U.S. patent application number 10/614288 was filed with the patent office on 2004-06-03 for grain cleaner.
This patent application is currently assigned to PHOENIXBILT INDUSTRIES LTD.. Invention is credited to Manning, Donald R., Read, Brian J..
Application Number | 20040106442 10/614288 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 25680309 |
Filed Date | 2004-06-03 |
United States Patent
Application |
20040106442 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Manning, Donald R. ; et
al. |
June 3, 2004 |
Grain cleaner
Abstract
A grain cleaner is taught including features for facilitating
maintenance and repair of the cleaner over previous grain cleaners.
In particular, the grain cleaner has an indent cylinder assembly
which includes a removable cylinder. The cylinder is removed by
unwrapping it from around a frame. The grain cleaner also includes
at least some augers with drop away troughs. The grain cleaner also
includes grain cleaning assemblies such as, for example, indent
cylinders and rotary screen drums and/or grain cleaning assemblies
drive systems which are mounted on framework members capable of
pivoting outwardly from the machine allowing access to machinery
and components positioned centrally within the grain cleaner.
Inventors: |
Manning, Donald R.;
(Merredin Western Australia, AU) ; Read, Brian J.;
(Merredin Western Australia, AU) |
Correspondence
Address: |
STERNE, KESSLER, GOLDSTEIN & FOX PLLC
1100 NEW YORK AVENUE, N.W.
WASHINGTON
DC
20005
US
|
Assignee: |
PHOENIXBILT INDUSTRIES LTD.
|
Family ID: |
25680309 |
Appl. No.: |
10/614288 |
Filed: |
July 8, 2003 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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10614288 |
Jul 8, 2003 |
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09719926 |
Jul 13, 2001 |
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6602130 |
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09719926 |
Jul 13, 2001 |
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PCT/CA99/00565 |
Jun 16, 1999 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
460/70 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B07B 1/46 20130101; B07B
4/02 20130101; B07B 9/00 20130101; B07B 1/24 20130101; A01F 12/444
20130101; B07B 13/16 20130101; B07B 13/02 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
460/070 |
International
Class: |
A01F 012/10 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Jun 16, 1998 |
CA |
2,240,788 |
Mar 3, 1999 |
CA |
2,264,373 |
Claims
The embodiments of the invention in which an exclusive property or
privilege is claimed are defined as follows:
1. A grain cleaner comprising a main framework, a grain inlet for
accepting a flow of grain, grain cleaning means to separate the
grain from at least some of its contaminants and a grain outlet to
conduct the grain away from the grain cleaning means, the grain
cleaning means including a scalper having a tube rotatable along
its long axis and including apertures disposed through its side
wall, the apertures being selected to permit passage therethrough
of the grain while excluding materials of size larger than the
apertures and a grain hopper for directing the flow of grain
against the tube's outer surface, the hopper including a wall
positioned against the outer surface of the tube, the flow of grain
being retained in the hopper between the wall and the outer surface
of the tube until it passes through the apertures of the tube.
2. The invention as defined in claim 1 wherein the hopper includes
an upper opening and the tube is selected to rotate in a direction
which moves materials excluded by the apertures upwardly in the
hopper and out through the upper opening.
3. The invention as defined in claim 1 wherein the grain cleaning
means further comprises an air separator box including an inlet
opening for permitting a flow of grain therethrough and into the
air separator box, a grain exit opening positioned below the inlet
opening such that grain passing through the inlet opening can drop,
by gravity, into the grain exit opening, a means for generating a
flow of air and directing it through the flow of grain between the
inlet opening and the grain exit opening, a waste material outlet
from the air box, the waste material outlet positioned such that
the flow of air can pass into the waste material outlet without
passing again through the flow of grain and a baffle positioned
between the grain exit opening and the waste material outlet.
4. The invention as defined in claim 3 wherein the air separator
box includes a housing formed to substantially prevent the flow of
air from exiting the air separator box except through the waste
material outlet.
5. The invention as defined in claim 3 wherein the air box includes
a wall and the means for generating a flow of air directs the flow
of air towards the wall, the wall being curved to direct the flow
of air away from the upper portions of the air separator box and
toward the waste material outlet.
6. The invention as defined in claim 3 wherein a chute extends from
the scalper to an opening into the waste material chute to convey
excluded materials from the scalper to the waste material chute and
the flow of air passing the opening draws air from the scalper into
the waste material chute.
7. The invention as defined in claim 1 wherein a first portion of
the grain cleaning means is mounted on a support frame moveably
mounted to the main framework such that the first portion of the
grain cleaning means can be moveable between a first position and a
second position on the main framework of the grain cleaner.
8. The invention as defined in claim 7 wherein a second portion of
the grain cleaning means is positioned in side by side relation
with the first portion of the grain cleaning means, the second
portion of the grain cleaning means having inside components
adjacent the first portion of the grain cleaning means and the
support frame being moveable on the main framework to permit the
first portion of the grain cleaning means to be moved outwardly
from the second portion of the grain cleaning means to provide
access to the inside components.
9. The invention as defined in claim 7 wherein the support frame is
connected to the main framework by a pivotal connection and the
support frame is moveable over the main framework by pivoting about
the pivotal connection.
10. The invention as defined in claim 1, the grain cleaning means
further comprising an indent cylinder assembly including a cylinder
having an inner surface with a plurality of indentations formed
thereon, the cylinder being formed of a sheet of material wrapped
and releasably secured into a cylindrical form and mounted on a
frame.
11. The invention as defined in claim 10 wherein the indent
cylinder includes an outer sheet material and an inner perforated
liner, the outer sheet material including a releasable locking
means aligned along two opposite edges thereof for securing the
outer sheet material into the cylindrical form.
12. The invention as defined in claim 11, the inner perforated
liner being formed of a polymeric material.
