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US 5,970,582 AGranted
Method for separating kenaf into core and fiber
OwnerJimmy R. Stoverinventor
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A method and apparatus for separating kenaf into fiber and core uses a modified stick machine conventionally used in the cotton industry for removing trash from unginned cotton. Lengths of kenaf are delivered onto the periphery of a saw cylinder so the toothed wheels snag the fiber and draw the kenaf across a grate. Core is detached from the fiber, passes through the grate and is delivered to a core outlet. Fiber on the toothed wheels are removed by a doffing wheel and delivered to a fiber outlet. Multiple saw cylinder/doffing wheel assemblies are provided.
Claims12
A method of separating kenaf into its constituents of fiber and core comprising the steps of
- delivering lengths of kenaf onto a periphery of a saw cylinder comprising a multiplicity of spaced apart teeth;
- rotating the saw cylinder and snagging the fiber on the teeth, moving snagged lengths of kenaf into contact with a grate and delivering pieces of core through the grate thereby separating the core from the fiber;
- and
- removing the fiber from the saw cylinder.
1 more element
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.