MXPA01002884A - Multi-layer honey extractors. - Google Patents

Abstract

Improved honey extraction devices are provided by increasing the number of honeycomb baskets carried by centrifugal honey extraction devices. The designs of prior art extractors are altered by either incorporating multi-layer honeycomb basket assemblies into their design or providing additional honeycomb baskets substantially aligned with the honeycomb baskets pre-existing in the prior art designs. The multi-layer honeycomb basket assemblies (250A) include a first honeycomb basket (251) having an interior for retaining a honeycomb and at least a second honeycomb basket (254) having an interior for retaining a honeycomb. The second honeycomb basket (254) is substantially aligned with the first honeycomb basket (251) and a gap (252) is provided between the first (251) and second (254) honeycomb baskets. A barrier (253) is positioned between the interior of the first honeycomb basket (251) and the interior of the second honeycomb basket (254). Additional baskets may also be provided in a similar manner.

Description

HONEY EXTRACTORS OF MULTIPLE LAYERS Field of the Invention The present invention relates generally to honey extraction apparatus. More particularly, the present invention relates to tangential honey extractors, in which the structures of the honeycomb are distributed tangentially around the periphery thereof, to carry out the extraction of honey from the honeycomb structures, by means of the application of centrifugal force. Through the practice of the present invention, the capacity of said extractors is increased.

Antecedents of the Invention. The tangential extractors, which are the object of the present invention, take the honey from the combs by means of centrifugal force. Generally, a screen support that holds two or more combs, revolves the interior of the container that surrounds the reversible rail, emptying the liquid honey from the cells of the comb, and leaving the empty combs intact so that the bees fill them again. The tangential extractors can be classified into three different groups: non-reversible tangential extractors, reversible tangential extractors and tangential extractors of reversible central pivot. As is generally known, honeycombs have two sides from which honey can be extracted. Additionally, the honeycombs are normally transported in structures, which in the present invention will be called honeycomb structures. In a non-reversible tangential extractor, the honeycomb structures have to be manually rotated in order to empty the honey out of both sides. In the reversible extractors, the honeycomb structures are retained in baskets supported on hinges, so that the honey from the first side of the honeycomb can be extracted and later the baskets can be balanced around, so that the honey can be emptied from the other side of the honeycomb without having to dry them and reverse the comb. In the reversible center pivot extractors, the honeycomb structures are retained in baskets that can be swung along a central line, so that the honey can be extracted from the first side of the honeycomb, and then the baskets can be inverted in a Subsequent on its central lines either manually or through an appropriate mechanical means, to extract honey from the other side.

The tangential extractors are very effective in extracting honey from honeycombs, because the combs are held perpendicular to the direction of the centrifugal force, so the emptying of honey from the cells of the combs is fast. It takes approximately 3 minutes to extract a load through a reversible tangential extractor. The main disadvantage of tangential extractors is their limited capacity for combs. From the invention of the first extractor, in 1865 and to date, the capacity of the tangential extractors has been limited between 2 and up to 12 baskets to retain the combs, depending on the size and shape of the screen support. Referring now to Figure 1, a non-reversible tangential extractor of the prior art is represented therein with the number 10. As those skilled in the art will readily appreciate, in view of that shown in Figure 1, generally a non-reversible tangential extractor is represented as it appears when viewed downwardly therein. In Figure 1, a tangential extractor 10 is observed which includes an outer housing 11 and a drive shaft 12 which is mounted on a lower thrust bearing (not shown) firmly secured to the center of the floor of the tangential extractor 10, through any suitable means and having an upper part which is mounted to a second thrust bearing (not shown), so that the driving arrow 12 is supported in a vertical orientation so as to be able to rotate about a vertical axis. A plurality of struts extending radially 13 are connected to the drive shaft 12. A screen support 14 is mounted to the struts 13., in substantially coaxial form with the driving arrow 12. The screen support 14 includes what in the present description will be understood as honeycomb baskets 15 for retaining the honeycomb structures 16. The honeycomb baskets 15 include screening 17 of the screening support 14, which provides a lateral support for the honeycomb structure 16 against the centrifugal forces during rotation and, at the same time, as is known in the art, allowing the honey to be emptied from the honeycomb structures 16 to move to through screening 17 and against the outer housing 11 for collection within the tangential extractor 10 and the subsequent drainage thereof through a suitable outlet. In non-reversible tangential extractors, it is necessary to lift the honeycomb structures 16 manually and return them to their position in the honeycomb baskets 15 to extract the other side of the honeycomb structures 16. Referring now to Figure 2, the same 30 is represented by a reversible tangential extractor of the prior art. Figure 2, generally represents a reversible tangential extractor as it appears when looking down inside it. The reversible tangential extractor 30 of Figure 2 includes an outer housing 31, a drive shaft 32 and a plurality of struts 33, similar in structure and function to the outer housing 11, to the drive shaft 12 and to the plurality of struts 13 of the extractor non-reversible tangential of the prior art 10 of Figure 1. A screen support 34 is mounted to a plurality of struts 33, in substantially coaxial form with the drive shaft 32. However, unlike the non-reversible tangential extractor 10, the Screen support 34 of the reversible tangential extractor 30 does not include honeycomb baskets as part of its design. Rather, the honeycomb baskets 35 are pivotally connected to the screen support 34 through the upper and lower supports 38 and the hinges 39. In addition, the honeycomb baskets 35 are usually sieve-shaped cages, which they allow, as will be described later, that the honey be extracted from both sides of the honeycomb structures 36 retained in the honeycomb baskets 35. At the moment of rotating the driving arrow 32, the screen support 34 is rotated in the same way and the baskets 35 swing on the hinges 39 in a direction opposite to the rotation of the screen support 34, so that the honeycomb structures 36 rest in a tangential position from which the honey will be extracted by centrifugal forces. Therefore, rotation of the driving arrow 32 in the DI direction causes the honeycomb baskets 35 to rest in the Pl position and result in the extraction of the honey from one side of the structures of the honeycomb 36. By reversing the direction of the rotation of the driving arrow 32 to the direction D2, the honeycomb baskets 35 swing on the hinges 39 to the position P2, so that the honey can be extracted by centrifugal forces from the other side of the honeycomb structures 36. Therefore, it is not necessary to reverse the orientation of the honeycomb structures 36 within the honeycomb baskets 35. Rather, the honey is extracted from both sides of the honeycomb structures 36, by simply changing the direction of rotation of the honeycomb structures 36. the drive shaft 32 (and therefore the screen support 34).

