drive the slide and plungers from any source of power as may be convenient.
In combination with the lower conc, cutters, and clearing device, there may be
a holder device or rest onto which the nut to be treated will be placed just as the
clearing process will commence.
The action of the machine is as follows:-
The cocoa-nut enclosed in its husk will be placed on the chisel points of the
lower cone and brought immediately below the chisel points of the inverted cone
above. The plunger rod then descends which causes the inverted cone to descend
upon the top of the nut. The knives of both the upper and the lower cones
penetrate the husk to a certain distance, and those of the upper cone are prevented
from penetrating far by the disc at the bottom of the said upper cone, but by the
plunger rod continuing to descend the knives of the lower cone are further forced
into action and are also depressed, and by reason of their occupying a lower
position on the cone they assume a position farther apart from each other so tearing
the husk away.
The upright extractors enter the fissures formed by the splitting of the husk as
previously described and thus frees the cocoa-nut which will then fall down the
centre through the hollow truncated cone into a sack or other receptacle or onto a
shoot or channel placed beneath for its reception.
The husk split into separate pieces falls down the slopes of the cone and can
then be collected for subsequent treatment as cocoa-nut fibre and so forth.
The driving power can be hand steam or other available motor.
.

page_text: Husks from Cocoa-nuts.
JAMES PETER WEST of 46 Cannon Street, London, Engineer, and HENRY
JOSEPH WILBERFORCE RAPHAEL of 73 Portsdown Road, Maida Vale, London
Merchant, 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 :-
This Invention relates to new or improved means of and apparatus for removing
the Husks from Cocoa Nuts. The object being to effect the splitting and opening
of the Husk and the loosening, dislodging or detaching the Nut by mechanical
appliance."
The removal of Husks from Cocoa-Nuts, has hitherto, been effected by manual
labour; but by this Invention, mechanical means are employed for this purpose,
whereby great expedition is attained.
The Machine which may be built of iron, or other suitable materials consists,
primarily, of a truncated cone (or it may be a truncated pyramid having any
uneven number of sides) mounted in a suitable framing.
To the slopes of the truncated cone or pyramid, are fitted three (it may be two
or more) sliding "claw-strippers" about 28 inches long 120° apart, working in
proper flanged grooved-guides provided with friction-rollers.
The three sliding "claw-strippers" enclosed by their flanged-guides, extend up
the slope of the truncated cone (or pyramid) converging towards each other and,
intersect in one point; thereby forming the apex of the truncated cone (or
pyramid). Spiral or other suitable springs lying parallel to, and on each side of
the sliding "claw-strippers," are attached to the latter at one end, by means of
cross-bars or lugs; and at the other to the flanged-guides by means of bolts and
nuts. These spiral springs hold the sliding claw-strippers to their normal
position, but allow them, under a given force to be depressed.
**
"
"
to work
The flanged grooved-guides before referred to, extend only from the base line
and terminate at the line of truncation of the cone (or pyramid) and enclose the
sliding "claw-strippers" only for this distance. Friction-rollers are placed at
suitable intervals in the, grooves to allow the sliding "claw-strippers
freely. The grooved-guides are fixed by their flanges, with bolts & nuts to the
slopes of the truncated cone (or pyramid) Near the lower end of each of the
grooved-guides, is fitted a tension-stud or dowel the axis of which is at right
angles to that of the sliding "claw-strippers." These tension-studs or dowels,
extend through the side (or top or bottom) of the flanged-guides into the grooves.
A cavity is formed in the sliding "claw-strippers into which, when in their
normal position, the ends of these tension-studs or dowels enter: the latter being.
regulated and kept in that position by means of suitable springs. The ends of the
tension-studs or dowels which enter the cavity in the sliding "claw-strippers" are
preferably rounded (hemi-spherically) or suitably shaped to create contact with the
sliding "claw-strippers," so that the latter will offer great temporary resistance to a
force applied at their apex, irrespective of that obtained by them, from the spiral
"

page_text: springs before referred to, which are only intended to exert sufficient force to
bring the sliding "claw-strippers" back to their normal position when displaced.
Midway between each of the three sliding "claw-strippers" and on the slope of
the truncated cone (or pyramid) is fixed an extractor, preferably of an I shape in
section, radiating edge-wise from the axis of the truncated cone (or pyramid).
