Patent ID: 6415592
Filing Date: 2002-07-09
Classification: A01D

Abstract:
Harvester apparatus for separating ripe fruit from harvested plants, said harvester apparatus comprising, in combination:a first separator for separating loose fruit from harvested plants; a first sorter for sorting loose fruit separated by the first separator by detecting the color thereof and selectively accepting or rejecting the loose fruit separated by the first separator on the basis of the detected color thereof; a second separator for receiving harvested plants from the first separator after loose fruit has been separated therefrom by said first separator for separating additional loose fruit from the harvested plants received thereby from the first separator; a second sorter for receiving loose fruit from said second separator and sorting the loose fruit received from said second separator by detecting the color of the loose fruit received from the second separator and selectively accepting or rejecting the loose fruit received from the second separator on the basis of the detected color thereof; and transport means for transporting loose fruit rejected by said second sorter to said first sorter for further sorting by said first sorter.