(No Model.) 4 Sheets-Sheet 1.

E. BEOVIDE. ,
MACHINE EOE CLEANING AND SEPARATING TEE FIBERS OF LEAVES.
No. 251,818., Patented Jan. 8,1882. -

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 (No Model.) 4 Sheets-Sheet 2.
B. BE-OVID-E.
'MAGEINE FOR CLEANING AND SEPABATING THE FIBERS 0F LEAVES.
No. 251,818. Patented Jan. 3,1882. '

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E. BEOVIDE.
MACHINE FOR CLEANING AND SEPARATING THE FIBERS 0F LEAVES.
N0. 251,818. Patented Ja1_1.3,1882.

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MACHINE FOR GLEANING AND SEPARATING THE FIBERS 015 LEAVES.
No. 251,818. Patented Jan; 8,188 2.

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 3 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE.
EUGENIO BEOVIDE, OF MINERAL DE OATOROE, MEXICO.
MACHINE FOR CLEANING AND SEPIARATlNG TH~E FIBERS 0F LEAVES.

SPECIFICATION forming part of Letters Patent No. 251,818, dated January 3, 1882.
Application ?led August 31, 1881. (No model.)

To all whom t't may concern : ' 2 is a longitudinal sectional elevation of one of,
Be it known that I, EUGENIO BEOVIDE, of 55
the scraper-rollers of the machine, showing the
Mineral de Oatorce, Mexico, have invented a scraper-knives in elevation. Fig. 3 is an end ele
new and Improved Machine for Cleaning and vation of the machine. Fig. 4. is a longitudinal
Separating the Fibers of Leaves, of which the sectional elevation of the scraper-roller, show
following is a specification. ingthe feedingand pressing blades in elevation.
The object of my invention is to provide a Fig. 5 is a detail sectional elevation of part of
new and improved machine for removing the one blade and its spring. Fig. 6 is a longitudi
epidermis and ?lling'cellular tissue from the nal elevation of the bearing and its adjust
?bers of such leaves as those of the Agave ing-spring for one pair of feed-rollers. Fig. 7
Americana, or aloe, Hcmlquen zcchnqu'itta mm" is a longitudinal elevation of one of the bear 65
qut'sia, or. Ooprosma, and other plants growing ings of a rasping or scraping roller. Fig. 8 is
in Mexico, Central and SouthAmerica, which an end elevation of the machine, the cog
?bers are then used in the industries in the wheels being removed. Fig. 9 is a cross-sec
same manner as hemp and jute ?bers, &c. tional elevation of the raspin g or scraping roller
The invention consists of a1 frame in which on the line y 3/, Fig. 4. Fig. 10 is a cross-sec
two or more rollers provided with yielding, tional elevation of the same on the line 2 c,
rasping, and scraping knives and with yield Fig. 4. Fig. 11 is a cross-sectional elevation
ing, feeding, and pressing blades guided by of the machine on the linewm, Fig. 1. Fig. 12
suitable guide-rim gs on the frame are journaled is a longitudinal elevation of one of the rasp
above each other and are surrounded by suit ing or cutting rollers. Fig. 13 is a partial lon
able casings, into the upper one of which the gitudinalsectional elevation of one of scraper 75
leaves; are fed from an inclined table by adj ust rollers, showing the pressing or feeding knives
able feed-rollers and are drawn downward in elevation.
25 thrOugh the several receptacles by adjustable A rasping or scraping roller, A, is formed of
feed-rollersjournaled between each pair of rasp I a shaft, A, provided with a series of radialand
jng-rollers. The rasping-rollers revolve very longitudinal wings, A2, which are grooved lon
rapidly and scrape all cellular matter from the gitudinally and contain either a blade, 13 or .
?bers, this waste being thrown out through 13, these blades being held in the grooved
.30 openings in the casings and the cleaned ?bers wings by screws or pintles a. passing through
passing out between two rollers below the low the grooved wings and through transverse
est rasping-roller; 85...
slots 11 in the blades, thus permitting a radial
The invention further consists in a rasping movement of the blades. Spiral springs B are
I roller provided with a series of radial longi containedin recesses A3 formed in the grooves
35 tudinally-gro'oved wings containing radially of the wings A2,and each has a centrally-aper
niovable rasping and scrapingknives and feed tured cap, B3, as shown in Figs. 5 and 10, rest 9O
ing and pressing blades,which are pressed out ing on the outer end, which cap ?ts into a re
ward radiallyby springs contained in recesses cess, c, in the edges of the blades B or B2, and
in these wings. a projection, c, in the middle of the inner edge
The invention further consists in the com of this recess passes into the aperture 02 of the
bination, with the scraping and pressing roll cap B3, and thus holds the cap in the recess, as
ers, of cog-wheels, shal'ts, and pinions for ro clearly shown in Fig 5. The several springs,
tatin'g the several parts at the various speeds B, acting on a blade, B or B2, press this blade
required. _ '
outward. The blades B serve to rasp and
45 The invention also consists in the arrange scrape and have a beveled outer edge, and the
ments and construction of parts and details,as blades B? serve to press and push or feed the T00
will be more fully described, hereinafter. leaves and are provided at the outer edge with
Reference is to be had to the accompanying a longitudinal head or rib, 13*, having a trian
drawings,formiug part of this specification, in gular cross-section, as shown in Figs. Sand 10.
50 which similar letters of reference indicate cor I prefer to have two opposite rasping or scrap
1 responding parts in all the ?gures. ing blades, B, and two opposite pressing or
Figurel is a rear elevation of my improved feeding blades, B2, on each scraper-roller A.
machine for cleaning and separating the ?bers The ends ofjthe presser-blades B2 extend to
of leaves from the surrounding tissues. Fig. the inner surface of the end walls, 0, of the
 2 ' . i ' 251,818.

