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WO2000062594A1 - Procede et appareil de recolte et/ou de transport a pneumatiques - Google Patents

Procede et appareil de recolte et/ou de transport a pneumatiques Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2000062594A1
WO2000062594A1 PCT/AU2000/000322 AU0000322W WO0062594A1 WO 2000062594 A1 WO2000062594 A1 WO 2000062594A1 AU 0000322 W AU0000322 W AU 0000322W WO 0062594 A1 WO0062594 A1 WO 0062594A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
duct
cushioning
air
collection apparatus
pneumatic
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Ceased
Application number
PCT/AU2000/000322
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
Derick Ross Lucas
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
FUTUREPUMP Ltd
Original Assignee
FUTUREPUMP Ltd
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by FUTUREPUMP Ltd filed Critical FUTUREPUMP Ltd
Priority to AU36494/00A priority Critical patent/AU3649400A/en
Publication of WO2000062594A1 publication Critical patent/WO2000062594A1/fr
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Ceased legal-status Critical Current

Links

Classifications

    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A01—AGRICULTURE; FORESTRY; ANIMAL HUSBANDRY; HUNTING; TRAPPING; FISHING
    • A01D—HARVESTING; MOWING
    • A01D46/00—Picking of fruits, vegetables, hops, or the like; Devices for shaking trees or shrubs
    • A01D46/005—Picking of fruits, vegetables, hops, or the like; Devices for shaking trees or shrubs picking or shaking pneumatically

