Separator for grape harvesting unit

Abstract

A separation apparatus for a harvester for separating berries from other plant matter from harvested plant material, the apparatus comprising: a conveying system defining a first separation system; a second separation system at least partially located above the first separation system, the second separation system comprising an array of rotatable rollers to convey the harvested plant matter in an upstream to downstream direction, the rollers being spaced apart to provide a plurality of openings that allow the passage of separated berries while preventing the passage of other plant matter; a third separation system in the form of a stem removal unit downstream of the second separation system; a plant matter distribution system for distributing plant matter away from the collection apparatus, wherein berries are collected in a collection unit by any one or more of the first, second and third separation systems.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a device for sorting mechanically harvested berries to remove contaminants from the berries. Background of the Invention

[0003] Traditionally, berries such as grapes are harvested by hand. However, with technological advancements, driven by the need to increase harvesting speed and reduce costs, the berry harvesting process has become increasingly automated. The most commonly used mechanical berry harvester is the grape harvester. Mechanical grape harvesters are used worldwide to quickly remove grapes from the vine during winemaking. However, the problem is that mechanical grape harvesters also remove MOGs (Meta-Organic Pollutants) other than the grapes. These contaminants are undesirable in harvested grapes and, if not removed, can significantly alter the flavor of the wine produced from them. This is especially important when producing red wine, where the grape juice ferments for a long time along with the grape skins and any contaminants.

[0004] Therefore, wineries typically grade all grapes supplied from vineyards based on MOG contamination levels, paying less for grapes with a high percentage of contaminants. In some cases, wineries will reject grapes with too much contamination. As a result, mechanical grape harvesters operate in a manner designed to reduce the concentration of contaminants in the harvested grapes. One such way to reduce contamination is to operate the harvester at a slower speed. However, this is undesirable because it increases the cost of harvesting grapes and may offset any value added to the grapes by reducing contamination.

[0005] Mechanical grape harvesters typically operate by providing a channel through which the vines pass as the harvester moves along a row of vines. The harvester has a harvesting head positioned on either side of the vine and vibrating laterally, thus shaking the vine sideways. As a result, grapes fall from the vine and are collected by the harvester and fed to one or more outlets by a conveyor system. Typically, a mechanical grape harvester will have two outlets positioned on either side of the harvester, both outlets being supplied with berries via two separate conveyor systems. These outlets either store the harvested grapes directly into a collection unit or on another conveyor system that transports the grapes to an unloading conveyor extending to one side or rear of the harvester, where the harvested grapes are then stored in a "following" or trailing collection unit transported alongside or behind the harvester.

[0006] To allow mechanical harvesters to operate at increased speeds and reduce contaminant levels in harvested grapes, devices for removing contaminants and waste plant matter have been developed. These devices generally fall into two categories: first, devices that remove contaminants after harvesting and before fermentation; and second, devices mounted on the harvester itself that remove contaminants during harvesting.

[0007] However, the problem is that once the grapes are supplied to the winery, they will be assessed for contamination and any penalties will be imposed. Therefore, it is preferable to use a device mounted on the harvester to remove contaminants before delivery to the winery.

[0008] In fact, several such devices have been developed for this purpose. The most primitive form of such contaminant removal device is a fan. Typically, multiple fans are positioned above the conveyor path that transports the harvested grapes to the collection unit. As the grapes are transported under the fans, these fans create a vacuum above the grapes. The vacuum draws some contaminants (such as leaves) into the fans, which then expel the material from the harvester. However, such fans have limited capacity and efficiency. Therefore, more sophisticated berry separation systems that can be integrated into mechanical grape harvesters have been developed. These systems include Braud... TM Gregoire TM and Pellenc TM The systems each offer different systems for separating grapes from contaminated materials.

[0009] All of the aforementioned systems are fitted onto berry harvesters. Therefore, these systems need to be integrated into the harvester during manufacturing or retrofitted into existing harvesters, which can be difficult and expensive. Furthermore, producing grapes with a harvest that is essentially free of pollutants is in the interest of vineyards. However, very few vineyards own and operate their own mechanical harvesters. Instead, most vineyards lease or rent harvesters or subcontract their harvesting work to third-party contractors. Therefore, they have little control over the type of harvester used and whether the separating mechanism is attached to it.

[0010] Therefore, there is a need for a device to separate harvested berries (such as grapes) from waste, a device that can separate contaminants from harvested berries before delivery to wineries, and that can be used during the harvesting process without excessive effort or expense.

[0011] It should be understood that the discussion of documents, actions, materials, devices, articles, etc., is included in this specification solely for the purpose of providing background information for the invention. No implication or representation is made that any or all of these contents form part of the prior art or are common general knowledge in the field related to this invention, as they existed prior to the priority date of each claim of this application.

[0012] The object of the present invention is to solve one or more of the problems mentioned above, and / or to provide a separation device for a harvester and / or at least to provide a useful option to the public. Summary of the Invention

[0013] In a first aspect, a separating device for a harvester is described for separating berries from other plant material from harvested plant material, the device comprising:

[0014] A conveying system defining a first separation system, the first separation system being movable to define upstream and downstream positions relative to the conveying system, the conveying system including multiple orifices to allow transport of berries.

[0015] A second separation system, at least partially located above the first separation system, includes an array of rollers rotatable to convey harvested plant material in an upstream-to-downstream direction. The rollers are spaced apart to provide multiple openings that allow separated berries to be transported through the berries while preventing the transport of other plant material.

[0016] A third separation system in the form of a destemming unit is located downstream of the second separation system and above the first separation system.

[0017] A plant matter (MOG) dispensing system is used to dispense plant matter from equipment and collection units, and

[0018] The berries are collected in a collection unit by passing through any one or more of the first, second, and third separation systems.

[0019] In another aspect, a separating device is described, configured to be mounted on a harvester side arm for separating berries from other plant material from harvested plant material, the device comprising:

[0020] • A conveying system defining a first separation system, the first separation system being movable to define upstream and downstream positions relative to the conveying system, the conveying system including multiple orifices to allow transport of berries.

[0021] A second separation system, at least partially located above the first separation system, includes an array of rollers rotatable to convey harvested plant material in an upstream-to-downstream direction. The rollers are spaced apart to provide multiple openings that allow separated berries to be conveyed through while preventing the transport of other plant material.

[0022] • A third separation system in the form of a destemming unit, the third separation system being downstream of the second separation system and positioned above the first separation system, and

[0023] The berries are collected in a collection unit by any one or more of the first separation system, the second separation system, and the third separation system.

[0024] In another aspect, the harvester side arm is described, including

[0025] A slender structural support member having a first end and a second end.

[0026] A conveying system extending between a first end and a second end defines a first separating system, the first separating system being movable to define upstream and downstream positions relative to the conveying system. The conveying system includes a plurality of orifices to allow the transport of berries.

[0027] A second separation system located near the first end and above the first separation system includes an array of rollers rotatable to convey harvested plant material in an upstream-to-downstream direction. The rollers are spaced apart to provide multiple openings that allow separated berries to be conveyed through while preventing the transport of other plant material.