Referring now to Figure 3, a reversible tangential extractor of the center pivot of the prior art is represented therein with the number 40. Figure 3, generally represents a reversible central pivot tangential extractor, as it appears when looking down inside it. The reversible central pivot tangential extractor 40, like the tangential extractors of the prior art mentioned hereinabove, includes an outer housing 41, a driving arrow 42 and a plurality of struts 43. However, the screen support 44 carries baskets of honeycomb 45 in a slightly different form. Particularly, the screen support 44 has honeycomb baskets 45 connected in the form of a pivot thereto, as generally shown in Figure 4, in the bottom hinge 49. In addition, the honeycomb baskets 45 are made in the form stable in its upper parts through the internal support ring 71 attached to the baskets 45, which cooperates with the external support ring 72 attached to the screen support 44. The honeycomb baskets 45, are usually sieve-shaped cages. To extract the honey from the honeycomb structures 46 retained in the honeycomb baskets 45, the driving arrow 42 is rotated to cause the honey to be emptied from the honeycomb structures 46.

Subsequently, the honeycomb baskets 45 are rotated either manually or by suitable mechanical means around the hinge 49, so that the honey can be extracted from the other side of the honeycomb structures 46, without having to remove them from the honeycomb structures 46. the honeycomb baskets 45 to reverse their orientation. There is, remarkably, only a narrow circular ribbon of the area used within these prior art apparatuses, this area being designated in Figures 1 through 3 by the letter U. The remaining area within the extractors tangential 10, 30, 40 is simply the dead area, generally designated with the letter X. It will be appreciated generally by those skilled in the art, that the dead area X, will increase rapidly as the number of honeycomb baskets increases 15, 35, 45 that must be accommodated (for example, when the size of the screen support and the housing is increased to accommodate more honeycomb structures in a manner close to the periphery of the housing). It should be appreciated in a general way, that if the capacity of the tangential extractors can be increased, the productivity and profitability of the extraction process could also be increased. Therefore, there is a need in the art to increase the capacity of the tangential extractors.

Summary of the Invention. It has been found that the capacity of the tangential extractors can be increased by providing a tangential extractor with assemblies for the multi-layer honeycomb basket. In non-reversible tangential extractors, the multi-layer honeycomb basket assemblies consist of honeycomb baskets placed concentrically, substantially aligned and adjacent to the layers. To ensure that the honey pushed from a honeycomb structure is efficiently collected, and not simply emptied into a honeycomb structure retained in an adjacent adjacent honeycomb basket, a barrier is placed between the adjacent layers of the baskets. In non-reversible tangential extractors, this layer is provided by building the outer honeycomb baskets immediately adjacent to a solid support wall, so that the honey pushed from the basket of the adjacent inner honeycomb is emptied against the solid support wall and directed around of the adjacent outer honeycomb basket, and finally towards the inner side wall of the outer housing, where the honey drips down and accumulates in the bottom part of the extractor. In reversible tangential extractors, either of the common reversible type or of the central pivot type, each honeycomb basket of the honeycomb basket assembly of multiple layers, must provide a screening or a structural or functional equivalent of a screening on both sides of the honeycomb structure placed therein, so that under centrifugal force, the honey it can be forced from one side of the honeycomb structures, and subsequently, the positioning of the multi-layer honeycomb basket assemblies can be reversed to extract honey from the other side of the honeycomb structures. Therefore, the barrier is not provided as part of a honeycomb basket, but rather is provided as a plate placed between the adjacent honeycomb baskets at an opening provided between said baskets. Considering this, when the positioning of the multi-layer honeycomb basket assemblies is inverted, the "internal" honeycomb baskets and the "external" honeycomb baskets will change their positions while the barrier remains placed between them, the barrier provides protection against honey being emptied into an adjacent honeycomb structure in both of the original and inverted positions of the multi-layer honeycomb basket assemblies. Increasing the number of honeycomb baskets transported by tangential extractors, increases the capacity of the tangential extractors and, in the same way, increases the efficiency of the honey extraction process. Therefore, the object of the present invention is to maximize the capacity of the structure of the tangential extractors through the provision of multi-layer honeycomb assemblies, in which two or more honeycomb baskets are placed in an alignment substantial with each other. It has been found that the capacity of tangential extractors can be increased, double, triple, or even quadruple the capacity of the prior art, either incorporating multi-layered honeycomb basket assemblies in their design, or providing honeycomb baskets further aligned substantially with the honeycomb baskets normally provided (e.g., providing or retro-fitting multi-layer honeycomb baskets) and, when necessary, increasing the diameter of the outer housing of the extractor. In general, the present invention provides a tangential extractor for extracting honey from a honeycomb including a multi-layer honeycomb basket assembly. The multi-layer honeycomb basket assembly includes a first basket having an interior for retaining a honeycomb and a second honeycomb basket having an interior for retaining a honeycomb. The second honeycomb basket is substantially aligned with the first honeycomb basket, and an opening is provided between the first and second honeycomb baskets. A barrier is placed between the inside of the first honeycomb basket and the inside of the second honeycomb basket.

