Apparatus and methods for processing seeds

Abstract

The present disclosure provides an apparatus (1) for processing seeds, each seed comprising a hull and a kernel, the apparatus configured to separate the hull and the kernel, wherein the apparatus comprises: a container (2) comprising one or more container walls (4), at least one of the one or more container walls defining a plurality of apertures therein; a seed inlet (14) for allowing seeds into the container; an outlet (16) for allowing hulls and kernels out of the container; an actuator (24) configured to cause the container to rotate; one or more outer walls (20), the outer walls at least partially surrounding the container; and a wall adjustment mechanism (10, 12) configured to adjust the one or more outer walls with respect to the container.

Description

[0001] APPARATUS AND METHODS FOR PROCESSING SEEDS

[0002] Field of the invention

[0003] The invention relates to apparatuses for processing seeds, methods of operating such apparatuses, and associated methods for manufacturing a food additive.

[0004] Background to the invention

[0005] Seeds are a valuable and environmentally friendly source of protein. Increasing the use of seeds as a protein source is healthy and could help to reduce reliance on animalbased proteins.

[0006] Seeds are plant ovules. Each seed includes a husk at least partially surrounding a kernel. The majority (and in many cases all) of the protein in a seed is found in the kernel.

[0007] It is in this context that the present disclosure has been devised.

[0008] Summary of the invention According to a first aspect the invention provides an apparatus for processing seeds, each seed comprising a husk and a kernel, the apparatus configured to (e.g. at least partially) separate the husk and the kernel, wherein the apparatus comprises: a rotatable body comprising one or more body walls, defining a plurality of apertures or depressions in a circumferential region of the rotatable body; an inlet for allowing seeds into the apparatus therethrough; an outlet for allowing husks and kernels out of the apparatus; an actuator configured to cause the rotatable body to rotate; one or more outer walls, the outer walls at least partially surrounding the rotatable body; and a wall adjustment mechanism configured to adjust the one or more outer walls with respect to the rotatable body.

[0009] The present invention extends to an apparatus for separating a sheath, husk or hull of an object from a portion surrounded or encapsulated by said sheath, husk or hull (e.g. a kernel or central portion of the object). The apparatus comprises: a rotatable body comprising one or more body walls, defining a plurality of apertures or depressions in a circumferential region of the rotatable body; an inlet for allowing a plurality of the objects into the apparatus therethrough; an outlet for allowing the sheaths, husks or hulls and the portions surrounded or encapsulated by said sheaths, husks or hulls out of the apparatus; an actuator configured to cause the rotatable body to rotate; one or more outer walls, the outer walls at least partially surrounding the rotatable body; and a wall adjustment mechanism configured to adjust the one or more outer walls with respect to the rotatable body.

[0010] The apparatus may be an apparatus configured to process seeds. The inlet may be a seed inlet. The seed inlet may be configured to allow seeds into the container. For example, the seed inlet may be a conduit. The seed inlet may comprise an auger screw configured to propel seeds towards the rotatable body. The auger screw may be configured to drop seeds towards the rotatable body. The seed inlet may comprise (e.g. contain) a rotary valve. The seed inlet may comprise a mesh configured to prevent items above a predetermined size from entering the rotatable body. The outlet may be configured to allow husks and kernels (and optionally seeds) out of the apparatus. The outlet may comprise a mesh configured to prevent items above a predetermined size from leaving the apparatus. Rotation of the rotatable body imparts momentum to the seeds and leads to the seeds impacting the body walls and / or the outer walls. It may be that each seed impacts the body walls and the outer walls repeatedly. Such impacts lead to cracking of the husks and eventual separation of the husks from the kernels. Furthermore, the rotation of the rotatable body causes alignment of the seeds as they travel (as a result of the momentum imparted), and this alignment makes it more likely that the husks will crack as a result of the impacts.

[0011] The provision of a wall adjustment mechanism configured to adjust the one or more outer walls with respect to the rotatable body means that the apparatus can be used to process a variety of seeds, for example: seeds of different plant varieties, seeds having different sizes or shapes, and / or seeds having husks and / or kernels of different hardnesses because the apparatus can be easily customised for different seeds.

[0012] The rotatable body may be a container. In other words, the rotatable body may define a central cavity therein. In this way, seeds can pass through the apertures in the circumferential region of the rotatable body into the central cavity, and then subsequently pass out of the central cavity through the apertures in the circumferential region of the rotatable body to pass through the outlet of the apparatus.

[0013] A husk will be understood to be substantially any sheath, covering, shell, husk, or hull, covering a central portion (e.g. kernel) of an object, such as the seed. Similarly, a kernel will be understood to be substantially any germ, kernel, core, or other central portion of an object, such as the seed, which is surrounded or encapsulated by the husk.

[0014] Typically, a seed or nut will be understood to have three distinct layers, being: a) the kernel being the inner most component of the seed, typically having a particularly high protein content; b) the hull being a tight fitting skin surrounding the kernel (or multiple kernels in some examples); and c) the shell or husk in the case of a nut, or the pod in the case of a seed, being loose fitting layers, which, when broken open, typically leave the kernel and the hull intact. In the prior art, the hull is typically removed using an abrasive process which does not completely separate the hull from the kernel, resulting in a significant reduction of kernel yield.

[0015] It may be that the apparatus is configured to separate the hull (the tight fitting skin surrounding the kernel) from the kernel (the inner most layer of the seed or nut). Thus, the apparatus is not merely any apparatus capable of separating the kernel from another layer, but specifically separating the hull form the kernel (as opposed to separating the husk or shell from the kernel with the hull still attached to the kernel).

[0016] The actuator may be configured to cause the rotatable body to rotate, to thereby impart momentum to seeds coming into contact with the rotatable body. The actuator may be configured to cause the rotatable body to rotate, to thereby cause seeds in the apparatus to impact the body walls and / or the outer walls. For example, the actuator may comprise (e.g. be) a motor configured to cause the rotatable body to rotate. The motor may be an electric motor.

[0017] At least one of the one or more body walls may be defined by a plurality of (e.g. spaced apart) bars. The rotatable body may comprise a first end wall and a second end wall and the plurality of bars may extend therebetween. The apertures may be defined by spaces between adjacent bars of the plurality of bars. Alternatively or additionally, at least one of the one or more body walls may be defined by a mesh. It may be that at least a portion of at least one of the one or more body walls comprises a mesh.

[0018] Body walls comprising bars require less material to form than solid walls, even where apertures are then formed in such solid walls. Furthermore, it may be that bars are easier to form than a solid wall having apertures defined therein.

[0019] The bars may extend in a direction having at least a component parallel to the axis about which the rotatable body is rotated. The direction may be substantially (e.g. exactly) parallel to the axis about which the rotatable body is rotated. The rotatable body may comprise (e.g. be) a cage. The rotatable body may comprise (e.g. be) a squirrel cage. A squirrel cage in this context is a cage comprising bars extending between first and second end walls, the cage arranged to rotate around a rotation axis parallel to the direction in which the bars extend.

[0020] One or more (optionally all) of the plurality of bars may have a cross-sectional shape having at least three sides, at least two of the said three sides meeting to thereby form a corner having an internal angle of less than 135°, optionally less than 120°, e.g. less than 110°. For example, one or more (optionally all) of the plurality of bars may have a cross-sectional shape having three or more sides and / or may be (e.g. approximately) circular or elliptical. The cross-sectional shape may have sufficient sides to approximate a circle or an ellipse. At least two of the three or more sides may meet to form corners such that the internal angles of the cross-sectional shape of the bar sum to at least 60°. One or more of the sides of the cross-sectional shape may be a curved side. Each bar of the plurality of bars may have a cross-sectional shape that is the same as the cross-sectional shape of one or more other bars of the plurality of bars, however this is not required. In an example, one or more (optionally all) of the plurality of bars may have a quadrilateral (e.g. square) cross-sectional shape. One or more (optionally all) of the plurality of bars may have an elliptical (or optionally circular) cross- sectional shape.

[0021] Bars having cross-sectional shapes having at least three sides advantageously have both surfaces and corners against which seeds may impact, encouraging the cracking of the kernels. It may be that sharper corners are more suited to dry products, in which the husk is relatively brittle, meaning that a sharp tap is better for separating the husk and the kernel. For products which are more moist, a flat surface may be preferable, causing the product to be bounced towards the one or more outer walls, so as to engage therewith and cause removal of the husk from the kernel by abrasion.

[0022] In some examples, one or more (optionally all) of the plurality of bars may have a starshaped cross-sectional shape. In other words, the cross-section shape may be defined by alternating concave and convex regions.

[0023] The pitch of one or more of the plurality of bars may be adjustable. The apparatus may comprise a bar adjustment mechanism configured to adjust the pitch of one or more of the plurality of bars. Each bar may comprise a respective bar adjustment mechanism configured to adjust the pitch of a respective bar. It may be that a combined bar adjustment mechanism is used to adjust the pitch of a plurality of (e.g. all) the bars together. It will be understood that the pitch of a bar is the degree of rotation of the bar relative to a local radial direction, from a reference rotational position. For example, a pitch of zero degrees for a square bar may be considered to mean that a surface normal of a flat surface of each of the plurality of bars is in the same direction as a radial direction from the rotation axis of the rotatable body to the rotation axis of each respective bar. In another example, a pitch of 45 degrees for a square bar may be considered to mean that a surface normal of a flat surface of each of the plurality of bars makes an angle of 45 degrees to a respective radial direction from the rotation axis of the rotatable body to the rotation axis of each respective bar. The wall adjustment mechanism may be configured to adjust the distance between one or more (e.g. each) of the outer walls and the rotatable body. The wall adjustment mechanism may be configured to adjust the angle of one or more (e.g. each) of the outer walls with respect to the rotatable body.

[0024] By providing bars which may be adjusted in terms of their pitch, it is possible to optimise the apparatus for use with different seeds. Similarly, by providing a wall adjustment mechanism which is configured to adjust the distance and / or the angle of one or more (e.g. each) of the outer walls with respect to the rotatable body, it is possible to further optimise the apparatus for use with different seeds.

[0025] For example, a bar having a square cross section may be arranged at a first pitch which is particularly effective for cracking the husks of seeds of a first type (e.g. a first size, shape, hardness, or plant variety). That pitch may then be altered to be particularly effective for cracking the husks of seeds of a second type (e.g. a first size, shape, hardness, or plant variety). Similarly, the distance of the one or more outer walls may be adjusted to bring the outer walls closer to or further from the body walls, and / or to form a greater or smaller angle between the outer walls and the body walls. Smaller distances and smaller angles might be more suited for cracking smaller seeds, or harder seeds, for example. The skilled person will appreciate that while an optimal arrangement may be achieved for any seed in this way, some cracking will be achieved even if a non-optimal arrangement is selected. The apparatus is thus more helpful for cracking the husks (and thus separating the kernels and husks) of a greater range of different seeds.