[0028] A third separation system in the form of a destemming unit, the third separation system being located near the second end, downstream of the second separation system and above the first separation system, and

[0029] The berries are collected in a collection unit by passing through any one or more of the first, second, and third separation systems.

[0030] In another aspect, a method for sorting harvested berries to remove contaminating plant matter from the berries is described, the method comprising:

[0031] • Operate a separation device for separating berries from other plant matter from harvested plant material, the device comprising:

[0032] The first separation system defines a conveying system, which is movable to define upstream and downstream positions relative to the conveying system. The conveying system includes multiple orifices to allow berries to be transported therein.

[0033] A second separation system, at least partially located above the first separation system, includes an array of rollers rotatable to convey harvested plant material in an upstream-to-downstream direction. The rollers are spaced apart to provide multiple openings that allow separated berries to be conveyed through while preventing the transport of other plant material.

[0034] The third separation system is in the form of a destemming system, which is downstream of the second separation system and positioned above the first separation system.

[0035] ο Plant material distribution system for distributing plant material (MOG) from equipment and collection units, and

[0036] The berries are collected in a collection unit by any one or more of the first, second, and third separation systems.

[0037] Wherein this method

[0038] i) Separate the berries from the plant material so that the amount of contaminated plant material is less than approximately 2% by weight of the collected material.

[0039] ii) Collect at least 98% of the usable berries, or

[0040] iii)(i) and (ii) both.

[0041] In another aspect, a method for sorting harvested berries to remove contaminating plant matter from the berries is described, the method comprising:

[0042] • Attach the separating device to the side arm of the harvester.

[0043] • Operate a separation device for separating berries from other plant matter from harvested plant material, the device comprising:

[0044] The first separation system defines a conveying system, which is movable to define upstream and downstream positions relative to the conveying system. The conveying system includes multiple orifices to allow berries to be transported therein.

[0045] A second separation system located above the first separation system includes an array of rollers capable of rotating to convey harvested plant material in an upstream-to-downstream direction. The rollers are spaced apart to provide multiple openings therebetween, allowing separated berries to pass through while preventing the transport of other plant material.

[0046] The third separation system, located downstream of the second separation system and above the first separation system, is a destemming unit.

[0047] The berries are collected in a collection unit through any one or more of the first, second, and third separation systems, and

[0048] Wherein this method

[0049] i) Separate the berries from the plant material so that the amount of contaminated plant material is less than approximately 2% by weight of the collected material.

[0050] ii) Collect at least 98% of the usable berries, or

[0051] iii)(i) and (ii) both.

[0052] The following configurations may involve any of the above aspects.

[0053] In one embodiment, a portion of the second separation system may be located outside the first separation conveying system (i.e., such that a portion of the second separation system does not extend above the first separation conveying system).

[0054] In one embodiment, approximately 30%, 35%, 40%, 45%, 50%, 55%, 60%, 65%, 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, or 90% of the second separation system is located outside the first separation conveying system (i.e., such that a certain percentage of the second separation system does not extend above the first separation conveying system).

[0055] In one embodiment, a portion of a second separation system located outside the first separation conveying system includes an inclined section.

[0056] In one embodiment, the inclined section of the second separation system 3 may be inclined at approximately 10°, 15°, 20°, 25°, 30°, 35° or 40° from the horizontal plane, and a suitable range may be selected from any of these values.

[0057] In one implementation, the angle of the tilt section can be adjustable.

[0058] In one configuration, the separation device includes a plant material distribution system for distributing plant material from the device and collection unit.

[0059] In one configuration, each separation system and plant material distribution system of the separation device is mounted on a harvester side arm that extends from the harvester.

[0060] In one configuration, the separation device defines the side arm.

[0061] In one configuration, the device includes a collection unit, wherein the collection unit is part of a trailing collection unit and / or does not form part of a harvesting device.

[0062] In one configuration, the roller array of the second separation system includes a plurality of protrusions extending radially from the axis of the rollers, and wherein the protrusions extend perpendicularly from the axis of the rollers.

[0063] In one configuration, radially extending protrusions extend in an arc shape from the shaft away from the direction of rotation of the radially extending roller.

[0064] In one configuration, the first separation system is a continuous mesh belt mounted to rotate about an upstream axis and a downstream axis.

[0065] In one configuration, the separating device is mounted on the collecting unit. In one embodiment, the downstream roller of the separating device extends beyond the collecting unit.

[0066] In one configuration, the separating device includes a hopper for receiving harvested plant material and guiding it to an upstream section of a first separating conveying system.

[0067] In one configuration, the hopper outlet is located above the second separation system.

[0068] In one configuration, the second separation system has a length and a width, and the outlet of the hopper is located above the second separation system and spaced apart from the upstream edge of the second separation system, wherein the interval is at least 100 mm.

[0069] In one configuration, the conveying system defining the first separation system includes:

[0070] i) A generally flat central area

[0071] ii) The first sloping zone located upstream of the middle zone,

[0072] iii) The sloping second zone located downstream of the middle zone, or

[0073] Any combination of (iv)(i) to (iii).

[0074] In one configuration, the inclined first zone descends to the middle zone.

[0075] In one configuration, the inclined second zone rises from the middle zone.

[0076] In one configuration, the rotatable roller of the second separation system is located above the upstream portion of the conveying system of the first separation unit.

[0077] In one configuration, the rotatable roller of the second separation system is located above a portion of the intermediate zone and a portion of the inclined first zone.

[0078] In one configuration, the rotatable roller of the second separation system is arranged perpendicular to the conveying system, such that the axis of the roller is approximately aligned with the longitudinal axis of the conveying system.

[0079] In one configuration, the rotatable roller of the second separation system is located above the upstream axis of the first separation system, thereby overlapping the upstream axis of the first separation system in a vertically aligned manner.

[0080] In one configuration, the fourth separation system includes a conveying system movable in a direction perpendicular to the direction of movement of the first separation system.

[0081] In one configuration, the conveying system of the fourth separation system is located at the end of the conveying system of the first separation system.

[0082] In one configuration, the conveying system of the fourth separation system overlaps with the inclined second zone of the conveying system of the first separation system.

[0083] In one configuration, the device includes a rotatable shaft located downstream of the conveying system of the first separation system and vertically oriented below the surface of the conveying system of the first separation system, the rotatable shaft having a rotation axis perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the conveying system of the first separation system.

[0084] In one configuration, the rotatable shaft has one or more protrusions along its length.

[0085] In one configuration, the rotatable shaft is located above the surface of the conveying system of the fourth separation system.

[0086] In one configuration, the separation system separates the berries from the plant material, such that the amount of contaminated plant material is less than approximately 2% of the weight of the collected material.

[0087] In one configuration, the separation system separates the berries from the plant material such that the amount of contaminated plant material is less than about 1% of the weight of the collected material.

[0088] In one configuration, the separation system separates the berries from the plant material such that the amount of contaminated plant material is less than about 0.5% of the weight of the collected material.

[0089] In one configuration, the separation system collects at least 95% of the usable berries.

[0090] In one configuration, the separation system collects at least 98% of the usable berries.