13. The invention as defined in claim 11 wherein the inner
perforated liner is secured to the outer sheet along an edge
adjacent one of the opposite edges accommodating the locking
means.
14. A grain cleaner comprising a main framework, a grain inlet for
accepting a flow of grain, grain cleaning means to separate the
grain from at least some of its contaminants and a grain outlet to
permit flow of the grain away from the grain cleaning means, at
least at least a portion of the grain cleaning means being mounted
on a support frame moveably mounted to the main framework such that
the grain cleaning means can be moveable between a first position
and a second position on the main framework of the grain
cleaner.
15. The invention as defined in claim 14 wherein a second portion
of the grain cleaning means is positioned in side by side relation
with the at least a portion of the grain cleaning means, the second
portion of the grain cleaning means having inside components
adjacent the at least a portion of the grain cleaning means and the
support frame being moveable on the main framework to permit the at
least a portion of the grain cleaning means to be moved outwardly
from the second portion of the grain cleaning means to provide
access to the inside components.
16. The invention as defined in claim 14 wherein the support frame
is connected to the main framework by a pivotal connection and the
support frame is moveable over the main framework by pivoting about
the pivotal connection.
17. The invention as defined in claim 14 wherein the grain cleaning
means comprises a scalper having a tube rotatable along its long
axis and including apertures disposed through its side wall, the
apertures being selected to permit passage therethrough of the
grain while excluding materials of size larger than the apertures
and a grain hopper for directing the flow of grain against the
tube's outer surface, the hopper including a wall positioned
against the outer surface of the tube, the flow of grain being
retained in the hopper between the wall and the outer surface of
the tube until it passes through the apertures of the tube.
18. The invention as defined in claim 17 wherein the hopper
includes an upper opening and the tube is selected to rotate in a
direction which moves materials excluded by the apertures upwardly
in the hopper and out through the upper opening.
19. The invention as defined in claim 14 wherein the grain cleaning
means comprises an air separator box including an inlet opening for
permitting a flow of grain therethrough and into the air separator
box, a grain exit opening positioned below the inlet opening such
that grain passing through the inlet opening can drop, by gravity,
into the grain exit opening, a means for generating a flow of air
and directing it through the flow of grain between the inlet
opening and the grain exit opening, a waste material outlet from
the air box, the waste material outlet positioned such that the
flow of air can pass into the waste material outlet without passing
again through the flow of grain and a baffle positioned between the
grain exit opening and the waste material outlet.
20. The invention as defined in claim 19 wherein the air separator
box includes a housing formed to substantially prevent the flow of
air from exiting the air separator box except through the waste
material outlet.
21. The invention as defined in claim 19 wherein the air box
includes a wall and the means for generating a flow of air directs
the flow of air towards the wall, the wall being curved to direct
the flow of air away from the upper portions of the air separator
box and toward the waste material outlet.
22. The invention as defined in claim 19 wherein the baffle is
adjustable in its degree of extension into the air separator
box.
23. The invention as defined in claim 14, the grain cleaning means
comprising an indent cylinder assembly including a cylinder having
an inner surface with a plurality of indentations formed thereon,
the cylinder being formed of a sheet of material wrapped and
releasably secured into a cylindrical form and mounted on a
frame.
24. The invention as defined in claim 23 wherein the indent
cylinder includes an outer sheet material and an inner perforated
liner, the outer sheet material including a releasable locking
means aligned along two opposite edges thereof for securing the
outer sheet material into the cylindrical form.
25. The invention as defined in claim 24, the inner perforated
liner being formed of a polymeric material.
26. The invention as defined in claim 24 wherein the inner
perforated liner is secured to the outer sheet along an edge
adjacent one of the opposite edges accommodating the locking
means.
27. A grain cleaner comprising a framework, a grain inlet for
accepting a flow of grain, grain cleaning means to separate the
grain from at least some of its contaminants and a grain outlet to
conduct the grain away from the grain cleaning means, an auger
being disposed in the grain outlet, the auger including a trough
and an auger, the trough being mounted to permit the trough to be
pivoted to empty its contents by gravity.
28. A grain cleaner comprising a framework, a grain inlet, a screen
separator drum having a long axis and supported by the framework to
be rotatable about its long axis, a channel extending to conduct
materials from the screen separator drum to an indent cylinder
assembly, the indent cylinder assembly having a long axis and
including an indent cylinder and an auger flight extending
therethrough, the indent cylinder and auger flight being supported
by the framework and the cylinder being rotatable about the long
axis of the assembly and a grain outlet to conduct materials away
from the auger flight, a second auger flight being disposed in the
grain outlet, the second auger flight including a trough and an
auger, the trough being mounted to permit it to be pivoted to empty
its contents by gravity.
29. The invention as defined in claim 28 further comprising an
auger under the separator screen, having a drop out trough.
30. A grain cleaner comprising a framework, a grain inlet for
accepting a flow of grain, grain cleaning means to separate the
grain from at least some of its contaminants and a grain outlet to
conduct the grain away from the grain cleaning means, the grain
cleaning means including at least one indent cylinder assembly, the
indent cylinder assembly including an indent cylinder having an
inner surface formed with a plurality of indentations formed
thereon, the indent cylinder being formed of a sheet of material
wrapped and releasably secured into a cylindrical form and mounted
about an inner frame.
31. The invention as defined in claim 30 wherein the indent
cylinder includes an outer sheet material and an inner perforated
liner, the outer sheet material including a releasable locking
means aligned along two opposite edges thereof for securing the
outer sheet material into the cylindrical form.
32. The invention as defined in claim 31, the inner perforated
liner being formed of a polymeric material.
33. The invention as defined in claim 31 wherein the inner
perforated liner is secured to the outer sheet along an edge
adjacent one of the opposite edges accommodating the locking
means.
