Kernel cracking assembly
View Patent ↗A kernel cracking assembly comprises two frames each supporting a respective one of two rollers between which kernels are crushed. A hydraulically operated actuator acts to move the frame relative to frame to set the separation of the rollers. A position sensor coupled to the actuator forms part of a closed-loop feedback circuit which serves to maintain a predetermined separation of the rollers.
1. A kernel cracking assembly comprising:
two frames and two rollers, each one of the two frames supporting a respective one of the two rollers between which kernels are crushed;
a hydraulically operated actuator for moving the frames relative to one another to set the separation of the rollers;
a second actuator provided at an axial end of the kernel cracking assembly remote from the hydraulically operated actuator and coupled for movement in synchronism with the hydraulically operated actuator; and
a position sensor coupled to the hydraulically operated actuator and forming part of a closed-loop feedback circuit which serves to maintain a predetermined separation of the rollers.
2. A kernel cracking assembly as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the two frames are mutually pivotable.
3. A kernel cracking assembly as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the hydraulically operated actuator is a wedge, cam or lever, the surface of which acts to move at least one of the frames.
4. A kernel cracking assembly as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the hydraulic actuator comprises a screw, the thread of which acts to move at least one of the frames.
5. A kernel cracking assembly as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the two frames have sufficient rigidity to maintain the rollers, which are supported thereby, parallel at all times.
6. A kernel cracking assembly as claimed in claim 5 , wherein the presence of the rollers in the frames does not influence the rigidity of the frames.