Patent ID: 9307785
Filing Date: 2016-04-12
CPC Classification: A01D,A23N

Claim Text:
1. A mechanical method of removing one or more wrapper leaves of a harvested produce using a leaf removal apparatus, the method comprising: feeding a harvested produce onto a conveyor; transporting the harvested produce on the conveyor towards a stripping roller connected to a framework of the leaf removal apparatus, contacting the harvested produce with (i) a plurality of flexible members connected to the framework, wherein the plurality of flexible members hangs vertically over the output end of the conveyor or over the gap, and (ii) the stripping roller; and loosening or removing one or more wrapper leaves of the harvested produce by contact with the plurality of flexible members, or the stripping roller configured to rotate and exert a frictional force on the harvested produce, or a combination thereof,