[0091] In one configuration, the separation system collects at least 99% of the usable berries.

[0092] In one configuration, the separation system collects at least 99.5% of the usable berries.

[0093] As used in this specification, the term "comprising" means "consisting of at least in part with...". When interpreting a statement in this specification that includes this term, the feature beginning with that term must be present in each statement, although other features may also be present. Related terms such as "comprise" and "comprised" are interpreted in the same manner.

[0094] The range of numbers disclosed herein (e.g., 1 to 10) also includes all rational numbers in that range (e.g., 1, 1.1, 2, 3, 3.9, 4, 5, 6, 6.5, 7, 8, 9, and 10) as well as rational numbers in any range within that range (e.g., 2 to 8, 1.5 to 5.5, and 3.1 to 4.7).

[0095] The invention may also broadly include any parts, elements, and features individually or collectively mentioned or indicated in the description of this application, as well as any or all combinations of any two or more of such parts, elements, or features, and where a particular whole having a known equivalent in the field to which the invention relates is mentioned herein, such known equivalents are considered to be incorporated herein as if they were described separately.

[0096] Many structural changes and a wide range of different embodiments and applications of the invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims. The disclosure and description herein are purely illustrative and are not intended to be limiting in any way. Attached Figure Description

[0097] The invention is further illustrated below with reference to the accompanying drawings. The drawings are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of the above description.

[0098] Figure 1 This is a schematic side view of the separation device according to the described implementation scheme.

[0099] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 The image shows a cross-sectional side perspective view of the first separating conveyor system.

[0100] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 An enlarged view of the second separation system is shown.

[0101] Figure 4 yes Figure 1 An enlarged view of the plant nutrient distribution system is shown.

[0102] Figure 5 It is a perspective view of the separation device according to the described implementation scheme.

[0103] Figure 6 It is a perspective view of a separation device according to the described embodiment, wherein the second separation system is located outside the first separation conveying system.

[0104] Figure 7It is a perspective view of a separation device according to another embodiment described, wherein two second separation systems are located outside the first separation conveying system.

[0105] Figure 8 It is an enlarged side perspective view of the separation device according to the described embodiment, wherein the funnel is positioned above the second separation system.

[0106] Figure 9 It is a plan view of the separation equipment according to the described embodiment, wherein the hopper is located above the second separation system.

[0107] Figure 10 It has a different second separation system Figure 6 The diagram shows a cross-sectional side view of the separation device, in which a large portion of the second separation system is located outside the first separation system.

[0108] Figures 11 to 13 Is it set? Figure 10 Side views of different harvester types of separation equipment. Detailed Implementation

[0109] A separating device 1 for a harvester 20 is described for separating berries from other plant material from harvested plant material. The separating device 1 includes: a conveying system defining a first separating system 2, movable to define upstream and downstream positions relative to the conveying system, the conveying system including a plurality of orifices to allow berries to be conveyed therein; a second separating system 3 located above and / or near the first separating system 2, the second separating system 3 including an array of rollers rotatable to convey the harvested plant material in an upstream-to-downstream direction, the rollers spaced apart to provide a plurality of openings allowing separated berries to be conveyed through the openings while preventing the conveyance of other plant material; and a third separating system 4 in the form of a destemming unit, downstream of the second separating system 3 and positioned above the first separating system 2, wherein berries pass through any one or more of the first, second, and third separating systems to be collected in a collection unit. The separating device may also include a plant material dispensing system 5 for dispensing plant material from the device and the collection unit. The separating device 1 may be mounted on a side arm or collection unit of the harvester 20.

[0110] In one embodiment, the side arm and the separation device 1 can be an integral structure.

[0111] The harvester side arm can be as described in Australian Patent 2005201250, that is, it extends laterally from the harvester 20 and provides continuous unloading of berry harvested material to one side of the harvester 20. The berries are collected by the harvester 20 and conveyed to the side arm, where they are separated from the plant material by the separation device 1, thereby allowing the berries to be collected by the collection unit.

[0112] The described separator 1 can be retrofitted onto a side arm. This is not possible when similar devices are retrofitted to mechanized harvesters, which require considerable modifications to integrate such a separator. This simplified modification results in a lower cost of installing this separator 1 compared to separation systems designed for mechanized harvesters.

[0113] Separation device 1 for separating berries from other plant material from harvested plant material can be mounted on the side arm of a harvester, wherein the collection unit is not integrated or is not a component of the mechanical harvester.

[0114] The side arm and the separating device 1 can be integrally formed. That is, the separating device 1 includes structural elements that enable the collecting device to be self-supporting. In such an embodiment, the side arm (including the separating device) is directly fixed to the harvester.

[0115] The separation device 1 can be hydraulically driven. The hydraulic power can be provided by a hydraulic pump separate from the collection unit. The hydraulic pump can be part of the vehicle towing the collection unit. The hydraulic pump can be provided by a tractor, truck, or other vehicle towing the collection unit.

[0116] Any suitable collection unit is contemplated according to this disclosure. The collection unit may be a top-opening collection unit. The separating device 1 may be located or mounted above the opening of the collection unit. In these embodiments, the separated berries fall from the device into the collection unit. In some embodiments, the berries fall directly from the separating device into the collection unit.

[0117] By providing a second separation system 3 above the first separation conveyor system 2, the berries separated by the second separation system 3 can be supplied to the first separation conveyor system 2 for further separation. Additionally, other material, possibly including berries still attached to the stem or in bunches, is located on the net of the first separation system 2 and can be supplied to the third separation system 4, which serves as a destemming unit.

[0118] The fourth separation system 5, combined with the destemming unit 4, can then transport other plant materials from the collection unit for processing.

[0119] 1. First separation system

[0120] like Figure 1As shown, a separation device 1 is provided for separating berries from other plant material from harvested plant material. The separation device 1 includes a first separation conveying system 2, which includes an array of rollers forming a second separation system 3. The first separation conveying system 2 conveys the harvested plant material in an upstream to downstream direction. The rollers of the second separation system 3 are spaced apart to provide multiple openings that allow the separated berries to pass through while preventing the transport of other plant material. Plant material that does not pass through the second separation system 3 is conveyed to a third separation system 4 (destemming unit).

[0121] The first separation conveying system 2 can be provided by any suitable conveying system, which includes multiple openings for the berries to pass through while simultaneously retaining and conveying larger material.

[0122] In some embodiments, the first separating conveyor system 2 is provided by a mesh or grid with multiple openings. Movement of the mesh or grid can be provided by any suitable means; however, in a preferred form, the mesh or grid is provided by a continuous belt mounted to rotate about an upstream axis 6 and a downstream axis 7. In some embodiments, the first separating conveyor system 2 is provided by a mesh with multiple openings, wherein the mesh is a continuous mesh belt mounted to rotate about an upstream axis 6 and a downstream axis 7.

[0123] In one implementation, the upstream axis is an auger. The auger is connected to a self-cleaning conveyor system.

[0124] The orientation of the first separation conveyor system is such that the plant material conveyed along the first separation conveyor is fed into the third separation system 4 (destemmer) for further separation.

