IL290015A - Produce handling device and/or method - Google Patents

Description

PRODUCE HANDLING DEVICE AND/OR METHOD TECHNICAL FIELD 1. 1.

[001] Embodiments of the invention relate to a produce handling device and/or method, for example for handling fruit and vegetables.

BACKGROUND 2. 2.

[002] Dedicated machinery/devices typically used nowadays for handling produce (i.e. fruit and vegetables), do so according to various qualities/criteria’s, such as external qualities (e.g. color, skin defects, etc.) and/or internal qualities (such as weight, hardness measurement, brix degrees, ripeness, damage of the pulp, etc.). Such machinery may sort and package produce while ensuring that quality features are safeguarded and/or that produce are packaged according to defined criteria. 3. 3.

[003] In such machinery, the handling of the produce may begin at an incoming section where the produce is received. From the receiving section, the produce may be conveyed onwards downstream towards a singulator that can include one or more conveyors. The singulator may then urge the produce onwards downstream towards additional section(s) that may exist in such handling device, such as sorting and packaging sections (etc.). 4. 4.

[004] The singulator may include one or more successive sections. A conveyor of a typical section forming and/or included in a singulator, may include two generally parallel extending endless belts arranged in a V configuration. The belts in each conveyor operate at different speeds in order to rotate/spin the produce in an attempt to order it in a substantial single row. All conveyors are arranged to have similar speeds at their belts. In certain cases, the singulator may include additional sections downstream of the V-belt section for ordering the produce in a row, such as a section including spaced rollers (or the like). . .

[005] US8776986 described that produce, in their example fruit, does not move at the average speed of the two belts in the V-belt section, but rather at a speed somewhere in-between the speed of the two belts. Such a V-belt section of a singulator causes fruit to assume a single line, which is then transferred to a series spaced rollers that are driven by a conveyor around in a closed loop. The section including the spaced rollers, permits in their example also grading of the produce by rotating the produce as it goes past possible photographic and weighing zones that assist in later sorting of the produce.

SUMMARY 6. 6.

[006] The following embodiments and aspects thereof are described and illustrated in conjunction with systems, tools and methods which are meant to be exemplary and illustrative, not limiting in scope. 7. 7.

[007] In an embodiment there is provided a produce handling device comprising at least one singulator section for urging produce downstream, the singulator section comprising a plurality of generally parallel extending conveyors, and the handling device being arranged to selectively alter speed of each conveyor of the singulator in an independent manner in relation to other conveyors of the singulator. 8. 8.

[008] In certain embodiments possibly combinable with others, there is also provided a handling device comprising several successive section some of which being a singulator type but not necessarily. A first section preferably being of a singulator type and all successive sections comprising each a plurality of generally parallel extending conveyors for urging produce downstream, and the device being arranged to selectively alter speeds of one or more conveyors in each section in order to reduce gaps detected between adjacent articles of produce in sensed conveyor(s). 9. 9.

[009] In certain embodiments possibly combinable with others, there is also provided a handling device comprising a singulator type section with a plurality of generally parallel extending conveyors each comprising a plurality of supports. The device further being arranged to include a spiral member for preferably ensuring that relative long articles of produce, such as avocados or the like, are suitably placed in between adjacent supports – by engaging portions of such produce to urge it to substantially not project beyond the supports. . .

[010] In addition to the exemplary aspects and embodiments described above, further aspects and embodiments will become apparent by reference to the figures and by study of the following detailed descriptions.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES 11. 11.

[011] Exemplary embodiments are illustrated in referenced figures. It is intended that the embodiments and figures disclosed herein are to be considered illustrative, rather than restrictive. The invention, however, both as to organization and method of operation, together with objects, features, and advantages thereof, may best be understood by reference to the following detailed description when read with the accompanying figures, in which: 12. 12.

[012] Figs. 1 and 2 schematically show a produce handling device in accordance with various embodiments of the invention; 13. 13.

[013] Figs. 3 and 4 schematically illustrate various flow patterns of produce in accordance with various embodiments of the invention; 14. 14.

[014] Fig. 5 schematically shows another embodiment of a handling device of the present invention, possibly combinable with other embodiments disclosed herein; and . .

[015] Figs. 6 and 7 schematically shows yet a further embodiments of handling devices of the present invention, possibly combinable with other embodiments disclosed herein. 16. 16.

[016] It will be appreciated that for simplicity and clarity of illustration, elements shown in the figures have not necessarily been drawn to scale. For example, the dimensions of some of the elements may be exaggerated relative to other elements for clarity. Further, where considered appropriate, reference numerals may be repeated within the figures to indicate like elements.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION 17. 17.

[017] Attention is first drawn to Fig. 1 schematically illustrating an embodiment of a handling device 10 for produce. The handing device here seen includes possible first and second sections 12, 14 of a singulator. A singulator is generally adapted to receive produce from upstream, e.g. from a receiving section (not shown) and transfer the produce onwards downstream while urging the produce to assume a substantial single line. Produce according to various embodiments of the present invention may be fruit and/or vegetables. 18. 18.