Brief Description of the Drawings. Figure 1 is a top-floor representation of a single-layer non-reversible tangential extractor of the prior art, having a capacity for six honeycomb structures; Figure 2 is a top plan representation of a single layer reversible tangential extractor of the prior art, which has capacity for six honeycomb structures; Figure 3 is a top plan representation of a tangential single-layer reversible central pivot extractor of the prior art, having a capacity for eight honeycomb structures; Figure 4 is a perspective view of a basket in a single-layer reversible central pivot extractor of the prior art; Figure 5 is a top plan representation of two example designs of a non-reversible multi-layer tangential extractor according to the present invention; Figure 6 is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of a multi-layer honeycomb basket assembly for a non-reversible multi-layer tangential extractor according to the present invention; Figure 7 is a perspective view showing a preferred embodiment for retro-fitting a multi-layer honeycomb basket assembly for a non-reversible tangential extractor; Figure 8 is a top plan representation of a reversible multi-layer tangential extractor showing three designs of examples according to the present invention; Figure 9 is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of a multi-layer honeycomb basket assembly in a reversible tangential or semi-tangential extractor; Figure 10 is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of a multi-layer honeycomb basket assembly in a reversible tangential or semi-tangential extractor; Figure 11 is a top plan representation of a reversible multilayer semi-tangential extractor showing three exemplary designs according to the present invention, rotating counter clockwise; Figure 12 is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of a multi-layer honeycomb basket assembly in a reversible semi-radial extractor; Figure 13 is a top plan representation of a reversible central pivot multi-layer tangential extractor showing various alternative designs in accordance with the present invention; and Figure 14 is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of a multi-layered honeycomb basket assembly for a reversible central pivot tangential extractor.

Detailed Description of the Invention. As mentioned above, the present invention focuses on increasing the capacity of tangential extractors by incorporating multi-layered honeycomb basket assemblies in their various designs - non-reversible, reversible, and reversible central pivot. In the present description, an example means for retro-fitting multi-layer honeycomb baskets for existing tangential extractors is also described; however, the present invention is not limited to said retro-fitting designs. The retrofitting is achieved by adding one or more layers of honeycomb baskets adjacent to and substantially aligned with the baskets already available in tangential extractors, so that almost all the characteristics and mechanical components of the tangential extractors will be applied in the same way for the new design. . In the present invention, the non-reversible tangential extractors of the prior art have been mentioned with reference to Figure 1. Referring now to Figure 5, two example designs (two layers and three layers) are shown for a non-reversible multilayer tangential extractor according to the present invention, and are generally designated with numbers 100A and 100B. As with the prior art, the non-reversible single-layer tangential extractors, the non-reversible multi-layer tangential extractors 100A, 100B have a central drive arrow 112 connected to the struts 113 which are connected to a screen support 114. The central drive arrow 112, is connected to any suitable transmission means (not shown) for effecting the rotation of the central drive shaft 112, the struts 113 and the screen support 114. The improvement of the present invention relies on the replacement of the unique honeycomb baskets of the prior art, such as the honeycomb baskets 15 of the non-reversible tangential extractor of the prior art 10, with multi-layer honeycomb basket assemblies, such as two-layer honeycomb baskets 120A or three-layer honeycomb baskets 120B , as shown in Figure 5.

In Figure 5, the design of the multi-layer honeycomb basket assembly is generally depicted 120A for use in a non-reversible tangential extractor. In said Figure, it can be seen that a first honeycomb basket 121 is mounted to a screen support 114 and provides a screening 122. A second honeycomb basket 125 is placed in front of the honeycomb basket 121 and, more particularly, the screening 122. of the honeycomb basket 121, in substantial alignment therewith, to produce adjacent concentric honeycomb baskets 121, 125, and thereby provide a two-layer honeycomb basket assembly 120A. For purposes of the present disclosure, the first honeycomb basket 121 may be considered an inner honeycomb basket, and the second honeycomb basket 125 may be considered an outer honeycomb basket. Having particularly described the two-layer honeycomb basket assembly 12 OA of the multilayer tangential extractor 100A, said two-layer design will be considered more fully below. It should be appreciated that the three-layer honeycomb basket assembly of the multi-layer tangential extractor 100B will be described below on the understanding that similar parts in the three-layer design are substantially described with respect to the two-layer design. . As shown in Figure 1, remarkably, the first honeycomb basket 121 is shown as a honeycomb basket of the prior art 15; however, the present invention should not be limited to said design. To ensure that the honey is not emptied from the honeycomb structure 116 retained within the interior of the honeycomb basket 121 within the honeycomb structure 116 retained within the interior of the second honeycomb basket 125, a barrier 124 is provided between the first basket of honeycomb 121 and second honeycomb basket 125. Barrier 124 changes the direction of honey being emptied from honeycomb structure 116 into first honeycomb basket 121 to flow around honeycomb structure 116 retained within the second honeycomb structure 121. honeycomb basket 125, to reach the inner surface of inner housing 111, where the honey drips and accumulates in the bottom part, to be removed by an appropriate outlet. It should be appreciated that the first honeycomb basket 121, shown in Figure 5, does not require protection 124 since there is no occasion for the honey to collide with the honeycomb structure 116 retained in the first honeycomb basket 121. However, it is it requires a barrier 124 between each adjacent honeycomb basket 121, 125. As shown in Figure 5, for non-reversible tangential extractors 100, the barrier 124 can be provided by forming a part of the second honeycomb basket 125. The second basket of honeycomb 125, defines an interior between the barrier 124 and the screening 126. For purposes of the present description, and especially to interpret the claims described herein, it will be understood that the first honeycomb basket 121 also defines an interior as it can retain a structure of honeycomb 116. In addition, the screen support design of the first honeycomb basket 121, in which it exists in the prior art, will be considered a "honeycomb basket" for purposes of description and interpretation of the claims. Of course, the first honeycomb basket 121 could be supplied, if required, as a barrier such as the barrier 174. Despite the fact that the barrier 124 is mentioned above as forming a part of the second honeycomb basket 125 , the barrier 124 does not need to have said form. In fact, it is only necessary that the second honeycomb basket 125 has the ability to retain a honeycomb structure 116, and this retention does not mean that the honeycomb structure 116 should be enclosed in a basket-like structure. Rather, a second suitable honeycomb basket 125 will retain a honeycomb structure 116 adjacent to and substantially aligned to a honeycomb structure 116 held within the first honeycomb basket 121, and barrier 124 will be provided between these (e.g., between adjacent honeycomb structures 116), whether or not the barrier 124 can be suitably considered to be part of the second honeycomb structure 125. It should be readily appreciated. that the honeycomb cradles 121, 125 are positioned to provide an opening 123 between their respectively retained honeycomb structures 116 and a barrier 124 is provided at the opening.

