Team 11: Amaranth Seed Processor
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IntegrationTesting
January 2005

Summary
A rough prototype was built. Results are encouraging, proving the feasibility of the product. Our device does separate seed from the harvested heads and chaff. The thresher effectively crushes the harvested heads. The screen effectively stops the larger pieces from falling into the air chute. The fan blows the chaff (but not seed) out. However, adjustments are necessary and final design decisions must be made.

Adjustments
Further testing must be done to ensure the seed is "clean" enough at the end of the path. Also, the incline angle the seed follows must be steeper; some seed lands on the bottom of the chute and stays there. Another adjustment to be made is to design a catch pan to collect the seed, and also to sift out the dirt.

Further Design
The frame design must be considered: minimal material, lightweight, and strong. A gearing system to connect the fan and the thresher must be designed. A hopper may be added to the system to ensure consistent threshing and as a safety feature.