By Endless-belt Hulling Surface Patents (Class 99/616)
  • Patent number: 4848221
    Abstract: Method and apparatus remove the seed membrane from fava bean seeds and similar beans. The apparatus has a pair of continuous belts which define a fixed space, into which space said seeds are fed. The seeds travel between said belts, which are engaged in the same direction but at differential speeds. The frictional movement caused by the moving belts tears the seed membrane from the seed and splits the seed into component halves.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 1987
    Date of Patent: July 18, 1989
    Assignee: California Natural Snacks, Inc.
    Inventor: Steven A. Borba