The opening 123, provided between the adjacent honeycomb structures 116 within the multi-layer honeycomb basket assemblies 120, is preferably about 0.0762cm although the present invention is not limited thereto. That is, the distance between the inside of the first honeycomb basket 121 and the barrier 124, in a non-reversible multi-layer tangential extractor 100 A, 100B, is preferably 0.0762 cm. This dimension was determined experimentally larger than normal according to the amount of honey that is normally emptied from one side of the honeycomb structure. Those skilled in the art will have the ability to determine a useful and functional opening length for a given application. Next, the non-reversible multi-layer tangential extractor 100B is considered. As in the honeycomb basket assembly of the layers 120A of the reversible multi-layer tangential extractor 100A, the three-layer honeycomb basket assembly 120B of the multi-layer non-reversible tangential extractor 100B, includes a first honeycomb basket 121 and a second honeycomb basket 125. Honeycomb baskets 121, 125 support honeycomb structures 116 separated by opening 123, with barrier 124 therein. As mentioned, these parts exist substantially as described with respect to the multi-layer honeycomb basket assembly 120A. the reversible multi-layer tangential extractors 100A and 100B, differ mainly in the number of honeycomb baskets they provide in a multi-layer honeycomb basket assembly, as a direct result of the size of the multi-layer honeycomb basket assemblies , also differ in the housing diameter 111. Therefore, continuing with the three-layer honeycomb basket assembly 120B, this additionally includes a third honeycomb basket 129, substantially identical to the second honeycomb basket 125 in structure and alignment, as can be seen in plan form in Figure 5. The third honeycomb basket 129 retains a honeycomb structure 116 and provides a screening 130 and a barrier 128, which, as mentioned above, may or may not form a portion of the third honeycomb basket 129. The barrier 128 is positioned between the inside of the second honeycomb basket 125 and the inside of the third honeycomb basket 129 in the aperture to 127. To facilitate a better understanding of the present invention, a perspective view of a multi-layer honeycomb basket 120B is provided in Figure 6. Again, it should be noted that, although the barriers 124, 128 are illustrated as forming a portion of the honeycomb baskets 125, 129 respectively, the barriers 124, 128 do not need to be part of the honeycomb baskets 125, 129 with which they are associated. Additionally, it should also be noted that the first honeycomb basket 121 is considered as a honeycomb basket for the purposes of the present description, although it is a non-enclosed structure. Finally, the screens 122, 126, 130 are merely preferred embodiments for a boundary structure that will retain the honeycombs or honeycomb structures 116 against centrifugal forces, and still allow the honey to be pushed from the honeycomb structures 116. Therefore, it can easily be seen that alternatively, a structural or functional equivalent of said screens can be used. Whereas it may be more economical to convert the non-reversible tangential extractors of the prior art, such as those shown in Figure 1, into tangential, multi-layer pullers of the present invention, such as those shown in Figure 5, a multi-layered honeycomb basket structure for retrofitting to a non-reversible tangential extractor of the prior art is described with reference to FIG. In a preferred embodiment for the retrofit, the barrier 124 is held at a time when the honeycomb baskets 15 are already available by a flange 173 fixed to the screen support 14 by screws (not shown) or other suitable fasteners. The layer 124, also includes a bottom support 174 on which a honeycomb structure 116 can rest, and provides side walls 175. The barrier 124, the barrier 173, the bottom surface 174, and the sides 175 can be constructed of stainless steel u other metals, although the present invention is not limited to these or by this. The screening 126 forms the other side of the second honeycomb basket 125. The spacer 176 ensures that there is an opening between the barrier 124 and the screening 17 of the first honeycomb basket 15. As is known in the art, a hole can be provided 177 to help retain the honeycomb structure 116. Additional honeycomb baskets, such as the third honeycomb basket 129, which includes the barrier 128 and the screening 130, can be supported in the same manner from the screening 126 of the second basket of honeycomb. honeycomb 125. Therefore, although Figure 7 shows a concept of example retro-fitting to provide a three layer multilayer honeycomb basket 120B, it should be appreciated that a greater or lesser number of additional honeycomb baskets can be provided, and this is still within the scope of the present invention.