wings A2, as do the rasping-blades B also; on the opposite end of which is also mounted
but the latter have a projection, O, at the up a small cog-wheel, P2, engaging with a cog
per edge at each end, the end of this projection Wheel, Q, mounted on a shaft, Q, on which is
being ?ush with the outer surface of the end mounted'a pinion, Q2, engaging with a large
wall of the wing, as shown in Fig. 2. The cog-wheel, R, mounted on the shaft J3 of the
outer or upper edge of the projection O is driving-roller J of the lowest set of feed-roll
rounded. Two or more of these scraper-roll ers J. On this shaft J3 a cog-wheel, R3, and
ers A are arranged above each other and sepa a pinion, S3, are mounted, the pinion engag
rated a certain distance in frames D D, the ing with a pinion, T3, on the shaft of the ad
IO shafts A of these rollers being journaled in justable roller J, and the cog-wheel R3 en ga g
bearings D attached to the outer sides of the ing with a cog-wheel, E2, on the shaft J2 of
frames D D2 and across openings E in these the roller with the ?xed bearing of the second
- frames, into which openings the ends of the set of feed-rollers. ()n this shaft J2 a pinion,
scraperrollers pass. The openings E are of S2, is mounted, engaging with a pinion,T2, on
such diameter as to admit the scraper-rollers the shaft of the corresponding adjustable feed
A when the projections C of the blades B rest roller. The wheel R2 engages with a cog
on the outer edges of the end walls, 0, of the wheel, R, on the shaft J of the roller with
wings, as is shown in Fig. 2. the ?xed bearing of the uppermost set of feed 85
Each scraper-roller A is surrounded by a rollers J, and a pinion, S, mounted on this
20 cylindrical casing, F, of precisely the same dishaft J engages with a pinion, T, on the cor
ameter as the apertures E. These casings F responding adjustable feed-roller J. A cog
have a longitudinal opening. F, at one side wheel, U, mounted on the shaft J, engages '
and a longitudinal opening, F, at the bottom. with a cog-wheel, V, on the shaft G of theup
The uppermost casing F has a longitudinal per ?uted feed-roller G. A pinion, W, on this
shaft G engages with a pinion, X, on the shaft
25 opening or slot, F3, in the side opposite the G2 of the lower roller Gr. As each alternating
opening F, but has no top opening; but the
lower casings F are not provided with this scraping or rasping roller A rotates in oppo
second side opening, F, but have a longitudi site directions the openings F of the casings 95.
nal top opening, F4. - The bottom openings, F2, F must alternately be in the front and rear of
extend throughout the entire length of the eas the machine.
ing F, but the side and top openings, F F, are The operation is as follows: The leaves,
not quite as long as the casings, so that short stems, &c., are passed downthe inclined table
segmental ridges I will project from the inner H, in between the ?uted rollers G, which seize 100

