Automated strawberry orienting and capping machine
US10729167B2 · kind B2 · utility
0Cited by
7References
14Claims
0Family size
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jan 10, 2018 |
| Grant date | Aug 4, 2020 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Nov 12, 2038 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB26D2210/02
- WIPO fieldMachine tools
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
An automated apparatus for removing the tops (calyx) of strawberries as they move along a conveyor belt having a plurality of concave-shaped slotted rollers which operate to orient the calyx of each strawberry for being cut. Images are captured and processed for locating the calyx of each strawberry and determining an optimal cutting plane. In response to the image processing a control system actuates a blade in a cutting apparatus to pass through the produce item and into one of the slots in a roller, or rollers, to separate the calyx from the body of the strawberry.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.