[018] It is noted that in certain cases, embodiments of a handling device of the present invention may be defined including one singulator section 12, while the other successive illustrated section 14 may then be considered as an additional section of the handling device downstream to the singulator, such as a sorting section of the handling device (or the like). 19. 19.

[019] In embodiments where section 14 is a singulator section, it may be arranged to include supports e.g. for introducing further order in the line of produce communicated downstream. Such a singulator section 14 may include a series of spaced apart rollers that are driven by a conveyor around in a closed loop (or the like). Such rollers, in some cases may permit grading of the produce by rotating the produce as it goes past possible photographic zones (or the like). . .

[020] In yet further embodiments where section 14 is a singulator section, it may be arranged to be generally similar to section 12 or any other conveyor type structure suitable for moving produce downstream. 21. 21.

[021] Singulator section 12 possibly includes several generally parallel and longitudinally extending conveyors 121. Each conveyor 121 may be adapted to transfer produce arriving in a relative un-ordered manner from upstream, in a more ordered manner downstream towards a receptive co-axial conveyor 141 of section 14. In certain embodiments, section 14 may accordingly be considered as an additional singulator section, while in other embodiments as an additional section of the handling device downstream to the singulator (such as a sorting section or the like). 22. 22.

[022] In accordance with certain embodiments, each conveyor 121 of the singulator section 12 includes a pair of first and second endless belts 131, 132. In each conveyor 121, the belts 131, 132 may be arranged (supported possibly via a frame 7) to form a V shaped formation in a cross section perpendicular to the conveyor’s longitudinal axis (see cross section AA at the left-hand side of the figure). Such V shape opens upwards so that produce can be supported therein as it is transferred downstream. 23. 23.

[023] Belts 131, 132 in each given conveyor are traditionally arranged to advance at different speeds S1, S2 in order to urge produce entering the singulator from upstream to form a substantial line as the produce advances downstream. In a non-binding example, a speed ratio Sr between adjacent belts in a conveyor may be about 30%, e.g. S1 = 0.3 X S2, (or the like) in order to urge produce transferred downstream to substantially form a line. 24. 24.

[024] During the lining up process along the singulator, gaps G may be formed within a given conveyor 121 between adjacent produce being urged downstream.

Such gaps G if transferred, e.g. to section 14 and onwards downstream, may reduce the overall throughput of produce being transferred downstream by the handling device 10 per unit of time. . .

[025] An aspect of the present invention may thus be aimed at mitigating the formation of such gaps G in the singulator section and/or elsewhere along the handling device. By that, a produce handling device employing various embodiments of the present invention may exhibit increased throughput of produce per unit of time. In one example, such reduction in the amount and/or size of gaps G may be addressed by altering the speeds of belts in conveyors of the singular. 26. 26.

[026] In an embodiment of the present invention, handling device 10 may be provided with a sensor 2 associated preferably with each conveyor 121 of singulator section 12. Such sensors 2 may be provided adjacent a downstream side of each conveyor 121. The sensors, possibly optical sensors, may be arranged to detect produce passing downstream along the conveyor, while e.g. lack in detection of produce may be indicative of a gap G formed between produce along the conveyor. 27. 27.

[027] In an embodiment, the size and/or length of a detected gap G may be assessed according to the time span of e.g. lack in detection of produce passing by the sensor. It is noted that sensors according to various embodiments of the invention may be suited to directly detect presence of gaps G e.g. by transmitting back and forth a signal that when received indicates lack of produce i.e. a gap.

Other means suitable for such purpose may be equally applicable. 28. 28.

[028] Attention is additionally drawn to Fig. 2 schematically illustrating an embodiment of a singulator section 12 that includes ‘n’ generally parallel conveyors 121. Sensors 2 located at or adjacent a relative a downstream side of, possibly, each conveyor may be tuned for detecting gaps G formed along each conveyor. Upon detection of a gap G at a given conveyor, a controller (not shown) associate and/or in communication with the handling device, may apply an increase IN in speed to the belts 131, 132 of the conveyor where such Gap G was detected. 29. 29.

[029] Possibly, such increase IN may be applied while maintaining a speed ratio between the belts 131, 132 suitable for lining up the produce. Possibly such speed ratio may be the same speed ratio Sr that initially existed prior to increasing the speeds of the belts. . .

[030] By way of an example, if the speed of belts 131, 132 in a certain conveyor 121(i) is initially S1, S2; applying an increase IN(i) in speed to the belts of a certain conveyor ‘i’ may result in the respective speeds of these belts now being equal to IN(i)xS1, IN(i)xS2. In some cases, the increase IN in speed that is applied to the initial speeds may not necessarily be similar for both belts 131, 132 of the conveyor being tweaked. 31. 31.

[031] Attention is additionally drawn to Fig. 3 schematically illustrating a singulator section 12 and a successive section 14 downstream possibly also of a singulator type (but not necessarily). Produce tagged ‘1’ to ‘9’ are shown located along sections 12, 14, where in this example a first gap G is shown formed between 1 produce tagged ‘7’ and ‘8’; and a second gap G between produce tagged ‘5’ and 2 ‘6’. 32. 32.