At a suitable distance above the truncated cone (or pyramid) before referred to
and attached to the lower end of a sliding shaft or plunger-rod, is a similar
truncated conc (or pyramid) inverted, and preferably smaller than the lower one.
To this smaller inverted upper cone (or pyramid) are fitted sliding "claw-strippers,"
with guides, friction rollers and springs & similar to those of the lower truncated-
cone (or pyramid) and to the base of this upper inverted cone (or pyramid). is fixed
a disc the diameter of which exceeds that of the base by a few inches.
The sliding shaft or plunger-rod, works in bushed bosses, which project from a
standard, erected on the framing in which the lower cone is mounted, and is
actuated by a lever, or by a crank and wheel, rack and pinion, inverted cylinder or
other suitable means.
The action of the machine is as follows:-
The cocon-nut, enclosed in its Husk, is placed on either of its ends on the apex
of the sliding "claw-strippers" of the lower truncated cone (or pyramid) preferably
with its prominent angles, as nearly as possible in a line with the sliding "claw-
strippers of the lower truncated cone (or pyramid) and those of the upper
truncated cone (or pyramid), the other available end of the nut being brought
under the sliding "claw-strippers" of the upper cone.
The sliding shaft or plunger-rod then being actuated, causes the sliding "claw-
strippers" of both the upper and lower truncated cones (or pyramids) to penetrate
the Husk simultaneously for a certain distance but are prevented from entering
too far by suitable devices attached to their points.
"
Upon the sliding shaft or plunger rod being made to further descend, the sliding
claw-strippers" of both the upper and lower truncated cones (or pyramids) are
further forced into action, thereby obtaining a grip or proper hold of the Husk-
and by reason of the plunger rod still continuing to descend, the sliding "claw-
strippers" overcome the resistance offered by the tension-studs or dowels, before
referred to, and are forced through the guides, gradually occupying a lower
position on the lower truncated cone (or pyramid) and an elevated position on
upper truncated cone (or pyramid) each one maintaining its grasp of the Husk.
Under the influence exercised by the continued descent of the plunger rod the
sliding claw-strippers begin to move through their guides and assume a position
further and further apart on the slopes of their respective cones (or pyramids).
On completing the downstroke of the sliding shaft or plunger rod, the sliding
"claw-strippers" will have occupied such extended positions on the slope of their
respective cones (or pyramids) as to have split and torn the Husk into three
separate divisions. In this extended position the divisions of the Husk are
securely held by the sliding "claw-strippers."
The extractors, before referred to, enter the Husk by way of the fissures which
are produced by the action of the sliding "claw-strippers." The downward move-
ment of the nut is thereby intercepted and suspended whilst its husk still moves
on, and in this manner the nut is loosened from the surrounding fibre of the husk
Upon the return stroke being commenced and continued by the sliding shaft or
plunger rod, the sliding "claw-strippers" of the upper and lower truncated cones
(or pyramids) are simultaneously gradually sent back into their former normal
places by the spiral springs before referred to upon which the nut and pieces of
Husk topple off & fall to the ground.
We do not, however, confine ourselves to the use of the extractors, before referred
to, on the lower truncated cone (or pyramid). Sometimes we omit them from tha
position and fix them to the upper truncated cone (or pyramid). When we use
them in that position the sliding claw-strippers of the upper truncated cone (o
pyramid) are omitted, and in their places are fixed the extractors, and by reason o

page_text: their being fixed in the position of the omitted sliding claw-strippers, they are
vertically over the sliding claw-strippers of the lower cone.
containing the Cocoa Nut is placed with its top end, on the apex of the sliding
In this case the Husk
claw-strippers of the lower truncated cone (or pyramid) and with its prominent
augles lying in a line with the sliding claw-strippers of the lower truncated cone
(or pyramid) and the extractors of the upper cone (or pyramid).
Power is applied to the sliding shaft or plunger rod and the extractors are
thereby made to enter the Husk and to penetrate as far as the nut. Continuing
under force to descend, pressure is communicated through the Nut and Husk to
the sliding claw-strippers on the lower cone, and causes them (the sliding claw-
strippers) to retreat down the slopes. In consequence of each sliding claw-stripper
retaining its allotted division of the Husk and extending as they descend, it is
manifest that the Husk is torn open.