[0026] The outer walls may comprise an abrasion resistant material, for example (e.g. abrasion resistant) steel. The outer walls may comprise an abrasion resistant coating. The outer walls may be formed from an abrasion resistant material. The outer walls may comprise a further coating, optionally a polymer coating. The polymer coating may be abrasion resistant. The polymer coating may be deformable. The body walls (e.g. the bars) may comprise an abrasion resistant material, for example abrasion resistant steel. The body walls (e.g. the bars) may comprise an abrasion resistant coating. The container walls (e.g. the bars) may be formed from an abrasion resistant material. The container walls (e.g. the bars) may comprise a further coating, optionally a polymer coating. The polymer coating may be abrasion resistant. The polymer coating may be deformable. The container walls (e.g. the bars) may be coated with an abrasion resistant polymer, optionally a deformable and / or abrasion resistant polymer.

[0027] The wall adjustment mechanism may comprise one or more cams. For example, the wall adjustment mechanism may comprise a first cam configured to allow adjustment of the one or more outer walls at a first region. The wall adjustment mechanism may comprise a second cam configured to allow adjustment of the one or more outer walls at a second region.

[0028] For example, the one or more outer walls may comprise first and second end plates, each having corresponding first circular openings defined therein, the circular openings having a first (i.e. the same first) axial direction transverse to the plane of the end plate (e.g. and to an outer surface of the rotatable body). The first cam may be a circular cam, having a first axis of rotation offset from a centre of the (first) circular cam. The first cam may be provided within the first circular opening to thereby engage with the end plate. Thus, rotation of the first cam about the axis will be understood to cause movement of one side of the one or more outer walls away from or towards the rotatable body.

[0029] Similarly, the first and second endplates may each have corresponding second circular openings defined therein, also having a second (i.e. the same second) axial direction transverse to the plane of the end plate (e.g. and the outer surface of the container, and typically parallel to the axial direction of the first circular opening). The second cam may be a circular cam having a second axis of rotation offset from the centre of the (second) circular cam. The second cam may be provided within the second circular opening to thereby engage with the end plate. Thus, rotation of the second cam about the axis of rotation causes movement of another side of the one or more outer walls away from or towards the rotatable body.

[0030] Such an arrangement allows precise selection from a wide range of positions and angles of the one or more outer walls. Adjusting positions via cams is particularly convenient and efficient. The wall adjustment mechanism may comprise a handle configured to allow adjustment of one or more of the outer walls with respect to the container, e.g. by a user, e.g. via the cams. The wall adjustment mechanism may comprise a locking mechanism to allow the position and / or angle of one or more of the outer walls (e.g. the position of the first and second cams) to be fixed. One or more of the plurality of bars may be rotatable about an axis parallel to the length of the bar. The bar adjustment mechanism may be configured to cause rotation of one or more of the plurality of bars about an axis parallel to the length of the said bar. For example, the first and second end walls of the container may each have a plurality of holes defined therein and each of the plurality of bars may comprise a first end portion at a first end of the bar configured to be received by and passed through a hole of the plurality of holes of the first end wall and a second end portion at a second end of the bar configured to be received by (and optionally passed through) a hole of the plurality of holes of the second end wall. A geared portion may be provided at the first end of each bar, such as outside the first end wall. The geared portion of each bar may have substantially the same diameter and gear tooth spacing. The rotatable body may comprise a connecting gear mounted coaxially with the rotation axis of the rotatable body and arranged to engage with each of the geared portions of the bars. The connecting gear can be rotated relative to the rotatable body to cause rotation of each of the bars by the same amount, via rotation of the geared portions. It may be that the rotational position of the connecting gear relative to the rotatable body may be fixed by a locking nut or similar. Accordingly, the plurality of bars may be rotated around their respective longitudinal axes relative to the end walls and then fixed in place to prevent movement of the bar away from the set pitch angle.

[0031] It may be that each convex corner of the cross-sectional shape of each bar is identical in angle. Similarly, it may be that each flat face of the cross-sectional shape of each bar is identical in size. In other examples, the bar may comprise a plurality of different sides, having different shapes. For example, the cross-section may form a non-regular shape, such as an isosceles or scalene triangle, or a non-square quadrilateral. In this way, it will be understood that different pitch angles of the bars can be used to expose a different side of the bar, perhaps tailored for use with particular seeds. Each bar may comprise at least two differently-shaped sides. It may be that each bar comprises at least two sides having substantially the same shape. Thus, when one side of the bar exhibits wear, the bar can be rotated to use a less worn side of the bar for the same application. It may be that each bar comprises at least two sides having different shapes. Thus, different sides of each bar can be used for different applications.

[0032] The rotatable body may be configured to rotate in a direction so as to draw the seeds received through the inlet towards the one or more outer walls. Thus, separation of the husks and kernels of the seeds is promoted. It has been observed that rotation of the rotatable body in the opposite direction can sometimes increase the likelihood of blockage of the apparatus, though it is expected that this alternative direction of rotation can still cause separation of the husks and the kernels.

[0033] The apparatus may comprise an air supplier configured to supply air to a region of the apparatus separate from the rotatable body. Thus, air pressure is increased in the region of the apparatus separate from the rotatable body, relative to an air pressure within a region of the apparatus including the rotatable body. Where the rotatable body is mounted to a housing of the apparatus via bearings, such an air pressure differential ensures that any dust released by the separation of the husks and the kernels is discouraged from penetrating into the bearings and thereby causing wear. The housing may define a tortuous path between the rotatable body and the bearings, further discouraging the penetration of any dust into the bearings. It will be understood that a very small amount of air flow would be expected from the region of the apparatus separate from the rotatable body to the region of the apparatus including the rotatable body, via the bearings, due to the pressure differential.

[0034] The air supplier may comprise an air pump. The air supplier may comprise a fan. The air supplier may be configured to increase the air pressure (e.g. above ambient atmospheric pressure) at the region of the apparatus separate from the rotatable body greater than an atmospheric pressure outside the apparatus. The air supplier may be configured to increase the air pressure (e.g. above ambient atmospheric pressure) at the outlet. The air supplier may be configured to supply sufficient air to alter the air pressure at the region of the apparatus separate from the rotatable body (e.g. by at least 0.1 kPa, e.g. at least 0.2 kPa, optionally by up to 50 kPa, e.g. by up to 100 kPa). The air pressure at the inlet may be a lower air pressure than the air pressure at the rotatable body. The air supplier may be configured to cause an airflow, the airflow having a directional airflow path. Air in the airflow path thus typically moves from the region of the apparatus separate from the rotatable body towards the rotatable body, and from the rotatable body towards the outlet.

[0035] The process of separating husks and kernels tends to produce dust. It is helpful to control where this dust can travel within the apparatus, and to keep the dust away from moving parts, such as bearings. Otherwise, large, expensive seals would be necessary to isolate the sensitive moving parts (such as the bearings) from the dusty environment. Accordingly, the provision of an air supplier to create a positive air pressure differential at the region outside the rotatable body leads to a positive pressure in the region outside the rotatable body, causing slight air flow through the bearings towards the region of the apparatus including the rotatable body, thus causing dust to travel away from the moving parts at the rotatable body. This also leads to an airflow to the rotatable body, and on to the outlet. As a result of this airflow, dust generated at the rotatable body tends to move towards the outlet, rather than staying at the rotatable body or moving towards the bearings through which the rotatable body is rotated. The apparatus may comprise a housing retaining the rotatable body and outer wall. The housing may comprise regions surrounding the rotatable body and the actuator. The air supplier may be configured to supply air into the regions surrounding the rotatable body and the actuator. The regions surrounding the rotatable body and the actuator may be held under a positive pressure relative to the regions including the rotatable body.

[0036] The apparatus may comprise an actuator controller. The actuator may be configured to cause the rotatable body to rotate at least at 800 rpm, e.g. at least at 900 rpm, e.g. at least 1 ,000 rpm typically at more than 700 rpm. The actuator may be configured to cause the rotatable body to rotate at a speed of up to 6,000 rpm, e.g. up to 5,500 rpm, e.g. up to 5,000 rpm. The actuator controller may be configured to control the actuator to cause the rotatable body to rotate at least at 800 rpm, e.g. at least at 900 rpm, e.g. at least 1 ,000 rpm typically at more than 700 rpm. The actuator controller may be configured to control the actuator to cause the rotatable body to rotate at a speed of up to 6,000 rpm, e.g. up to 5,500 rpm, e.g. up to 5,000 rpm.

[0037] At least one of the one or more outer walls may define an abrasive surface. At least one of the one or more outer walls may define an undulating surface. At least one of the one or more outer walls may define a serrated surface. At least one of the one or more outer walls may define an undulating portion (optionally a serrated portion), the undulating portion (e.g. serrated portion) having an undulating surface (optionally a serrated surface). The undulating and serrated surfaces and portions described herein may be arranged to face the rotatable body. The serrated surface may have a sawtooth cross-section. For example, a cross-section through the serrated surface may be a line defining an alternating series of peaks and throughs, as may be defined by a sawtooth function. The serrated surface (e.g. the peaks) may be configured to cause deflection of at least some of the seeds back towards the container. The peaks may define exterior angles of 90° or less, optionally 70° or less, for example 40° or less. At least one or the one or more outer walls may comprise (e.g. be) a ripple plate. A serrated surface is particularly effective for cracking husks (and thus separating kernels and husks). It may be that the undulating surface comprises a first region having a smoothly undulating shape, a second region also having a smoothly undulating shape and a third region, between the first region and the second region, having a serrated shape. The third region may border the first region and the second region. The undulating surface reduces or even completely eliminates the potential for a laminar or aligned flow to develop in the region between the one or more body walls of the rotatable body and the one or more outer walls defining the undulating portion. It may be that the undulating surface of the one or more outer walls are configured to cause separation of the kernel and the husk on rotation of the rotatable body when the apparatus is supplied with seeds.

[0038] The undulating portion may comprise an abrasion resistant material, e.g. steel, optionally abrasion resistant steel. The undulating portion may comprise an abrasion resistant material, for example abrasion resistant steel. The undulating portion may comprise an abrasion resistant coating. The undulating portion may be formed from an abrasion resistant material. The undulating portion may comprise a further coating, for example a polymer coating. The further coating may comprise an abrasion resistant polymer, optionally a deformable abrasion resistant polymer. The undulating portion may be coated with an abrasion resistant polymer, optionally a deformable abrasion resistant polymer.

[0039] At least one of the one or more of the outer walls may be configured with at least one of the one or more the body walls (e.g. at least one of the plurality of bars) for grinding seeds. For example, the wall adjustment mechanism may be configured to position at least one of the one or more outer walls at a distance from at least one of the one or more body walls (e.g. at least one of the plurality of bars) wherein said distance is similar to (e.g. smaller than) the average (e.g. mean) largest dimension of the seeds. The said distance may for example be 99% or less than the average (e.g. mean) largest dimension of the seeds, or 98% or less, or 95% or less. By positioning an outer wall at such a distance from the body wall, seeds between the body wall and the outer wall may be ground between the body wall and the outer wall as the container is rotated. This grinding encourages cracking of the husks and thus separation of the husks and kernels. It may be that the one or more outer walls are provided with one or more apertures or depressions therein.

[0040] The one or more outer walls may extend around less than 180 degrees of a circumferential extent of the rotatable body. The one or more outer walls may extend around more than 45 degrees of the circumferential extent of the rotatable body.