[032] Both sections 12, 14 may initially be set to convey produce downstream at respective rates that avoid un-intentional damage to the produce as it transfers from the conveyor of section 12 to that of section 14. Possibly, to avoid such un- intentional damage to produce, the rates of both conveyors may be set so that produce progresses at substantially the same rate along both sections. 33. 33.

[033] Upon progress of produce downstream, as the produce tagged ‘5’ transfers from section 12 to 14, sensor 2 may detect the presence of gap G . A 2 controller receiving such sensed data may then urge the belts 131, 132 of section 12 to increase their speeds by applying an increase IN to the speeds S1, S2 as exemplified above. 34. 34.

[034] Since the speed of the produce now urged downstream along section 12 is increased in relation to the respective speed of the produce being urged along section 14, gap G is adapted to shorten/shrink in length. Such increase in the speed 2 of a conveyor of section 12 may persist until the produce tagged ‘6’ advances towards a position where it is about to transfer to section 14. . .

[035] Upon detection by sensor 2 of the arriving produce ‘6’ from upstream and hence the termination of gap G , the controller may lower the speeds of the belts of 2 section 12 (e.g. by ceasing to apply increase IN to their speeds). Consequently, the speed of produce along section 12 may slow back down towards its initial speed suitable for transferring produce to section 14 without incurring un-intentional damage to the produce. Upon detection of gap G the same sequence of events may 1 re-occur in order to shrink the extension of gap G too – and by that increase the 1 overall throughput per unit of time of produce being urged downstream. 36. 36.

[036] Attention is drawn to Fig. 4 exemplifying an embodiment of the present invention, including a singulator section 12a and a successive downstream section 12b possibly of a singulator type (but not necessarily). Downstream of section 12b in this example may be provided a successive section 14 possibly of a singulator type (but not necessarily). 37. 37.

[037] In an embodiment, so long as no substantial gaps are detected by sensors 2a and 2b, sections 12a, 12b and 14 may be tuned to convey produce downstream at substantially similar rates/speeds. In the provided example, when produce ‘5’ transfers from section 12b to 14 and upon detection by sensor 2b of gap G , both 2 sections 12a and 12b may increase their speeds in order to shrink, inter alia, gap G . 2 38. 38.

[038] Once produce ‘7’ transfers from section 12a to 12b and upon detection by sensor 2a of gap G , as long as the end of gap G has not yet been detected (and 1 2 hence no produce is about to transfer from section 12b to 14) - section 12a may advance its speed in relation to section 12b and by that act to shrink gap G that 1 precedes produce ‘8’ before this produce ‘8’ reaches section 12b. 39. 39.

[039] Thus by arranging a produce handling device, where control of respective speeds in a series of successive sections (here 12a, 12b) is provided – such handling device may be arranged to exhibit higher throughputs of produce per unit of time, by shrinking gaps detected between adjacent articles of produce, possibly to a larger extent. 40. 40.

[040] Attention is drawn to Fig. 5 exemplifying a handling device embodiment generally similar to that in Fig. 1 – but here being provided with storage zones 77 for storing produce to be selectively fed to conveyors 121 and/or 141. The storage zones 77 may be positioned in-between pairs of conveyors 121 and 141 for supplying upon demand produce to the conveyors 121 and/or 141 of such pair. 41. 41.

[041] Sensors (not shown) arranged along the conveyors 121 and/or 141 of section 12 and/or 14 may be arranged to detect gaps G formed between adjacent articles of produce in each given conveyor and activate sideways ejection of produce towards such gaps G in order to fill them. The double lined arrows illustrated at one of the sections 12 and 14, exemplify ejection of two articles of produce sideways into a passing gap G detected as present. 42. 42.

[042] The ejection of articles of produce from such storage zones 77 in order to fill gaps G may be facilitated via an array of apertures (not shown) located along a storage zone. Through such apertures, air pressure may for example be selectively applied in order to eject and/or urge articles of produce to fill detected gaps G. In alternative to air pressure, others means may be applied such as mechanical means (or the like) for selectively urging produce along a zone 77 sideways into a selected conveyor. It is noted that the solution exemplified in the embodiment shown in Fig. may be applied in addition to other solutions disclosed herein, such as those for shrinking gaps G by altering conveyor(s) speed(s) or other solutions such as those discussed below. 43. 43.

[043] Attention is drawn to Fig. 6 exemplifying an embodiment of an ensuing singulator section 14. The upper part of this figures provides a side view of section 14 and the lower part of this figure provides a top view of section 14. The provided illustrations exemplify ordering of produce having a relative longitudinal shape (such as avocado or the like) as opposed to a more rounded shape existing in some varieties of produce (such as in apples or the like). 44. 44.

