Patent ID: 9149066
Filing Date: 2015-10-06
Classification: A24B

Abstract:
1. An apparatus for stripping and sorting leaves from stalks of agricultural crops, comprising (a) a base frame having a first longitudinal member, said first longitudinal member having a first end and a second end, and a second longitudinal member in a parallel spaced-relationship with said first longitudinal member; (b) a plurality of cross members arranged perpendicularly along at least said first longitudinal member, each of said plurality of cross members having a lower stripping member for receiving the stalk of an agricultural crop; (c) a plurality of upper stripping members, each upper stripping member positionable to cooperate with a corresponding lower stripping member to substantially encircle the stalk; (d) means for engaging and conveying the stalk along the apparatus in a direction from said first end to said second end of said first longitudinal member; and (e) a pivotable frame, said pivotable frame having said plurality of upper stripping members affixed thereto; wherein each upper stripping member and the corresponding lower stripping member cooperate to strip the leaves from the stalk as the stalk is conveyed along the apparatus, and wherein said means for engaging and conveying the stalk along the apparatus comprises a stalk gripping assembly disposed near said second end of said first longitudinal member.