Improvements in Apparatus for Use in Washing, or Washing and Separating Solid Foreign Particles from, Produce, such as Grain, Peas, Beans and the like

22,509. Moir, A. Oct. 19. Washing grain.-In a machine for washing or stoning wheat, peas, beans, and the like, the produce is thoroughly submerged and agitated in the water by means of a paddle-wheel. The paddle-wheel C is mounted in a casing B which projects some distance below the level a of the water in the washing-tank A. The materials to be treated are fed down a shoot D into the casing and are guided by a plate to the lower side of the wheel ; water is admitted through a pipe f, and flows, together with the materials, through an opening d in the side of the casing. Stones and other heavy particles then run down an inclined apron g and fall through an opening k into a compartment G, while the produce is carried over a weir h to a spiral elevator E, which is supplied with rinsing-water by means of a pipe M. Water is also supplied to the apparatus through a pipe N, and, flowing through the opening k, assists in carrying the produce towards the weir the opening may be adjusted by means of a plate P which can be moved backwards or forwards by a screw r. At the bottom of the compartment G is fixed a chamber s, with a tap t at each end, to discharge the stones and foreign matter; a small pipe s may connect the chamber with the tank A to avoid a rush of water when the upper tap is opened. Instead of having two taps t, the chamber may be fitted with a rotating cylinder provided with grooves or pockets, or a cylindrical casing may be used. Two or more paddle-wheels, following each other in succession, may be used, or such wheels may be arranged side by side with a midfeather between.