[044] Singulator section 14 may be of a type including supports 99 for introducing further order in a line of produce being urged downstream. Typically, a produce located upon singulator 14 may find its resting point in a relative recessed region 55 located substantially in-between adjacent supports 99, in order to further ‘single’ out each produce from its adjacent produce as it is urged onwards downstream. In certain cases, singulator section 14 may be chosen to include a series of spaced apart rollers as its supports 99, which may be driven e.g. by a conveyor around in a closed loop. 45. 45.

[045] A handling device including such a singulator 14 may be arranged to include a spiral member 88, possibly in the form of a spiral brush. Spiral member 88 may be arranged to include a pitch Ps generally similar to a pitch Pr between adjacent supports 99 of singulator 14. 46. 46.

[046] Spiral member 88 may be arranged to rotate about a shaft 44 that is generally parallel to an axis X defining the direction of advancement of singulator section 14 downstream. The rate of rotation of spiral member 88 may be tuned to the rate of advancement of singulator 14 downstream - so that the spiral shape of member 88 may be suitably positioned to urge produce caught in-between rotating segments spiral member 88 and a cavity 55 of the singulator - to assume an “sideways” orientation where its longitudinal extension is biased to be generally perpendicular to axis X. 47. 47.

[047] Such appropriate sideways placement of produce having a longitudinal shape on singulator 14 – may increase reliability of measurements of the produce – e.g. by avoiding such produce from touching each other, an event that if occurs may harm accuracy of optical and/or weight measurements (or the like). 48. 48.

[048] Attention is drawn to Fig. 7 illustrating possible appliance of spiral member also to singulator section 12. Such spiral 88 in this case may also be utilized for ordering line formation along section 12 and in certain cases the rate of rotation of spiral section may be adjusted to the rate/speed of the belts 131, 132 in the conveyors 121 as they are urged faster or slower as already detailed in former embodiments disclosed here. 49. 49.

[049] It is noted that in the various embodiment disclosed herein, in particular those involving tweaking of conveyor(s) speed(s), means may be provided upon a surface of a conveyor in contact with the produce to avoid it from sliding relative to a conveyor as it accelerates or decelerates. For example, the surface of a conveyor (e.g. belts 131, 132) may be roughened in order to increase friction coefficient with the produce. In addition, or in alternative, a material of the surface of the conveyors in contact with the produce may be chosen to increase grip and/or friction onto produce. 50. 50.

[050] In addition it is noted that the various embodiments disclosed herein may be used also for retrofitting existing produce handling devices in order to improve their throughput per unit of time. For example, the electronics and/or electrical wiring of an existing handling device may be modified to permit selective control of the speed of each conveyor of a singulator of the device in an independent manner relative to its adjacent parallel extending conveyors. 51. 51.

[051] Such modification to an existing produce handling device may accordingly permit shrinking gaps in certain conveyors 121 where gaps may be detected, while leaving other conveyors (e.g. where such gaps are not momentarily detected) at their original speeds. 52. 52.

[052] In the description and claims of the present application, each of the verbs, “comprise” “include” and “have”, and conjugates thereof, are used to indicate that the object or objects of the verb are not necessarily a complete listing of members, components, elements or parts of the subject or subjects of the verb. 53. 53.

[053] Further more, while the present application or technology has been illustrated and described in detail in the drawings and foregoing description, such illustration and description are to be considered illustrative or exemplary and non- restrictive; the technology is thus not limited to the disclosed embodiments.

Variations to the disclosed embodiments can be understood and effected by those skilled in the art and practicing the claimed technology, from a study of the drawings, the technology, and the appended claims. 54. 54.

[054] In the claims, the word “comprising” does not exclude other elements or steps, and the indefinite article “a” or “an” does not exclude a plurality. A single processor or other unit may fulfill the functions of several items recited in the claims. The mere fact that certain measures are recited in mutually different dependent claims does not indicate that a combination of these measures can not be used to advantage. 55. 55.

[055] The present technology is also understood to encompass the exact terms, features, numerical values or ranges etc., if in here such terms, features, numerical values or ranges etc. are referred to in connection with terms such as “about, ca., substantially, generally, at least” etc. In other words, “about 3” shall also comprise “3” or “substantially perpendicular” shall also comprise “perpendicular”. Any reference signs in the claims should not be considered as limiting the scope. 56. 56.

[056] Although the present embodiments have been described to a certain degree of particularity, it should be understood that various alterations and modifications could be made without departing from the scope of the invention as hereinafter claimed.

Claims (41)

CLAIMS:

1. A produce handling device comprising at least one singulator section for urging produce downstream, the singulator section comprising a plurality of generally parallel extending conveyors, and the handling device being arranged to 5 selectively alter speed of at least one conveyor of the singulator section in an independent manner in relation to at least some other conveyors of the singulator.

2. The handling device of claim 1, wherein the selective altering of speed is of each conveyor of the singulator section in an independent manner in relation to 10 all other conveyors of the singulator section.

3. The handling device of claim 2 and comprising a controller for selectively altering speeds of conveyors of the singulator section. 15

4. The handling device of claim 3, wherein the singulator section being arranged to urge produce being moved downstream to assume a more ordered formation that resembles a row.