[0041] Furthermore, the wall adjustment mechanism may be configured such that the minimum distance between a portion of the outer wall and a portion of a bar (e.g. a cornerof a bar or a wall of a bar) is less than the average (e.g. mean) largest dimension of the seeds. The bar adjustment mechanism may be configured such that the minimum distance between a portion of the outer wall and a portion of a bar (e.g. a cornerof a bar or a wall of a bar) is less than the average (e.g. mean) largest dimension of the seeds. The said minimum distance may for example be 99% or less than the average (e.g. mean) largest dimension of the seeds, or 98% or less, or 95% or less.

[0042] In an example, at least one outer wall may comprise a serrated surface defining peaks and troughs and at least one bar may have a cross-sectional shape having at least three sides, at least two of the three sides meeting to thereby form a corner having an internal angle of less than 135°, and the said outer wall may be configured with the said bar for grinding seeds. For example, the wall adjustment mechanism may be configured such that the minimum distance between a peak and the corner is less than the average (e.g. mean) largest dimension of the seeds. The bar adjustment mechanism may be configured such that the minimum distance between a peak and the corner is less than the average (e.g. mean) largest dimension of the seeds. The said minimum distance may for example be 99% or less than the average (e.g. mean) largest dimension of the seeds, or 98% or less, or 95% or less.

[0043] Alternatively, the wall adjustment mechanism may be configured such that the minimum distance between a peak and a side of a bar is less than the average (e.g. mean) largest dimension of the seeds. The bar adjustment mechanism may be configured such that the minimum distance between a peak and a side of the bar is less than the average (e.g. mean) largest dimension of the seeds. The said minimum distance may for example be 99% or less than the average (e.g. mean) largest dimension of the seeds, or 98% or less, or 95% or less. The skilled person will appreciate that the positioning of the one or more outer walls with respect to the body walls may thus be selected in dependence on the seeds to be processed. For example, it may be that when fava beans are being processed the wall adjustment mechanism (and optionally the bar adjustment mechanism) is selected so that the outer wall is further from the body wall than it would be when flax seeds are being processed, because fava beans are typically larger in largest dimension than flax seeds.

[0044] The apparatus may comprise a seed dispenser. The seed dispenser may be provided as part of the inlet. The seed dispenser may be a seed dispenser for dispensing (e.g. configured to dispense) a predetermined quantity of seeds from the inlet towards the rotatable body. It may be that the seed dispenser is configured to dispense the predetermined quantity of seeds a plurality of times, such as in a predetermined time period. This limits the possibility of blockages which can arise where too many seeds are allowed to be dispensed from the inlet towards the rotatable body in too short a period. In addition, this helps to limit the number of kernels and husks that are not successfully separated, as can occur where too many seeds are being processed using the rotatable body at the same time. The seed dispenser may comprise (e.g. be) a valve, optionally a rotary valve.

[0045] The apparatus may comprise a plurality of foodstuffs. The foodstuffs may comprise a plurality of seeds. The foodstuffs may comprise a plurality of legumes. The foodstuffs may comprise a plurality of beans (e.g. fava beans, kidney beans, black beans, etc.) The foodstuffs may comprise a plurality of grains, e.g. cereal grains. The foodstuffs may comprise a plurality of pulses. The foodstuffs may comprise a plurality of nuts. The apparatus may comprise a hopper in communication with the inlet, optionally via the seed dispenser. The hopper may contain a plurality of foodstuffs (e.g. seeds). The region of the apparatus including the rotatable body may contain a plurality of foodstuffs (e.g. seeds). In other words, the region of the apparatus between the rotatable body and the one or more outer walls may comprise the plurality of foodstuffs (e.g. seeds).

[0046] Separating the husks and kernels of seeds means that the kernel may then be conveniently provided without the husk (and equivalently that the husk may be provided without the kernel). This is particularly helpful in obtaining protein from the kernels of seeds and / or for obtaining fibre (e.g. insoluble carbohydrate) from the husks of seeds. Accordingly, the kernels may be provided as a food, and / or may be further processed (e.g. powdered) to thereby provide a food additive. The husks may be provided as a food and / or may be further processed (e.g. powdered) to thereby provide a food additive.

[0047] It may be that at least 70%, e.g. at least 80%, e.g. at least 90% of the seeds are seeds of the same plant variety. It may be that 100% of the seeds are seeds of the same plant variety.

[0048] Where seeds are provided that are of the same plant variety, those seeds are typically also similar in hardness, size, shape, etc. This allows for the wall adjustment mechanism to be used to move one or more of the outer walls to a given distance from the body walls (and optionally to a given angle with respect to the body walls) such that the kernels and husks of the seeds of that plant variety are more readily separated.

[0049] According to a further aspect, the invention provides a method of operating an apparatus. The apparatus may be as described hereinbefore. The apparatus is supplied with a plurality of seeds. The method comprises: causing a plurality of seeds to be supplied to the rotatable body; causing the rotatable body to rotate to separate the husk and the kernel of one or more of the plurality of seeds; and causing the husks and kernels to be output from the apparatus.

[0050] The method provides a convenient and efficient way of separating husks and kernels. The method is effective for different seeds (e.g. different sizes, shapes, hardnesses, plant varieties, etc.). The method may be a method of decorticating seeds.

[0051] The method may comprise causing adjustment of one or more of the outer walls with respect to the rotatable body. The method may comprise adjusting the one or more outer walls with respect to the rotatable body. The method may comprise causing adjustment of the distance between one or more of the outer walls and the rotatable body. The method may comprise adjusting the distance between one or more of the outer walls and the rotatable body. The method may comprise causing adjustment of the angle of one or more of the outer walls with respect to the rotatable body. The method may comprise adjusting the angle of one or more of the outer walls with respect to the rotatable body. By adjusting (e.g. causing adjustment of) the one or more outer walls with respect to the rotatable body, the method can be conveniently used to separate the husks and kernels of a variety of seeds (e.g. different sizes, shapes, hardnesses, plant varieties, etc.).

[0052] The method may comprise causing adjustment of the pitch of one or more of the plurality of bars. The method may comprise adjusting the pitch of one or more of the plurality of bars. By adjusting (e.g. causing adjustment of) the pitch of one or more of the plurality of bars, the method can conveniently be used to separate the husks and kernels of a variety of seeds (e.g. different sizes, shapes, hardnesses, plant varieties, etc.).

[0053] The method may comprise causing air to be supplied to the apparatus, such as to a region of the apparatus separate from the rotatable body. The method may comprise causing the air pressure at a region of the apparatus separate from the rotatable body to be increased (e.g. above ambient atmospheric pressure). The method may comprise causing air pressure at the outlet to be increased (e.g. above ambient atmospheric pressure). The method may comprise altering the air pressure at a region of the apparatus separate to the rotatable body (e.g. by at least 0.1 kPa, e.g. at least 0.2 kPa, optionally by up to 0.5 kPa, e.g. by up to 1 kPa). The method may comprise generating an airflow, the airflow having a directional airflow path. Air in the airflow path may thus typically move from the region of the apparatus separate from the rotatable body towards the rotatable body, and from the rotatable body towards the outlet.

[0054] The separation of husks and kernels can lead to the production of dust. By controlling the air pressure at the inlet, rotatable body and / or outlet, it is easier to prevent the dust from entering moving parts.

[0055] The method may comprise causing a predetermined quantity of seeds to be dispensed from the inlet towards the rotatable body. The method may comprise causing a predetermined quantity of seeds to be dispensed from the inlet towards the rotatable body in a predetermined time period. The method may comprise dispensing a predetermined quantity of seeds from the inlet towards the rotatable body, optionally in a predetermined time period. Where too many seeds are dispensed from the inlet towards the rotatable body within a time period, this can lead to blockages and sometimes to less effective separation of husks and kernels. By causing a predetermined quantity of seeds to be dispensed from the inlet towards the rotatable body (e.g. in a predetermined time period) the risk of blockages is reduced, and a greater proportion of the husks and kernels are separated.

[0056] The apparatus may comprise a seed sorter.

[0057] The method may comprise causing the seeds to be sorted. As different types (e.g. plant varieties) of seeds have different properties, it can be helpful to sort seeds, for example before they enter the rotatable body).

[0058] The method may comprise causing adjustment of (e.g. adjusting) one or more of the outer walls with respect to the rotatable body after the first time (e.g. and before the second time). The method may comprise causing adjustment of (e.g. adjusting) the pitch of one or more of the plurality of bars after the first time (e.g. and before the second time).

[0059] In some cases, the husks and kernels of seeds of different groups may be more readily separated when the outer walls are at one position and / or angle with respect to the rotatable body than when the outer walls are at another position and / or angle with respect to the rotatable body. Accordingly, sorting the seeds allows for the outer walls to be arranged in such a way as to more effectively separate the husks and kernels of a group of (e.g. sorted) seeds.

[0060] The seeds supplied to the apparatus may be seeds of two or more plant varieties. At least 70%, e.g. at least 80%, e.g. at least 90%, optionally 100% of the seeds in the first (e.g. plant variety) group may be seeds of one first plant variety of the two or more plant varieties. At least 70%, e.g. at least 80%, e.g. at least 90%, optionally 100% of the seeds in the second (e.g. plant variety) group may be seeds of one or more plant varieties different to the first plant variety.

[0061] Where seeds are provided that are of the same plant variety, those seeds are typically also similar in hardness, size, shape, etc. This means that a particular positioning of one or more of the outer walls with respect to the body walls can more effectively be used to cause separation of the kernels and husks of the seeds of that plant variety. The seeds supplied to the apparatus may be seeds of two or more sizes (e.g. volumes or longest dimension). At least 70%, e.g. at least 80%, e.g. at least 90%, optionally 100% of the seeds in the first (e.g. size) group may be seeds of one first size. At least 70%, e.g. at least 80%, e.g. at least 90%, optionally 100% of the seeds in the second (e.g. size) group may be seeds of one or more sizes different to the first size. Seeds may be defined to be of one size (e.g. the same size), rather than of another size, where they vary in size by less than 10%, e.g. less than 5%, e.g. less than 2%.

[0062] The seeds supplied to the apparatus may be seeds of two or more masses. At least 70%, e.g. at least 80%, e.g. at least 90%, optionally 100% of the seeds in the first (e.g. mass) group may be seeds of one first mass. At least 70%, e.g. at least 80%, e.g. at least 90%, optionally 100% of the seeds in the second (e.g. mass) group may be seeds of one or more sizes different to the first mass. Seeds may be defined to be of one mass (e.g. the same mass), rather than of another mass, where they vary in mass by less than 10%, e.g. less than 5%, e.g. less than 2%.

[0063] The method may comprise causing seeds of the first group to be supplied (e.g. supplying seeds of the first group) to the rotatable body at a first time. The method may comprise causing seeds of the second group to be supplied (e.g. supplying seeds of the second group) to the rotatable body at a second time different to the first time.

[0064] The method may comprise causing the rotatable body to rotate (e.g. rotating the rotatable body) at least at 800 rpm, e.g. at least at 900 rpm, e.g. at least at 1 ,000 rpm, typically at more than 700 rpm. The method may comprise causing the rotatable body to rotate (e.g. rotating the rotatable body) at a speed of up to 6,000 rpm, e.g. up to 5,500 rpm, e.g. up to 5,000 rpm.