34. A grain cleaner comprising a framework, a grain inlet for
accepting a flow of grain, grain cleaning means to separate the
grain from at least some of its contaminants and a grain outlet to
conduct the grain away from the grain cleaning means, the grain
cleaning means including an air separator box including a grain
inlet for permitting a flow of grain into the air separator box, a
grain outlet positioned below the grain inlet such that grain
passing from the grain inlet can drop, by gravity, into the grain
outlet, a means for generating a flow of air and directing it at
the flow of grain between the grain inlet and the grain outlet, a
waste material outlet from the air box and a baffle positioned
between the grain outlet and the waste material outlet.
35. The invention as defined in claim 34 wherein the air separator
box includes a housing formed to substantially prevent the flow of
air from exiting the air separator box except through the waste
material outlet.
36. The invention as defined in claim 34 wherein the air box
includes a wall and the means for generating a flow of air directs
the flow of air towards the wall, the wall being curved to direct
the flow of air away from the upper portions of the air separator
box and toward the waste material outlet.
37. The invention as defined in claim 34 wherein the baffle is
adjustable in its degree of extension into the air separator
box.
38. The invention as defined in any of claims 1, 14, 27, 28, 30 or
34 wherein the grain cleaner is mounted on transportation means.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] This invention is directed to a grain cleaner for use in
cleaning grain and, in particular, a grain cleaning machine which
is useful for farm environments.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Grain cleaning machines are well known. They are useful for
cleaning contaminants, such as grasses, stems and weed seeds, from
valuable grain. While many grain cleaning machines are known, few
grain cleaners are known which are particularly useful for farmers
to use and maintain themselves. Also, few grain cleaners are easily
convertible to clean different types of grain and this limits their
usefulness especially in large operations or cooperatives where
more than one crop must be processed. In particular, most grain
cleaners are designed specifically for one type of grain and cannot
be converted to clean other types of grain. Many grain cleaners are
also limited as to volume throughput and cannot be adjusted to
effectively process any desired volume of grain.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0003] A grain cleaner has been invented which includes features
for facilitating maintenance and repair and permitting such
maintenance and repair without requiring special equipment. In
addition, a grain cleaner according to the present invention is
convertible for use in cleaning a variety of grain types (ie. peas,
wheat, canola, etc.) and, in one embodiment, can handle large
volume throughput.
[0004] A grain cleaner according to the present invention can
include a number of grain cleaning stages, for example, for
removing oversize and undersize contaminants. In one embodiment,
diverters are included for permitting by pass of one or more
cleaning stages. In one preferred embodiment, an early stage
cleaner is provided for removing particularly problematic oversize
contaminants such as animal droppings and rocks.
[0005] In accordance with a broad aspect of the present invention,
there is provided a grain cleaner comprising a framework, a grain
inlet for accepting a flow of grain, grain cleaning means to
separate the grain from at least some of its contaminants and a
grain outlet to permit flow of the grain away from the grain
cleaning means, an auger flight being disposed in the grain outlet,
the auger flight including a trough and an auger, the trough being
mounted to permit at least a portion of the trough to be pivoted
away from the auger.
[0006] In accordance with a broad aspect of the present invention,
there is provided a grain cleaner comprising a framework, a grain
inlet, a screen separator drum having a long axis and supported by
the framework to be rotatable about its long axis, a chute
extending to conduct materials from the screen separator drum to an
indent cylinder assembly, the indent cylinder assembly having a
long axis and including an indent cylinder and an auger flight
extending therethrough, the indent cylinder and the auger flight
being supported by the framework and the indent cylinder being
rotatable about the long axis of the assembly and a grain outlet to
conduct materials away from the auger flight, a second auger flight
being disposed in the grain outlet, the auger flight including a
trough and an auger, the trough being mounted to permit at least a
portion of the trough to be pivoted away from the auger to provide
access to the trough below the auger.
[0007] In one embodiment, there is an auger flight under the
separator screen. Preferably this auger flight includes a trough
with a drop away bottom for easy cleaning.
[0008] Further chutes can be provided for conveying materials from
other parts of the grain cleaner. Preferably, each chute includes
an outlet to an auger flight, the auger flight providing controlled
conveyance of the materials from the grain cleaner. Preferred auger
flights have drop away bottoms to facilitate cleaning.
[0009] In accordance with another broad aspect of the present
invention, there is provided a grain cleaner comprising a
framework, a grain inlet for accepting a flow of grain, grain
cleaning means to separate the grain from at least some of its
contaminants and a grain outlet to permit the grain to flow away
from the grain cleaning means, the grain cleaning means including
at least one indent cylinder assembly, the indent cylinder assembly
including a cylinder having an inner surface with a plurality of
indentations formed thereon, the cylinder being formed of a sheet
of material wrapped and releasably secured into a cylindrical form
and mounted on a frame.
[0010] In one embodiment, the cylinder includes an outer sheet
material and an inner perforated liner, the outer sheet material
including a releasable locking means aligned along two opposite
edges thereof for securing the outer sheet material into a
cylindrical form.
[0011] To enhance the wear characteristics of the cylinder and to
reduce the weight of the cylinder, the inner perforated liner is
preferably formed of polymeric material.
[0012] The inner perforated liner can be secured to the outer
sheet, if desired. Preferably, the inner liner is secured to the
outer sheet in such a way that it is removable therefrom for ease
of replacement. In one embodiment, the inner liner is secured to
the outer sheet material along an edge adjacent one of the opposite
edges accommodating the locking means.
[0013] In accordance with another broad aspect of the present
invention, there is provided a grain cleaner comprising a main
framework, a grain inlet for accepting a flow of grain, grain
cleaning means to separate the grain from at least some of its
contaminants and a grain outlet to permit flow of the grain away
from the grain cleaning means, at least a portion of the grain
cleaning means being mounted on a support frame moveably mounted to
the main framework such that the grain cleaning means can be
moveable between a first position and a second position on the main
framework of the grain cleaner.
