TECHNICAL FIELD
The present subject matter relates to a separator device for sorting particulate matter, and more particularly to a grain sorting apparatus for sorting grains and removing stones, husk, and other unwanted material.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Sorting grains has been done manually for centuries. All different types of grains have categories of shape and size, which is required to be sorted in order to reach upon an edible set of grains. Just like rice grains can be divided into 3 categories- good grains, broken grains and black (inedible) grains, Along with sorting the grains, husk and stones also needed to be removed, Traditionally, husk is removed by winnowing and seeds are sorted manually.
In state of the art, particulate sorting machines or specifically, grain sorting machine sort grains on the basis of color, under the category optical sorters, while any machine sorting particles or specifically grains, following winnowing is not observed. The automatic sorters available in the market are expensive and also require power; additionally they possess complicate operational mechanisms in it. While the grain optical sorters has their limitations of unfeasibility due to the reasons diversified grains, unaffordability, etc.
There is a need of less cumbersome and affordable machine or device which operates on a less cumbersome technique and can effectively sort grains and other particulate matter under simple operation or either manual operation, that can relief the tedious task of manual sorting performed by individuals.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
An object of the invention is to provide a grain and remove stones, husk and other unwanted particles.

Yet, another object of the invention to facilitate sorting and collecting of particulate matter, preferably grains, on basis of their shape and sizes.
Yet, another object of the present invention is to provide a grain sorter that effectively works on the principle of winnowing.
Yet, another object of the invention is to provide a grain sorter which is portable.
Another object of the invention is to provide a grain sorter that is highly cost efficient.
Yet, another object of the invention is to provide a grain sorter that can be operated manually or on a motor thus promoting green technology.
The present subject matter relates to a sorting apparatus for grains. The sorting apparatus sorts clean grains, broken grains, inedible grains, stones, and husk into different collection units. The sorting apparatus comprises a portable body. The portable body further includes a feeding unit for feeding particular matter, for example, clean grains, broken grains, inedible grains, stones, and husk; a blower fan; and a plurality of collection units.
In an embodiment of the present subject matter, the feeding unit may be a conical hopper used for feeding the particulate matter.
In another embodiment of the present subject matter, the blower fan may be a hand driven or manually actuated blower fan. The blower fan may be actuated by using a handle or a pulley.
In another embodiment of the present subject matter, the blower fan may be a motorized blower fan that may be actuated by using a motor.
In another embodiment of the present subject matter, the first collection unit may be arranged in a direction further away from the feeding unit and the blower fan. The second collection unit may be arranged between the first collection unit and a third collection unit. The first collection unit may be arranged exactly below the feeding unit.

In another embodiment of the present subject matter, when the blower fan is actuated, the husk may be separated from the clean grains, the broken grains, the inedible grains, and the stones, and may be blown away from the portable body of the sorting apparatus.
In another embodiment of the present subject matter, when the blower fan is actuated, the inedible grains may be separated from the clean grains, the broken grains, and the stones, and may be collected in a first collection unit.
In another embodiment of the present subject matter, when the blower fan is actuated, the clean grains and the broken grains are separated from the stones and are collected in the second collection unit.
In another embodiment of the present subject matter, the stones are collected in the third collection unit. The third collection unit may be arranged below the feeding unit.
In yet another embodiment of the present subject matter, a method for sorting clean grains from particulate matter including clean grains, broken grains, inedible grains, stones, husk, and other unwanted particles using a portable body is employed. The method comprising the steps of: feeding the particulate matter in a feeding unit; actuating a blower fan; collecting clean grains and broken grains in a second collection unit; and separating clean grains from broken grains using a sieve.
The present subject matter relates to a sorting apparatus for grains that works on the principle of winnowing and sorts grains into categories that may be categorized on the basis of different shapes and sizes of grains. The mechanism of the present subject matter also separates husk and stones from the grains also.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
A further understanding of the present invention can be obtained by reference to various embodiments set forth in the illustrations of the accompanying drawings. The

drawings are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention, which is set forth with particularity in the claims as appended or as subsequently amended, but merely to clarify and exemplify the invention.
For a more complete understanding of the present invention, reference is now made to the following drawings in which:
Figure 1 illustrates a top perspective view of a sorting apparatus for grains in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter.
Figure 2 illustrates a side view of the sorting apparatus for grains in accordance with another embodiment of the present subject matter.
Figure 3 illustrates a perspective side view of the sorting apparatus for grains in accordance with another embodiment of the present subject matter.
Figure 4 illustrates a method for sorting clean grains from particulate matter in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
The following presents a detailed description of various embodiments of the present subject matter with reference to the accompanying drawings.
As used herein, the singular forms “a”, “an” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless expressly stated otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms “includes”, “comprises”, “including” and/or “comprising” when used in this specification, specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof. It will be understood that when an element is referred to as being “connected” or “coupled” to another element, it can be directly connected or coupled to the other element or intervening elements