[0065] The outlet may comprise a mesh configured to prevent objects above a certain size from leaving via the outlet.

[0066] While use of the apparatus for processing seeds (and particularly the rotatable body and outer walls) as described hereinbefore can result in kernels being separated from husks in such a way as to result in whole kernels and whole husks, this is not always the case. In some instances, use of the apparatus can lead to at least some of the kernels, and / or at least some of the husks each being broken into two or more kernel fragments, and / or two or more husk fragments. The kernels, husks, and fragments thereof that are thereby produced typically have irregular sizes, shapes, and masses, and the exact sizes, shapes, and masses of the fragments can be difficult to predict. Accordingly, it can be helpful to further process husks and kernels (and / or fragments thereof) after the seeds have left the rotatable body.

[0067] The apparatus may comprise a fragment sorter. Although this is referred to as a fragment sorter, it will be understood that the fragment sorter may also be for sorting whole kernels, whole husks, whole seeds and / or for sorting whole seeds from kernels, husks, and / or fragments thereof. The fragment sorter may be configured to receive kernels, husks, and / or fragments thereof (and optionally whole seeds) from the rotatable body (e.g. from the outlet of the rotatable body). The fragment sorter may be (and typically is) distinct from the seed sorter.

[0068] The fragment sorter may comprise a size sorter. The fragment (e.g. size) sorter may be configured to sort kernels, husks, and / or fragments thereof (i.e. and / or fragments of kernels and / or fragments of husk) by size (e.g. largest dimension, optionally surface area). The apparatus may be configured such that items (e.g. seeds, optionally kernels, and / or husks and / or fragments thereof) reach the size sorter before reaching the apparatus outlet.

[0069] The fragment sorter may comprise one or more mass sorters. The fragment (e.g. mass) sorter may be configured to (e.g. further) sort fragments by mass (optionally by weight). The apparatus may be configured such that items (e.g. seeds, optionally kernels, and / or husks and / or fragments thereof) reach the mass sorter before reaching the apparatus outlet.

[0070] Typically the size sorter and the mass sorter are separated from each other. It has been found to be more efficient to provide separate size and mass sorters than to sort by mass and size simultaneously.

[0071] The size sorter may comprise at least one size sorter inlet (e.g. for allowing husks, kernels, and / or fragments thereof into the size sorter) and at least one size sorter outlet (e.g. for allowing (e.g. sorted) husks, kernels, and / or fragments thereof out of the size sorter). The mass sorter may comprise at least one mass sorter inlet (e.g. for allowing husks, kernels, and / or fragments thereof into the mass sorter) and one or more (typically two or more) mass sorter outlets (e.g. for allowing (e.g. sorted) husks, kernels, and / or fragments thereof out of the mass sorter). One or more of the size sorter outlets may be connected to one or more mass sorter inlets. One or more mass sorter outlets may be connected to one or more size sorter inlets.

[0072] The fragment sorter may be provided within the housing. The apparatus may be configured such that items (e.g. seeds, optionally kernels and / or husks, and / or fragments thereof) leaving the rotatable body reach the fragment sorter before reaching the apparatus outlet.

[0073] The fragment sorter may comprise one or more sieves configured to sort kernels, husks, and / or fragments thereof into two or more size groups. The or each sieve may each comprise a mesh. The mesh of each sieve may have holes defined therein, with the holes being of a predetermined size. Each hole defined in a particular mesh may be the same size and shape of each other hole defined in the particular mesh. The mesh may be a planer mesh extending across the sieve in the horizontal direction. The mesh may be a concave mesh. The mesh may be inclined with respect to the horizontal.

[0074] The or each sieve may be movable (e.g. vibratable). The apparatus may comprise one or more actuators configured to cause movement (e.g. vibration) of the one or more sieves. The or each sieve may have a sieve outlet. The rate and amplitude of movement of the or each sieve (e.g. frequency and amplitude of vibration) may be selected in dependence on the size of husks, kernels, and / or fragments thereof which should pass (or not pass) through the holes defined in the mesh.

[0075] The actuator(s) may be configured to cause single axis movement of the sieve(s). The actuator(s) may be configured to cause multi-axis movement of the sieve(s). The actuator(s) may be configured to cause movement of the sieve(s) in the horizontal plane and with less than 20% (e.g. less than 10%, optionally less than 5%) of the movement of the sieve(s) in the vertical plane (as measured peak-to-peak). This provides the advantage that husks, kernels, and fragments thereof are not lifted out of the sieve to fall back down into the sieve. Such movements of husks, kernels, and fragments thereof can cause some husks, kernels, and fragments thereof to be forced through the holes defined in the sieve. It is preferable if this does not occur, because it leads to a less controlled range of sizes within a given size group. In an example, the fragment sorter may comprise four sieves configured to sort kernels, husks, and / or fragments thereof into five size groups. The four sieves may comprise one or more of: a first sieve having a first (largest) size of holes defined therein; a further (e.g. second) sieve having a smaller size of holes defined therein than that of the first sieve; a third sieve, having a smaller size of holes defined therein than that of the first and second sieves; and a fourth sieve, having a smaller size of holes defined therein than that of the first, second, and third sieves.

[0076] The size groups may thus comprise two or more of: a first size group, into which kernels, husks, and / or fragments thereof, which are too large to pass through the holes of the first sieve, are sorted; a further (e.g. second) size group, into which kernels, husks and / or fragments thereof which are small enough to pass through the holes of the first sieve, but too large to pass through the holes of the further (e.g. second) sieve, are sorted; a third size group, into which kernels, husks and / or fragments thereof which are small enough to pass through the holes of the first and second sieves, but too large to pass through the holes of the third sieve, are sorted; a fourth size group, into which kernels, husks and / or fragments thereof which are small enough to passthrough the holes of the first, second, and third sieves, but too large to pass through the holes of the fourth sieve, are sorted; and a fifth size group, into which kernels, husks and / or fragments thereof which are small enough to pass through the holes of each of the first, second, third, and fourth sieves, are sorted.

[0077] The skilled person will appreciate that other numbers of sieves and / or size groups may be included. The choice of the number of sieves and / or size groups may depend on the seeds which are to be processed (for example the plant variety of the seeds, the moisture content of the seeds, etc).

[0078] There may thus be a first (e.g. largest) size group comprising kernels, husks, and / or fragments thereof which are relatively larger and there may be one or more further (e.g. second, third, fourth, fifth, etc.) size groups, each comprising kernels, husks and / or fragments thereof which are relatively smaller than those of the first size group (and optionally of a different (optionally overlapping) range of sizes than the items in any other size group). The method may comprise causing kernels, husks, and / or fragments thereof to be sorted (e.g. sorting the fragments), optionally by size (optionally largest diameter, optionally surface area), e.g. into two or more size groups, further optionally using a fragment sorter.

[0079] The apparatus may be configured to cause husks, kernels and / or fragments thereof in one or more of the two or more size groups to be returned to the rotatable body. For example, the apparatus may be configured to cause husks, kernels, and / or fragments thereof in the first (e.g. largest) size group to be returned to the rotatable body. The apparatus may comprise a conduit connecting the sieve outlet of one or more sieves (optionally the first sieve, i.e. the sieve having the largest holes defined therein) to the inlet of the rotatable body. Returning the husks, kernels and / orfragments thereof in the largest size group to the rotatable body is advantageous because the largest fragments are more likely to be whole seeds where the kernel and husk have not yet separated. Returning such whole seeds to the rotatable body (e.g. via the inlet) provides a further opportunity to separate the kernel and husk.

[0080] The method may comprise causing kernels, husks, and / or fragments thereof in the first (e.g. largest) size group to be returned to the rotatable body. The method may comprise returning kernels, husks, and / or fragments thereof in the first (e.g. largest) size group to the rotatable body.

[0081] The skilled person will appreciate that seeds, as well as fragments of kernel and fragments of husk may all be sorted into the same size group, provided that the seeds, fragments of kernel and fragments of husk are of sizes such that they all pass through the same sieves. This can be inconvenient for further processing, as the kernels contain the majority of the protein of a seed whilst the husks contain the majority of the fibre of a seed. As such, it is helpful to remove whole seeds and return them to the rotatable portion (e.g. as described above). The apparatus may be configured to produce (and the method may comprise producing) one or more size groups comprising husks, kernels, and / or fragments thereof (and e.g. less than 5% whole seeds by volume, e.g. less than 3% whole seeds by volume, optionally less than 1 % whole seeds by volume), e.g. through use of sieves as described hereinabove. It is then helpful provide an apparatus and method for sorting fragments of kernel from fragments of husk, optionally within a particular size group. Because kernels are typically denser than husks, kernels (and fragments thereof) are typically heavier than husks (and fragments thereof) within a particular size group. The apparatus (e.g. the fragment sorter, e.g. the mass sorter) may be configured to subdivide the contents of each size group into a greater mass group and a smaller mass group.

[0082] The fragment sorter may comprise (e.g. be) a mass sorter. The mass sorter may be configured to sort kernels, husks, and / or fragments thereof (optionally fragments within a particular size group) by mass (optionally weight). The mass sorter may comprise a container. The mass sorter may comprise one or more container inlets configured to allow husks, kernels, and / or fragments thereof into the container. The mass sorter may comprise one or more heavy fragment outlets configured to allow husks, kernels, and / or fragments thereof each having a mass above a predetermined mass to leave the container. The mass sorter may comprise one or more light fragment outlets configured to allow husks, kernels, and / or fragments thereof each having a mass below the predetermined mass to leave the container. The mass sorter may comprise an airflow generator. The airflow generator may be configured to generate an airflow path for entraining husks, kernels, and / or fragments thereof, each having a mass below the predetermined mass. The airflow generator and / or airflow path may be configured to move entrained husks, kernels and / or fragments thereof towards the one or more light fragment outlets.

[0083] The apparatus may comprise a conduit connecting one or more sieve outlets each to one or more mass sorter inlets, optionally to one or more container inlets. The fragment sorter may comprise a fragment dispenser configured to dispense a predetermined quantity (e.g. mass) of the fragments into one or more size sorters (optionally one or more containers) in a predetermined time. The fragment sorter may comprise a fragment dispenser figured to dispense a predetermined quantity (e.g. mass) of the fragments into one or more mass sorters (optionally one or more containers) in a predetermined time.

[0084] The mass sorter may be configured such that husks, kernels and / or fragments thereof having masses above the predetermined mass cannot leave the container via the light fragment outlet(s). Typically, the mass sorter is configured such that husks, kernels and / or fragments thereof having masses below the predetermined mass cannot leave the container via the heavy fragment outlet(s).

[0085] The mass sorter may comprise an airflow generator configured to generate an airflow path within the container. The airflow path may be configured for entraining husks, kernels, and / or fragments thereof therein (for example, husks, kernels and / or fragments thereof, each having a mass below the predetermined mass).

[0086] The mass sorter may comprise an accelerator for accelerating kernels, husks, fragments of kernel and / or fragments of husk. The mass sorter may comprise one or more aspirators. The accelerator may comprise (e.g. the) one or more airflow generators, optionally one or more airflow generators configured to generate an airflow having an airflow path (e.g. in the container). The airflow generator may comprise one or more fans and / or one or more pumps. The airflow generator may be in fluid communication with the container. The airflow generator may be retained within the container.