Definitions

  • This invention relates to a collection and/or conveying method and apparatus using pneumatics which in one aspect may be used for collecting and/or conveying easily bruised or damaged products but which may be used for collecting and/or conveying other products.
  • Fruit is currently harvested by a number of different methods. Often easily bruised fruit such as stone fruits are collected by manual hand picking however this process is labour intensive, slow and can result in damage to the fruit.
  • Some mechanical methods are also used for example by raking of the branches of the tree to pull fruit or other produce from the branches or by vibrating the tree to shake fruit or produce from the trees after which the fruit or produce is collected by mechanical or hand collection means. This arrangement also can result in damage to the fruit or other produce and further is relatively inefficient.
  • the present invention aims to provide in one aspect an improved method and means for collecting or harvesting fruit or other agricultural products.
  • the present invention in a further aspect aims to provide a method and means for conveying easily bruised or damaged products such as fruit.
  • the present invention thus provides in a first preferred aspect, a method of harvesting fruit or other produce, said method including the steps of providing duct means, creating a vacuum or partial vacuum in said duct means, and locating an open inlet end of said duct means adjacent fruit or other produce to be harvested to draw, under the influence of the vacuum or partial vacuum in said duct means, said fruit or other produce into said duct means under the influence of air inflatable cushioning in said duct means.
  • the present invention in a further preferred aspect provides apparatus for harvesting fruit or other produce, said apparatus including duct means having an open inlet end, means for creating a vacuum or partial vacuum in said duct means and means for positioning said open inlet end of said duct means adjacentfruit or other produce to be harvested to draw under the influence of the vacuum or partial vacuum, said fruit or other produce into said duct means, said duct means having inflatable cushioning tc preserve the produce as it travels along said duct means.
  • the vacuum or partial vacuum in the duct means may be created by means of one or more Venturis in the duct means. Any suitable means may be provided for supplying compressed air to the venturi/s to create the vacuum or partial vacuum in the duct means. Such means may include a compressor.
  • the duct means may be a duct or pipe of any form and may be rigid, semi-rigid or flexible.
  • the apparatus may be mounted on a prime mover such as a tractor whereby the apparatus may be positioned adjacent trees or shrubs from which fruit or other produce such as nuts or coffee beans are to be harvested.
  • a prime mover such as a tractor
  • fruit or other produce such as nuts or coffee beans are to be harvested.
  • the prime mover includes a collection bin or bins into which the harvested fruit or other produce collected by the duct means may be deposited.
  • the present invention in yet a further aspect provides a method of conveying products, said method including the steps of providing duct means, providing inflatable cushioning means within said duct means and creating an air flow along said duct means to cause products within said duct means to be conveyed there along, said products in movement along said duct means, being cushioned by said cushioning means.
  • the present invention provides apparatus for conveying products, said apparatus including duct means, inflatable cushioning means within said duct means and means for creating an airflow along said duct means to cause products within said duct means to be conveyed there along, said products in movement along said duct means being cushioned by said cushioning means.
  • the duct means may comprise a tube or duct of any form and any cross section and the means for creating an air flow in the duct means may comprise a venturi in, or communicating with the duct means. More than one venturi may be located at spaced positions along the duct means. Any suitable means may be provided for supplying compressed air to the venturi/s. Typically such means may comprise a compressor.
  • venturi or Venturis may comprise members of annular form having a plurality of air passages therein which are angled inwardly from an outer air chamber, connectable to the compressed air source, to the interior of the annular bodies where they open through an annular shoulder.
  • the air passages may be replaced by an annular slot.
  • the cushioning means may be formed of porous or non porous materials.
  • the cushioning means may comprise a series of longitudinally extending cushioning elements arranged around the inner surface of the duct means.
  • the elements may be arranged in a side by side position or spaced apart.
  • the elements have an exposed surface which provides cushioning to products passing along the duct means.
  • the elements typically have an exposed surface of part circular form.
  • the elements may be of part cylindrical form.
  • the elements may also include one or more air flow passages to enhance the cushioning effect of the elements.
  • the air flow passages may be supplied with air flowing along the duct means induced for example by the or each venturi.
  • the elements may be formed of a porous flexible or resilient material such as a foamed plastics material.
  • the elements may be formed of a non porous material or within a non-porous outer sheath or layer to constrain air within the elements to form the elements into air cushions.
  • the cushioning means may comprise a thin sheet-like membrane within the interior of the duct means and means may be provided to supply air to the region between the membrane and inner wall of the duct means to provide an inflated pneumatic cushion to protect products moving along the duct means.
  • the membrane may have any shape or configuration and in one form may comprise a series of peaks and troughs. Alternatively the membrane may be of irregular form.
  • the means for supplying air to the region behind the membrane may include the venturi/s which supply air for conveying the products along the duct means.
  • the cushioning means may be provided with air slots or openings for the partial escape of air from behind the cushioning means to assist flow of products along the duct means.
  • the cushioning means may be of spiral form or any other configuration to assist flow of the products along the duct means. Where Venturis are used to create the air flow along the duct means and supply air to the membrane means, exposed corners or edges of the venturi means maybe covered in a cushioning material or materials to prevent damage to the products being conveyed.
  • Means may also be provided for decelerating movement of products along the duct means usually where products are to be deposited or removed from the duct means.
  • Such means may comprise one or more buffer members which produce a constriction or constrictions in the duct means. Separating means may be provided downstream of the buffer member/s to separate or direct the products to a preferred location or locations.
  • Fig. 1 illustrates an embodiment of the invention designed for harvesting fruit or other produce
  • Fig. 2 illustrates one form of cushioned conveying duct with one cushioning element removed
  • Fig. 2A illustrates in cross section typical cushioning elements
  • Fig. 3 illustrates the cushioned duct in the region of the air flow inducing venturi
  • Figs.4 and 5 illustrate further embodiments of cushioned conveying duct
  • Fig. 6 illustrates an arrangement for slowing the passage of products along the duct and dividing and directing arrangement at the end of the duct.