[0125] The invention can be mounted vertically above a collection unit, such that berries transported through the opening of the first separating conveyor system 2 are collected in the collection unit. Advantageously, in these embodiments, the device is simplified so that it does not require any additional active transport vehicle to guide the separated berries into the collection unit. When mounted above the collection unit, the first separating conveyor system 2 of the device is positioned above the collection unit. Therefore, the separated berries fall directly from the first separating conveyor system 2 into the collection unit.

[0126] Therefore, in at least some embodiments, when installed above the collection unit, the separating device 1 is configured such that the first separating conveying system 2 is positioned above the collection unit, enabling the collection of berries or other substances passing through the first separating conveying system.

[0127] In some implementations, the first separating conveyor system 2 is vertically axially aligned above the collection unit, such that the berries passing through the first separating conveyor system 2 are collected in the collection unit.

[0128] In some embodiments, the separation device 1 is installed to extend longitudinally along the collection unit. In some embodiments, the downstream end of the first separation and conveying system 2 extends beyond the perimeter of the unit; thus, other plant material is transported outside the collection unit for processing.

[0129] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the first separation conveyor system 2 may include one or more inclined zones. For example, the first separation conveyor system 2 may include an inclined first zone at an upstream portion of the first separation conveyor system 2. The inclined first zone 8 may slope downwards to a mid-section 9 of the first separation conveyor system 2, which is substantially horizontal. The first separation conveyor system 2 may include an inclined second zone 10 that slopes upwards from the mid-section 9 at a downstream end of the first separation conveyor system 2.

[0130] The first separating conveyor system 2 can be any suitable system, as long as it includes a series of openings sized to allow the transport of separated berries while retaining other plant material at the top of the conveyor. The first separating conveyor system 2 is provided by a continuous mesh belt with multiple openings. The mesh belt is mounted to rotate about an upstream axis 6 and a downstream axis 7, which rotate to move the upper surface of the mesh belt in an upstream-to-downstream direction, thereby transporting material in the same direction.

[0131] Alternative devices for providing the first separation conveying system 2 include roller arrays, continuous grid belts provided by a series of parallel bars interconnected by flexible connectors, belts rotating about a first axis and a second axis, or vibrating nets angled to guide other plant material away from the collection unit in a predetermined direction.

[0132] The terms “upstream” and “downstream” as used throughout this specification are not intended to refer to the height or elevation of opposite ends of the separation and conveying system 2. Rather, these terms are intended to indicate the direction of movement of the material on the first separation and conveying system 2.

[0133] 2. Second separation system

[0134] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the second separation system 3 may be located at or near the upstream end of the first separation conveying system 2. In some embodiments, the second separation system 3 extends along a portion of the first separation conveying system 2.

[0135] Berries can be supplied to the second separation system 3 of the separation device 1 by any suitable means. Typically, the mechanical harvester has a discharge arm positioned on the side or rear of the mechanical harvester 20. In this way, the discharge arm guides the harvested plant material to the second separation system 2 upstream of the first separation conveyor system 2, and then transports it downstream of the first separation conveyor system 2 into the third separation conveyor system 4. Figure 8 and Figure 9 The separation device 1 described and shown may also include a hopper 15 for receiving harvested plant material and guiding it to a second separation system 3 at the upstream end of the first separation conveying system 2. In some embodiments, the hopper 15 is provided as an inverted frustum-shaped funnel.

[0136] The harvested plant material deposited on the second separation system 3 is substantially separated into berries and other plant material by the rotating rollers of the second separation system 3. The rotating rollers of the second separation system 3 may include star-shaped fingers, such as... Figure 3 As shown.

[0137] Although the berries pass through or bypass the second separation system 3, some berries may still adhere to other plant material (such as stems) when deposited into the first separation and transport system 2. The separation system may also include a third separation system 4 (destemming unit). The destemming unit 4 helps to further separate the berries from other plant material.

[0138] like Figure 5 As shown, the second separation system 3 may be located around the inclined first region 8 and the intermediate region 9. That is, the second separation system 3 may extend above a portion of the inclined first region 8 and a portion of the intermediate region 9 adjacent to the inclined first region 8.

[0139] like Figure 6 As shown, the second separation system 3 may be located at least partially outside the upstream end of the first separation conveyor system 2. This provides a higher material production rate because it reduces the amount of material transferred to the first separation conveyor system 2. For example, harvested material falls onto the second separation system 3, and individual grapes pass through the second separation system 3. Any remaining material still attached to the plant material is transferred to the first separation conveyor system 2. In some embodiments, this can reduce the amount of material initially moving to the first separation conveyor system 2 by about 20% to about 40% due to the amount of berries passing through the second separation system 3. That is, as Figure 6The separation system 1 shown may have a production capacity of approximately 20 tons / hour, 25 tons / hour, 40 tons / hour, or 45 tons / hour, and a suitable range may be selected from any of these values ​​(e.g., approximately 20 tons / hour to approximately 45 tons / hour, approximately 20 tons / hour to approximately 40 tons / hour, approximately 20 tons / hour to approximately 35 tons / hour, approximately 25 tons / hour to approximately 45 tons / hour, approximately 25 tons / hour to approximately 40 tons / hour, approximately 25 tons / hour to approximately 35 tons / hour, approximately 30 tons / hour to approximately 45 tons / hour, or approximately 30 tons / hour to approximately 40 tons / hour). Therefore, as... Figure 6 The first and second separation systems of the separation system 1 shown are located above the collection unit. Plant material passing through the second separation unit 3 can exit and reach the inclined first zone 8.

[0140] like Figure 7 As shown, the second separation system 3 may be at least partially located outside the boundary of the first separation conveying system 2. For example, the second separation system 3 may be located on one side of the first separation conveying system 2. Alternatively, the second separation system 3 may be located on both sides of the first separation conveying system 2. The rollers of the second separation system 3 may have a rotation axis aligned with the longitudinal axis of the first separation conveying system 2, such that the rotation direction of the star-shaped element is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the first separation conveying system 2, thereby conveying the material falling on the second separation system 3 back to the first separation conveying system 2. The second separation system 3 may be located near the upstream portion of the first separation conveying system 2. The second separation system 3 may be located near the inclined first zone 8 and / or the upstream intermediate zone 9 of the first separation conveying system 2. Figure 7 The separation system 1 shown provides higher material production because it reduces the amount of material transferred to the first separation conveyor system 2. For example, harvested material falls onto the second separation system 3, and individual grapes pass through the second separation system 3. Any remaining material still attached to the plant material is transferred to the first separation conveyor system 2. In some embodiments, this can reduce the amount of material initially moving to the first separation conveyor system 2 by about 20% to about 40% due to the amount of berries passing through the second separation system 3. That is, as... Figure 6 The separation system 1 shown may have a production capacity of approximately 20 tons / hour, 25 tons / hour, 40 tons / hour, or 45 tons / hour, and a suitable range may be selected from any of these values ​​(e.g., approximately 20 tons / hour to approximately 45 tons / hour, approximately 20 tons / hour to approximately 40 tons / hour, approximately 20 tons / hour to approximately 35 tons / hour, approximately 25 tons / hour to approximately 45 tons / hour, approximately 25 tons / hour to approximately 40 tons / hour, approximately 25 tons / hour to approximately 35 tons / hour, approximately 30 tons / hour to approximately 45 tons / hour, or approximately 30 tons / hour to approximately 40 tons / hour). Therefore, as... Figure 7The first and second separation systems of the separation system 1 shown are located above the collection unit. Figure 7 The second separation system 3 can be located inside the harvester.