[0087] The container may be an elongate container (optionally a generally cylindrical, conical, or frustoconical container) comprising a lower end, an upper end, and one or more sidewalls extending therebetween. The one or more container inlets may be in an upper portion of the container, for example at or near the upper end of the container. The one or more container inlets may be configured to allow fragments into (e.g. to be entrained within) the airflow path in the container.

[0088] The mass sorter (e.g. the container) may comprise (e.g. be) an aspiration chamber. The airflow generator may be configured to generate an airflow path which travels generally upwards from a lower portion of the container towards an upper portion of the container.

[0089] The container may comprise one or more partial barriers, the or each barrier extending partway across the container from a sidewall towards the centre of the container. Accordingly, the or each barrier my define an opening between the furthest point of the barrier from the (e.g. part of the) sidewall from which it extends, to the (e.g. part of the) sidewall which it does not meet. The one or more barriers may be sloped. The one or more barriers may extend in a (e.g. downwards) direction inclined with respect to the horizontal. The one or more barriers may be planar. By providing one or more barriers in the container, the fall of husks, fragments and / or fragments thereof, under gravity, is slowed as the husks, fragments, and / or fragments thereof encounter each barrier and must then pass each barrier (e.g. by travelling down the slope of the barrier and leaving via the passageway).

[0090] The one or more partial barriers may comprise a series of barriers. Each barrier may be spaced apart from each other barrier in a vertical sense. One or more barriers may extend from a first sidewall (or first region of the sidewall(s)) towards the centre of the container. One or more barriers may extend from a second sidewall different to the first sidewall (or a second region of the sidewall(s) different to the first region of the sidewalls) towards the centre of the container. The second sidewall (or second region of the sidewall(s)) may be on the opposite (e.g. vertical) side of the containerto the first sidewall (or first region of the sidewalls(s)). Accordingly, the partial barriers may be configured in an arrangement such that a first partial barrier (e.g. in an upper region of the container) extends from a first sidewall; a second partial barrier (e.g. below the first partial barrier) extends from a second sidewall; a third partial barrier (e.g. below both the first and second partial barriers) extends from the first sidewall, etc. The passageways may thereby define a tortuous path through which the kernels, husks, and / or fragments thereof must travel if they are to reach the lower end of the container.

[0091] The passageway provided between a first partial barrier and a second partial barrier may comprise a vertical section. As such, kernels, husks, and / or fragments thereof travel in freefall through several vertical sections, and travel more gradually along (e.g. down) the (e.g. inclined) partial barriers to reach each subsequent freefall section. This combination of freefall sections and travel along partial barriers increases the exposure to upward airflow experienced by each kernels, husks, and / or fragment thereof and thus improves the accuracy with which kernels, husks, and / or fragments thereof are sorted by mass.

[0092] The one or more light fragment outlets of the container may (e.g. each) be positioned in the (e.g. a) sidewall of the container, above a barrier, at the location in the sidewall of the container from which the barrier extends. The airflow generator may be configured to generate an airflow path and cause air to move upwards through the container and out of the container via the one or more light fragment outlets. Where husks, kernels, and / or fragments thereof are travelling downwards in the first container and being slowed at the barriers, the lighter fragments are more likely to become entrained in the air leaving the first container via the light fragment outlets and thus to also leave the first container via the light fragment outlets.

[0093] The mass sorter may comprise one or more vacuum chambers, for example one or more vacuum chambers in fluid communication with the container to thereby generate an airflow out of the container.

[0094] The mass sorter (e.g. the container) may comprise (e.g. be) a cyclone chamber. The airflow path may comprise (e.g. define) a rotational (optionally circular) component. The airflow path may comprise (e.g. define) a cyclonic component. The airflow path may comprise an upwards component, e.g. with air moving generally upwards from a lower portion of the container towards an upper portion of the container.

[0095] The airflow generator may be configured to generate a cyclonic airflow path within the elongate container. The cyclonic airflow path (optionally the cyclonic component of the airflow path) may be a generally rotational (e.g. helical and / or cyclonic) airflow path travelling upwards from the lower end of the container towards the upper end of the container, wherein each cycle of rotation (e.g. each cycle of the helix and / or cyclone) generally follows the (internal) sidewalls in either a clockwise or an anticlockwise direction.

[0096] The one or more heavy fragment outlets of the container may be arranged at or near the lower end of the container. Where husks, kernels, and / or fragments thereof are travelling downwards in the first container and are not entrained in the airflow path, these are typically heavier husks, kernels and / or fragments thereof. These will thus instead fall towards the lower end of the container under gravity and can then leave or be removed from the container, via the one or more heavy fragment outlets.

[0097] Fragments of husk are typically lighter than fragments of kernel of the same size (e.g. same largest dimension). Husk is also typically less dense than kernel and so fragments of husk also typically have greater surface areas than fragments of kernel of the same size (e.g. same largest dimension). As a result, fragments of husk tend to stay higher in the container column when entrained in an upwards moving and / or cyclonic airflow path than fragments of kernel, which tend to fall out of the airflow path and descend within the container, under gravity. The heavy fragment outlet(s) of the container may be configured to allow heavier fragments out of the container to thereby form a (e.g. the) greater mass group. The light fragment outlet(s) of the container may be configured to allow lighter fragments out of the container to thereby form a (e.g. the) smaller mass group.

[0098] The light fragment outlets may be configured to allow relatively lighter fragments to leave the container. For example, the light fragment outlets may be positioned near the upper end of the container. As the paths (e.g. trajectories) followed by lighter fragments entrained in an upwards moving airflow path tend to move them towards the upper end of the container, outlets positioned near the upper end of the container will allow lighter fragments to leave the container. The heavy fragment outlets may be configured to allow relatively heavier fragments to leave the container. For example, the heavy fragment outlets may be positioned near the lower end of the container. As the paths (e.g. trajectories) followed by heavier fragments tend to move them towards the lower end of the container under gravity, outlets positioned near the lower end of the container will allow heavier fragments to leave the container.

[0099] The greater mass group may comprise items (e.g. husks, kernels, and / or fragments thereof) that are heavier than the average (e.g. mean) mass of items in the size group. For example, the greater mass group may comprise items (e.g. husks, kernels, and / or fragments thereof) that are at least 5%, e.g. at least 10%, optionally at least 30% heavier than the average (e.g. mean) mass of items in the size group. The smaller mass group may comprise items (e.g. husks, kernels, and / or fragments thereof) that are lighter than the average (e.g. mean) mass of items in the size group. For example, the smaller mass group may comprise items (e.g. husks, kernels, and / or fragments thereof) that are at least 5%, e.g. at least 10%, optionally at least 30% lighter than the average (e.g. mean) mass of items in the size group. Accordingly, the greater mass group will typically comprise a higher proportion of kernels (and / or fragments thereof) and the smaller mass group will typically comprise husks (and / or fragments thereof).

[0100] The method may comprise causing kernels, husks, and / or fragments thereof to be sorted by mass (optionally weight, optionally using the fragment sorter as described hereinabove). The method may comprise sorting kernels, husks, and / or fragments by mass (optionally weight, optionally using the fragment sorter as described hereinabove). The method may comprise causing kernels, husks, and / or fragments thereof to be sorted (e.g. soring kernels, husks, and / or fragments thereof) first by size (optionally largest diameter, optionally surface area) and subsequently by mass (optionally weight). The method may comprise causing kernels, husks, and / or fragments thereof to be sorted (e.g. soring kernels, husks, and / or fragments thereof) first by mass (optionally weight) and subsequently by size (optionally largest diameter, optionally surface area).

[0101] According to a further aspect, the invention provides a kernel of a seed obtained using the apparatus or method as herein described. The husk of a seed using the apparatus or method as herein described may be provided. It will be understood that the kernel and / or the husk may be identified as having been obtained using the apparatus or method described herein on the basis of an analysis of the separated kernels and / or husks. For example, the average size of the kernel and husk component pieces may be larger, and / or the surface of the kernels and husks may be less abraded.

[0102] According to a further aspect, the invention provides a kernel of a seed wherein the kernel has been separated from the husk according to the apparatus and / or methods as described herein above. The kernel may comprise one or more kernel fragments. Kernels which have been separated from husks in this way differ to those separated from husks using other apparatuses and methods because other apparatuses and methods are reliant on abrasion of the husk to separate it from the kernel over a longer transit. The present invention provides separation of the husk and kernel with less abrasion and with less time spent in abrasion of the husk, but with more frequent impacts of the seed which in turn leads to more fragmentation of the kernel. The invention may provide a husk of a seed wherein the husk has been separated from the kernel according to the apparatus and / or methods as described hereinabove.

[0103] According to a further aspect, the invention provides a feedstock for a food additive. According to a further aspect, the invention provides a food additive. The feedstock and / or the food additive may be a food additive produced by providing seeds to the apparatus as described herein above and processing the seeds with the apparatus. The food additive may comprise a powder. The food additive may comprise a powder formed by powdering the feedstock The powder may be formed by grinding kernels of seeds wherein the kernel has been separated from the husk according to the apparatus and / or methods as described herein above. The powder may be formed by grinding husks of seeds wherein the husk has been separated from the kernel according to the apparatus and / or methods as described herein above. The food additive may be a food additive comprising kernels from seeds processed with the apparatus as described hereinabove, optionally kernels which have been ground (e.g. into a powder). The food additive may be a food additive comprising husks from seeds processed with the apparatus as described hereinabove, optionally husks which have been ground (e.g. into a powder).

[0104] The food additive may comprise at least 55% protein by mass, optionally at least 65% protein by mass, e.g. at least 75% protein by mass, e.g. at least 85% protein by mass. The percentage of protein by mass should be measured using proximate analysis. The percentage of protein may thereby be determined as a function of nitrogen by either the (e.g. automatic) Dumas method or by the Kjeldahl method, as are known in the art.

[0105] The food additive may comprise less than 10% fibre (e.g. insoluble carbohydrate) by mass, optionally less than 20% fibre by mass, optionally less than 30% fibre by mass, e.g. less than 40% fibre by mass. The percentage of fibre may be measured using wet chemistry or by near-infrared spectroscopy. The percentage of fibre may be measured using a combined enzymatic process followed by a gravitational assay for the dried insoluble precipitate.

[0106] Food additives produced from seeds and having percentages of protein and fibre within the ranges disclosed herein cannot be obtained from prior art methods. Accordingly, a food additive produced from seeds and having percentages of protein and fibre within the ranges disclosed herein, can be determined to have been obtained using the methods and apparatus described herein.

[0107] According to a further aspect, the invention provides a method of manufacturing a food additive, the method comprising causing seeds to be supplied to an apparatus as described hereinbefore. The method further comprises causing separation of the kernels and the husks.

[0108] Seeds contain protein. However, the majority of the protein is within the kernel and is thus difficult to access and digest because the kernel is typically at least partially surrounded by a husk made of undigestible (or less digestible) matter. By separating the kernels and husks as described herein, the kernels can be used in the production of food additives and these food additives can have improved nutritional value because they need not include the husks.