[0014] In one embodiment, the grain cleaner includes a second grain
cleaning means mounted on a second support frame, the second grain
cleaning means and the first grain cleaning means being positioned
in side by side relation. The first grain cleaning means includes
inside components positioned adjacent the second grain cleaning
means. The first support frame, because of its moveable mounting
arrangement on the main framework, can be moved away from the
second grain cleaning means to provide access to the inside
components.
[0015] The grain cleaning means can be moveably mounted to the main
framework in any suitable way such as, for example, by use of
rollers, rails or pivotal connections. The second grain cleaning
means can also be moveable over the main framework, as desired.
[0016] In accordance with another aspect of the present invention,
there is provided a grain cleaner comprising a framework, a grain
inlet for accepting a flow of grain, grain cleaning means to
separate the grain from at least some of its contaminants and a
grain outlet to permit flow of the grain away from the grain
cleaning means, the grain cleaning means including an air separator
box including an inlet opening for permitting a flow of grain
therethrough and into the air separator box, a grain exit opening
positioned below the inlet opening such that grain passing through
the inlet opening can drop, by gravity, into the grain exit
opening, a means for generating a flow of air and directing it
through the flow of grain between the inlet opening and the grain
exit opening, a waste material outlet from the air box, the waste
material outlet positioned such that the flow of air can pass into
the waste material outlet without passing again through the flow of
grain and a baffle positioned between the grain exit opening and
the waste material outlet.
[0017] In one embodiment, the air separator box includes a housing
formed to substantially prevent the flow of air from exiting the
air box except through the waste material outlet. The air box can
include a curved wall positioned opposite the means for generating
the flow of air. The wall is curved to direct the flow of air
toward the waste material outlet.
[0018] Preferably, the height or, stated another way, the degree of
extension of the baffle into the air separation box is
adjustable.
[0019] In accordance with another aspect of the present invention,
there is provided a grain cleaner comprising a framework, a grain
inlet for accepting a flow of grain, grain cleaning means to
separate the grain from at least some of its contaminants and a
grain outlet to conduct the grain away from the grain cleaning
means, the grain cleaning means including a scalper having a tube
rotatable along its long axis and including apertures disposed
through its side wall, the apertures being selected to permit
passage therethrough of the grain while excluding materials of size
larger than the apertures and a grain hopper for directing the flow
of grain against the tube's outer surface, the hopper including a
wall positioned against the outer surface of the tube, the flow of
grain being retained in the hopper between the wall and the outer
surface of the tube until it passes through the apertures of the
tube.
[0020] In one embodiment, the hopper includes an upper opening and
the tube is selected to rotate in a direction which moves materials
excluded by the apertures upwardly in the hopper and out through
the upper opening.
[0021] The grain cleaners of the present invention are preferably
mounted on transportation means such as a trailer for transport and
use in the field during harvest.
[0022] The grain cleaning means of the present grain cleaners can
be any suitable means for cleaning grain such as, for example, an
indent cylinder, a rotary screen drum, a scalper, an air separator
box or combinations thereof. Preferably, the grain cleaning means
of the grain cleaner are positioned within a housing to provide
protection against catching hands, clothes etc. in the grain
cleaning means and to contain contaminants such as rocks, dirt and
dust within the grain cleaner. Portions of the housing can be
removable to permit access to the grain cleaning means.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0023] A further, detailed, description of the invention, briefly
described above, will follow by reference to the following drawings
of specific embodiments of the invention. These drawings depict
only typical embodiments of the invention and are therefore not to
be considered limiting of its scope. In the drawings:
[0024] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a grain cleaner according to
the present invention;
[0025] FIG. 2 is a sectional view of the grain cleaner taken along
line 2-2 of FIG. 1, except that a portion of the rotary screen is
not shown in section to show its outer surface;
[0026] FIG. 3 is a sectional view along line 3-3 of FIG. 1;
[0027] FIG. 4 is an enlarged view of an indent cylinder wall;
[0028] FIG. 5A is a front elevation view of an indent cylinder
useful in the present invention;
[0029] FIG. 5B is a sectional view along line 5B-5B of FIG. 5A;
[0030] FIG. 5C is an enlarged view of a portion of a wall of the
indent cylinder of FIG. 5A;
[0031] FIG. 6A is an end view of a auger flight useful in the
present invention;
[0032] FIG. 6B is a front elevation view of the auger flight of
FIG. 6A;
[0033] FIG. 7 is an exploded perspective view of a grain cleaner
frame useful in the grain cleaner of the present invention;
[0034] FIG. 8A is a schematic, sectional view through another grain
cleaner according to the present invention; and
[0035] FIG. 8B is an enlarged sectional view of a scalping unit and
air box of FIG. 8A.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PRESENT Invention
[0036] Referring to FIGS. 1, 2 and 3, the grain cleaner includes a
main framework 10 surrounded by a housing 12. Housing 12 includes
side panels 13a, a pair of upper tarps 13b (shown partially
retracted from their covering position over the grain cleaner
components) and various other panels. Panels can be made of any
suitable materials such as metal plates, polymeric materials (i.e.
Plexiglas.TM.) or tarp fabric. A hopper 14 provides an inlet
through which a flow of grain can enter the grain cleaner. The
grain cleaner is mounted on a trailer chassis 15a including wheels
15b and a hitch 15c for towing behind a farm vehicle (not
shown).
[0037] The grain cleaner includes two grain separation modules 16a,
16b including grain cleaning components. More modules can be added,
or one of the two modules can be removed, as desired and with
consideration as to the application for which the grain cleaner is
to be used. While the modules are illustrated including multiple
grain cleaning components, modules can be provided which include
fewer or more cleaning components.
[0038] Hopper 14 preferably includes a grain spreading means such
as a deflection bar 17. Below deflection bar 17 is a gate 18 which
is rotatable by means of a handle (not shown) outside of the hopper
to control the size of the opening past gate and out of the hopper.
