Apparatus and method for removal of seed pericarp
First Claim
Patent Images
1. A method for removing pericarp from substantially all of the remainder of a seed comprising:
- (a) sonicating the seed; and
(b) removing the pericarp.
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Abstract
An apparatus and method for removing pericarp from a seed, such as a corn kernel. The method includes sonicating the kernel to loosen the pericarp and then separation of the pericarp. One example of separation is by frictional milling. An additional optional aspect of the invention is isolation of the pericarp from the remainder of the seed and/or further cleaning or purification of the pericarp.
60 Citations
58 Claims
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1. A method for removing pericarp from substantially all of the remainder of a seed comprising:
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(a) sonicating the seed; and
(b) removing the pericarp. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40)
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31. The method of clam 30 wherein the mild base comprises sodium bicarbonate.
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41. An apparatus for separating pericarp from a seed comprising:
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a means for sonicating the seeds; and
a means for removing pericarp from the seed. - View Dependent Claims (42, 43, 44, 45, 46, 47, 48, 49, 50)
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51. A method for isolating pericarp from the remainder of the corn kernel comprising:
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removing the tip cap of the corn kernel;
sonicating the kernel;
frictionally separating pericarp from the remainder of the kernel;
isolating the pericarp; and
cleaning the isolated pericarp. - View Dependent Claims (52, 53, 54, 55, 56, 57)
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58. An apparatus for removing the tip cap of a corn kernel comprising:
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a cutting or grinding mechanism having a cutting or grinding edge or face;
a motor to power the cutting or grinding device;
a kernel receiver positionable adjacent the cutting or grinding edge or face;
the kernel receiver comprising a member having a slot of rectangular general shape configured to allow passage of a kernel tip cap and at least a substantial part of the remainder part of the kernel;
the receiver being positionable relative the cutting or grinding edge surface such that the kernel can come into contact with the cutting edge or grinding surface.
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Specification