As soon as the sliding claw-strippers, holding the torn parts of the Husk, are
brought to a standstill, the extractors are made to still continue to descend by
pressure from the plunger rod. The nut therefore is made to move on, whilst its
usk is stationary, thereby loosening or dislodging it.
In order that our Invention may be better understood, we will proceed to explain
he Drawings which we have attached hereto.
Figure 1 Is a side view of the machine:
We do not confine ourselves to the vertical formation which we have shown:
Sometimes we make the machine to work Horizontally or inclined at a suitable
ngle.
Figure 2. Illustrates the machine on plan.
a. Represents the truncated pyramid or body by means of which the sliding
.claw-strippers are inade to diverge or separate from each other.
b Shows the framing in which the cone is mounted: Sometimes however the
framing and the truncated cone (or pyramid) or body a. may be made
in one piece.
c. d. e Represent, what we have termed, the sliding claw-strippers which form
the apex to the truncated cone (or pyramid). These sliding claw-strippers
may be cranked so as to intersect at a lower point but we do not confine
ourselves to using the claw-strippers on an incline, they may be cranked
and worked in vertical slides or guides so long as a body or wedge be
interposed to cause them to diverge or separate.
f. g. h. Represent the flanged grooved-guides in which the claw-strippers c. d. e
work.
j. k. l. Represent the spiral springs which hold the claw-strippers c. d. e. to
their normal position and are connected thereto by cross-bars or lugs at
one end and to the grooved-guides f. g. h. at the other end.
m. n. p Represent the tension studs or dowels which enter cavities formed
in the sliding claw-strippers c. d. e.
9. 8. Show the extractors on the upper truncated cone. Similar ones are
sometimes placed on the lower truncated cone (or pyramid): in the latter
case they are omitted on the upper cone (or pyramid) and claw-strippers
similar to those on the lower truncated cone (or pyramid) are substituted.
t. Represents the upper inverted cone (or pyramid) This cone (or pyramid)
may be truncated.
v. Shows the sliding shaft or plunger rod, to the end of which is attached
the cone or pyramid t.
w. Represents the standard to which is fitted the lever x. by which means
the sliding shaft v. is worked.
y. Represents the balance weight.
n conclusion, we do not confine ourselves to the precise details or arrangements,
ch, we have had occasion to describe, show or refer to, as many variations may
made therefrom without deviating from the principles or main features of our
el and original invention.

page_text: faving now particularly described and ascertained the nature of our said
ention, and in what manner the same is to be performed we declare that what
claim is
. The application of machinery or apparatus to the removing or stripping of
sks from Cocoa-nuts.
In a machine for removing or stripping Husks from Cocoa-nuts
a. The attacking or operating at the end of the Husk.
b. The stripping of the Husk from the Cocoa Nut in three pieces (or more)
simultaneously.
In a machine or device for removing or stripping the Husks from Cocoa Nuts
a. The principle of making or causing threo (more or less) slides, knives,
pistons, separators, claw-strippers or other devices instrumental in
removing or stripping the Husks from Cocoa-nuts, to diverge or
separate from each other, by means of an interposed body or wedge.
Or any modification thereof.
b. The principle of effecting or accomplishing the removal or stripping of
Husks from Cocoa-Nuts by employing three (more or less) slides,
knives, pistons, separators claw-strippers or other devices instrumental
in removing or stripping Husks from Cocoa-Nuts, to act or operate
at the ends of the Husks of Cocoa-Nuts.
In a machine or device for removing or stripping Husks from Cocoa Nuts
a. Active or moving extractors which enter the Husk as far as the nut and
which, by continued movement, cause the latter (the Husk having been
partly stripped) to become dislodged or loosened-Or what is the same
thing, devices which wedge or force the nut apart from the Husk.
b. Rigid extractors or devices, which intercept and hold the nut (which is
exposed by fissures previously marle in the Husk) whilst its Husk is
stripped off.
c. Slides, knives, claws, pistons separators, splitters, claw-strippers or other
devices instrumental in removing or stripping the Husk from Cocoa-
Nuts, sliding or working on the slopes of truncated cones or pyramids
or an arrangement of wedge, taper, or inclined planes or surfaces.
A: 1002