UTILIZATION" OF WASTE SEED FEOM THE TOMATO. 9 



depending, of course, on the size and duration of the cycle. It will 

 be noted that the above methods are not continuous and that they 

 require the entire attention of the operator. 



A moisture expeller (figs. 4 and 5) has been successfully applied 

 in this operation. The machine is essentially similar to an oil ex- 

 peller, consisting of a horizontal barrel composed of bars bolted 

 together, along the longitudinal axis of which rotates a screw. This 

 latter carriers the charge of wet seed forward and discharges it over 

 a cone in the outlet of the barrel. By adjusting this cone in the throat 

 of the barrel the degree of pressure, and consequently the extent of 

 moisture reduction, can be regulated. 



Fig. 4. — An experimental moisture expeller ; Closed. 



The machine does not operate on unwashed seed, as the slippery 

 character of the latter causes it merely to churn. It is absolutely 

 necessary that the seed be denuded of this coating material, and pref- 

 erably pressed hot. All of this can be accomplished, of course, by 

 washing the seed in hot water and pressing it immediately. By such 

 procedure the moisture content can be reduced from 65 to about 52 

 per cent. The operation is continuous and does not need the constant 

 attention of the operator ; in fact, after being adjusted at the begin- 

 ning of the run it operates without further change, except possibly 

 a slight adjustment from time to time because of the varying char- 

 acter of the seed. Among its other advantages is the fact that owing 

 17780°— 21 2 