The principles of the present invention are also applicable for use with reversible tangential extractors, such as those shown in Figure 2. With reference to Figure 8, it can be seen that it is generally designated with the number 200, a view in upper floor of three alternative designs for assemblies of multi-layer honeycomb baskets for reversible tangential extractors according to the present invention. Figure 8, remarkably, does not illustrate a single design for a complete multilayer reversible tangential extractor, but rather shows three alternative designs, in three separate sections, which could be considered individually, easily appreciating that a design determined for multi-layer honeycomb basket assemblies, either 250 A, 250B or 250C design, would probably be the most commonly used as the only basket assembly design in a given reversible multilayer tangential extractor. Figure 8 has been provided in this form so that three alternative designs for a reversible multi-layer tangential extractor can be presented in a Figure. Like the single-layer reversible tangential extractors, the multilayer reversible tangential extractor 200 has a central drive arrow 232 connected to the struts 233 which is connected to a screen support 234. The drive arrow 232 is connected to any transmission means suitable (not shown) for effecting the rotation of the driving arrow 232, the struts 233 and the screen support 234. The improvement of the present invention resides in that it replaces the prior art honeycomb baskets, such as the honeycomb baskets 35 of the reversible tangential extractor 30 of the prior art, by multi-layer honeycomb basket assemblies, such as the two-layer honeycomb basket assemblies 250A or the three-layer honeycomb basket assemblies 250B or 250 C, as shown in FIG. illustrated in Figure 8. The design of the 250A two-layer honeycomb basket assembly for use in a reversible tangential extractor is generally shown in Figure 8. Said Figure it can be seen that the first honeycomb basket 251, which retains a honeycomb structure 236 within its interior, and a second honeycomb basket 254 that retains the honeycomb structure 236 within its interior, are placed in substantial alignment with an opening 252 between their respective interiors. A barrier 253 is placed in the opening 252 between the respective interiors of the baskets 251, 254. Similar to the opening 123 and the barrier 124 of the multi-layer honeycomb basket 120A and 120B above, the barrier 253 is preferably separated from both, the inside of the first honeycomb basket 251 and the inside of the second honeycomb basket 254 by approximately 0.762 cm, although this is not a limitation. The two-layer honeycomb basket 250A is pivotally connected to the screen support 234 by a support 238 and a hinge 239. The hinge 239 gives the two-layer honeycomb basket 250A the ability to change its position freely according to the invention. with the direction of rotation of the drive shaft 232, as described here above, with respect to the reversible tangential extractor 30 of the prior art of Figure 2. Therefore, having described in a more particular way the honeycomb basket assembly Two layer 250A multi-layer reversible tangential extractor 200, said two layer design will be considered more extensively later in this description. It should be appreciated that the three-layer honeycomb basket assemblies 250B and 250C, as non-limiting alternatives, for use in the multilayer reversible tangential extractor 200, will be described later, with the understanding that similar parts in the designs of three Layers are substantially as described with respect to the two-layer design. Figure 9 illustrates a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of the two-layer honeycomb basket assembly 250A. In said Figure, it will be appreciated that the first honeycomb basket 251 and the second honeycomb basket 254 are preferably screening cages that retain the honeycomb structures 236. The cage designs are preferred, because it is a simple construction having two Main screening walls that allow extraction of the honey from both sides of the honeycomb structures 236 in a remarkable manner, the placement of the barrier 253 between the first honeycomb basket 251 and the second honeycomb basket 254 ensures that during the operation of the Two-layer reversible managerial extractor 200, the honey will be extracted from the honeycomb structures 236, and around the honeycomb structures 236, adjacent to make contact and be collected by the outer housing 231. In Figure 9, it can be seen that The screen support 234 can be circular instead of having a polygonal shape. Therefore the screen support 234, as illustrated in Figure 9, preferably includes a ring upper support 261, and a lower ring support 262, connected by the vertical supports 263, which provide rigidity to the screen support reversible 234. The two-layer honeycomb basket assembly 250A is placed at the inner end of the supports 261, 262 of the screen support 234 by two hinge supports, an upper support 238 extending from the ring support 261 and having a hinge 239, and a bottom support (not shown) extending from the ring support 262, and having a hinge (not shown). In the preferred embodiment of Figure 9, the first honeycomb basket 251 and the second honeycomb basket 254, are connected by suitable spacers or separators 264, at the ends thereof, and the spacers 265, at the top and the background thereof (not shown). Notably, the upper hinge 239 and the bottom hinge (not shown) connect the bottom spacers 265 respectively (the bottom separator is not illustrated). The alternative three-layer honeycomb basket assembly 250B will be considered below. Like the two-layer honeycomb basket assembly 250A, of the multilayer reversible tangential extractor 200, the three-layer honeycomb basket assembly 250B of the multilayer reversible tangential extractor 200 includes a first honeycomb basket 251, and a second honeycomb basket 254, which supports the structures of the honeycomb 236 separated by an opening 252, with the barrier 253 therein. Additionally, the three-layer honeycomb basket assembly 250B includes side dividers, top and bottom dividers, top and bottom supports 238, and top bottom 239 hinges. As mentioned, these parts exist substantially as they stand. they are described with respect to the honeycomb basket assembly 250A. However, as can be seen generally in Figure 8, in the assembly 250B, the top and bottom hinges 239 do not connect the top and bottom spacers because a more symmetrical joint is desired. In this way, the upper hinge and bottom hinge 239 are preferably connected to the second honeycomb basket or the "middle" basket 254 in a suitable manner. Continuing, the three-layer honeycomb basket assembly 250B further includes a third honeycomb basket 257, substantially identical to the second honeycomb basket 254 in its structure and alignment, as can be appreciated in Figure 8. Thus, the third honeycomb basket 257 retaining the honeycomb structure 236 within its interior, and a second honeycomb basket 254, the structure of the honeycomb 236 within its interior, are placed in substantial alignment with the opening 255 between their respective interiors. A barrier 256 is placed in the opening 255 as has been described with respect to other embodiments. The alternative design of the three-layer honeycomb basket assembly 250C is somewhat different. Referring to Figure 10, it can be seen that the 250C assembly, is in many ways identical to the 250B assembly with similar parts that receive the same reference numbers. However, the three-layer honeycomb basket assembly 250C includes a screen 279 which serves to support the three honeycomb 251, 254, 257, and connect them to the screen support 234. Thus, in this design alternatively, the upper bottom supports 238 and the upper hinges of the bottom 239 are not connected to the upper bottom spacers but rather are connected to the screen 279. The multiple layers of the honeycomb baskets, such as the honeycomb baskets 251, 254, 257, can be loaded and unloaded from the screen 279 by means of the appropriate handles 278. The legs 281 can also be provided to allow the multiple honeycomb baskets, 251, 254, 257, to be placed in the ground, by example, when a set of baskets 251, 254, 257 is being unloaded, having empty honeycomb structures 236 therein, and replacing them with a new set of baskets.

