Patent ID: 6267226
Filing Date: 2001-07-31
Classification: B65G

Abstract:
A bucket elevator, comprising:at least one bucket elevator chain;a plurality of buckets arranged to collect grapes and juice at a lower collection station and elevate the grapes and juice to a discharge station;wherein said buckets have a mouth configured to receive the grapes and juice;wherein front and rear portions of said buckets are attached to said chains so that the orientation of each of said buckets remains that of the chain to which it is attached, thereby reducing spacing between said buckets, whereby the grapes and juice are retained within said buckets by reason of the shape and orientation of said buckets from the collection station to the discharge station; andwherein said collection station extends across a collection area, and said buckets are arranged in a collection position as said buckets traverse said collection area, said collection position including said mouth oriented substantially upright, whereby the grapes and juice will be retained within said buckets by reason of the shape, position and orientation of said buckets from the collection station to the discharge station.