[0141] like Figure 10 As shown, the second separation system 3 may be at least partially located outside the boundary of the first separation conveyor system 2 and includes an incline (or gradient). The rollers of the second separation system 3 may be arranged to form an increasing incline in the upstream to downstream direction. In this embodiment, the harvested material falling onto the second separation system 3 is conveyed upward along the incline of the second separation system 3 before being deposited onto the first separation conveyor system 2. Without being theoretically limited, the inclined section can give the berries more influence as they need to overcome gravity to move upward along the inclined section, thereby allowing more MOGs to be separated from the berries and a larger proportion of the berries to pass through. The incline reduces the amount of harvested material still attached to other plant material being conveyed onto the first separation conveyor system 2. In some embodiments, the slope of the second separation system 3 may include the following angles: approximately -45°, -40°, -35°, -30°, -25°, -20°, -15°, -10°, -5°, -4°, -3°, -2°, -1°, 0°, 1°, 2°, 3°, 4°, 5°, 10°, 15°, 20°, 25°, 30°, 35°, 40°, or 45°. In some embodiments, the angle of the slope may vary along the length of the second separation system 3. For example, the upstream portion of the second separation system 3 may include an angle of 0°, transitioning to a middle portion with an angle of 20° and a downstream portion with an angle of -10°.

[0142] In some embodiments, 5%, 10%, 15%, 20%, 25%, 20%, 25%, 40%, 45%, or 50% of the second separation system 3 may be located above the first separation conveying system 2, and the available range may be selected between any of these values ​​(e.g., about 5% to about 50%, about 5% to about 30%, about 5% to about 20%, about 10% to about 50%, about 10% to about 40%, about 10% to about 30%, about 15% to about 50%, about 15% to about 45%, about 15% to about 35%, about 20% to about 50%, about 20% to about 40%, about 25% to about 50%, or about 25% to about 40%).

[0143] As described above, the rollers of the second separation system 3 are primarily used to remove berries that are still attached to other plant material. However, some berries may still deposit on the first conveying system 2, remain attached to other plant material, or remain in bunches. Therefore, as shown, the separation device 1 also includes a third separation system 4 (destemming unit).

[0144] 2.1 Roller

[0145] like Figure 3 As shown, the second separation system 3 may include a series of rollers having radially extending fingers 13. The roller shafts 14 may be spaced apart along a plane at an orientation and distance relative to one or more adjacent shafts 14, such that the radially extending rollers on the shafts 14 extend into the space between two adjacent radially extending rollers disposed on adjacent shafts 14 to provide a roller array and a plurality of openings 6.

[0146] The roller array of the second separation system 3 is provided by a series of shafts 14, each shaft being provided with a plurality of spaced-apart radially extending rollers, wherein the shafts 14 are spaced along a plane with orientation and distance relative to one or more adjacent shafts, such that the radially extending rollers on the shafts extend into the space between two adjacent radially extending rollers provided on adjacent shafts to provide a roller array and a plurality of openings.

[0147] In some forms of the above embodiments, the radially extending roller is provided by a plurality of protrusions 13 extending radially from the shaft 14 to define the roller, wherein the radially extending roller is arranged perpendicular to the shaft.

[0148] The radially extending protrusions 13 can take any form and be formed of any suitable material. However, in some embodiments, the radially extending protrusions 13 extend in an arc from the shaft away from the direction of rotation of the radially extending roller. This arrangement is referred to as a "star wheel". Preferred materials for forming the radially extending protrusions include flexible polymers such as rubber, or other suitable food-safe synthetic or natural polymers.

[0149] The radially extending roller is provided by a plurality of protrusions 13 extending radially from shaft 14 to define the roller, wherein the roller is arranged perpendicular to shaft 14. Each radially extending protrusion 15 extends in an arc from shaft 14 away from the direction of rotation of the roller (see arrow) to provide a “star wheel”. The radially extending protrusions 15 are preferably made of a flexible material, such as a flexible polymer like rubber. However, other suitable food-safe materials may be used. Although a star wheel is used in the illustrated embodiment of the invention, other suitable rollers may also be attached to shaft 14 to provide berries that can pass through the desired opening. Additional devices for providing a separating conveying system are known in the art, such as Pellenc. TM The Selectiv' Process Winery stand features an additional device that provides a series of parallel rollers that oscillate in coarseness along their length, creating gaps between the rollers for berries to pass through while waste plant matter is retained and rolls off from the top of the rollers.

[0150] In some embodiments, the distance between adjacent rollers arranged on the same shaft 14 is between 30 mm and 60 mm, preferably between 40 mm and 50 mm, or more preferably about 45 mm. As will be understood, the space between the rollers may need to be adjusted according to the berries being picked. Therefore, in some embodiments, the distance between adjacent rollers arranged on the same shaft can be adjusted. In some embodiments, the second separating conveyor system 3 includes a mechanism for adjusting the distance between adjacent rollers arranged on the same shaft 14.

[0151] In some embodiments, each shaft 14 is provided with 3 to 9 rollers; in some embodiments, each shaft 14 is provided with 5 to 7 rollers; and in some embodiments, each shaft 14 is provided with 6 rollers.

[0152] In some embodiments, each shaft 14 is positioned between 200 mm and 100 mm apart, preferably between 180 mm and 120 mm, or between 165 mm and 135 mm. In yet another embodiment, the shafts 14 are spaced approximately 150 mm apart on the frame 16. As will be understood, the distance between the shafts 14 can be changed when small or large rollers are required. Furthermore, the distance between the shafts 14 can be changed if the inclination of the first separating conveyor increases or decreases.

[0153] In some embodiments, the cross-sectional length of each roller is between 120 mm and 200 mm, preferably between 140 mm and 180 mm. In yet another preferred embodiment, the length of the roller is 160 mm. In embodiments where the roller has a circular cross-section, the diameter of the roller will be 160 mm. However, as will be understood, the cross-sectional length of the roller can be varied to optimize the performance of the separation system 1. This variation can be made taking into account the berries to be separated.

[0154] In one implementation, the drop zone for the harvested material is above the rollers of the third downstream shaft.

[0155] In some embodiments, the width of the roller is between 10 mm and 16 mm, preferably between 14 mm and 12 mm. In some embodiments, the width of the roller is about 13 mm. As will be understood, the width of the roller can be varied to optimize the performance of the first separating conveyor system and can be varied according to the spacing between adjacent rollers on the same shaft 14.

