Crop threshing or separating – Separator
Reexamination Certificate
1999-04-15
2001-04-17
Will, Thomas B. (Department: 3671)
Crop threshing or separating
Separator
C056S014600, C241S172000, C241S007000, C241S009000, C241S079100
Reexamination Certificate
active
06217442
ABSTRACT:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates the processing of grain.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Conventional roller mills require large spaces and skilled manpower to maintain operation. To make white flour grain is rolled and sifted, rolled and sifted in many steps to yield the white flour. In the process, most of the 45 minerals, which are in the grain to start with are lost. When processing wheat multiple breaking and sifting procedures remove the bran and separate the remaining particles into different grades.
The present invention proposes a novel apparatus that may be used for either debranning or milling grain. The apparatus can be provided at a more modest cost than existing debranning machines, making the milling of white flour readily available for large and small millers.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
According to one aspect of the invention there is provided a grain processor comprising:
a substantially cylindrical drum oriented substantially horizontally;
a rotor extending along the interior of the drum, said rotor comprising a plurality of radial impellers spaced around and spaced along the rotor;
rotor drive means for rotating the rotor in the drum;
grain inlet means for delivering grain to the drum;
air inlet means for admitting air into the drum adjacent a bottom side of the drum;
discharge means, including an opening in the drum at a top side thereof; and
vacuum means for drawing a flow of air and solids suspended in the flow of air from the drum, through the discharge means.
In one embodiment, the apparatus is used as a debranner for removing bran from grain. The debranner includes a grain outlet at the outlet of the drum for withdrawing the hulled grain and the bran is drawn through a vacuum plenum.
In another embodiment, the apparatus is used as a flour mill. The inlet air is automatically cooled. For some grades of flour, for example the flour used for making the flatbread known as chapati or roti, the air supply can be restricted, increasing the dwell time in the mill. The flour is removed through the plenum at the vacuum outlet from the drum. The plenum may have one side offset to provide a widened section and a deflector opposite the offset to deflect grain entering the plenum back into of the drum.
According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of processing grain, comprising:
providing a drum;
providing in the drum a rotor including a plurality of radiating impellers;
introducing grain into the drum adjacent the inlet end;
rotating the rotor to cause the impellers to stir the grain in the drum; and
drawing a flow of air and grain particles suspended therein from the drum.
For debranning, the bran is withdrawn in the air flow and the debranned grain is removed from an outlet end of the drum. For milling, the vacuum system draws out the milled flour. The air flow carries out both flour and bran where the grain has not been debranned. The result is whole wheat flour.
For white flour, the debranner is used first first and then the mill.
Round rotor impellers are suitable for use with most grains and flour products. For semolina in some cases other cutters, for example the applicant's “Micronizers™” or knife heads may be used on the impellers.
The speed of the rotor and the dwell time of the grain in the drum have been found to be of importance in achieving the desired results. Exact parameters will depend on the mill size and configuration, and the grain being processed.
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Battison Adrian D.
Kováacs ÁArpáad Fáabiáan
Will Thomas B.
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