  • a prime mover 10 in the form of a tractor having mounted thereon the harvesting apparatus 11 according to an embodiment of the invention.
  • the apparatus 11 includes one or more collection ducts or tubes 12 which are mounted so that their open outer ends 13 can be positioned adjacent to a tree, bush, shrub or other plant 14 from which fruit or other produce is to be harvested.
  • the open outer end 13 of the duct 12 may be of flared or of any other form which will facilitate harvesting.
  • the end 13 may also be cushioned to prevent damage to the harvested product.
  • the ducts 12 for this purpose may be rigid semi-rigid or flexible and suitable support means may be provided to selectively move the ducts 12 towards or away from the trees or shrubs 14.
  • the ducts 12 at their inner ends communicate with a collection bin or hopper 15 in which the produce may be collected.
  • Suitable means are provided to create a suction pressure within the ducts or tubes 12 so as to enable fruit or produce to be harvested from the trees
  • the preferred form of suction pressure creating means comprises one or more Venturis 16 arranged within the ducts 12 (see Fig. 3).
  • the Venturis 16 comprise annular members 17 provided with a series of circumferentially spaced passages 18 which are inclined inwardly to open through an annular shoulder 19 on the inside of the members 17.
  • the passages 18 communicate with an annular chamber 20 in a housing 21 surrounding the venturi 16, the annular chamber 20 being supplied in use with compressed air for flow through the passages 18.
  • Air flowing through the passages 18 creates a back pressure and partial vacuum in the duct 12 to accelerate the flow of air through the tube or duct 12 and create a suction pressure in the duct 12 adjacent the open end 13 thereof.
  • the venturi 16 is provided with additional air jets 22 which are connected to the passage 18 and which enhance flow of product through the ducts 12.
  • the ducts 12 are manipulated such that the open ends 13 thereof are located adjacent the individual fruit pieces or other produce to be harvested from the trees 14.
  • Compressed air is supplied to the chamber 20 such that air flow through the passages 18 into the duct 12 will create a suction pressure at the open ends 13 of the ducts 12 which will cause the fruit or other produce to be detached from the trees or shrubs 14 and be drawn down the ducts 12 to be deposited into the collection hopper 15.
  • the harvested products may then be conveyed in the hopper 15 to a site for sorting and packaging or other processing.
  • the ducts 12 may be internally cushioned as shown in the embodiment of Fig.2.
  • a series of longitudinally extending cushioning members 23 are located on the inside of the duct 12 at circumferentially spaced locations therearound.
  • the cushioning members 23 may be in edge to edge relationship with each other or alternatively spaced from each other as shown.
  • Each cushioning member 23 is of a generally half cylindrical configuration with the curved surfaces 24 located radially inwardly.
  • Longitudinally extending channels 25 extend along the rear faces of the member 23 to define with the inner surface of the duct 12 an air passage.
  • the cushioning members 23 may be porous or non-porous Where non- porous, the outer periphery of the members 23 may be covered or sheathed in a non-porous material or membrane 26 (see Fig. 2A). Thus air passing along the channels 25 will form the members 23 into inflated or partially inflated air cushions. Air may be supplied to the channels or grooves 25 from the air flowing along the ducts 12 from the venturi 16. Where the cushioning member is formed of a porous material as shown schematically at 23' in Fig. 2A, air supplied to the channels 25 will permeate through the member 23 to again create a form of air cushioning.
  • the members 23 extend longitudinally parallel to the axis of the duct 12.
  • the members 23 may extend spirally, helically or be in any other configuration. Further any number of members 23 may be provided and whilst it is preferred the members 23 are in edge to edge relationship, they may be spaced apart depending upon the nature of the products being conveyed.
  • the cushioning in the interior of the duct 12 comprises a membrane 27 is of castellated form ccmprising a series of peak and troughs around the inner circumference of the duct 12.
  • the regions 28 between the membrane 27 and inner wall of the duct 12 forms a series of circumferentially spaced passages through which air may flow to form the membrane 27 into air cushions around the inner periphery of the duct 12.
  • the regions 28 may be filled with a porous material through which air flows to enhance the cushioning effect.
  • air is suitably provided to the regions 28 by the air flow induced along the duct 12 by the venturi/s 16.
  • Fig. 5 illustrates yet an alternative embodiment of the invention in which the membrane 29 is of irregular form with the region 30 between the membrane 29 and wall of the duct 12 being supplied with air to form an air cushion around the inner periphery of the duct 12.
  • the membrane 29 is suitably anchored at spaced circumferential positions, and/or longitudinally, to the inner wall of the duct 12. Again air for the region 30 is preferably supplied by the air induced to flow along the duct 12 by the venturi/s 16.
  • the venturi 16 exposed edges or corners of the venturi 16 such as the corner 31 may be covered by a cushioning material as at 32 (see Fig. 3).
  • the cushioning material may be any suitable synthetic or natural cushioning material such as plastics on rubber.
  • the end of the duct 12 is constricted by means of a buffer member 35 which is preferably constructed of a cushioning material and which as shown extends circumferentially around the inner periphery of the duct 12.
  • the buffer member 34 is of annular form having a part circular inner periphery 35 to define a throat 36 through which the products 33 may pass.
  • One or more such buffer members 34 may be located along the duct 12 of different diameters to progressively slow movement of the products 33 and prevent backup of product being conveyed.
  • upstream buffer members 34 may have a wider throat 36 whilst downstream buffer members 34 may have narrower throats 36.
  • the buffer members 34 define with the duct 12 an annular space 37 which may be filled or partially filed with air to form the buffer members 34 into air cushions.
  • the buffer members 34 may be formed of a porous or non-porous material similar to the members 23 and 23' of Fig. 1.
  • the duct 12 may diverge as at 38 and a dividing member 39 in this embodiment in the form of a rotating spline having a plurality of radially extending arms 40 is provided in the region 38 to direct produce 33 to one side or the other of the dividing member 39.
  • sensing means may be provided to sort the product into appropriate sizes or in accordance with other properties.
  • the sensing means may be arranged to sense the size of products 33 or other properties of the products 33 and be associated with the dividing member 39 so as to cause the dividing member 39 by rotation in the appropriate direction to direct product 33 having certain properties to one side of the dividing member 39 and products 33 having other properties to the other side of the dividing member 39.
  • the cushioned conveying duct 12 has been described in the embodiment as being used in harvesting apparatus for conveying harvested produce. It will be appreciated however that the cushioned duct 12 may be used in any other application, not involving harvesting, where conveying of easily damaged or other products is required. Of course the duct shape, size and configuration may be varied to suit the application and/or size and type of product to be conveyed.

