87 



merely expedite the process of coalescence). Both by volume and 

 weight water is the larger and heavier body in the composition of 

 latex, from 55" — -/s", and even more at certain seasons. Iftoo, itis 

 remembered that the specific gravity of water is heavier than latex, 

 the refinement of the arrangement of partial separation between the 

 water and caoutchouc contained in latex by mechanical means in the 

 process of coagulation by heat and smoke, now to be described, will 

 be apparent. 



19. Heat is generated in a furnace supplied with wood, coconut 

 husk, or similar fuel and should ht quite dry. The furnace is placed 

 outside the smoke-house and a large pipe is led from, the furnace 

 along the ground of the house into a smoke-box, a row of smaller 

 pipes is led from the smoke-box back to the funnel of the furnace, 

 the rate of combustion and also the passage of smoke being ctm- 

 trolled by separate dampers. The pipes are perforated underneath 

 so that the smoke in passing through the perforations strike a re- 

 covery trough placed beneath which acts, like the smoke-box, as a 

 filter, as the water vapour in the smoke condenses in the trough and 

 deposits various impurities and this liquid is drained away. 



20. Latex is exposed to the action of heat and smoke by the em- 

 ployment of an endless flexible band or belt which passes through 

 an adjustable receptacle containing latex placed outside the smoke 

 chamber and continually removes the surface layer of latex out of 

 this supply vessel into which the band dips. 



21. The arrangement of belts is such that one or any number 

 can be carried on the same machine, and the belt is carried on pulleys. 

 One pulley (or more) supported by brackets is inside the chamber, and 

 one attached to the driving gear outside the chamber. 



22. These brackets are adjustable in two directions, vertically, lo 

 allow of lowering or lifting the belts independently, horizontally, to 

 allow of any sagging being taken up, or, if necessary, the removal of 

 same; automatic belt adjusting gear is also attached, which can be 

 easily put in or out of action. 



23. The driving macliine carries one, or as may be desired, any 

 number of pulley-. These are driven by a worm and worm wheel, and 

 this worm shaft can be driven by either hand or motor power as 

 required. This machine is also adjustable vertically so that the 

 distance between the belts and smoke pipes can be controlled. 



24. The supply vessels below the belts are su implied from 

 cylindrical reservoirs carried by movable supports. The supports are 

 controlled vertically by a wheel and screw so that the flow of latex into 

 the supply vessel can be regulated. The reservoirs and support is 

 easily detached from the supply vessel and can be readily removed 

 for the purpose of stripping the belt after coagulation. 



25. Smoke and heat is concentrated on the belts by the receiving 

 trough and the temperature of the smoke chamber is regulated by 

 ventilation. 



