Patent · US Active

Automated fruit and vegetable calyx or stem removal machine

US9364020B2 · kind B2 · utility

8Cited by
7References
4Claims
0Family size

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Key dates

Filing dateMar 14, 2014
Grant dateJun 14, 2016
Priority date
Expiry dateJul 12, 2034

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
  • CPC primaryB26F3/004
  • WIPO fieldMachine tools
  • WIPO sectorMechanical engineering

Abstract

A process for automated high-throughput fruit or vegetable calyx removal includes a material handling system, a vision system, and a cutting system. The material handling system is capable of transporting the fruit or vegetable through the automated process. The material handling system may also orient the fruits or vegetables along an axis of the fruit and or align the fruit or vegetables in a desired pattern, orientation, and/or configuration. The vision system identifies the calyx and determines calyx position data and optimal cutting angle for individual fruit. The cutting system uses data received from the vision system to automatically remove the calyx from the fruit or vegetables.

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.