GB614757A - Improvements in fruit grading and packing apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

614,757. Sorting fruit. TOD, Ltd., J. & J., and TOD, J. R. July 26, 1946, No. 22244. [Class 117] Apparatus for grading fruit according to size comprises a sorting table 2 having an inclined flap 22 hinged thereto on which the fruit to be graded is placed and by which it is transferred to a conveyer 1 travelling below a shaft 14 carrying a plurality of paddle wheels 3. Each of the wheels 3 comprises a disc with a plurality of radial spokes 19, to each of which is affixed a rubber or other resilient blade 20. The height of the paddles above the conveyer 1 on each succeeding wheel decreases from the feed end, whereby the largest fruit is removed by the first paddle wheel and the smaller fruit by succeeding paddle wheels into troughs 4 from which it is delivered into receptacles. The flap 22 is periodically raised and lowered, e.g. by linked to rod 23 pivoted to the flap, to means of a cam-actuated lever-mechanism regulate the supply of fruit to the conveyer 1. The paddle wheels 3 may all have the same radial length and the shaft 14 inclined in an adjustable manner to the belt. A brush may be placed transversely across the conveyer 1 in front of the first or of each of the paddle wheels to roll the calyxes of the fruit over for the period during which the fruit is under the paddle wheel or wheels. The delivery troughs 4 are provided with hinged spring doors 28 to retain the fruit and break its fall on its passage to the receptacle 35. These latter may be placed on a movable spring-controlled platform which, when a predetermined weight of fruit has fallen into the receptacles, moves against the spring forces and releases a trigger to allow the door 28 to close. The platform may also be adjustable in height.