5. The handling device of claim 1, wherein each conveyor of the singulator 20 section comprises two endless belts, and altering speed of a conveyor comprises altering speed of at least one of the belts.

6. The handling device of claim 5, wherein prior to altering a speed of a conveyor a speed ratio between the belts is Sr, and altering speed of a conveyor 25 comprises substantially maintaining this same speed ratio Sr between the two belts.

7. The handling device of claim 6 and comprising at least one sensor for detecting articles of produce along the singulator, wherein selective altering of speed - 14 - of a conveyor of the singulator section is according to sensed data obtained by the sensor.

8. The handling device of claim 7, wherein the at least one sensor is 5 arranged to detect gaps formed between adjacent articles of produce along a conveyor of the singulator.

9. The handling device of claim 8, wherein increase in speed of a conveyor is performed upon detection of a start of a gap, for example detection of presence of 10 a downstream moving empty space along the conveyor immediately after a space occupied by an article of produce.

10. The handling device of claim 8, wherein decrease in speed of a conveyor is performed upon detection of an end of a gap, for example detection of presence of 15 a downstream moving space occupied by an article of produce along the conveyor immediately after an empty space not occupied by an article of produce.

11. The handling device of claim 8, and comprising an additional second section downstream to the singulator section, wherein each conveyor of the 20 singulator section is arranged to transfer produce downstream towards a receptive associated co-axial conveyor of the second section.

12. The handling device of claim 11, wherein the second section is of a singulator type or of another type for example a sorting type. 25

13. The handling device of claim 12, wherein associated conveyors of the singulator section and the second section are arranged to convey produce downstream at generally similar base rates when produce transfers between the - 15 - associated conveyors, in order to preferably avoid substantial damage to the produce during this transition.

14. The handling device of claim 13, wherein altering speed of a given 5 conveyor of the singulator section is away from the base rate.

15. The handling device of claim 14, wherein altering speed of the given conveyor of the singulator section away from the base rate is permitted when produce is not about to transfer from the given conveyor of the singulator section to 10 its co-axially associated conveyor in the second section.

16. The handling device of claim 15, and comprising yet a further third section downstream to the second section, wherein each conveyor of the second section is arranged to transfer produce downstream towards a receptive co-axially 15 associated conveyor in the third section.

17. The handling device of claim 16, wherein associated conveyors of the second section and the third section are arranged to convey produce downstream at generally similar base rates when produce transfers between the associated 20 conveyors, in order to preferably avoid substantial damage to the produce during this transition.

18. The handling device of claim 17, wherein the handling device being arranged to selectively alter speed of each conveyor of the second section in an 25 independent manner in relation to other conveyors of the second section.

19. The handling device of claim 18, wherein altering speed of a given conveyor of the second section away from the base rate is permitted when produce - 16 - is not about to transfer from the given conveyor of the second section to its co- axially associated conveyor in the third section.

20. The handling device of claim 18, wherein altering speed of a given 5 conveyor of the second section is permitted when produce is not about to transfer from a co-axially associated conveyor of the singulator section to the given conveyor of the second section and/or if the rates of the co-axially associated conveyors of the singulator section and the given conveyor of second section are maintained substantially similar during the altering of speed. 10

21. The handling device of claim 20 and comprising storage zones in between adjacent conveyors for storing produce to be selectively fed to conveyors.

22. The handling device of claim 21, wherein selectively feeding produce to 15 a given conveyor is towards a detected gap formed between adjacent articles of produce in the given conveyor.

23. The handling device of claim 22 and comprising a plurality of spiral members, at least some conveyors of the handling device being associated each with 20 one of said spiral members for assisting in ordering produce being urged downstream along said conveyors.

24. The handling device of claim 23 and comprising an ensuing, preferably singulator type, section downstream to the singulator section for receiving produce 25 being urged downstream, wherein said ensuing section comprising a plurality of conveyors each comprising supports for at least partially partitioning between adjacent articles of produce being urged downstream, wherein at least some of the spiral members being located above each conveyor of the ensuing section for assisting in locating articles of produce in-between supports of the ensuing section. - 17 -

25. The handling device of claim 24, wherein at least some spiral members located above conveyors of the ensuing section comprising a pitch generally similar to a pitch between supports of a conveyor associated therewith. 5

26. The handling device of claim 25, wherein the spiral member being arranged to engage portions of an article of produce generally placed between adjacent supports in order to possibly urge the article of produce to not project beyond the supports. 10

27. A method for handling and/or sorting produce comprising the steps of: providing a handling device comprising a controller and at least one singulator section comprising a plurality of generally parallel extending conveyors, activating the singulator section to urge produce downstream, and 15 arranging the controller to selectively control altering of speed of at least one conveyor of the singulator section in an independent manner in relation to at least some other conveyors of the singulator section.

28. The method of claim 27, wherein the selective altering of speed is of 20 each conveyor of the singulator section in an independent manner in relation to all other conveyors of the singulator section.

29. The method of claim 27, wherein each conveyor of the singulator section comprises two endless belts, and altering speed of a conveyor comprises altering 25 speed of at least one of the belts.