[0156] Shaft 14 can be mounted to a frame that securely positions shaft 14 to allow rotational movement without translational movement. The orientation of the plane defined by the series of shafts 14 can be inclined relative to a horizontal plane or relative to the first separating conveyor system 2. The preferred inclination of the second separating conveyor system 3 can be influenced by the type of grapes or berries being processed. This inclination can be at an angle of approximately 20° relative to the horizontal plane or the first separating conveyor system 2. It may be desirable to include a mechanism for adjusting the inclination of the second separating conveyor system 3 such that this angle is maintained at 20 degrees relative to the horizontal plane.

[0157] 3. Third Separation System

[0158] As described above, the separation device 1 may include a third separation system 4 (in the form of a destemming unit). The destemming unit 4 punctures the berries during the destemming process, thus releasing juice from the berries. Under hot conditions, this juice begins to ferment in the collection unit, which is undesirable. Therefore, to minimize the number of berries supplied to the destemming unit 4, in some embodiments, the destemming unit 4 is located at or near the downstream end of the first separation conveyor 2. This results in only a minimal amount of berries entering the destemming unit 4, since most of the separated berries have already passed through the first separation conveyor system 2 and the second separation conveyor system 3.

[0159] Suitable destemming units 4 are known in the art. However, in some embodiments, the destemming unit 4 is provided by a series of rotating fingers arranged on a shaft, which rotate to remove the berries from other plant material. In some embodiments, the rotating fingers of the destemming unit 4 are positioned above the first separating conveyor 2 and rotate in the opposite direction to the travel of the plant material on the first separating conveyor 2.

[0160] The alternative destemming unit 4 includes a rotatable cylinder having a plurality of holes configured to allow berries to pass through. The cylinder has a coaxial axis extending along at least a portion of its length, the axis having a plurality of protruding members extending radially toward the periphery of the cylinder. The radially extending protruding members are arranged to form a helix such that, as the axis rotates, the protruding members guide waste along the length of the cylinder and push the waste out of the cylinder at an open end opposite to the end to which the waste is supplied. In this embodiment, the cylinder of the destemming machine is positioned above a collection unit such that berries passing from the destemming unit 4 through the holes of the first separating conveying system 2 are collected in the collection unit.

[0161] Destemming unit 4 is known in the art and is used to remove stems still attached to the berries. The destemming unit may be provided by a series of rotating fingers arranged on a shaft, which rotate to remove the berries from other plant material being transported on the first separating conveyor system 2. The removed berries then pass through an opening in the first separating conveyor system 2 and are collected in a collection unit. The destemming unit 4 is positioned at or near the downstream end of the first separating conveyor 2, and the rotating fingers are positioned above the first separating conveyor 2 and rotate in the opposite direction to the travel of the plant material on the first separating conveyor 2.

[0162] Alternative destemming machines are known in the art and can be included in the separation device 1 of the present invention. A non-limiting example of a destemming unit suitable for the present invention may include a rotatable cylinder having a plurality of holes configured to allow berries to pass through. The cylinder has a coaxial axis extending along at least a portion of the length of the cylinder, the axis having a plurality of protruding members extending radially toward the periphery of the cylinder. The radially extending protruding members are arranged to form a helix such that, as the axis rotates, the protruding members guide waste along the length of the cylinder and push the waste out of the open end of the cylinder. In this embodiment, the cylinder of the destemming machine is positioned above a collection unit such that berries passing through the holes are collected in the collection unit.

[0163] In the case where the destemming unit 4 is provided by a series of rotating fingers, the unit includes at least two separate axes of the rotating fingers. The rotating fingers of the upstream axis may be located 10 mm, 11 mm, 12 mm, 13 mm, 14 mm, 15 mm, 16 mm, 17 mm, 18 mm, 19 mm, or 20 mm above the belt of the first separating unit, and a useful range may be selected between any of these values. The rotating fingers of the second destemming shaft may be located approximately 1 mm, 2 mm, 3 mm, 4 mm, or 5 mm above the belt of the first separating unit, and a useful range may be selected between any of these values.

[0164] A rotary destemming machine may consist of only two shafts that rotate the fingers.

[0165] The upstream axis can rotate approximately 20%, 25%, 30%, or 35% faster than the downstream axis, and a useful range can be selected between any of these values.

[0166] 4. Plant Material Distribution System (MOG)

[0167] Once the waste plant material has passed through the third separation system 4 (destemmer), the first separation and conveying system can supply it to the plant material distribution system 5.

[0168] In some embodiments, when installed above the collection unit, the plant material distribution system 5 extends beyond the collection unit, thereby transporting the waste plant material outside the collection unit. The waste plant material is thus disposed of. In some embodiments, the waste plant material is disposed of by deposition on the ground. Alternative waste collection systems may be used.

[0169] In some implementations, the separation system 1 includes, for example: Figure 4 The plant material distribution system 5, located downstream of the third separation system 4, is shown to distribute plant material from the separation device 1. The plant material distribution system 5 receives plant material from the first separation conveying system 2 and removes plant material from the separation device 1. The material distribution system 5 can be in the form of a conveying system oriented substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the first separation conveying system 2. That is, plant material will be distributed to the side of the separation system 1. The plant material distribution system 5 can extend below the downstream end of the first conveying separation system 2 to overlap to some extent. This helps to reduce or prevent the collection of plant material.

[0170] In one embodiment, the plant material distribution system 5 can form a continuous conveyor belt around the unloading boom. That is, the plant material distribution system 5 can surround the main frame of the unloading boom. Without being bound by theory, this helps prevent or reduce the accumulation of plant material that may occur over time in the gaps surrounding the plant material distribution system 5. The plant material distribution system 5 can be positioned directly above the conveyor belt of the unloading boom, for example, approximately 10mm, 15mm, 20mm, 25mm, or 30mm above the conveyor belt of the unloading boom.

[0171] The plant material distribution system 5 may be a rotatable platform that rotates about a vertical axis, having one or more baffles extending above the surface of the rotatable platform.

[0172] The separation device 1 may include a rotatable shaft 11 at the downstream end of the first conveying and separating system 2. The rotatable shaft 11 may be located between the first conveying and separating system 2 and the plant material distribution system 5. The rotatable shaft 11 may include one or more baffles extending along its axis. Therefore, the shaft may be relative to... Figure 4 The orientation rotates counterclockwise to help transport plant material to the plant material distribution system.

[0173] 5. Collection Unit

[0174] In some implementations, the collection unit is a follow-up collection unit and / or is not part of the harvesting equipment, nor is it integrated with the vehicle used for harvesting. In some implementations, the collection unit is a detachable and towable collection unit.

[0175] In one embodiment, the described device is a collection unit with the separation equipment as described. In some embodiments, the collection unit is provided by a collection box on a collection trailer. In this form, the collection unit may be referred to as a trailer box or a follow-up box.

[0176] The collection unit can be located below the side arm or at one end of the side arm.