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  • Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
  • Environmental Sciences (AREA)
  • Buffer Packaging (AREA)

Abstract

L'invention concerne un appareil de récolte (11) à pneumatiques, comprenant un organe tel qu'un venturi destiné à créer un vide total ou partiel, qui communique avec un ou plusieurs conduits de récolte (12). Ces conduits (12) sont montés de sorte que leurs extrémités extérieures (13) ouvertes peuvent être placées adjacentes à un arbre, un buisson, ou un arbuste (14), à partir duquel on récolte des fruits ou d'autres produits sous l'action du vide. L'extrémité extérieure (13) des conduits (12) peut être évasée ou d'une toute autre forme qui facilite la récolte, et peut également être capitonnée de façon à ne pas abîmer les fruits. Les conduits (12) peuvent être rigides, semi-rigides, ou souples, et comprendre un organe de support permettant de d'approcher ou d'éloigner sélectivement desdits conduits (12) des arbres (14). Les extrémités intérieures de conduits (12) communiquent avec un récipient collecteur (15) qui collecte le fruit récolté.
PCT/AU2000/000322 1999-04-16 2000-04-14 Procede et appareil de recolte et/ou de transport a pneumatiques Ceased WO2000062594A1 (fr)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
AU36494/00A AU3649400A (en) 1999-04-16 2000-04-14 Pneumatic collection and/or conveying method and apparatus

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
AUPP9800A AUPP980099A0 (en) 1999-04-16 1999-04-16 Pneumatic collection and/or conveying method and apparatus
AUPP9800 1999-04-16

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO2000062594A1 true WO2000062594A1 (fr) 2000-10-26

Family

ID=3813999

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
PCT/AU2000/000322 Ceased WO2000062594A1 (fr) 1999-04-16 2000-04-14 Procede et appareil de recolte et/ou de transport a pneumatiques

Country Status (2)

Country Link
AU (1) AUPP980099A0 (fr)
WO (1) WO2000062594A1 (fr)

Cited By (9)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2008118915A1 (fr) * 2007-03-26 2008-10-02 Picker Technologies Llc Système de transport de fruits et d'objets similaires
US7815401B2 (en) 2008-07-31 2010-10-19 Picker Technologies Llc System for transporting grossly asymmetrical objects such as a cluster of grapes or other fruit through a pneumatic tube
WO2012138372A1 (fr) * 2011-04-06 2012-10-11 Fish Transport Systems, Llc Tube de transport d'objets
US8371773B2 (en) 2007-03-26 2013-02-12 Picker Technologies Llc Transport system for fruit and like objects
WO2014035273A2 (fr) 2012-08-30 2014-03-06 Momcilo Kokanovic Dispositif de récolte de fruits mous à souffle d'air
WO2019055263A1 (fr) * 2017-09-15 2019-03-21 Abundant Robotics, Inc. Double effecteur terminal pour récolte robotique
WO2020046625A1 (fr) * 2018-08-31 2020-03-05 Abundant Robotics, Inc. Cale orientable pour distribution de fruit cueilli
CN110979139A (zh) * 2019-05-10 2020-04-10 成都清机科技有限公司 一种多用途农产品采收装置
CN115318612A (zh) * 2022-08-12 2022-11-11 盐城工学院 一种水果罐头加工用原料筛选装置