Gate 18 acts to separate the flow of grain into a thin curtain and
deflects the grain so that its flow is optimized for separation by
means of a fan 19.
[0039] Fan 19 directs a flow of air toward the curtain of grain
moving past gate 18. The direction of the output of air from fan 19
is adjustable by rotation of shroud 20. Shroud 20 can be rotated by
actuation of a handle (not shown) extending through the hopper
wall. The fan's air flow acts to separate lighter materials, such
as dust and weed seeds, from the desired grain. The removal of
lighter material can be optimized by rotating gate 18 to control
the amount of grain and the thickness of the curtain of grain
passing through the gate, by adjusting shroud 20 to control the
direction of the air impinging on the grain and/or by adjusting the
speed of fan 19. To permit observation of the grain separation by
the fan to, thereby, facilitate the adjustment of gate 18, shroud
20 and fan 19, a wall of the hopper, for example hopper front wall
14a, can be formed of a transparent material such as polymeric
glass. Preferably, the fan is elongate to act along the full length
of the hopper and, thereby, to act on the full length of the
curtain of grain. In a preferred embodiment, the hopper is just
over 8' wide and an 8' fan (length) is fit therein.
[0040] A wall 21 extends into hopper 14 and separates a grain chute
22 from a waste material chute 24. Grain chute 22 opens into
modules 16a and 16b. Chute 22 can be divided and gated, as desired,
to properly direct grain into any number of modules. Each module
includes a pair of rotary screens 25 (only one rotary screen can be
seen in FIG. 2, as one screen is disposed behind the other). The
rotary screens are disposed to rotate, as will be described in more
detail hereinafter, about an axial shaft 25'. Each rotary screen
includes an outer perforated tube 26 formed of, for example,
perforated sheet metal or screen and an agitation spiral 28 mounted
therein. Agitation spiral 28 need only be used if desired. However,
the use of agitating spiral has been found to enhance the capacity
and cleaning ability of the screens. The agitation spiral 28
includes an upstanding wall 29 arranged in a spiral fashion
adjacent the tube from the input end of the rotary screen to the
output end of the rotary screen. Wall 29 is fixed to shaft 25' and
is driven to rotate therewith. Extending substantially parallel to
shaft 25' and extending between adjacent spiralling portions of
upstanding wall 29 are intermediate walls 30. Outer tube 26 is
mounted about the agitation spiral and rotates with it.
[0041] As is known, rotary screens are primarily used to separate
materials on the basis of size. Thus, in a preferred embodiment the
perforations in the outer perforated tube 26 are of a size to
prevent the desired grain from passing therethrough, while
materials which are smaller than the desired grain size can pass
through the perforations. The desired grain will be maintained in
the rotary screen and will move therealong by action of the
agitation spiral and/or by tilting of the screen toward the output
end. Each rotary screen opens into a chute 31 at its output
end.
[0042] To enhance the usefulness of the grain cleaner, the
perforation size of the rotary screens is preferably selectable for
example, by replacing at least the outer perforated tube. The tube
can be replaceable in any suitable way. However, preferably, the
tube is formed as a flat sheet with corresponding locks 32a, 32b
adjacent two opposite edges to permit the tube to be formed by
wrapping the sheet around a frame, for example a frame formed by
the spiral agitator, and locking it into position using aligned
locks 32a, 32b. To remove the tube, the locks can be released and
the sheet unwrapped from the frame. The locking means can be any
suitable means for holding the ends of the sheet together. As an
example, the locks can be an overcentre hook arrangement or a
fastener acting through a pair of alignable apertures.
[0043] Positioned below the rotary screens, to collect materials
passing through the screens, is a funnel member 34a leading to a
trough 34b containing a rotatable auger 34c. Trough 34b opens into
waste chute 24. Preferably, trough 34b has a drop away bottom, as
shown in FIG. 3, to facilitate cleaning. In particular, trough 34b
is pivotally connected at one side edge through hinges 35 to funnel
member 34a. At the opposite side edge, trough 34b is releasably
locked to the funnel member by corresponding lock parts 36a, 36b.
By unlocking trough 34b from the funnel member, the trough can be
pivoted downwardly away from the auger so that the material in the
trough can be removed by gravity or otherwise. To enhance the
usefulness of the grain cleaner for operations in which large
amounts of materials pass into the funnel member, a modular system
is used wherein one funnel member and auger is provided to receive
materials from no more than three and, preferably, no more than two
rotary screens. This prevents overloading of the auger and attempts
to ensure that only a handleable amount of material will be
directed into each funnel member.
[0044] Referring also to FIGS. 4 and 5A to 5C, chute 31 in each
module opens to a pair of indent cylinders 40. The interior wall of
each indent cylinder 40 has formed therein indents 42 (FIG. 4). As
best seen in FIG. 4, indents 42 are sized and shaped to accept one
of the desired grains 38 (ie. a grain of wheat). The indent
cylinders are disposed to rotate about their long axis 40' and are
tilted downwardly from their input end 40a to their output end 40b
at an angle of, for example, about 3.5 degrees from horizontal.
Wheels 43 are mounted below the indent cylinders to support and
stabilize them as they are rotate about their long axis. Positioned
within each indent cylinder 40 is a grain collection trough 44
having an auger 46 positioned to rotate therein. As would be
understood by a person skilled in the art, any grains which are
sized to drop into the indents 42 are carried high on the
cylinder's rotating path until gravity causes them to drop out of
the indents. The trough is positioned to collect the grains falling
out of the indents. A brush 45 is mounted on trough 44 and biased
against the inner surface of the indent cylinder to brush off any
materials which are riding up on the indent cylinder but are not
positioned in one of the indents. The rotating action of auger 46
in trough 44 carries the grains to the cleaned grain chute 48.
[0045] Output end 40b of the cylinder opens into waste chute 24.