[0177] Typically, two types of towable collection units are used in combination with mechanical harvesters. The first type, known as a trailer box or follow-along box, is usually towed alongside a grape harvester by a tractor. These collection units typically have a removable, relatively small collection box mounted or positioned on a frame. Once full, the collection box can be removed and left for berry processing. In the winemaking industry, this has the advantage of minimizing disturbance to the grapes and reducing aeration, thus minimizing unwanted juice production and fermentation within the collection box. The second type of commonly used top-opening collection unit is called a pod. Pods are typically used for large harvests, such as 3 to 7 tons, and consist of a large, tiltable box towed by a vehicle (such as a tractor) on a heavy-duty chassis. Once full, the pod can unload the harvested berries into trucks, which transport them to processing facilities, such as wineries, or the pod can transport the berries to the processing facility itself. Both of these common types of collection units are contemplated for use in embodiments of the present invention.

[0178] Unlike mechanical harvesters, collection units are typically owned by the berry-harvesting land, such as vineyards. Therefore, landowners who directly benefit from increased profits due to lower contamination levels in their harvested berries can mount the device onto the harvester's side arm or their collection unit, and can clean the harvested berries regardless of the mechanical harvester used. This provides landowners with greater flexibility and allows them to reduce the likelihood of penalties for higher contamination levels in their harvested berries.

[0179] The collection unit can be a trailing collection unit towed in coordination with an operating mechanized harvester. In some embodiments, the collection unit is a following box or pod towed by another vehicle alongside the mechanized harvester. Suitable vehicles include tractors.

[0180] The collection unit may be separate from the mechanical harvester. First, second, third, and fourth (if present) separators may require power for operation. Therefore, in some embodiments, the separation system is powered by a hydraulic system. In some embodiments, the hydraulic power is provided by a hydraulic pump separate from the collection trailer. In some embodiments, the hydraulic pump is located on the vehicle towing the collection unit, and the collection unit is in fluid communication with the hydraulic pump.

[0181] Berries can be grapes, and other plant matter is material MOG other than grapes. As will be understood, MOG includes, but is not limited to: leaves, petioles, stems, vines, wood, non-vine plant matter (e.g., leaves from surrounding trees), pests (e.g., snails, caterpillars, rodents), and foreign matter (e.g., irrigation parts, trellis parts, and debris).

[0182] The separation device 1 can be used with other fruits, with some degree of modification. For example, the size of the opening and components may need to be modified to allow use with other fruits, or specifically for a particular variety of grapes.

[0183] The separating device 1 can be separated from the mechanical harvester. Therefore, the use of the separating device 1 is independent of the type of harvester used, and its implementation can be controlled by the owner of the land from which the berries are harvested (e.g., a vineyard).

[0184] In an embodiment of the separation device 1, when oriented above the collection unit, the downstream end of the first separation conveying system 2 extends beyond the collection box, thereby transporting other plant material held on the second separation conveyor 3 beyond the collection unit.

[0185] The first separating conveying system 2 can be positioned vertically above the collection unit, so that berries transported through the opening of the net of the first separating conveying system 2 are collected in the collection unit.

[0186] 6. Operating Method

[0187] like Figures 11 to 13 As shown, the separating device 1 can be located on the harvester 20. The separating device 1 can be located on the boom of the harvester 2 or above the distribution conveyor of the harvester 20.

[0188] The operation of the separation device 1 requires the movement of the first separation conveyor system 2 and the destemming machine 4. Therefore, the separation device 1 requires an electrical supply. Any suitable power source that provides rotational movement to the shafts of the second separation system 3 or the destemming machine 4 can be used. For example, the movement of the shafts can be achieved by an electric motor connected to a suitable power source. However, a preferred and convenient power source is hydraulic power. Most tractors include a hydraulic pump that can be used to provide hydraulic power to the separation device 1. Therefore, in some embodiments, the first separation conveyor system 2 is driven by a hydraulic device. Furthermore, the destemming machine 4 can also be driven by hydraulic power. In some embodiments, the hydraulic device is provided by a hydraulic pump (such as a hydraulic pump on a trailer) separate from the collection trailer (not shown).

[0189] Once harvested, the berries are distributed via hoppers to separator 1. For example... Figure 8 and Figure 9As shown, funnel 15 is positioned above the second separation system 3, allowing the berries to fall onto the second separation system 3. Figure 11 and Figure 12 As shown, hopper 15 can distribute berries onto the inclined portion of the second separation system 3, which is located outside the first separation conveying system 2. The berries then move from the second separation system 3 to the first separation conveying system 2, although some berries will pass through the second separation system 3 and be collected into the storage hopper.

[0190] The separation system can separate berries from plant material such that the amount of contaminated plant material (material other than grapes [MOG]) is less than about 2 wt%, 1.5 wt%, 1.0 wt%, 0.9 wt%, 0.8 wt%, 0.7 wt%, 0.6 wt%, 0.5 wt%, 0.4 wt%, 0.3 wt%, 0.2 wt%, or 0.1 wt% of the collected material, and suitable ranges may be between any of these values ​​(e.g., about 2 wt% to about 0.1 wt%, about 2 wt% to about 0.3 wt%, about 2 wt% to about 0.5 wt%, about 2 wt% to about 0.6 wt%, about 2 wt% to about 0.7 wt%, about 2 wt% to about 0.8 wt%, about 2 wt% to about 1.0 wt%, about 1.5 wt% to about 0.1 wt%). The following are options: about 0.1 wt%, about 1.5 wt% to about 0.3 wt%, about 1.5 wt% to about 0.5 wt%, about 1.5 wt% to about 0.6 wt%, about 1.5 wt% to about 0.7 wt%, about 1.5 wt% to about 0.8 wt%, about 1.5 wt% to about 1.0 wt%, about 1.0 wt% to about 0.1 wt%, about 1.0 wt% to about 0.3 wt%, about 1.0 wt% to about 0.5 wt%, about 1.0 wt% to about 0.6 wt%, about 1.0 wt% to about 0.7 wt%, about 1.0 wt% to about 0.8 wt%, about 0.9 wt% to about 0.1 wt%, about 0.9 wt% to about 0.3 wt%, about 0.9 wt% to about 0.5 wt%, about 0.9 wt% to about 0.6 wt%.

[0191] The separation system can collect at least 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, or 99.5% of the usable berries, and a suitable range can be selected from any of these values.

[0192] In one implementation, the separation equipment processes up to 30 tons / hour, 35 tons / hour, or 40 tons / hour, and a useful range can be selected between any of these values.

[0193] 7. Example

[0194] Trials were conducted in several wine regions of Australia, harvesting wine grapes for three small wine producers and four large, vertically integrated wine producers.

[0195] The purpose of the experiment is:

[0196] i) The reduction in MOG was measured and quantified using the methods described above, compared to a vineyard with no MOG removal capacity. MOG was measured by weight recorded by the winery and then expressed as a percentage of the total harvest weight.

[0197] ii) Production is measured by recording the rate at which fruit harvested without MOG removal and with MOG removal using the separation device of the present invention is processed in the winery.

[0198] iii) Comparative processing trials of grapes with and without MOG removal were conducted side-by-side. Wine quality was measured using flavor and color analyses of wine samples from both red and white grapes.

[0199] Five trials were conducted to obtain data, each involving fruit harvested by a harvester without any selective harvesting capability. The fruit harvest was uniformly separated using two methods: one where the fruit was directly harvested into grape crates (without removing MOG), and the second where the same harvester was used, but with the separation device of this invention. The transport method (i.e., loading onto standard 2.5T polyethylene or steel grape crates on a B-double truck) and transport time were consistent for both samples.