[0109] The food additive may comprise kernels, optionally powdered kernels. The food additive may comprise husks, optionally powdered husks. Husks typically contain fibre.

[0110] The apparatus may comprise a grinder. The method may comprise grinding the kernels, optionally grinding the kernels into a powder. The method may comprise causing the kernels to be ground (e.g. into a powder). The method may comprise causing the husks to be ground (optionally grinding the husks), e.g. into a powder.

[0111] Grinding the kernels into a powder provides a particularly useful food additive which may be used in a range of foods and / or drinks, particularly where a protein source is required but the whole kernel is not preferred. Grinding the husks into a powder likewise provides a useful food additive where a fibre source is required.

[0112] The food additive may be a protein additive, for example a protein powder. The food additive may be a fibre additive. The food additive may be a food additive for human consumption. The food additive may be (e.g. an additive for) animal, (e.g. livestock) feed.

[0113] It has been found useful to operate multiple apparatuses according to the invention in parallel, as this allows plant capacity to be expanded with limited infrastructure changes and significantly less cost when compared with alternative methods. Accordingly, a further aspect of the invention provides a plurality of apparatuses for processing seeds, each seed comprising a husk and a kernel, each apparatus configured to (e.g. at least partially) separate the husk and the kernel, wherein each apparatus comprises: a rotatable body comprising one or more body walls, defining a plurality of apertures or depressions in a circumferential region of the rotatable body; an inlet for allowing seeds into the apparatus; an outlet for allowing husks and kernels out of the apparatus; one or more outer walls, the outer walls at least partially surrounding the rotatable body; and a wall adjustment mechanism configured to adjust the one or more outer walls with respect to the rotatable body, and wherein the plurality of apparatuses comprises an actuator configured to cause the rotatable body of each apparatus to rotate.

[0114] The plurality of apparatuses may be connected together in parallel with a common drive train.

[0115] It will be understood that steps of method described hereinbefore with reference to any one particular method may be combined with any other herein-described method in substantially any combination, apart from those inherently incompatible. It will be further understood that the method steps may be performed in orders other than those described, and in some cases simultaneously, apart where this is inherently not possible. Features of any one aspect may be optional features of any other aspect.

[0116] Description of the Drawings

[0117] An example embodiment of the present invention will now be illustrated with reference to the following Figures in which:

[0118] Figure 1 is a side elevation cross-sectional diagram through an example embodiment of an apparatus for processing seeds;

[0119] Figure 2 is a side elevation cross-sectional diagram of the detail of container, outer wall, and wall adjustment mechanism of an apparatus for processing seeds;

[0120] Figure 3 is a side elevation cross-sectional diagram of the detail of the bars of the container of an apparatus for processing seeds;

[0121] Figure 4 is a front elevation cross-sectional diagram of an example embodiment of an apparatus for processing seeds;

[0122] Figure 5 is a front elevation cross-sectional diagram of a detail of the wall adjustment mechanism of an apparatus for processing seeds;

[0123] Figure 6 is a flow chart of steps in a method of operating an apparatus according to an example embodiment; Figure 7 is a flow chart of steps in a method of manufacturing a food additive according to an example embodiment; and

[0124] Figure 8 is a side elevation cross-sectional diagram of an example size sorter according to an example embodiment of an apparatus for processing seeds;

[0125] Figure 9 is a side elevation cross-sectional diagram of a first example mass sorter, according to an example embodiment of an apparatus for processing seeds; and

[0126] Figure 10A is a side elevation diagram of a second example mass sorter, according to an example embodiment of an apparatus for processing seeds, and Figure 10B is a perspective elevation cross-sectional diagram of the second example mass sorter.

[0127] Detailed Description of an Example Embodiment

[0128] It will be understood by those skilled in the art that any dimensions and relative orientations such as lower and higher, above, and below, and directions such as vertical, horizontal, upper, lower, longitudinal, axial, radial, lateral, circumferential, etc. referred to in this description refer to, and are within expected structural tolerances and limits for, the technical field and the apparatus and methods described, and these should be interpreted with this in mind.

[0129] Figure 1 is a side elevation cross-sectional diagram through an example embodiment of an apparatus 1 for processing seeds. The apparatus 1 has a rotatable body, in the form of a container, specifically here in the form of a squirrel cage 2, having sixteen spaced-apart bars 4 extending between first 6 and second 8 end walls (second end wall not visible in Figure 1), the spaces between the bars defining a plurality of apertures. The squirrel cage 2 is rotatable around a central shaft 3 in an anticlockwise direction (with respect to Figure 1). Accordingly, the squirrel cage 2 should be understood to have a generally annular shape. The apparatus 1 further has a seed inlet 14 in the form of a conduit, including an upper inlet portion 14a and a lower inlet portion 14b having fixed wall 17a and movable wall 17b. A seed dispenser in the form of a rotary valve 18 is located between the upper inlet portion 14a and the lower inlet portion 14b. The apparatus 1 also has an outlet 16. The rotary valve 18 is a star valve having six container portions 19 separated by six wall portions 21 and is rotatable about a central axis. As the rotary valve rotates (clockwise in respect of Figure 1) each container portion 19 in turn is brought into communication with the upper inlet portion 14a to receive seeds and subsequently into communication with the lower inlet portion 14b to thereby release seeds into the upper inlet portion 14b and thus into the squirrel cage 2.

[0130] The apparatus 1 also has an outer wall 20 partially surrounding the squirrel cage 2 around the walls of the squirrel cage 2 that are defined by the plurality of bars 4. In this instance the bars 4 each have a square cross section. The position of the outer wall 20 can be adjusted both in terms of its distance and angle with respect to the squirrel cage 2 via a wall adjustment mechanism which includes a first circular cam 10 and a second circular cam 12. The wall has an undulating surface 22, formed from a smoothly undulating portion and a serrated portion.

[0131] The apparatus 1 is contained within a housing 23 which is sufficiently sealed to prevent dust from leaving the apparatus 1 other than via the outlet 16.

[0132] Figure 2 is a detail view of section A of Figure 1 and thus is a side elevation cross- sectional diagram of the detail of container 2, outer wall 20, and wall adjustment mechanism of the apparatus 1. As can best be seen in Figure 2, the outer wall 20 has a first end plate 25 and a second end plate (not shown). Each end plate 25 has a first circular opening 27a and a second circular opening 27b defined therein. The circular openings 27a, 27b, each have an axial direction transverse to the plane of the end plates 25, and transverse to the first and second end walls 6, 8, and parallel to the direction in which the bars 4 extend between the first and second end walls 6, 8. The first circular cam 10 is provided in the first circular openings 27a to thereby engage with the end plates 25, and has an axis of rotation offset from its centre. Similarly, the second circular cam 12 is provided within the second circular openings 27b to thereby engage with the end plates 25 and has an axis of rotation offset from its centre. Each cam 10, 12 has a locking mechanism (not shown) configured to allow the cams (and thus the outer wall 20) to be locked into position when a position for the outer wall 20 has been selected.

[0133] Figure 3 is a detail view of section B of Figure 1 and thus is a side elevation cross- sectional diagram of the detail of the bars 4 of the container 2 of the apparatus 1 . As can best be seen in Figure 3, the pitch of each bar 4 is such that the plane of the bar 4 is angled slightly back from the tangent of the squirrel cage 2.

[0134] Figure 4 is a front elevation cross-sectional diagram of the example embodiment of the apparatus 1 for processing seeds. From this view it can be seen that the central shaft 3 of the squirrel cage 2 is rotatable via an actuator 24 and is supported by bearings 34 which in turn are mounted on heavy chassis plates 34. The wall cam actuating spindle 30 shows the spindle for rotation to alter a position of the first circular cam 10 described hereinbefore with reference to Figures 1 and 2.

[0135] The outer circumferential surface of the first 6 and second 8 end walls are shaped with annular rings which run within corresponding grooves machined into a set of fixed plates 38 thereby forming conduits 32 which can best be seen in Figure 5 (which is a detail view of section C of Figure 4 and is thus a front elevation cross-sectional diagram of the apparatus 1). These conduits thus allow for an airflow to flow through the apparatus 1 from a region of the apparatus separate to the squirrel cage 2 towards a region of the apparatus including the squirrel cage 2. An air supplier (not shown) in the form of a pump provides an airflow via these conduits 32 by virtue of the pressure in the region of the apparatus separate from the squirrel cage 2 being greater than the pressure in the region of the apparatus including the squirrel cage 2.

[0136] In use, seeds are introduced at the inlet 14 into the rotary valve 18. The rotary valve 18 is rotated in a clockwise direction (with respect to Figure 1) at a speed of 10 rpm, to thereby dispense a portion of seeds into the squirrel cage 2. The squirrel cage 2 is rotated in an anticlockwise direction (i.e. with respect to Figure 1) around the central shaft 3 via the actuator 24 at a speed of 1 ,000 rpm. As a result, the seeds encounter repeated impacts with the bars 4, these impacts weakening and eventually cracking the husks. Some of the seeds are entrained into the space between the bars 4 and the undulating surface 22 of the outer wall, thus causing further interaction with the seeds to further weaken and eventually crack the husks. It also occurs that some seeds fall between the bars 4 and are moved within the squirrel cage 2, at least for a time, resulting in further impacts with the internal surface of the bars 4, such impacts further weakening the husks and encouraging them to crack. The undulating surface 22 also encourages the seeds to travel back towards and against or into the squirrel cage 2. As the husks weaken and crack, the kernels become separated from the husks. Over time, the kernels, husks and sometimes some uncracked seeds fall out of the region including the squirrel cage 2 via the outlet 16.

[0137] Meanwhile, the air supplier supplies air into the apparatus 1 via the conduits 32 at the inlet 14, causing a positive pressure in the region of the apparatus 1 separate to the squirrel cage 2 and thus an airflow towards the region of the apparatus 1 including the squirrel cage 2. The result of the positive pressure and airflow is that dust from the cracking husks also travels towards the outlet 16, and does not travel into regions 28. Furthermore, as the squirrel cage 2 rotates it also generates a flow of air and thus an internal pressure. Accordingly, the air supplier supplies sufficient air into the apparatus 1 that the total airflow through the apparatus 1 is still such that air and dust travels towards the outlet 16.

[0138] The positioning of the outer wall 20 with respect to the bars 4 of the squirrel cage 2 may be adjusted via rotation of the circular cams 10, 12 in the circular openings 27a, 27b. Rotation of the first circular cam 10 about its axis causes movement of the lower side of the outer wall 20 away from or towards the squirrel cage 2. Similarly, rotation of the second circular cam 12 about its axis causes movement of the upper side of the outer wall 20 away from or towards the squirrel cage 2. Accordingly, the outer wall 20 may be moved closer to or further from the bars 4 the squirrel cage 2 and the angle of the outer wall 20 may also be adjusted. A particular positioning of the outer wall 20 with respect to the bars 4 of the squirrel cage 2 will be particularly effective when separating the husks and kernels of a particular type (e.g. plant variety, size, shape, hardness, etc.) of seed. Accordingly, a first positioning of the outer wall 20 may first be selected where seeds of a first type (e.g. plant variety, size, shape, hardness, etc.) are introduced into the squirrel cage 2. When the husks and kernels of the seeds of the first type have been separated, a second positioning of the outer wall 20 may then be selected and seeds of a second type (e.g. plant variety, size, shape, hardness, etc.) may then be introduced into the squirrel cage 2.