It will be readily appreciated, that the screening design of the multi-layer honeycomb basket assembly can be provided by retaining any practical number of honeycomb baskets. Generally it has been visualized that 2 to 4 honeycomb baskets will be used in said modality. Undoubtedly, for structures of 2 to 4 honeycomb baskets it is envisaged that it would be practical to use them in any of the multiple layer honeycomb basket assembly methods described herein. Of course, a larger number of baskets can be used, the present invention will not be limited in this way. As can be seen in translucent lines in Figure 8, the rotation of the driving arrow 232 in the direction D3 causes the honeycomb assemblies 250A. 250B, 250C, rotate to a position from which the honey is easily extracted from the honeycomb structures 236. The rotation of the driving arrow 232 in the opposite direction to the direction of D3, will cause the honeycomb assemblies 250A, 250B, 250C, rest in a position opposite to that illustrated in translucent lines, and then the honey would be extracted from the other side of the honeycomb structures 236. Again it will be noted that Figure 8, illustrates three alternative designs for a multi-layer reversible tangential extractor 200, and that a particular, multi-layered honeycomb basket design, whether design 250A, 250B, or 250C, would most likely be employed as the only basket design assembly in a multi-layer reversible tangential extractor . It has been remarkably discovered that the design of the reversible extractors such as those illustrated in Figure 2 can be modified to produce what is referred to herein as a "semi-tangential" or "semi-radial" extractor. Referring now to Figure 11 it can be seen that a reversible semi-tangential extractor is designated by the reference number 300. Comparing the seri-reversible tangential extractor 300 with the reversible tangential extractor 200 of Figure 8, it can be seen that the design of the first one is obtained by replacing the screen support 234 of the reversible tangential extractor 200, by a smaller screen support 234 and joining the screen support 334 to the multi-layer honeycomb basket assembly, such as the basket assemblies two-layer honeycomb 350A or 350C on the outer side (opposite the inner side) of the screen support 334, on a hinge 339, similar to the hinge 339. It can be easily understood, that the two-layer honeycomb basket assembly 350A , together with its orientation relative to the support 334, may be identical to the honeycomb layer assembly 250A described for use with a normal reversible tangential extractor. In a similar way, the assembly 350B and 350C can be identical to the multi-layer honeycomb basket assemblies 250B and 250C. the assembly 350C provides a screening 379 and baskets having the handles 378, such as screening 379 and handles 378. Therefore reference can be made to Figures 9 and 10, and the above explanation related thereto, for a better understanding of a preferred embodiment of the multi-layer honeycomb basket assembly 350A, 350B, 350C. The honeycomb basket assemblies 350D of Figure 11, are particularly suitable for semi-radial extractors, have a somewhat unique design, as can be appreciated more clearly in Figure 12. In them it can be seen that the honeycomb structures 336 are retained in the first and second basket 351, 354, respectively, notably the baskets 351, 354, are somewhat different from the baskets of the embodiments described above. The baskets 351, 354, have a wide mesh design, and are dimensioned shorter than the basket structures 336, which they must hold. Said design is allowed because there are insignificant transverse forces on the sides of the honeycomb structures 336 during rotation, so that the baskets 351, 354 serve only as guides for securing the end bands of the structures 336. The negligible transverse forces are a result of the separation of the honeycomb basket assemblies 350D as shown in FIG. Figure 11, wherein the honeycomb basket assemblies 350D are placed so close together that there is only a small angle of inclination during the rotation of the screen support 334. Due to this small inclination angle there is no danger of breakage of the combs and therefore there is no need from the baskets that the baskets 351, 354, completely and securely secure the honeycomb structures 336, as is preferable in the above embodiments. The honeycomb basket assembly 350D is therefore an additional embodiment of a honeycomb basket assembly useful in accordance with the present invention. Particularly, the honeycomb basket assembly 350D includes a first and second baskets 351, 354, connected by the separators 364, producing an opening having a barrier therein. The supports of the structure 374 of the bottom structural baskets 351, 354, on which the honeycomb structures 336 can rest. The supports 338 and the hinges 339 are used to pivotally connect the honeycomb assembly 352, and the screen support 334 substantially as mentioned with respect to the above embodiments. As can be seen in Figure 11, during the rotation of the drive shaft of 332, the struts 333 and the screen support 334 in a counter-clockwise direction D4, the position of the multiple honeycomb basket assemblies 350A, 350B, 350C, 350D changes to a semi-tangential condition, or a semi-radial condition according to the multi-layer honeycomb basket assembly number 350A, 350B, 350C, 350D carrying the screen support 334. The translucent lines in Figure 11 represent the positions from which the honeycomb structures 336 of the assemblies 350A, 350B, 350C, 350D can be loaded and unloaded. The two-layer honeycomb basket assemblies 350A, 350D can be allowed to swing until they contact the neighboring honeycomb basket assembly 350A, 350D and from the semi-tangential or semi-radial position the honey can be extracted on one side of the honeycomb structures 336 substantially on the other tangential extractors that have been explained above. It will be readily appreciated that rotation in the clockwise direction would allow extraction of the honey from the other side of the honeycomb structures 336. In reversible semi-tangent removers 300, it is not necessary that the honeycomb assemblies multi-layer 350A 350B, 350C make contact with each other during the rotation of screen support 334. Alternatively, the honeycomb basket assemblies 350A, 350B, 350C can be properly separated one from the other such as to swing during rotation to stand in a position tangential to the direction of rotation of the screen support 334. This design is illustrated in Figure 11, in the assemblies 350B and 350C. optionally, a vertical support, such as that shown in Figure 11, could be provided with the number 363, so that the assemblies 350A, 350B, 350C make contact with the support. The multi-layer concept of the present invention can also be applied successfully to maximize the structure capacity of the tangential center pivot extractors as those generally depicted in Figure 3. In a manner similar to the extractor modes Semi-tangential reversible and the reversible and non-reversible tangential extractor disclosed herein, the multiple modalities for the tangential reversed central pivot extractor are illustrated in a single Figure. Referring to Figure 13, six different potential modalities are illustrated for the multi-layer honeycomb basket assemblies and are marked with the numbers 450B, 450C, 450E, 450F, 450G and 450H. Like tangential single-ply reversed center pivot extractors, tangential multi-ply reversed center pivot extractors 400 have a drive shaft 442 connected to struts 443 which are connected to a sieve support 444. Power spindle 442 is connected to any suitable transmission means (not shown) for effecting the rotation of the drive shaft 442, the struts 443, and the sieve support 444. The improvement