[0200] Raw samples (containing MOG) and samples without MOG were processed separately at the winery. For both types of samples, the MOG removed at the crusher was weighed, and the amount was recorded for each delivery of fruit. Where possible, the time spent on the crushing load was recorded. Several processing sites lacked variable-speed crushing facilities, and the only means of analyzing production output was to record the number of stops caused by MOG and their approximate durations. The MOG level for each sample was recorded, determined by visual inspection at the winery bridge scale.

[0201] Table 1 shows the MOG percentage and winery production rate (tons / minute) between unsorted samples and samples sorted using the separation device of the claimed invention.

[0202] The results in Table 1 show that, compared to unsorted samples, samples sorted using the separation device of the present invention reduced MOG by up to 68 times. The results of Experiment 2 also indicate that winery production increased when sorted using the separation device of the present invention.

[0203] The description provided herein relates to several embodiments that can share common characteristics and features. It should be understood that one or more features of one embodiment can be combined with one or more features of other embodiments. In addition, a single feature or combination of features of an embodiment can constitute another embodiment.

[0204]

[0205] Those skilled in the art will understand that the invention described herein is readily adaptable to variations and modifications beyond those specifically described. It should be understood that the invention encompasses all such variations and modifications. The invention also includes all features individually or jointly mentioned or pointed out in this specification, as well as any and all combinations of any two or more features. Various changes, additions, and / or modifications may be made to the specifically described portions without departing from the scope of the invention.

[0206] In addition, it should be noted that, as used herein, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include the plural aspect unless the context otherwise indicates.

Claims

1. A separating device for a harvester, the separating device being used to separate fruit from other plant matter from harvested plant material, the separating device comprising: A conveying system defining a first separation system, the first separation system being movable to define upstream and downstream positions relative to the conveying system, the conveying system including a plurality of orifices to allow fruit to be conveyed into the plurality of orifices. A second separation system defined by a series of adjacent shafts, each shaft including a spaced-apart array of rollers to provide a plurality of openings located between the roller arrays, the plurality of openings allowing the separated fruit to be transported through the plurality of openings while preventing the transport of other plant material, the roller arrays being rotatable to transport harvested plant material in an upstream to downstream direction, the second separation system comprising: Part One, and The second part is configured to receive harvested plant material from a hopper located vertically above it, and is further configured to prevent separated fruits transported by rollers in the second part from being conveyed to the first separation system, while conveying fruits not transported by rollers in the second part to the first part and then to an upstream position of the first separation system. As a third separation system of the destemming unit, the destemming unit is downstream of the second separation system and positioned above the first separation system.

2. The separation device according to claim 1, wherein the separation device includes a plant material distribution system for distributing other plant materials from the separation device.

3. The separation device according to claim 1, wherein the second portion constitutes 30% to 90% of the second separation system.

4. The separation device according to any one of claims 1-3, wherein the second part of the second separation system includes an inclined section.

5. The separation device according to claim 4, wherein the inclined section of the second separation system is inclined from the horizontal plane by 10° to 40°.

6. The separation device according to claim 5, wherein the angle of the inclined section is adjustable.

7. The separating device according to claim 2, the separating device comprising a collecting unit for collecting the separated fruits, wherein the collecting unit is a follow-up collecting unit and / or does not form part of the harvesting device.

8. The separation device according to claim 7, wherein the plant material distribution system distributes plant material from the collection unit.

9. The separation apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the roller array of the second separation system includes a plurality of protrusions extending radially from the axis of the rollers, and wherein the protrusions extend perpendicularly from the axis of the axis of the rollers.

10. The separation device according to claim 9, wherein, The radially extending protrusions extend in an arc shape from the axis away from the rotational direction of the radially extending roller.

11. The separation apparatus of claim 2, wherein the conveying system defining the first separation system comprises: i) A generally flat central area ii) The inclined first region located upstream of the intermediate region, iii) The inclined second zone located downstream of the intermediate zone, or iv) Any combination of (i) to (iii).

12. The separation device according to claim 11, wherein the inclined first zone descends into the intermediate zone.

13. The separation device according to claim 11, wherein the inclined second zone rises from the intermediate zone.

14. The separation device according to any one of claims 11 to 13, wherein the roller of the first portion of the second separation system is located above a portion of the intermediate zone and a portion of the inclined first zone.

15. The separation apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the rollers of the second separation system are arranged perpendicular to the conveying system such that the axis of rotation of the rollers is substantially aligned with the longitudinal axis of the conveying system.

16. The separation apparatus of claim 11, wherein the plant material distribution system includes a conveying system capable of moving in a direction perpendicular to the direction of movement of the first separation system.

17. The separation apparatus of claim 16, wherein the conveying system of the plant material distribution system is located at the end of the conveying system of the first separation system.

18. The separation device according to claim 16 or 17, wherein the conveying system of the plant material distribution system overlaps with the inclined second zone of the conveying system of the first separation system.

19. The separation device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the separation device is configured to be located above a distribution conveyor such that fruits passing through the second portion are collected on the distribution conveyor and fruits passing through the first separation system are collected on the distribution conveyor, the distribution conveyor distributing the separated fruits to the collection unit.

20. A method for sorting harvested fruit to remove contaminating plant matter from said fruit, said method comprising: Operating a separation device for separating fruits from other plant matter from harvested plant material, said separation device comprising: ○ A conveying system defining a first separation system, the first separation system being movable to define upstream and downstream positions relative to the conveying system, the conveying system including a plurality of orifices to allow fruit to be transported into the plurality of orifices. A second separation system comprising a first part and a second part, the second separation system being defined by a series of adjacent shafts, each shaft including an array of rollers rotatable to convey harvested plant material in an upstream to downstream direction, the rollers being spaced apart to provide a plurality of openings that allow separated fruit to be conveyed through the openings while preventing the conveyance of other plant material. ○ As a third separation system of the destemming unit, the destemming unit is downstream of the second separation system and positioned above the first separation system, and ○ Collection unit, which collects the fruit transported via the first separation system or the second separation system, and The separated fruits are collected in the collection unit, and The positions of the first and second parts of the second separation system are configured to allow separated fruits that have been transported by the rollers of the second part to be collected in the collection unit without being transported via the first separation system.

21. The method of claim 20, wherein the method comprises: i) Separate the fruit from the plant material so that the amount of contaminated plant material collected in the collection unit is less than about 2% by weight of the total amount of material collected. ii) Collect at least 98% of the usable fruit, or iii) Both (i) and (ii).

22. The method of claim 20, wherein the separation device includes a material distribution system located downstream of the third separation system, wherein the material distribution system distributes plant material from the separation device and the collection unit.

23. The method according to any one of claims 20 to 22, wherein the separating device comprises a hopper for receiving harvested plant material, the hopper having an outlet located above a second portion of the second separating system.

24. The method of claim 23, wherein the outlet of the hopper is located at least 100 mm downstream of the upstream edge of the second part of the second separation system.

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