Waste chute extends from hopper 14 down through the grain cleaner
to collect and convey materials separated by fan 19 and passing out
of trough 34b and indent cylinders 40. A cover 49 is positioned
over trough 44 to prevent materials from waste chute 24 from
dropping into trough 44.
[0046] As best shown in FIG. 5B, to facilitate use and cleaning,
troughs 44 preferably are mounted at their ends on bearings (not
shown) which permit them to be rotated about their long axis. Such
a mounting arrangement permits each trough 44 to be tiltable along
its long axis such that it can be adjusted to accept grains falling
out of the indents at any selected angle. Preferably, the trough is
mounted to be rotatable to a substantially inverted position so
that materials in the trough can be removed by gravity.
Alternately, the troughs can have drop away bottoms similar to
troughs 34b.
[0047] FIGS. 5A to 5C show a particularly useful indent cylinder
for use in a grain cleaner.
[0048] The indent cylinder is formed to be easily removable and
replaceable to facilitate use by the operator. In particular, the
indent cylinder includes a rotary frame 70 including a pair of end
rings 72 connected by spokes 74 to a pair of stub shafts 76 which
are rotatable to rotate frame 70. The stub shafts are mounted on
the frame of the grain cleaner through a bearing assembly (not
shown). Wrapped about frame 70 to rotate therewith is an indent
cylinder tube 78. Indent cylinder tube 78 is formed of a solid
outer sheet 80 and a separate liner 82 having perforations 83
formed therethrough. To form the tube, sheet 80 and liner 82 are
arranged in overlapping configuration, wrapped tightly about the
frame (with the liner inside) and locked into position on the frame
by means locking clamps 84. The liner is held in position by
friction. Alternately, to assist in handling, liner 82 is secured
to outer sheet 80 at at least one position. To facilitate both
wrapping of the liner wall and replacement of the liner should it
wear, the liner is secured, by a releasable means or by adhesives
or welding along one of its side edges only, as indicated at 86, to
the outer sheet. Preferably, the liner is formed of a material such
as, for example, plastic which is lightweight, flexible and able to
withstand continued use. Because of the simplicity of the design,
the indent cylinder is easy to use and to replace to permit
cylinder walls having other desired perforation sizes to be
installed.
[0049] To assist in the conveyance of materials from chutes 24, 31
and 48 to an unloading position on the grain cleaner, an auger
flight is preferably positioned to accept materials passing from
each chute. In particular, auger flight 52 is positioned below
chute 48, auger flight 54 is positioned below chute 24 and auger
flight 56 is positioned below chute 31. To facilitate cleaning of
auger flights 52, 54 and 56, preferably each auger flight includes
a trough having a drop away bottom. The drop away feature can be
provided in any suitable way. Since these auger flights are
positioned under the grain cleaner, they are relatively
inaccessible for actuation of the troughs. Thus, in a preferred
embodiment a drop away trough which is easily manipulated is
preferred. In particular, referring to FIGS. 6A and 6B, the
preferred auger flight includes a trough 58 and an auger 59
disposed therein. Auger 59 is positioned in trough but is not
supported by it. Instead auger 59 is supported at its ends by
bearings 59a and brackets 59b. Trough 58 is pivotally connected at
one side edge 58a through hinges 60 to the member 62 under which it
is mounted. Opposite side edge 58b of trough 58 is not attached to
member 62. However, by action of hinges 60, side edge 58b can be
brought adjacent member 62. Flexible straps 64 are connected to the
member 62 adjacent to side 58a and extend below trough 58 to a
connection point on a reel 66 mounted on member 62 adjacent the
opposite side edge 58b of trough 58. Rotation of reel 66 tightens
or loosens straps 64 thereby driving trough to rotate about hinges
60 between a position in which side edge 58b is drawn up against
member 62 and a position in which trough is free to pivot about
hinges 60 to drop away from member 62. A separate reel can be
provided for each strap. However, preferably one common elongate
reel 66 is attached to act on more than one strap so that more than
one strap can be actuated simultaneously. The reel is rotatable
preferably by a single handle 67. Any number of straps can be used.
Straps 64 are preferably formed of a durable flexible material such
as woven metal or polymeric materials.
[0050] While the grain cleaner is primarily intended to be used
such that grain is cleaned by use of both rotary screens 26 and
indent cylinders 40, the grain cleaner can be used in other ways.
For example, in one embodiment, the desired grain, after being
separated from smaller materials in the rotary screens are simply
passed to auger flight 56 for output from the cleaner. In another
embodiment, the grain cleaner is used to separate desired grain
from larger contaminants in the rotary screens (ie. termed
scalping). In this embodiment, the desired grain is collected and
conveyed in trough 34b. To facilitate such converted use of the
grain cleaner, moveable gates 90 and 92 are provided in the chutes.
Gates 90, 92 each include a gate plate 90a, 92a mounted on a hinge
90b, 92b, respectively. Gates 90, 92 each are preferably actuatable
from outside of the grain cleaner by handles 90c, 92c extending
though the housing. Where a module includes more than one of either
the indent cylinder or the rotary screen, more than one gate 90 or
92 may be required. In a multiple gate embodiment, preferably one
handle is provided for actuating the multiple gates in each chute.
In a grain cleaner including multiple modules, preferably all
similar gates are connected for common actuation. Gates 90, 92 can
be positioned in other regions of the chutes or in other
orientations, as desired.