30. The method of claim 29, wherein prior to altering a speed of a conveyor a speed ratio between the belts is Sr, and altering speed of a conveyor comprises substantially maintaining this same speed ratio Sr between the two belts. - 18 -

31. The method of claim 30 and being provided with at least one sensor for detecting articles of produce along the singulator, wherein selective altering of speed of a conveyor of the singulator section is according to sensed data obtained by the 5 sensor.

32. The method of claim 31, wherein the at least one sensor is arranged to detect gaps formed between adjacent articles of produce along a conveyor of the singulator. 10

33. The method of claim 32, wherein increase in speed of a conveyor is performed upon detection of a start of a gap, for example detection of presence of a downstream moving empty space along the conveyor immediately after a space occupied by an article of produce. 15

34. The method of claim 33, wherein decrease in speed of a conveyor is performed upon detection of an end of a gap, for example detection of presence of a downstream moving space occupied by an article of produce along the conveyor immediately after an empty space not occupied by an article of produce. 20

35. The method of claim 34, and comprising an additional second section downstream to the singulator section, wherein each conveyor of the singulator section is arranged to transfer produce downstream towards a receptive associated co-axial conveyor of the second section. 25

36. The method of claim 35, wherein associated conveyors of the singulator section and the second section are arranged to convey produce downstream at generally similar base rates when produce transfers between the associated - 19 - conveyors, in order to preferably avoid substantial damage to the produce during this transition.

37. The method of claim 36, wherein altering speed of the given conveyor of 5 the singulator section is away from the base rate and is permitted when produce is not about to transfer from the given conveyor of the singulator section to its co- axially associated conveyor in the second section.