[0139] Referring back to Figure 1 , it can also be seen that rotation of circular cams 10 and 12 also adjusts the positioning of movable conduit wall 17a via hinge 19, as the lower portion of conduit wall 17a contacts the upper portion of outer wall 20. In this way, the angle at which seeds are introduced into the squirrel cage 2 may also be altered. Furthermore, the pitch of the bars 4 may also be adjusted by rotation of the bars around their elongate axes. Each bar 4 is rotatable about an axis parallel to the length of the bar 4. The first and second end walls 6, 8, each having a plurality of holes (not shown) defined therein and each bar comprises an end portion at a first end of the bar which is received by and passed through a hole of the first end wall 6, and a second end portion which is received by and passed through a corresponding hole of the second end wall 8. Each bar 4 comprises a gear member (not shown). The bars 4 are then rotatable around their longitudinal axes relative to the first and second end walls 6, 8 by rotation of a gear system in contact with the gear members of all of the bars 4.

[0140] A particular angle of the bars 4 with respect to the central shaft 3 may be particularly effective for causing the separation of husks and kernels as the squirrel cage rotates, since the seeds will travel as a result of rotation of the squirrel cage and impacts with the bars, and the pitch of the bars may be selected such that those impacts may (e.g. on average) be with a corner of the bars or with the planar surfaces of the bars. As different types of seeds will have (e.g. on average) slightly different trajectories due to differences in shape, size, air resistance of the husks, etc. and slightly different husk hardnesses, it can thus be seen that some pitches of the bars will be more effective at causing the husks to crack than other pitches, for a given type of seed.

[0141] In some embodiments, the pitch of the bars 4 and the positioning of the outer wall 20 may be selected such that seeds falling through the apertures between the bars 4 and onto the outer wall 20 are then ground between the bars 4 and the outer wall 20 (e.g. the undulating surface 22 of the outer wall 20), as the squirrel cage 2 is rotated.

[0142] Figure 6 is a flow chart of steps in a method of operating the apparatus 1 according to an example embodiment of the invention. The steps include causing 50 the seeds to be supplied (e.g. via the inlet 14 and rotary valve 18) into the squirrel cage 2; causing 52 the squirrel cage 2 to be rotated (e.g. around the central shaft 3 via the actuator 24); and causing 54 the resulting separated husks and kernels to be removed (e.g. via the outlet 16).

[0143] Figure 7 is a flow chart of steps in a method of manufacturing a food additive using the apparatus 1 according to an example embodiment of the invention. The steps include causing 50 the seeds to be supplied (e.g. via the inlet 14 and rotary valve 18) into the squirrel cage 2; causing 56 the separation of the husks and kernels (e.g. by causing the squirrel cage 2 to be rotated); and causing 58 the resulting kernels to be ground into a powder.

[0144] The outer wall 20 and the bars 4 are made of abrasion resistant steel.

[0145] Items leaving the squirrel cage can include seeds (e.g. including both kernel and husk which have not been successfully separated), as well as husks, kernels, fragments of husks, and fragments of kernel. It is helpful to sort these items by both size and weight for further processing. Accordingly, the apparatus in this example also includes a size sorter 60 and a mass sorter.

[0146] Figure 8 is a side elevation cross-sectional diagram of an example size sorter 60 according to an example embodiment of an apparatus 1 for processing seeds. The size sorter 60 has a size sorter inlet 62 configured to allow items (e.g. including seeds, husks, kernels, fragments of husks, and fragments of kernels) into the size sorter 60. The size sorter inlet 62 contains a rotary valve (not shown) arranged to release portions of a mixture of seeds, husks, kernels, fragments of husks, and fragments of kernels into the size sorter 60 (e.g. in much the same way as rotary valve 18 described above).

[0147] The size sorter 60 has three sieves including a first sieve 64A, a second sieve 64B, and a third sieve 64C. Each sieve is inclined at a 20 degree angle with respect to the horizontal. Each sieve has a mesh (not shown) and a corresponding sieve outlet 66A, 66B, 66C positioned close to the lower end of the respective sieve 64A, 64B, 64C and provided by a conduit via which items can leave the size sorter. The size sorter also has a further outlet 68, provide by a further conduit, via which items passing through all sieves can leave the size sorter.

[0148] The size sorter has a vertical upper sidewalls 70 between which the three sieves 64A, 64B, 64C extend and lower sloped sidewalls 72A, 72B.

[0149] The mesh of the first sieve 64A has holes defined therein which are larger than the holes defined in the mesh of the second sieve 64B. The mesh of the second sieve 64B has holes defined therein which are larger than the holes defined in the mesh of the third sieve 64C. In this example, the holes of each mesh are square holes, with each square hole of the mesh of the first sieve 64A defining an area of 1 cm2; each square hole of the mesh of the second sieve 64B defining an area of 0.75 cm2; and each square hole of the third sieve defining an area of 0.5 cm2.

[0150] The sieves 64A, 64B, 64C are each moveable via actuators (not shown) which cause the sieves 64A, 64B, 64C to vibrate in multiple planes (including the horizontal and vertical planes). This encourages items which are small enough to pass through the meshes to do so, and items which are too large to pass through the meshes to travel towards the lower end of the respective sieve 64A, 64B, 64C.

[0151] The size sorter 60 thus sorts items by size as follows: items which are too large to pass through the mesh of the first sieve 64A leave via outlet 66A to form a first (largest) size group; items which are small enough to pass through the mesh of the first sieve 64A but too small to pass through the mesh of the second sieve 64B leave via outlet 66B to form a second size group; items which are small enough to pass through the mesh of the second sieve 64B but too small to pass through the mesh of the third sieve 64C leave via outlet 66C to form a third size group; and items which are small enough to pass through the mesh of the third sieve 64C leave via outlet 68 to for a fourth (smallest) size group.

[0152] The conduit of outlet 66A redirects items forming the first (largest) size group to inlet 14A and thus to the squirrel cage 2. The conduits of outlets 66B, 66C, and 68 direct items to one or more mass sorters 74. For example, items may travel in the direction indicated by arrow A to a mass sorter 74 as shown in Figure 9.

[0153] Figure 9 is a side elevation cross-sectional diagram of a first example mass sorter 74A, according to an example embodiment of an apparatus 1 for processing seeds. The mass sorter 74A is an aspirator column having a mass sorter inlet 76 configured to allow items into the mass sorter 74A. The mass sorter inlet 76 contains a rotary valve 78 arranged to release portions of items into the mass sorter 74A (e.g. in much the same way as rotary valve 18 described above).

[0154] The mass sorter 74A has a container 80 and a suction plenum 82. The container 80 has vertical sidewalls 90, with sloping partial barriers 84 extending therebetween. The partial barriers 84 extend only part way between the sidewalls 82, and thus define passageways through the container. A plurality of light fragment outlets 86 are defined in the sidewalls, each being positioned above a respective partial barrier 84. The container 80 is in fluid communication with the suction plenum 82 via the light fragment outlets. The container 80 also has a plurality of air inlets 92 and an airflow generator in the form of a fan (not shown). The suction plenum has an outlet 100.

[0155] At the lower end of the container 80 there is a heavy fragment outlet 94, providing access to a hopper 96 for collecting heavy fragments. The mass sorter 74A is supported by feet 98 at the lower end of the container 80.

[0156] In use, airflow is driven by the fan and defines a plurality of airflow paths, wherein air enters the container 80 via the air inlets 92, is drawn into the suction plenum 82 via the fragment outlets 86, and leaves the mass sorter 74A via the outlet 100. Meanwhile, items are introduced into the container 80 via the inlet 76 and rotary valve 78. The items experience a downward force due to gravity, which encourages them to move down the sloping partial barriers 84, through the passageways and towards the heavy fragment outlet 94 and into the hopper 96. Simultaneously, the items experience an upward force due to the airflow into the suction plenum, which encourages them to move up the sloping partial barriers 84 and out of the container 80 via the light fragment outlets 86. As the items have already been sorted by size (and thus have similar properties) the main factor in determining whether an item will leave via the heavy fragment outlet 94 or the light fragment outlets 84 is the mass of the item. Items having lighter masses are more readily entrained in the airflow path and are thus more likely to leave the container via the light fragment outlets.

[0157] Figure 10A is a side elevation diagram of a second example mass sorter 74B, according to an example embodiment of an apparatus for processing seeds 1. Figure 10B is a perspective cross-sectional diagram of the second example mass sorter 74B. The mass sorter 74B is a cyclone chamber having a mass sorter inlet 176 configured to allow items and air into the mass sorter 74B.

[0158] The mass sorter 76A has a container 180 having sloping sidewalls 191. The mass sorter inlet 176 contains a rotary valve (not shown) arranged to release portions of items into the container 180 (e.g. in much the same way as rotary valve 18 described above) whilst allowing air to flow freely into the container 180. The mass sorter 76A also has airflow generator in the form of a fan (not shown). At the upper end of the container 180 there is an outlet 200 to allow air and light items to leave the mass sorter.

[0159] At the lower end of the container 180 there is hopper 196 for collecting heavy fragments. The hopper has a valve 197 to allow removal of heavy fragments. The mass sorter 74A is supported by feet 98 at the lower end of the container 80.

[0160] In use, the airflow generator draws air into the container 180 via the inlet 176. In some embodiments, air may be drawn into the container 180 via outlet 200, as driven using a suction fan (not shown). In some embodiments, air may be pushed into the container 180 on the pressure side of a fan (not shown). The apparatus may be configured such that where air is pushed into the container 180 on the pressure side of a fan (not shown) the kernels, husks, and / or fragments thereof also pass through this fan to thereby enter the container. Due to the shape of the container 180, a cyclonic airflow path is generated. The air in the cyclonic airflow path tends to move around the container 180 following the shape of the sidewalls 191 , eventually leaving via outlet 200. As a result, the airflow path has a circular component, and air moves generally upwards through the container 180.

[0161] Meanwhile, items are introduced into the container 180 via the inlet 176. The items experience a downward force due to gravity with heavier particles experiencing insufficient centripetal force to prevent them from moving towards the sidewalls, and thus therefore moving towards the sidewalls and also falling downwards under gravity towards the hopper 196. The hopper 196 may be provided with a mass discharge valve. Simultaneously, the items become entrained in the airflow path. Items entrained in the airflow experience a force towards the centre of the container 180 which is less than the force necessary to keep the items from moving towards the sidewalls 191 , where the items are deposited out of the airflow and then move downwards under gravity. Thus, heavier items are either not entrained in the airflow path and move under gravity to the hopper 196 or are temporarily entrained in the airflow path before being deposited on the sidewalls 180 and then moving under gravity to the hopper 196.

[0162] Conversely, lighter items are entrained in the airflow path and experience sufficient centripetal forces imparted from the surrounding airflow that the lighter items do not move towards the sidewalls 191 , but instead move upwards in the container along with air and leave via outlet 200. Accordingly, items (e.g. kernels, husks, fragments thereof) leaving via the light fragment outlets 86 or outlet 200 can be understood to have been sorted from items (e.g. kernels, husks, fragments thereof) arriving at hopper 96 or 196, and thus the items are sorted by mass. Furthermore, since kernels are typically more dense than husks and thus kernels (or fragments thereof) are heavier than husks (or fragments thereof) of the same size, the mass sorters 74A 74B effectively sort kernels (or fragments thereof) from husks.