Families Citing this family (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
CN111587662A (zh) * 2020-05-08 2020-08-28 河北中仁农业机械有限公司 一种摇晃机

Citations (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4388798A (en) * 1981-06-09 1983-06-21 Gerber Curtis E Fruit harvesting machine
US4558561A (en) * 1983-08-26 1985-12-17 Mendenhall Harold P Mechanical fruit picker
US5319911A (en) * 1992-05-26 1994-06-14 Wilhite Russell J Nut harvester

Patent Citations (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4388798A (en) * 1981-06-09 1983-06-21 Gerber Curtis E Fruit harvesting machine
US4558561A (en) * 1983-08-26 1985-12-17 Mendenhall Harold P Mechanical fruit picker
US5319911A (en) * 1992-05-26 1994-06-14 Wilhite Russell J Nut harvester

Cited By (24)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2008118915A1 (fr) * 2007-03-26 2008-10-02 Picker Technologies Llc Système de transport de fruits et d'objets similaires
US7695220B2 (en) 2007-03-26 2010-04-13 Picker Technologies Llc Transport system for fruit and like objects
JP2010522682A (ja) * 2007-03-26 2010-07-08 ピッカー・テクノロジーズ・リミテッド・ライアビリティ・カンパニー 果実及び同様の物体の輸送システム
CN101677510B (zh) * 2007-03-26 2012-05-02 匹克技术公司 用于水果及类似物品的传送系统
US8371773B2 (en) 2007-03-26 2013-02-12 Picker Technologies Llc Transport system for fruit and like objects
JP2013047149A (ja) * 2007-03-26 2013-03-07 Picker Technologies Llc 物品を輸送する装置及びその方法並びに物品を受け取って輸送するようになっている両末端管の組み合わせ
US7815401B2 (en) 2008-07-31 2010-10-19 Picker Technologies Llc System for transporting grossly asymmetrical objects such as a cluster of grapes or other fruit through a pneumatic tube
WO2012138372A1 (fr) * 2011-04-06 2012-10-11 Fish Transport Systems, Llc Tube de transport d'objets
EP2736826A4 (fr) * 2011-04-06 2015-09-23 Fish Transp Systems Llc Tube de transport d'objets
RU2638592C2 (ru) * 2011-04-06 2017-12-14 ФИШ ТРАНСПОРТ СИСТЕМЗ, ЭлЭлСи Труба для транспортировки объекта
WO2014035273A2 (fr) 2012-08-30 2014-03-06 Momcilo Kokanovic Dispositif de récolte de fruits mous à souffle d'air
US9345195B2 (en) 2012-08-30 2016-05-24 Momcilo Kokanovic Air blast soft fruit harvesting device
WO2019055263A1 (fr) * 2017-09-15 2019-03-21 Abundant Robotics, Inc. Double effecteur terminal pour récolte robotique
US11540444B2 (en) 2017-09-15 2023-01-03 Abundant Robots, Inc. Doubles end-effector for robotic harvesting
WO2020046625A1 (fr) * 2018-08-31 2020-03-05 Abundant Robotics, Inc. Cale orientable pour distribution de fruit cueilli
CN112888303A (zh) * 2018-08-31 2021-06-01 裕盛机器人技术公司 用于分配采摘的水果的回转楔形件
JP2022508352A (ja) * 2018-08-31 2022-01-19 アバンダント・ロボティクス・インコーポレーテッド 摘み取った果実の分配のための回転ウェッジ
AU2019332772B2 (en) * 2018-08-31 2022-03-03 Abundant Robotics, Inc. Swiveling wedge for distribution of picked fruit
JP7117459B2 (ja) 2018-08-31 2022-08-12 アバンダント・ロボティクス・インコーポレーテッド 摘み取った果実の分配のための回転ウェッジ
CN112888303B (zh) * 2018-08-31 2023-04-11 裕盛机器人技术公司 采收装置、采收系统和采收方法
CN110979139A (zh) * 2019-05-10 2020-04-10 成都清机科技有限公司 一种多用途农产品采收装置
CN110979139B (zh) * 2019-05-10 2021-11-05 合肥俊刚机械科技有限公司 一种多用途农产品采收装置
CN115318612A (zh) * 2022-08-12 2022-11-11 盐城工学院 一种水果罐头加工用原料筛选装置
CN115318612B (zh) * 2022-08-12 2023-10-13 盐城工学院 一种水果罐头加工用原料筛选装置

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