38. The method of claim 35, and comprising yet a further third section 10 downstream to the second section, wherein each conveyor of the second section is arranged to transfer produce downstream towards a receptive co-axially associated conveyor in the third section. 39. The method of claim 38, wherein associated conveyors of the second 15 section and the third section are arranged to convey produce downstream at generally similar base rates when produce transfers between the associated conveyors, in order to preferably avoid substantial damage to the produce during this transition. 20 40. The method of claim 39, wherein the handling device being arranged to selectively alter speed of each conveyor of the second section in an independent manner in relation to other conveyors of the second section. 41. The method of claim 40, wherein altering speed of a given conveyor of 25 the second section away from the base rate is permitted when produce is not about to transfer from the given conveyor of the second section to its co-axially associated conveyor in the third section. - 20 - 42. The method of claim 40, wherein altering speed of a given conveyor of the second section is permitted when produce is not about to transfer from a co- axially associated conveyor of the singulator section to the given conveyor of the second section and/or if the rates of the co-axially associated conveyors of the 5 singulator section and the given conveyor of second section are maintained substantially similar during the altering of speed. 43. The method of claim 27, wherein the handling device being provided with storage zones in between adjacent conveyors for storing produce to be 10 selectively fed to conveyors. 44. The method of claim 43, wherein selectively feeding produce to a given conveyor is towards a detected gap formed between adjacent articles of produce in the given conveyor. 15 45. The method of claim 44, wherein the handling device being provided with a plurality of spiral members, at least some conveyors of the handling device being associated each with one of said spiral members for assisting in ordering produce being urged downstream along said conveyors. 20 46. The method of claim 45 and comprising an ensuing, preferably singulator type, section downstream to the singulator section for receiving produce being urged downstream, wherein said ensuing section comprising a plurality of conveyors each comprising supports for at least partially partitioning between adjacent articles of 25 produce being urged downstream, wherein at least some of the spiral members being located above each conveyor of the ensuing section for assisting in locating articles of produce in-between supports of the ensuing section. - 21 - 47. The method of claim 46, wherein at least spiral members located above conveyors of the ensuing section comprising a pitch generally similar to a pitch between supports of a conveyor associated therewith. 5 48. The method of claim 46, wherein the spiral member being arranged to engage portions of an article of produce generally placed between adjacent supports in order to possibly urge the article of produce to not project beyond the supports. 50. A produce handling device comprising at least one singulator section and 10 at least one second section downstream to the sigulator section, the singulator and second sections comprising each a plurality of generally parallel extending conveyors, each conveyor from a group of conveyors of the singulator section being arranged to transfer produce downstream towards a receptive associated generally co-axial conveyor of the second section, wherein the handling device being arranged 15 to selectively alter speed of at least one given conveyor of the group of conveyors of the singulator section in an independent manner in relation to at least some other conveyors of the singulator in response to gaps or absence of gaps detected along the given conveyor. 20 - 22 - ABSTRACT A produce handling device includes at least one singulator section for urging produce downstream. The singulator section has a plurality of generally parallel extending conveyors, and the handling device is suited to selectively change speed 5 of each conveyor of the singulator in an independent manner relative to other conveyors of the singulator. 290015/2 - 1 - CLAIMS: 1. A produce handling device comprising at least one singulator section for urging produce downstream, the singulator section comprising a plurality of generally parallel extending conveyors, and the handling device being arranged to 5 selectively alter speed of at least one conveyor of the singulator section in an independent manner in relation to at least some other conveyors of the singulator section, wherein each conveyor of the singulator section comprises two endless belts, and altering speed of a conveyor comprises altering speed of at least one of the belts, and 10 wherein prior to altering a speed of a conveyor a speed ratio between the belts is Sr, and altering speed of a conveyor comprises substantially maintaining this same speed ratio Sr between the two belts, and wherein the handling device comprising at least one sensor for detecting articles of 15 produce along the singulator section, wherein selective altering of speed of a conveyor of the singulator section is according to sensed data obtained by the sensor, and wherein the at least one sensor is arranged to detect gaps formed between adjacent articles of produce along a conveyor of the singulator section, and wherein 20 increase in speed of a conveyor is performed upon detection of a start of a gap, for example detection of presence of a downstream moving empty space along the conveyor immediately after a space occupied by an article of produce. 2. The handling device of claim 1, wherein the selective altering of speed is 25 of each conveyor of the singulator section in an independent manner in relation to all other conveyors of the singulator section. 3. The handling device of claim 2 and comprising a controller for selectively altering speeds of conveyors of the singulator section. 290015/2 - 2 - 4. The handling device of claim 3, wherein the singulator section being arranged to urge produce being moved downstream to assume a more ordered formation that resembles a row. 5 5. The handling device of claim 1, wherein decrease in speed of a conveyor is performed upon detection of an end of a gap, for example detection of presence of a downstream moving space occupied by an article of produce along the conveyor immediately after an empty space not occupied by an article of produce. 10 6. The handling device of claim 1, and comprising an additional second section downstream to the singulator section, wherein each conveyor of the singulator section is arranged to transfer produce downstream towards a receptive associated co-axial conveyor of the second section. 15 7. The handling device of claim 6, wherein the second section is of a singulator type or of another type for example a sorting type. 8. The handling device of claim 7, wherein associated conveyors of the 20 singulator section and the second section are arranged to convey produce downstream at generally similar base rates when produce transfers between the associated conveyors, in order to preferably avoid substantial damage to the produce during this transition. 25 9. The handling device of claim 8, wherein altering speed of a given conveyor of the singulator section is away from the base rate. 10. The handling device of claim 9, wherein altering speed of the given conveyor of the singulator section away from the base rate is permitted when 290015/2 - 3 - produce is not about to transfer from the given conveyor of the singulator section to its co-axially associated conveyor in the second section. 11. The handling device of claim 10, and comprising yet a further third 5 section downstream to the second section, wherein each conveyor of the second section is arranged to transfer produce downstream towards a receptive co-axially associated conveyor in the third section. 12. The handling device of claim 11, wherein associated conveyors of the 10 second section and the third section are arranged to convey produce downstream at generally similar base rates when produce transfers between the associated conveyors, in order to preferably avoid substantial damage to the produce during this transition. 15 13. The handling device of claim 12, wherein the handling device being arranged to selectively alter speed of each conveyor of the second section in an independent manner in relation to other conveyors of the second section. 14. The handling device of claim 13, wherein altering speed of a given 20 conveyor of the second section away from the base rate is permitted when produce is not about to transfer from the given conveyor of the second section to its co- axially associated conveyor in the third section. 