[0163] Sorting items (e.g. seeds, kernels, husks, fragments of kernels, fragments of husk) using mass sorter 74A and mass sorter 74B is helpful for producing food additives made of kernels where the food additives contain relatively little matter from husks (and / or food additives made from husks where the food additives contain relatively little matter from kernels). This is particularly advantageous because the majority of the protein of a seed is contained within the kernel, while the majority of the fibre of a seed is contained within the husk.

[0164] Entraining fragments in an airflow path will lead each individual fragment to follow a particular path (e.g. trajectory). A fragment travelling in a container 80, 180 in which there is such an airflow path will be acted upon by the force of gravity, frictional forces, and where the airflow path comprising a circular (e.g. helical or cyclonic) component, centripetal force. Accordingly, the path (e.g. trajectory) that a particular fragment travels will be the result of the shape, size, mass, and surface properties of the fragment.

[0165] Advantageously, the apparatus 1 according to this example embodiment may be used to efficiently separate the kernels and husks of a wide variety of seeds (e.g. seeds of different plant varieties, sizes, shapes, hardnesses, etc.) by appropriate adjustment of the positioning of the outer wall 20 with respect to the bars 4 of the squirrel cage. The separation of the husks and kernels is particularly valuable because this allows separate access to the kernel (and thus a source of protein) and the husk (and thus a source of fibre).

[0166] Because the internal regions 28 are under a positive pressure differential relative to the region of the apparatus 1 including the squirrel cage 2, material and dust from the squirrel cage 2 cannot enter these regions 28 and therefore cannot reach the bearings 34. Such material and dust is instead encouraged to move towards the outlet 16. Furthermore, because the pressure differential can be used to restrict movement of dust towards the bearings, the seals between the bearings and the region containing the squirrel cage 2 need not be so large, or so complete, reducing costs and maintenance requirements.

[0167] Although in this example embodiment the container is a squirrel cage 2 having bars 4 this is not required, and other containers may be used provided apertures are defined in at least one of the container walls. For example, the container may be a cylindrical container arranged in a similar orientation to the squirrel cage 2 shown in Figures 1 to 5, but with the bars 4 being replaced with a mesh wall. Similarly, although the bars 4 in this example embodiment have square cross-sections, the bars may in the alternative have cross-sections of other shapes, and may or may not all have the same shape of cross-section. While sixteen bars are provided in this example embodiment, other numbers of bars may be used in the alternative.

[0168] While a rotary valve 18 is provided in this instance to allow a predetermined quantity of seeds to be dispensed into the squirrel cage 2 at a given time, this is also not required and other methods may be used for controlling dispensation of the seeds (or indeed seeds may be allowed to move directly from the inlet 14 into the squirrel cage 2). For example, the inlet 14 may comprise an auger screw arranged to carry seeds to the squirrel cage 2.

[0169] Other mechanisms and methods may be used to adjust the positioning of the outer wall 20 with respect to the squirrel cage 2 beyond the use of the cams 10, 12. Although cams are a particularly easy to use mechanism and allow for precise selection of positioning from a continuous range of options, the skilled person will appreciate that other mechanisms may also be suitable and that such mechanisms would fall within the invention.

[0170] The methods described may include additional and / or alternative steps. For example, the methods may include a step of adjusting the positioning of the out wall 20 with respect to the squirrel cage. The methods may include a step of adjusting the pitch of the bars 4 with respect to the central shaft 3. The methods may comprise causing a positive differential pressure to arise between a region of the apparatus 1 separate from the squirrel cage (and including bearings for rotation of the squirrel cage) and a region of the apparatus 1 including the squirrel cage 2.

[0171] Although in this example the outer wall 20 and the bars 4 are made of abrasion resistant steel, other materials may be used in the alternative, and / or the outer wall 20 and / or the bars 4 may have an abrasion resistant coating.

[0172] While the size sorter inlet 62 of this example contains a rotary valve (not shown) arranged to release portions of a mixture of seeds, husks, kernels, fragments of husks, and fragments of kernels into the size sorter 60, other mechanisms may be used to achieve this. For example, the size sorter inlet 62 may be provided with a vibratory feeder or a regulated flow over a weir spanning the width of the inlet.

[0173] It will be appreciated that the mass sorter may comprise fewer or more than five sieves 64, and a corresponding number of sieve outlets 66. Similarly, although sieves arranged such that they are angled with respect to the horizontal is particularly effective, this is not required, and other arrangements may be used. Other mechanisms for moving the sieves may also be used.

[0174] Although the examples described hereinbefore have referred to husks, it will be understood that the examples relate typically to separation of the kernel from the tight fitting hull surrounding the kernel, and typically within the husk or shell.

[0175] In summary, there is provided an apparatus (1) for processing seeds, each seed comprising a hull and a kernel, the apparatus configured to separate the hull and the kernel, wherein the apparatus comprises: a container (2) comprising one or more container walls (4), at least one of the one or more container walls defining a plurality of apertures therein; a seed inlet (14) for allowing seeds into the container; an outlet (16) for allowing hulls and kernels out of the container; an actuator (24) configured to cause the container to rotate; one or more outer walls (20), the outer walls at least partially surrounding the container; and a wall adjustment mechanism (10, 12) configured to adjust the one or more outer walls with respect to the container.

[0176] Throughout the description and claims of this specification, the words “comprise” and “contain” and variations of them mean “including but not limited to”, and they are not intended to and do not exclude other components, integers, or steps. Throughout the description and claims of this specification, the singular encompasses the plural unless the context otherwise requires. In particular, where the indefinite article is used, the specification is to be understood as contemplating plurality as well as singularity, unless the context requires otherwise.

[0177] Features, integers, characteristics, or groups described in conjunction with a particular aspect, embodiment, or example of the invention are to be understood to be applicable to any other aspect, embodiment or example described herein unless incompatible therewith. All of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), and / or all of the steps of any method or process so disclosed, may be combined in any combination, except combinations where at least some of such features and / or steps are mutually exclusive. The invention is not restricted to the details of any foregoing embodiments. The invention extends to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), or to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the steps of any method or process so disclosed.

Claims

Claims1. An apparatus for processing seeds, each seed comprising a hull and a kernel, the apparatus configured to separate the hull and the kernel, wherein the apparatus comprises: a rotatable body comprising one or more body walls, defining a plurality of apertures or depressions in a circumferential region of the rotatable body; an inlet for allowing seeds into the apparatus therethrough; an outlet for allowing hulls and kernels out of the apparatus; an actuator configured to cause the rotatable body to rotate; one or more outer walls, the outer walls at least partially surrounding the rotatable body; and a wall adjustment mechanism configured to adjust the one or more outer walls with respect to the rotatable body.

2. The apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the rotatable body is a container defining a central cavity therein, wherein at least one of the one or more body walls is defined by a plurality of bars, and wherein the apertures are defined by spaces between adjacent bars of the plurality of bars.

3. The apparatus according to claim 2, wherein one or more of the plurality of bars has a cross-sectional shape having at least three sides, at least two of the said three sides meeting to thereby form a corner having an internal angle of less than 135°.

4. The apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the pitch of one or more of the plurality of bars is adjustable.

5. The apparatus according to any one preceding claim, wherein the wall adjustment mechanism is configured to adjust the distance between one or more of the outer walls and the rotatable body and / or, wherein the wall adjustment mechanism is configured to adjust the angle of one or more of the outer walls with respect to the rotatable body.

6. The apparatus according to any one preceding claim, wherein the apparatus comprises an air supplier configured to supply air to a region of the apparatus separate from the rotatable body.

7. The apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the air supplier is configured to cause a pressure at the region of the apparatus separate from the rotatable body greater than an atmospheric pressure outside the apparatus.

8. The apparatus according to any one preceding claim wherein at least one of the one or more outer walls defines an undulating surface facing the rotatable body.

9. The apparatus according to any one preceding claim wherein the apparatus comprises a seed dispenser for dispensing a predetermined quantity of seeds from the inlet towards the rotatable body in a predetermined time period.

10. The apparatus according to any one preceding claim, wherein the apparatus comprises a plurality of seeds, optionally wherein at least 80% of the seeds are seeds of the same plant variety.

11. The apparatus according to any preceding claim, comprising a fragment sorter configured to receive kernels, hulls, and / or fragments thereof from the rotatable body; and sort kernels, hulls, and / or fragments thereof by size, the fragment sorter comprising one or more sieves configured to sort kernels, hulls, and / or fragments thereof into two or more size groups.

12. The apparatus according to any preceding claim, comprising a fragment sorter configured to sort kernels, hulls, and / or fragments thereof by mass, the fragment sorter comprising a container; one or more container inlets configured to allow hulls, kernels, and / or fragments thereof into the container; andone or more light fragment outlets configured to allow hulls, kernels, and / or fragments thereof each having a mass below a predetermined mass to leave the container; an airflow generator configured to generate an airflow path for entraining hulls, kernels, and / or fragments thereof, each having a mass below the predetermined mass, and to move the entrained hulls, kernels, and / or fragments thereof towards the one or more light fragment outlets.

13. A method of operating an apparatus according to any one preceding claim, wherein the apparatus is supplied with a plurality of seeds, the method comprising: causing a plurality of seeds to be supplied to the rotatable body; causing the rotatable body to rotate to separate the hulls and the kernel of one or more of the plurality of seeds; and causing the hulls and kernels to be output from the apparatus.

14. The method according to claim 13, comprising causing adjustment one or more of the outer walls with respect to the rotatable body.

15. The method according to claim 14, comprising causing adjustment of the distance between one or more of the outer walls and the rotatable body.

16. The method according to claim 14 or claim 15, comprising causing adjustment of the angle of one or more of the outer walls with respect to the rotatable body.

17. The method according to any one of claims 13 to 16, wherein at least one of the body walls is defined by a plurality of bars, the method comprising causing adjustment of the pitch of one or more of the plurality of bars.

18. The method according to any one or claims 13 to 17, comprising causing a pressure at the at a region of the apparatus separate from the rotatable body to be greater than an atmospheric pressure external to the apparatus.

19. The method according to any one of claims 13 to 18 comprising causing a predetermined quantity of seeds to be dispensed from the inlet towards the rotatable body in a predetermined time period.

20. The method according to any one of claims 13 to 19, the method comprising causing kernels, hulls, and / or fragments thereof to be sorted by one or more of:- size; and- mass.

21. A kernel of a seed, wherein the kernel has been separated from the hull according to the apparatus of any one of claims 1 to 12 and / or the method of any one of claims 13 to 20.

22. A food additive, the food additive comprising a powder formed by grinding kernels according to claim 21 .

23. The food additive according to claim 22, wherein the food additive comprises at least 55% protein by mass.

24. A method of manufacturing a food additive, the method comprising: causing seeds to be supplied to an apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 12; and causing the separation of the kernels and the hulls.

25. The method according to claim 24, comprising causing the kernels to be ground into a powder.

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