may be present. Furthermore, “connected” or “coupled” as used herein may include operatively connected or coupled. As used herein, the term “and/or” includes any and all combinations and arrangements of one or more of the associated listed items.
The embodiments of the present subject matter are described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, the present subject matter is not limited to these embodiments which are only provided to explain more clearly the present subject matter to the ordinarily skilled in the art of the present disclosure. In the accompanying drawings, like reference numerals are used to indicate like components.
Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure pertains. It will be further understood that terms, such as those defined in commonly used dictionaries, should be interpreted as having a meaning that is consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant art and will not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless expressly so defined herein.
The present subject matter, described herein, provides a grain sorting apparatus that sorts grains and removes stones, husk, and other unwanted particles.
Figure 1 illustrates a top perspective view of a sorting apparatus for grains in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter. The sorting apparatus 100 for grains comprises a portable body 102. In an example, the portable body 102 may include lifting handle 116 for easily lifting the portable body and transporting it from one place to another without any inconvenience. The portable body 102 may preferably made of light plastic material, wood, metallic substances, carbon fibre, and the like.
The portable body 102 of the sorting apparatus 100 includes a feeding unit 104, a blower fan 106 (not shown in figure) and a plurality of collection units 108a, 108b, 108c (not shown in figure). The feeding unit 104 is mounted on the top of the portable body 102. The

feeding unit 104 may, for example, be a conical hopper, a cylindrical hopper, a rectangular hopper, and the like. The feeding unit 104 inputs particulate matter into the portable body 102 for sorting. In an example, the particulate matter may comprise clean grains, broken grains, inedible grains, stones, husk, and other unwanted particles.
The portable body 102 further includes a blower fan 106 (not shown in the figure) fitted inside the portable body 102. The blower fan may, for example, be actuated manually by using a handle 110. The handle 110 shall be rotated in any circular direction to actuate the blower fan. The blower fan may, for example, be a motorised blower fan that is actuated by a motor 112. The motor actuating the blower fan may, for example, be driven by electricity or in-build battery system.
Figure 2 illustrates a side view of the sorting apparatus for grains in accordance with another embodiment of the present subject matter. The sorting apparatus 102 includes the feeding unit 104 on the top of the portable body 102, and the blower fan 106.
In an embodiment of the present subject matter, the blower fan is manually actuated by using a pulley 114. The pulley 114 by means of rotation actuates the blower fan that helps in separating clean grains from particulate matter.
Figure 3 illustrates a perspective side view of the sorting apparatus for grains in accordance with another embodiment of the present subject matter. The sorting apparatus 100 for grains comprises a portable body 102 as shown in Fig.3. The portable body 102 includes a feeding unit 104, a blower fan 106 and a plurality of collection units108a, 108b, and 108c.
The feeding unit 104 is mounted on the top of the portable body 102 for inputting particulate matter. In an example, the particulate matter comprises clean grains, broken grains, inedible grains, stones, husk, and other unwanted particles. The blower fan 106 is actuated by manually using a pulley 114 or automatically by using a motor 112. The plurality

of collection units 108a, 108b, 108c are used for collecting the particulate matter after the blower fan is actuated.
In accordance with an implementation of the present subject matter, the feeding unit 104 receives the particulate matter are input. The input particulate matter comprises clean grains, broken grains, inedible grains, stones, husk, and other unwanted particles. As soon as the particulate matter is received in the feeding unit 104, the blower fan 106 is actuated either manually or automatically.
The particulate matter comprising clean grains, broken grains, inedible grains, stones, and husk is allowed to fall in downwards direction under the action of gravity and the actuated blower fan 106. The husk being the lightest of all other matter is blown out of the portable due to the actuation of the blower fan 106 as can been seen in Fig. 3 with the help of free arrows. The husk that is separated from rest of the particulate matter is blown out of the portable body 102 and may be collected separately in any of the container.
In an embodiment of the present subject matter, the plurality of collection units 108a, 108b, 108c may be a first collection unit 108a, a second collection unit 108b, and a third collection unit 108c.
The first collection unit 108a is arranged further away from the feeding unit 104 and blower fan 106. The first collection unit 108a is arranged at the edge of the portable body 102 just adjacent to the lifting handle 116 of the portable body 102. Further, the second collection unit 108b is arranged adjacent to the first collection unit 108a. The third collection unit 108c is arranged adjacent to the second collection unit 108b. The first collection unit 108a, the second collection unit 108b, and the third collection unit 108c, all, are arranged in a straight line. The second collection unit 108b is sandwiched between the first collection unit 108a and the third collection unit 108c, wherein the third collection unit 108c is arranged exactly below the feeding unit 104.