surface of the walls D D2, for a purpose that them and pass them transversely through the
35 will be speci?ed hereinafter. opening F3 into the uppermost cylinder F.
' Two ?uted feed-rollers, G G, are journaled The presser-blades B2 and the scraper-blades
in front of the opening F3 of the upper casing B will immediately seize theleaves and draw '
F and parallel with this casing, so that these them inward, and the leaves will be pressed
rollers G G will feed the leaves from an in against the inner sides of the casing F. The
11.0 clined table, H, into the uppermost casing F
roller A revolves abouttwo thousand times per
through the opening F3. Two smooth feeding minute and tears and breaks theepidermis
rollers, J, are mounted on shafts J J2 J, re and cellular ?lling'matter of the leaves and
spectively journaled in the frames D D2, be scrapes them from the ?bers and throws this 110
tween each two casings F, in such a manner waste out through the opening F. Gradually
the entire leaf is drawn into the casing F, and
45 that the lines of the peripheries of these feed all the epidermis, 850., of one side of the leaf
rollers J will be in contact with. the innerperiph
cry of the casin g F above each set of rollers, is removed-that is, from that side exposed to .
but will be about half of an inch from the inner the action of the blades B B2. .As has been
periphery of the casing F below each set of previously stated, the presser-blades B2 are.
rollers, as is clearly shown in Fig. 11. The shorter than the scraper-blades and the aper
feed-rollers J will thus almost ?ll the bottom ture F2 is longer than the other apertures ot'
' or lower opening, F, of each casing F. The the casing F. The presser - blades B2 are
feed-rollers G and J all have one journal-box, pressed into their corresponding grooved wings I20