15. The handling device of claim 13, wherein altering speed of a given 25 conveyor of the second section is permitted when produce is not about to transfer from a co-axially associated conveyor of the singulator section to the given conveyor of the second section and/or if the rates of the co-axially associated conveyors of the singulator section and the given conveyor of second section are maintained substantially similar during the altering of speed. 290015/2 - 4 - 16. The handling device of claim 15 and comprising storage zones in between adjacent conveyors for storing produce to be selectively fed to conveyors. 5 17. The handling device of claim 16, wherein selectively feeding produce to a given conveyor is towards a detected gap formed between adjacent articles of produce in the given conveyor. 18. The handling device of claim 17 and comprising a plurality of spiral 10 members, at least some conveyors of the handling device being associated each with one of said spiral members for assisting in ordering produce being urged downstream along said conveyors. 19. The handling device of claim 18 and comprising an ensuing, preferably 15 singulator type, section downstream to the singulator section for receiving produce being urged downstream, wherein said ensuing section comprising a plurality of conveyors each comprising supports for at least partially partitioning between adjacent articles of produce being urged downstream, wherein at least some of the spiral members being located above each conveyor of the ensuing section for 20 assisting in locating articles of produce in-between supports of the ensuing section. 20. The handling device of claim 19, wherein at least some spiral members located above conveyors of the ensuing section comprising a pitch generally similar to a pitch between supports of a conveyor associated therewith. 25 21. The handling device of claim 20, wherein the spiral member being arranged to engage portions of an article of produce generally placed between adjacent supports in order to possibly urge the article of produce to not project beyond the supports. 290015/2 - 5 - 22. A method for handling and/or sorting produce comprising the steps of: providing a handling device comprising a controller and at least one singulator section comprising a plurality of generally parallel extending conveyors, 5 activating the singulator section to urge produce downstream, and arranging the controller to selectively control altering of speed of at least one conveyor of the singulator section in an independent manner in relation to at least some other conveyors of the singulator section, wherein the handling device being provided with storage zones in between adjacent 10 conveyors for storing produce to be selectively fed to conveyors, and wherein selectively feeding produce to a given conveyor is towards a detected gap formed between adjacent articles of produce in the given conveyor, and wherein the handling device being provided with a plurality of spiral members, at least some conveyors of the handling device being associated each with one of said spiral 15 members for assisting in ordering produce being urged downstream along said conveyors. 23. The method of claim 22, wherein the selective altering of speed is of each conveyor of the singulator section in an independent manner in relation to all 20 other conveyors of the singulator section. 24. The method of claim 22, wherein each conveyor of the singulator section comprises two endless belts, and altering speed of a conveyor comprises altering speed of at least one of the belts. 25 25. The method of claim 24, wherein prior to altering a speed of a conveyor a speed ratio between the belts is Sr, and altering speed of a conveyor comprises substantially maintaining this same speed ratio Sr between the two belts. 290015/2 - 6 - 26. The method of claim 25 and being provided with at least one sensor for detecting articles of produce along the singulator, wherein selective altering of speed of a conveyor of the singulator section is according to sensed data obtained by the sensor. 5 27. The method of claim 26, wherein the at least one sensor is arranged to detect gaps formed between adjacent articles of produce along a conveyor of the singulator. 10 28. The method of claim 27, wherein increase in speed of a conveyor is performed upon detection of a start of a gap, for example detection of presence of a downstream moving empty space along the conveyor immediately after a space occupied by an article of produce. 15 29. The method of claim 28, wherein decrease in speed of a conveyor is performed upon detection of an end of a gap, for example detection of presence of a downstream moving space occupied by an article of produce along the conveyor immediately after an empty space not occupied by an article of produce. 20 30. The method of claim 29, and comprising an additional second section downstream to the singulator section, wherein each conveyor of the singulator section is arranged to transfer produce downstream towards a receptive associated co-axial conveyor of the second section. 25 31. The method of claim 30, wherein associated conveyors of the singulator section and the second section are arranged to convey produce downstream at generally similar base rates when produce transfers between the associated conveyors, in order to preferably avoid substantial damage to the produce during this transition. 290015/2 - 7 - 32. The method of claim 31, wherein altering speed of the given conveyor of the singulator section is away from the base rate and is permitted when produce is not about to transfer from the given conveyor of the singulator section to its co- 5 axially associated conveyor in the second section. 33. The method of claim 30, and comprising yet a further third section downstream to the second section, wherein each conveyor of the second section is arranged to transfer produce downstream towards a receptive co-axially associated 10 conveyor in the third section. 34. The method of claim 33, wherein associated conveyors of the second section and the third section are arranged to convey produce downstream at generally similar base rates when produce transfers between the associated 15 conveyors, in order to preferably avoid substantial damage to the produce during this transition. 35. The method of claim 34, wherein the handling device being arranged to selectively alter speed of each conveyor of the second section in an independent 20 manner in relation to other conveyors of the second section. 36. The method of claim 35, wherein altering speed of a given conveyor of the second section away from the base rate is permitted when produce is not about to transfer from the given conveyor of the second section to its co-axially associated 25 conveyor in the third section. 37. The method of claim 35, wherein altering speed of a given conveyor of the second section is permitted when produce is not about to transfer from a co- axially associated conveyor of the singulator section to the given conveyor of the 290015/2 - 8 - second section and/or if the rates of the co-axially associated conveyors of the singulator section and the given conveyor of second section are maintained substantially similar during the altering of speed. 5 38. The method of claim 22 and comprising an ensuing, preferably singulator type, section downstream to the singulator section for receiving produce being urged downstream, wherein said ensuing section comprising a plurality of conveyors each comprising supports for at least partially partitioning between adjacent articles of produce being urged downstream, wherein at least some of the spiral members being 10 located above each conveyor of the ensuing section for assisting in locating articles of produce in-between supports of the ensuing section.

39. The method of claim 38, wherein at least spiral members located above conveyors of the ensuing section comprising a pitch generally similar to a pitch 15 between supports of a conveyor associated therewith.

40. The method of claim 38, wherein the spiral member being arranged to engage portions of an article of produce generally placed between adjacent supports in order to possibly urge the article of produce to not project beyond the supports. 20

41. A produce handling device comprising at least one singulator section and at least one second section downstream to the singulator section, the singulator and second sections comprising each a plurality of generally parallel extending conveyors, each conveyor from a group of conveyors of the singulator section being 25 arranged to transfer produce downstream towards a receptive associated generally co-axial conveyor of the second section, wherein the handling device being arranged to selectively alter speed of at least one given conveyor of the group of conveyors of the singulator section in an independent manner in relation to at least some other 290015/2 - 9 - conveyors of the singulator section in response to gaps or absence of gaps detected along the given conveyor.