Patent ID: 9173431
Filing Date: 2015-11-03
Classification: A23N

Abstract:
1. A de-stemming apparatus for de-stemming produce having a pod, a stem, and a calyx, comprising: a first conveyor unit having a top surface configured to convey the pod; a second conveyor unit having a first portion proximate to the first conveyor unit and having a second portion disposed at an angle of greater than zero and less than 60 degrees relative to the first conveyor unit, a first portion of the first conveyor unit in parallel with the first portion of the second conveyor unit to define a gap between the first portion of the first conveyor unit and the first portion of the second conveyor unit; the first portion of the second conveyor unit and the second portion of the second conveyor unit defining a pivot point; a third conveyor unit arranged with the top surface of the first conveyor unit in parallel with a bottom surface of the third conveyor unit to define an opening to engage the pod between the top surface of the first conveyor unit and the bottom surface of the third conveyor unit; and at least one driving unit configured to drive at least one of the first conveyor unit, the second conveyor unit, and the third conveyor unit to convey the produce from a first point of the de-stemming apparatus past the pivot point to a second point of the de-stemming apparatus with the pod engaged in the opening between the top surface of the first conveyor unit and the bottom surface of the third conveyor unit, and with the stem engaged by the second portion of the second conveyor unit, the at least one driving unit further configured to generate a separation force between the pod and the stem to separate at least a portion of the stem and at least a portion of the calyx from the pod during conveyance of the produce between the first point and the second point with the pod engaged in the opening between the top surface of the first conveyor unit and the bottom surface of the third conveyor unit, and with the stem engaged by the second portion of the second conveyor unit.