g, ?xed, and the other journal-box, 71, made by the inner sides of the casings F and by the
-1novable, these movable journal-boxes It being segmental ridges I formed at the ends of the
$5 adjusted by means of a spiral or rubber spring, openings F, F, and F; but as there are no
K, and a set-screw, L. ' Both the ?xed and such ridges at the ends of the openings F2 the
slidingjournal-boxes are held in a frame, L. springs B can press the presser-blade down
The shafts A of the rasping or scraping roll ward in between the rollers J J every time the
ers A all project from the frame D, and on presser-blade arrives at this opening F, as
each shaft A avcog-wheel, M, is rigidly mount shown in Fig. 13. As the head or rib B4 of
ed, these cog-wheels engaging with each other each presser-blade is beveled, the outer edge
and being of the same size. I of the presser-blade will not catch on'the roller 130
' On the uppermost shaft A apulle-y, N, for J, but will slide up the same, and when the :
a driving-belt is mounted, and on the lowest edge of the presser-blade arrives at the longi->
shaft A is mounted a pinion, O, engaging with 'tudinal edge of the opening F2 it is pressed
a large cog-wheel, P, mounted on a shaft, P, back into its grooved wing A, andagain
 shoots outward whenarrivin g at this opening, the caps B3, substantially as herein shown and
850. The rasping or-scraping blade B cannot described, and for the purpose set forth.
pass in between the rollers J, for the projec 3. In a machinefor cleaning the ?bers of 70
tions 0 project even beyond the ends of the leaves and plants, the combination, with the
opening F2, and thus hold the knife within the rotating cylinder, provided with spring - sup
aperture E. This is absolutely necessary, as ported rasping or scraping blades Bi, formed
the blades B would cut, and tear the leaves with projections 0,01" theendcasing, (3, formed
and ?bers if they had the same movements as with apertures into which the said projections
the'presser-bla'des B2. By passing in between extend, substantially as and for the purpose set
IO the rollers J J this presser~blade presses the forth.
?bers or those parts of the leaves that have 4. In a machine for cleaning the ?bers of
not been thrown out through the opening F leaves and plants, the combination, with the
of the upper casing]? in between the feed frames D D2, provided with apertures E, and
rollers J, which catch them and pass them into the casings F, having the same diameter as the
the next lower casing. The rasping or scrap apertures E, the rasping or scraping rollers A,
ing cylinder of the second casing F revolves contained in the casings F, of the feedfrollers
in the inverse direction of the rasping-rollerof J J, located between the casings F, and of
the, uppermost casing F. The other side of gearing for operating the rasping or scraping 85
the leaf is thus rasped and- scraped and the rollers and the feed rollers, substantially as
?bers are again seized by feed-rollers J and herein shown and described, and for the pur
passed into the next lower casing F, where all pose set forth. ~
the remnants of the epidermis or cellular mat 5. In a machine for cleaning the ?bers of
ter are removed and the cleaned ?ber is seized leaves and plants, the cylindricalcasings F, con 9O
by the rollers J of the lowest easing F and structed, substantially as herein shown and de
25 are ejected. ' scribed, with a bottom longitudinal opening,
If desired, more than three scraping or rasp F2, extending throughout the entire length of
ing rollers may be used, as the circumstances the casing, with a top longitudinal opening,
may require. . ' ' i F4, extending to within a short distance from 95
It will be observed that the gearing is so ar the ends of the casing, and with a longitudinal
ranged that the feed rollers J rotate about one side opening, F, extending to within a short
?t'tieth as fast as the scrapingrollers A, thus distance of the ends of the casing and forming
permitting the blades to act onthe leaves a segmental ribs I on the inner sides of the
certain time before these leaves are removed frames D D2, substantially as herein shown too
from one easing into another. The ?bers ob and described, and for the purpose set forth.
tained are about from eight to twelve inches 6. In a machine for cleaning the ?bers of
long and resemble hemp or jute ?bers. leaves and plants, the combination, with the
The edge of the blades B must not be sharp, casings F, of the feed-rollers J, located between
but are preferably dulled or rounded so as to two casings in such a manner that the pe 105
rasp and scrape and not cut. The springs B riphery of the rollers J will touch the inner pe
40 must be powerful enough to press the blades riphery ot' the casingF above the feed-rollers
on the leaves withsuf?cient force to break and and will be a short distance above or frointhe
tear the epidermis without breaking or cutting inner periphery of the casing F below the feed
the ?ber. The rollers J have their lowest point rollers, substantially as herein shown and de I10
slightly above the highest point of the next scribed, and for the purpose set forth. i
45 lower casing F, so that the leaves can pass 7. In a machine for cleaning the ?bers of
.into the lower casing F more conveniently leaves and plants, the combination, with the
and without producing undue resistanceor frames D D2, of the rasping and scraping roll
friction. ersA, the feedrollers J and G, the casings F,
Having thus fully described my invention, the cog-wheels M, the pinion O, the cog-wheel
50 I claim as new and desire to secure by Let I, the shaft P, the cog-Wheels P2 Q, the pin
ters Patent- . ' ' ion Q2, the cog-wheels R B B2 R3, the pinions
1. In a machine for cleaning the ?bers of - S T S2 'I2 S3 T3, the cog-wheels U and V, and
leaves and plants, the combination, with the the pinions W and X, substantially as herein I20
rpller A, provided with the longitudinally shown and described, and for the purpose set
grooved wings A2, thesprin gs B, and the means forth. ' '

ior securing them in the said grooved wings, 8. In' a machine for cleaning the ?bers of
of the rasping or scraping blades B, having leaves and plants, the combination, with the
beveled outer edge, and the pressing or feed rasping or scraping rollers A, the feed-rollers 125
ing blades B2, provided with heads 13, trian J, and the casings F,"of devices for rotating the
60 gular in cross-section, substantially as and for rasping or scraping rollers with a much greater ,
the purpose set forth. ' i rapidity than that of the feed-rollers, substan
2. In a raspingor scraping roller, A, for ma tially as herein shown and described, and for
chines for cleaning the ?bers of leaves and the purpose set forth. -
plants, thecombination, with the shaft A and . EUGENIO B-EOVIDE.
the longitudinally-grooved radial'wings A2 Witnesses: >
provided with recesses A3, of the blades B B2, OSCAR F. GUNZ,
provided with recesses c, the springs B, and (J. SEDewIcK.