[0051] The rotating members of the grain cleaner such as fan 19,
rotary screens 26, auger 34c, indent cylinders 40 and the augers in
auger flights 52, 54, and 56 can be driven in any suitable way such
as for example by motors. Referring back to FIG. 1, preferably any
members which are intended to be commonly actuated and rotated at a
common speed are connected by means of sprocket drives and driven
by one motor. This reduces the number of motors which are required
and thereby simplifies the system. As an example, the four rotary
screens, as shown in the illustrated embodiment, include sprockets
99 connected by a plurality of chains 100. A motor 104 is connected
to one of the sprockets to impart rotational drive thereto. This
rotational force is communicated to the other sprockets 99 by means
of chains 100. In a preferred embodiment, augers 34c have sprockets
106 which are connected by chain drives 108 into the drive system
for the rotary screens. Each indent cylinder 40 has a sprocket 110
and these sprockets are connected by a chain 112. A motor (not
shown) is connected to one of the sprockets 110. Sprockets 110 are
connected to drive both the rotation of the indent cylinder frames
and augers 46 within the indent cylinders. Motors (not shown) are
connected to drive the fan and the augers in auger flights 52, 54
and 56.
[0052] The motors can be driven in any desired way such as, for
example, by an electrical system or a hydraulic system. In the
illustrated embodiment, the motors are driven hydraulically.
Preferably, the hydraulic fluid supply and pumping system 114 and
fluid valving system 115 are carried on the grain cleaner. A
plurality of hydraulic lines 116 carry hydraulic fluid to the
motors. The pumping system can be driven by any suitable means.
However, preferably, the pumping system is driven by an engine on
the grain cleaner such as a gas powered generating engine 118. This
arrangement provides that the grain cleaner can be driven in remote
locations and without being attached to a separate power generation
system. Preferably, all motorized components are driven by a power
generation system selected to be of a power output suitable to
support the entire system. This avoids complicated
arrangements.
[0053] The hydraulic fluid valving system 115 is useful for
controlling the rotation output speed of the motors. The valving
system can have separate valves for controlling the flow of
hydraulic fluid to each motor.
[0054] In large grain cleaners it is sometimes difficult to access
the components for repair or cleaning. In addition, in mobile grain
cleaners the drive systems must at least in part be mounted
adjacent the grain cleaning components. These drive systems
sometimes block access to certain portions of the grain cleaner.
The grain cleaner according to one aspect of the present invention
has overcome these previous problems. Referring to FIG. 7, a grain
cleaner frame 120 is provided including a main frame 122 onto which
are pivotally mounted a module support frame 124 and a drive system
support frame 126.
[0055] Main frame 122 includes a base assembly 128 and, extending
upwardly therefrom, an end wall frame 130. Bearing 132 on base
assembly 128 and bearing 134 on wall frame 130 accept pivot pins
135, 136, respectively on frame 124. When pins 135, 136 are
positioned in bearings 132, 134, frame 124 is mounted on frame 122
but can pivot outwardly therefrom. To facilitate movement of frame
124 over base assembly 128, wheel 138a, roller 138b, low friction
pad 138c and/or other parts are preferably provided on frame 124 or
frame 122.
[0056] Module support frame 124 is formed to support a module of
grain cleaning components thereon. In particular, a module of, for
example, one or two rotary screens and/or one or two indent
cylinders can be mounted, as by fasteners or welding, onto the
bottom frame 137a and side structure 137b of module support frame
124. While not shown it is to be understood that another module of
grain cleaning components can be positioned adjacent the module on
frame 124. The other module can be mounted in fixed position on a
frame 122 or can be mounted on its own support frame similar to
frame 124. Where a larger grain cleaner is required, frame 122 can
be expanded to support further modules with or without their own
support frames.
[0057] When the grain cleaner is in use for cleaning grain, frame
124 is positioned entirely over main frame 122 and against end wall
130. However, when access is required to inner components of the
modules, frame 124 can be pivoted outwardly to expose the inner
components.
[0058] Locking means (not shown) can be provided to lock frame 124
into position for use on the main frame and to prevent inadvertent
outward rotation of frame 124 from base 128.
[0059] Drive system support frame 126 supports many of the drive
system components such as, for example, the hydraulic fluid supply
and pumping system 114, the valving system 115 and the engine 118
(FIG. 1). Pivot pins 139, 140 on main frame 122 are positioned and
formed to accept bearings 141, 142 on drive system support frame
126. Once bearings 141, 142 are supported on pins 139, 140, the
frame 126 can pivot outwardly from wall 130. Lock parts 144 are
provided for locking frame 126 against wall 130. During use for
cleaning grain, frame 126 will normally be locked into position
against frame end wall 130. When access is required to components
behind frame 126, lock 144 is released and the frame is rotated
outwardly away from wall 130.
[0060] To permit movement of the frames 124 and/or 126 outwardly,
some connections may have to be disconnected. As an example, where
chains 100 and 112 are used (FIG. 1), those chains which extend
between modules must be disconnected before the modules can be
rotated out from over the base of the main frame. Chain
disconnection can be made by removal of a disconnect pin from the
chain or by moving one of the sprockets out of engagement with the
chain such that the chain is slackened off the other sprockets, as
is known. Connections to the drive system, for example lines 116
can be formed from flexible materials such as tubing so that
disconnections need not be made.
[0061] A hopper can be mounted on top of wall 130 and suitable
clearance can be provided to permit the module on frame 124 and the
frame 126 to rotate out from under the hopper. Auger flights 52, 54
and 56 can be secured within or under base frame 128 and chutes 24,
31 and 48 are positioned on their modules to align over the auger
flights when the module is positioned over the base frame.
[0062] Referring to FIGS. 8A and 8B, another grain cleaner
according to the present invention is shown. In these figures, the
flow of grain through the cleaner, where indicated, is shown by
arrows G, the flow of air, where indicated, is shown by arrows A
and the flow of contaminants, where indicated, is shown by arrows
C. The grain cleaner includes a hopper 14, a scalper assembly 162,
an air separator box 164 and further grain cleaning means 160.
Scalper assembly 162 and air separator box 164 provide the first
two stages of grain cleaning in the grain cleaner.