of the present invention resides in replacing the simple honeycomb baskets of the prior art. such as the honeycomb baskets 45 of the tangential extractor 40 of Figure 3, by multi-layer honeycomb basket assemblies, such as any of the assemblies 450B, 450C, 450E, 450F, 450G and 450H, as illustrated in FIG. Figure 13. The design of the three-layer honeycomb basket assembly 450B for use in a tangential reversed center pivot extractor is generally depicted in Figure 13. Noteworthy, the details of the three-layer honeycomb basket assembly 450B is substantially the same as that described for the three-layer honeycomb basket assemblies 250B and 350C as illustrated in Figures 8 and 11 and that They were explained in relation to these. Furthermore, the honeycomb basket assembly 450B is stabilized on its upper part by an internal support ring 471, connected to the outer baskets and an external support ring 472, which forms a part of the 444 screen support. Similar to the extractors the prior art reverse center pivot tangents as illustrated in Figure 3, the basket assembly 450B is pivotally connected to the portion of the screen support bottom 444 by a bottom hinge (not shown, see Figure 4). The design of the three-layer honeycomb basket assembly illustrated with the numeral 450C is substantially the same as that described for the three-layer honeycomb basket assembly 250C shown in Figures 8 and 10 and explained in relation thereto. , and includes screening 479 and appropriate handles 478. The assembly 450C also differs from the assembly 250C in that it is supported on its upper part by an internal support ring 471 in cooperation with the external support ring 472, and differs in that it is pivotally connected to the bottom portion of the support 444 by a bottom hinge (not shown) as are the prior art baskets 45 of Figures 3 and 4. The four-layer honeycomb basket assembly design illustrated with the number 450E is substantially identical to the design three-layer 450C but includes a fourth basket. Considering the extension of the description in this regard to the provision of the honeycomb basket assemblies of the two and three layers, the addition of a fourth honeycomb basket is considered to be easily appreciated by those skilled in the art. The four-layer honeycomb basket assembly design illustrated with the number 450F is substantially identical to the three-layer design 450B, but includes a fourth basket. Reference may be made to Figure 14 wherein the assembly 450F and its relation to the tangential extractor portions of the reverse center pivot 400 is shown more particularly. In said Figure it can be seen that the four-layer honeycomb basket assembly 450F includes a first honeycomb basket 451, separated from the second honeycomb basket 454 by an opening 452 that contains the barrier 453. The second honeycomb basket 454 is separated in the same way of the third honeycomb basket 457 by the opening 455 containing the barrier 456. The third honeycomb basket 457 is separated from the fourth honeycomb basket 460 by the opening 458 and contains the barrier 459. The baskets 451, 454, 457, 460 retain the structures of the honeycomb 456 and are connected by the upper and bottom spacers 473. An internal support ring 471 is connected to the outer baskets 451 and 460 and cooperates with the outer ring 472, which forms a portion of the screen support 444 as to stabilize the baskets of the basket assembly 450F. In a manner similar to that of the tangential reverse pivot extractors of the prior art as illustrated in Figures 3 and 4, the basket assembly 450F is pivotally connected to the bottom portion of the screen support 444 by the bottom hinge (not shown, see Figure 4). The assemblies 450B 450C 450E and 450H are balanced and stabilized in the 444 screen support in the same manner. The screen support 444 is substantially similar to the screen support 234 of Figures 9 and 10, having an upper support 461, bottom support 462, and vertical supports 463, although the upper support 461 is adapted for the outer rings 472. The four-layer honeycomb basket assembly design illustrated with the number 450G illustrates a different connection to the 444 screen support. The 450G assembly is similar to the 450F assembly in most respects, but differs in that it does not contain a support ring internal that communicates with an external support ring for stabilization. Rather, the screen support 444 on its upper support 461, extends over the four-layer honeycomb basket assembly 450 and is adhered thereto by the upper hinge 439, substantially as it does to the bottom hinge (not shown). , see Figure 4). Notably, this design is less preferred because it should be avoided to implement it in such a way that access to the interior of any of the baskets is impeded. Figure 13 also shows a relative embodiment of a multilayer honeycomb basket assembly generally designated by the number 450H. The multi-layer honeycomb basket assembly 450H is substantially similar to the multi-layer honeycomb basket assembly 450F, but with respect to the assembly 450H, it can be seen that the second and third honeycomb baskets have dimensions slightly larger than the first and fourth honeycomb baskets. The second and third largest honeycomb baskets are provided to retain two flat structures each, while the first and third honeycomb baskets each retain the St. Langstroth honeycomb structure. The flat structures and structures St. Langstroth is considered to be generally known by those experts in the field of beekeeping and related techniques. Notwithstanding the above, the present invention is not limited to any particular dimension or size in any of the honeycomb baskets in any of the different types of extractors described above. The multi-layer inverse center pivot tangential extractor 400 operates substantially as explained in the present description above with respect to the reverse center pivot extractor of the prior art 40. In this way to extract the honey charge from the structures of honeycomb 446, the driving arrow 442 is rotated to cause the honey to be extracted from the honeycomb structures 446. Subsequently, multi-layer honeycomb basket assemblies such as the 450B, 450C, 450E, 450F, 450G or 450H are made rotate either manually or by means of suitable mechanics so that the honey can be extracted from the other side of the honeycomb structure 446. Although the three and four layer honeycomb assemblies have been described for use in tangential pivot extractors Inverse central, it will be readily appreciated that the concepts of the present invention can also be applied to provide assemblies of honeycomb baskets of multiple layers with fewer or larger number of baskets. From the teachings of the present invention, those skilled in the art can easily perform such alterations of the specific designs described. The multi-layer concept of the present invention was applied to alter the design of common tangential extractors in order to increase their capacity. Referring to table 1, it can be seen that, for a given diameter for a subsequent housing of a tangential extractor, the concepts of the present invention can be applied to substantially increase the capacity. The first column of table 1 describes the type of extractor in which the concepts of the first invention were applied. Column two provides the diameter in centimeters of the tangential extractor. Column three, by comparison means, provides the number of structures generally found in a tangential extractor of the prior art of a certain type and diameters. Column four establishes the number of structures incorporated within the design of a tangential extractor determined through the practice of the multiple layer concept of the present invention. Column five establishes the percentage increase in the capacity of each type of extractor.