In another embodiment of the present subject matter, when the blower fan 106 is actuated, the inedible grains being the second lightest are blown away but not as further away as husk. The inedible grains are collected in the first collection unit 108a. The stones being the heaviest of all the particulate matter remain unaffected by the action of wind of the blower fan 106 and are thereby collected in the third collection unit 108c that is exactly below the feeding unit 104. The clean grains and broken grains being almost of same weight are slightly carried away by wind of the blower fan and are thus collected in the second collection unit 108b.
Thus, by the actuation of the blower fan, the particulate matter including clean grains, broken grains, inedible grains, stones, and husk are sorted. The husk is blown out of the portable body. The inedible grains are collected in the first collection unit 108a. The clean and broken grains are collected in the second collection unit 108b. The stones are collected in the third collection unit 108c.
In yet another embodiment of the present subject matter, the second collection unit 108b includes a sieve along its slope 118. The clean grains and the broken grains collected in the second collection unit 108b further run along the slope 118 of the collection unit having sieve wherein due the action of sieve the clean grains are separated from the broken grains. Thus, the sorted clean grains can be collected in an external container.
Figure 4 illustrates a method for sorting clean grains from particulate matter in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter. The method for sorting clean grains from particulate matter is used. The particulate matter, for example, includes clean grains, broken grains, inedible grains, stones, husk, and other unwanted particles. The method comprises the series of steps for sorting the clean grains from the particulate matter. Step 201 feeds the particulate matter is into the feeding unit. After feeding the particulate matter into the feeding unit, in step 202, the blower fan is actuated that produces wind energy inside the

portable body. In step 203, the husk being the lightest of all the particulate matter is blown out of the portable body and may be collected in external container. Further, under the influence of wind energy produced due to the actuation of the blower fan, in step 204, the inedible grains are collected in the first collection unit. In the subsequent step 205, the stones are collected in the third collection unit. Further, in the subsequent step 206, the clean and broken grains are collected in the second collection unit. In the next step 207, the clean grains and the broken grains collected in the second collection unit are separated from each other using a sieve arranged along the slope of the second collection unit. Hence, the clean grain obtained can be collected in any external container.
The present subject matter relates to a sorting apparatus for grains that works on the principle of winnowing and sorts grains into categories that may be categorized on the basis of different shapes and sizes of grains. The mechanism of the present subject matter also separates husk and stones from the grains also.
The present subject matter aims to provide an innovative technology by means of which clean grains are easily sorted from particulate matter with minimal use of energy. Further, the apparatus of the present subject matter is eco-friendly promoting green technology and is commercially viable. The sorting apparatus of the present subject matter has a ability to sort 400 to 450kg of grains per hour into different grades like clean grains, broken grains, inedible grains, stones, and husk. The present subject matter may further be upgraded and designed in consideration of increasing efficiency in sorting of grains
It should be noted that the description and figures relate to example implementations, and should not be construed as a limitation to the present subject matter. It is thus understood that various arrangements may be devised that, although not explicitly described or shown herein, embody the principles of the present subject matter. Moreover, all statements herein

reciting principles, aspects, and embodiments of the present subject matter, as well as specific examples thereof, are intended to encompass equivalents thereof.

I/We claim:
1. A sorting apparatus (100) for grains comprising:
a portable body (102) comprising
a feeding unit (104) for feeding particulate matter;
a blower fan (106); and
a plurality of collection units (108a, 108b, 108c).
2. The sorting apparatus (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the particulate matter comprises clean grains, broken grains, inedible grains, stones, husk, and other unwanted particles.
3. The sorting apparatus (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the feeding unit (104) is a conical hopper used for feeding the particulate matter comprising clean grains, broken grains, inedible grains, stones, husk, and other unwanted particles.
4. The sorting apparatus (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the blower fan (106) is a hand driven blower fan.
5. The sorting apparatus (100) as claimed in claim 4, wherein the hand driven blower fan (106) is actuated by a handle (110).
6. The sorting apparatus (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the blower fan (106) is a motorized blower fan driven by a motor (112).
7. The sorting apparatus (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein, when the blower fan (106) is actuated, the husk is separated from the clean grains, the broken grains, the inedible grains, and the stones, and is blown away from the portable body (102) of the sorting apparatus (100).
8. The sorting apparatus (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein, when the blower fan (106) is actuated, the inedible grains are separated from the clean grains, the broken grains, and the stones, and are collected in a first collection unit (108a).

9. The sorting apparatus (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first collection unit (108a) is arranged in a direction further away from the feeding unit (104) and the blower fan (106).
10. The sorting apparatus (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein, when the blower fan (106) is actuated, the clean grains and the broken grains are separated from the stones and are collected in a second collection unit (108b).
11. The sorting apparatus (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the second collection unit (108b) is arranged between the first collection unit (108a) and a third collection unit (108c).
12. The sorting apparatus (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the stones present in the particulate matter are collected in the third collection unit (108c), the third collection unit (108c) is arranged below the feeding unit (104).
13. The sorting apparatus (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the second collection unit (108b) comprises a sieve along the slope (118) to separate clean grains and broken grains.
14. A method (200) for sorting clean grains from particulate matter including clean grains, broken grains, inedible grains, stones, husk, and other unwanted particles using a portable body, the method comprising
feeding the particulate matter in a feeding unit (104);
actuating a blower fan (106);
collecting clean grains and broken grains in a second collection unit (108b);
and
separating clean grains from broken grains using a sieve.