[0063] Hopper 14 acts as an inlet through which grain enters the
grain cleaner. Hopper 14 is elongate and includes a plurality of
deflection bars 17a positioned along the length of the hopper (only
one can be seen as they are disposed one behind the other in the
sectional view) to spread the grain along the hopper. A gate 18a
controls grain outlet from the hopper. Gate 18a is elongate and is
mounted on hopper wall 19a to slide thereover to move away from or
close against opposite wall 19b. Gate 18a is made slidably moveable
in any suitable way. In one embodiment, gate is mounted to slide
over wall 19a and a sprocket (not shown) is mounted on hopper wall
below gate 18a to engage a linear gear (not shown) on gate 18a.
Rotation of the sprocket drives gate 18a to slide along wall 19a. A
sliding closure arrangement for gate is preferred since such a
closure arrangement provides greater control over the distance
between gate 18a and wall 19b when compared to a pivotal gate
closure.
[0064] The elongate curtain of grain passing through gate 18a flows
into scalper assembly 162. Scalper assembly 162 includes a scalper
screen 165 formed as a tube. Screen 165 is mounted on a frame and
is rotatably driven about axle 166 in a direction as indicated by
arrow s. Grain and contaminants which are fed onto screen 165 are
directed into a hopper defined between a wall 168 and the outside
of the screen. A brush 170 extends from wall 168 and is biased
against screen 165 to prevent grain from passing between the screen
and the wall.
[0065] Screen 165 has apertures therethrough therein which are
sized to permit the desired grain to pass therethrough but to
exclude larger sized grain contaminants such as straw, grain heads,
animal droppings and rocks. As an example, a screen suitable for
cleaning peas has apertures of about 1/2". Preferably, the solid
surface area of the screen is low when compared to the open area of
the apertures on the screen to facilitate passage of the grain
through the screen.
[0066] Contaminants which are blocked from passing through screen
165 are moved by the rotational movement of the screen over the
screen and into a waste material chute 24a. Preferably, a rubber
member 172 is biased against screen 165 to remove materials which
are stuck on the surface of the screen. To facilitate passage of
materials over the screen, preferably, extensions 174 are formed on
the outer surface of the screen to engage any grain or contaminants
that are positioned against the screen. Where the screen is formed
of woven wire mesh, the strands of wire extending along the length
of the screen tube may extend a sufficient distance to act in the
same way as, and therefore replace, extensions 174.
[0067] The grain which passes through screen 165 moves into its
central space 176 and then again through screen 165 into another
hopper 178. The grain then passes through an elongate opening 179
formed at the bottom of hopper 178 and into air separator box 164.
Although not shown, preferably, the width of opening 179 is
controlled by a gate.
[0068] The grain again flows as a thin curtain from opening 179 and
into air separator box 164. Air separator includes a fan 119, a
grain chute 22a through which the grain exits separator box 164 and
a lower waste material chute 24b. A wall 21a divides chute 22a from
chute 24b and is shaped and positioned to direct and grain falling
against it into the grain chute. Preferably, wall 21a has mounted
thereon an extendable baffle 182 which is extendable to adjust the
height of wall 21a. Baffle 182 can be adjustable in any suitable
way to select its degree of extension from wall 21a. Preferably, a
handle extends through a side housing 184 of the air separator box
to permit adjustment of the height of the baffle.
[0069] The curtain of grain passing through opening 179 is acted
upon by a flow of air, indicated by arrows A, generated by fan 19a.
The flow of air acts to separate lighter contaminants from the
curtain of grain. The degree of separation which is achieved in air
separator box 164 is adjustable by selection of the direction of
the air flow (i.e. by adjustment of fan nozzle 180), and by
selection of the speed of the fan. In addition, the degree of
separation can be selected by adjustment of the height of wall 21a
as determined by baffle 182. The height of wall 21a determines
which materials will be directed into grain chute 22a and which
materials will be able to pass over into waste material chute 24b.
A window 186 is formed through housing to permit observation of the
separation procedure and, thereby, to facilitate adjustment of the
baffle and the fan.
[0070] In some grain cleaners materials from air separation are
exhausted to the environment.
[0071] This presents an environmental concern, a maintenance
concern as the materials sometimes clog air intakes etc. and also a
concern to the operator who may inhale the materials. The air
separator box of the present grain cleaner is enclosed to overcome
these problems. In particular, air separator box 164 includes a
wall 190 positioned opposite fan 19a. Wall 190 prevents the
separated materials from being blown out of the air box. In
addition, wall 190 has a curved upper portion 191 and a lower
portion 192 extending downwardly behind baffle 182 and towards a
lower waste material chute 24b. Wall 190 thereby prevents the
formation of a standing cyclone effect by directing the air flow
carrying the separated materials into waste material chute 24b. If
necessary, an opening 194 can be formed through housing adjacent
curved upper portion 191 to substantially prevent the formation of
any cyclone. The lower waste material chute includes various bends
etc. which act as baffles to reduce the air's energy such that by
the time chute 24b opens into an auger flight 54a, the material
entrained in the air will generally fall into the auger flight and
remain there to be acted on by the auger.
[0072] Waste material chute 24a converges and feeds into lower
waste material chute 24b at open end 196. The air flow passing open
end 196 creates a vacuum in waste material chute 24a and
facilitates movement of materials therethrough from scalper
162.
[0073] The various embodiments of the present invention, as
described above, provide a grain cleaner which is easy to
maintenance and repair and can be easily converted for use in
cleaning a variety of grain types (ie. peas, wheat, canola, etc.).
A grain cleaner according to the present invention can be adjusted
to correspond to any desired volume throughput. The grain cleaner
can include a number of grain cleaning stages including in one
embodiment, an early stage cleaner is provided for removing
particularly problematic oversize contaminants such as animal
droppings and rocks.
[0074] It will be apparent that many other changes may be made to
the illustrative embodiments, while falling within the scope of the
invention and it is intended that all such changes be covered by
the claims appended hereto.
* * * * *