Abstract:
An unloading apparatus for horticultural products (A) such as blueberries and the like, which are conveyed along a predefined advancement path by respective movement units which comprises at least one dispenser (2) of pressurized fluid, which can be activated on command during the transit of each product (A), in order to send a jet of the pressurized fluid toward the product (A) and consequently cause its fall from the respective movement unit; at least one deflector screen (3) is arranged facing and proximate to the dispenser (2), on the opposite side with respect to the predefined trajectory, in order to intercept the products (A) struck by the jet; the screen (3) is inclined so as to define, between its face directed toward the dispenser (2) and a vertical plane (F) that passes through the dispenser (2), a work angle (a) comprised between one degree and ninety degrees, for the optimum downward deflection of the products (A).
Abstract:
A unit for transferring horticultural products (A) between at least one tank, in which the horticultural products (A) float on a fluid mass, and at least one collection container, comprising a head (2) provided with a plurality of walls (3) normally arranged vertically, the head (2) being movable between at least one collection position, in which the walls (3) are interposed between respective horticultural products (A), which float on the fluid mass at a respective predefined section (8) of the tank, and at least one unloading position, in which the walls (3) face and are proximate to the collection container. In an active configuration, the transverse elements (7) protrude transversely from the space occupation of the walls (3) to ensure mechanical interference with the fall of the horticultural products (A) as a consequence of the subsequent lifting of the head (2) and of its transfer toward said unloading position. In a passive configuration, the transverse elements (7) are retracted toward the walls (3), for the free release of the horticultural products (A) into the respective collection container.
Abstract:
The invention relates to a sliding shoe (42) for a holder (12) configured to sort and/or transport products (P) with a sorting device (2), particularly for vegetables and fruit. The invention further also relates to such a holder (12), sorting device (2) and method. The sliding shoe (42) according to the invention comprises: - a fastening (60, 62, 64, 66) configured to fasten the sliding shoe releasably to the holder (12), such that the sliding shoe (42) functions as replacement part for the holder (12); and - one or more sliding surfaces (56, 58) configured to guide the holder (12) over a guide (28) of the sorting device (2) while the holder (12) is being carried back in a sorting device (2). In a possible embodiment a first sliding surface (56) is provided on or close to the front side, as seen in usual transport direction of the products (P) in the sorting device (2), and a second sliding (58) surface is provided on or close to the rear side, as seen in usual transport direction of the products (P) in the sorting device (2).
Abstract:
A fruit flesh extracting machine for extracting a flesh of a fruit is provided. The machine includes a conveyor configured for, carrying and displacing the fruit; an edge removing station configured for slicing at least one edge of the fruit; and a flesh extracting station having a first scoop slidably and transversely mounted with respect to the conveyor and being configured for scooping out the flesh of the fruit. The conveyor is configured to displace the fruit between the edge removing station and the flesh extracting station.
Abstract:
The invention relates to an article conveying apparatus comprising one or more endless article conveyors configured to convey articles in a longitudinal direction along a plurality of adjacent conveying paths, each conveyor comprising a plurality of discrete article receiving means, wherein the discrete article receiving means along each conveying path is offset in the longitudinal direction from the discrete article receiving means of the neighbouring conveying path(s). The offset nature of the article receivers improves article imaging from the side. Embodiments also disclose article dischargers in the form of ejector arms attached to the article receivers and able to be actuated to eject articles from the conveyors.
Abstract:
L'invention concerne un procédé et un dispositif de groupage en lots d'objets flottants fragiles tels que des fruits flottants, dans au moins un canal d'accumulation (11). Une portion (12) amont d'au moins un canal d'accumulation est alimentée avec des objets transportés par un courant hydraulique jusqu'à une extrémité (13) aval de ce dernier dotée d'un dispositif (14) de retenue/libération des objets. La vitesse du courant hydraulique est ajustée de façon à entraîner une superposition hydraulique des objets retenus dans une zone (18) de superposition du canal d'accumulation contre le dispositif de retenue/ libération fermé de façon à retenir les objets.
Abstract:
Machine for the inspection and sorting of fruits, which has, connected to a control system, an inspection unit (1 ) and ejection means (3) which eject the fruits inspected by the inspection unit (1 ) which do not comply with certain conditions pre-established by the control system. The product transport means have a plurality of rotating rollers (7) which rotate the fruits they transport as they advance, providing multiple views of said fruits to the artificial vision system (4), and a final section for the fall of the fruits with a curved surface with variable decreasing radius. The present invention also consists of a method to inspect and sort fruits which makes them rotate during their transport and inspection and sets their acceleration at the discharge from the machine through a curved surface with decreasing radius.
Abstract:
An apparatus for the processing of articles (5) is disclosed. The apparatus includes guide means (1) having a body, a first end (2) for receiving articles, and a second end (3) for dispatching articles. The apparatus may be used to transfer articles (5) from a first conveyor means to a second conveyor means with a reduced likelihood of the articles colliding with other articles.
Abstract:
The present invention relates to an orientation unit for fruit sorting and grading machine, for rolling apples around its major axis at a fixed rpm depending upon the imaging and processing speed so as to make it possible for the camera to scan the entire periphery of the apple. This orientation unit of the present invention consists of a pair of rollers, wherein each of the rollers having a conical profile on one side and a flat laminar surface on the other side to get an apple of any shape oriented with major axis aligned along the axis of rotation. This set of rollers being spring loaded to make it possible for the rollers move to and for to accommodate apples of size ranging from 60 mm to 100 mm. A rotating belt being provided underneath the said rollers to rotate the fruits at a desired rpm so that a camera with an image processing system can scan the entire periphery of the fruit, the size and shape of, surface bruise and grade them into multiple category in terms of quality.
Abstract:
Certain types of fragile goods, such as certain fruits must be handled very gently, which reduces the capacity of weighing or sorting apparatus. According to the invention the capacity of existing plants may be increased considerably by using two conveyors (8, 9) and by performing a gentle depositing alternatingly on the two conveyors. The gentleness is obtained by a particular geometry (3, 4, 5, 6, 7) for the kinematic movement of intermediary collecting elements (3, 4) between the weighing and sorting apparatus and the conveyors.