Apparatus and method for harvesting portions with fluid nozzle arrays
US9138781B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Feb 24, 2012 |
| Grant date | Sep 22, 2015 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jan 9, 2033 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB26F3/004
- WIPO fieldMachine tools
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A system for cutting a workpiece into one or more portions or final pieces, and then transferring the final pieces to a receiving location, includes a conveyor configured to support and advance workpiece, as well as a cutter configured to cut the workpiece into the final pieces. At least one fluid nozzle is positioned relative to the conveyor and selectively activatable to discharge a stream of fluid at a predetermined location(s) on the final piece, thereby to propel the final piece from the conveyor to a receiving location. A controller activates the nozzle to direct the fluid stream at the target position(s) on the final pieces.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.