An automated, low cost device for feeding grains into a grinding mill

Abstract

A simple automated device has been constructed to feed grains into a regular manually fed grinding mill. It is capable of feeding grains with desirable constant rates according to the size and type of grains as well as in accordance with the efficiency of the mill. The mechanism and efficiency of the device could be improved further. The device can be easily manufactured locally at low cost and thus has a wider applicability in small scale industry. At present, the device can be used for feeding dry or wet rice, kurakkan, com seeds, etc. The device can be modified further as an automated system with couple of sensors to use for multiple industrial applications and one such application under development is a device to measure weights of various powder products and seeds before packaging.