TABLE 1 INCREMENTS OF PERCENTAGE IN THE CAPACITY OF THE STRUCTURE USING THE PRESENT INVENTION therefore, it should be apparent that the apparatus and methods of the present invention are highly effective in increasing the capacity of various types of tangential extractors. Although according to the patent statutes, only the best mode for realizing the concepts of the present invention has been provided in detail, and the present invention is not limited thereto or by them. Accordingly, the claims

Claims (15)

Adjuntas will serve to define the scope of the present invention. NOVELTY OF THE INVENTION Having described the present invention, it is considered as a novelty and, therefore, the content of the following is claimed as property: CLAIMS

1. - A multi-layer honey extractor for extracting honey from honeycombs which comprises: the assembly of a multiple layer honeycomb basket consisting of a first honeycomb basket having an interior to retain a honeycomb; a second honeycomb basket having an interior for retaining a honeycomb, said second honeycomb basket substantially aligned with the first honeycomb basket and producing an opening between said first and second honeycomb baskets; and a barrier placed between said interior of the first honeycomb basket and said interior of the second honeycomb basket.

2. - The honey extractor according to claim 1, which additionally comprises: an outer housing; a driving arrow connected to an operative means for the rotation of said driving arrow, said first honeycomb basket and the second honeycomb basket being operatively connected to said driving arrow.

3. - The honey extractor according to claim 2, which further comprises: a plurality of struts extending radially fixed to said driving shaft; and a screen support mounted to said plurality of radially extending struts.

4. - The honey extractor according to claim 3, wherein said first honeycomb basket is mounted to said screen support.

5. The honey extractor according to claim 4, wherein said first honeycomb basket is an inner honeycomb basket, and said second honeycomb basket is an outer honeycomb basket, said second honeycomb basket being concentric with said first honeycomb basket. Honeycomb

6. - The honey extractor according to claim 5, wherein said barrier forms a portion of said outer honeycomb basket.

7. - The honey extractor according to claim 6, wherein said outer honeycomb basket is removably mounted to said first honeycomb basket.

The honey extractor according to claim 6, wherein said multi-layer honeycomb basket assembly further comprises: a third honeycomb basket having an interior for retaining a honeycomb, said third basket being substantially aligned with said second basket of honeycomb and producing an opening between said second and said third honeycomb baskets; a second barrier placed between said interior of the second honeycomb basket and the third honeycomb basket.

9. The honey extractor according to claim 3, wherein said multi-layer honeycomb basket assembly is pivotally connected to said screen support.

The honey extractor according to claim 9, wherein said first and second honeycomb baskets each have at least two screening walls.

11. The honey extractor according to claim 10, wherein said barrier is placed in said opening.

12. - The honey extractor according to claim 3, wherein said multi-layer honeycomb basket assembly further comprises: a removable cage receiving said first and second honeycomb baskets, said cage being mounted to said screen support.

13. - The honey extractor according to claim 12, wherein said multi-layer honeycomb basket assembly further comprises handles for removing said first and second honeycomb crates from the cage.

14. - A multi-layer honeycomb basket assembly comprising: a first honeycomb basket having an interior to retain a honeycomb; a second honeycomb basket having an interior for retaining a honeycomb, said second honeycomb basket substantially aligned with said first honeycomb basket; an opening between said first and second honeycomb baskets; a barrier placed between said interior of the first honeycomb basket and the inside of the second honeycomb basket.

15. - A multi-layer retro-fit honey extractor which comprises: a screen support that retains a plurality of combs; a plurality of honeycomb baskets having interiors to retain a honeycomb; and an opening between said plurality of honeycombs held in said screen support and the plurality of honeycomb baskets, each of said plurality of honeycomb baskets being substantially aligned with one of said plurality of honeycombs held in said screen support and having at least one screening wall and a solid wall, wherein said solid wall defines a limit of said opening. SUMMARY Improved honey extraction devices are provided by increasing the number of honeycomb baskets held by the centrifugal honey extraction apparatus. The prior art puller designs are altered, either by incorporating multiple layer honeycomb basket assemblies in their design or by providing additional honeycomb baskets substantially aligned with the honeycomb baskets previously existing in the prior art designs. The multi-layer honeycomb basket assemblies include a first honeycomb basket having an interior for retaining a honeycomb and at least a second honeycomb basket having an interior for retaining a honeycomb. The second honeycomb basket is substantially aligned with the first honeycomb basket and an opening occurs between the first and second honeycomb baskets. A barrier is placed between the interior of the first honeycomb basket and the inside of the second honeycomb basket. Additional baskets can also be provided in a similar manner. The multi-layer honeycomb basket assemblies can be incorporated into the design of normal tangential extractors, such as, non-reversible tangential extractors, extractors Of / 88? / reversible tangential, and tangential extractors of inverse central pivot. The present invention provides the ability for the multi-layer baskets to be rapidly replaceable at the loading and unloading operation speed in large-size extractors. The present invention also provides a new semi-tangential extractor design and can also be applied in semi-radial extractors. I heard / Zßß'f