Fruit sub-sampler and grading table
US4043443A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Sep 15, 1975 |
| Grant date | Aug 23, 1977 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Sep 15, 1995 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB07B13/00
- WIPO fieldChemical engineering
- WIPO sectorChemistry
Abstract
A fruit sub-sampler and grading table, especially for use with canning tomatoes, includes a frame. A measured supply of tomatoes is discharged at the entrance end of the frame and as it progresses toward the exit end of the frame is divided longitudinally into two streams. The first stream as it further advances is split to follow a primary path and a parallel but transversely spaced secondary path. Separate belt conveyors individually continue the two paths and are separately controllable as to speed by a pair of inspectors who transfer certain fruit from the belt conveyors to individual containers. These are disposed in the space between the conveyors and are supported on the frame by load cells connected to display individual container weights. Fruit discharged from the exit end of the belt conveyors is carried by a return conveyor toward the entrance end of the conveyor. Fruit in the second stream is discharged over a random selection drum. Fruit segregated by the drum is retained for special inspection, and the remainder of the second stream passing the drum is released to the return conveyor or is intercepted and discharged from the machine.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.