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° — 75°, and even more at certain seasons. If too, it is 
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 be 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 con- 
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, to- 
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 machine carries one, or as may be desired, any 
number of pulleys. 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 supplied 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 alter 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. 
