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Oscillating sorting device for grape berries

a sorting device and grape berry technology, applied in the field of wine grape processing, can solve the problems of inability to remove, difficult to remove by hand sorting, limited efficiency of hand sorting, etc., and achieve the effect of facilitating the removal of undesirable mog other matter, high removal efficiency, and maintaining the integrity of ripe grape berries

Inactive Publication Date: 2007-01-11
BARR EDWIN L
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  • Summary
  • Abstract
  • Description
  • Claims
  • Application Information

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

"The present invention provides an apparatus and method for removing undesirable matter from de-stemmed grapes. The apparatus includes an oscillating flow platform with a screen that separates out the undesirable matter as the grapes are conveyed through a trough. The screen has a mesh pattern that allows for the removal of MOG, shot berries, raisins, stems, leaf material, bugs, pebbles, and other matter without damaging the grape berries. The device and method provide a high efficiency of removal with a high throughput of grape berries while minimizing maintenance downtime for cleaning or refreshing the screen."

Problems solved by technology

However, hand sorting is limited in efficiency, completeness and in particular, is not practical to remove some undesirable components.
Indeed it is difficult to remove by hand sorting “shot berries” (immature grapes) as well as overripe grapes or raisins, both of which although technically grape matter, adversely effect wine taste, flavor and aroma.

Method used

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  • Oscillating sorting device for grape berries
  • Oscillating sorting device for grape berries
  • Oscillating sorting device for grape berries

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Embodiment Construction

[0027] Referring to FIGS. 1 through 9, wherein like reference numerals refer to like components in the various views, there is illustrated therein a new and improved oscillating flow platform, generally denominated 100 herein.

[0028] In accordance with the present invention, FIG. 1. is an exterior side elevation of oscillating flow platform 100. The platform comprises a support frame or stand 110 to which trough 160 is mounted by four pivots legs 101. The trough is tilted downward from grape receiving end 160a toward an open mouth 166. The trough has an aperture 163 that spans the midsection of the bottom surface for receiving a screen 500. Thus, in a winemaking operation oscillating flow platform 100 receives grape berries at end 160a after de-stemming. As trough 160 oscillates in the plane of FIG. 1, about the four pivot legs 101, the de-stemmed grape berries and MOG arriving from the de-stemmer are agitated as they flow downward with gravity toward open mouth 166. Open mouth 166 ...

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Abstract

An oscillating sorting conveyor is adapted for separating whole berries of wine grapes from undesirable components such as “shot berries” (immature grapes), stems, raisins, leaf material, bugs, pebbles and the like. The sorter deploys a downward tilting trough that is driven to oscillate. A screen is disposed at the bottom of the trough such that whole berries are conveyed over the screen while the undesirable components pass through the screen The preferred embodiment of the screen has a non-uniform cross-section to improve the efficiency of removal the undesirable components without clogging or requiring constant maintenance.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS [0001] The current application is a Continuation of and claims priority to the application for an “Oscillating Sorting Device for Grape Berries”, filed on Jul. 6, 2005, having Ser. No. 11,176,431.BACKGROUND OF INVENTION [0002] The present invention relates to the processing of wine grapes, and more specifically to an apparatus, process and related equipment for separating wine grape berries prior to conversion into must and juice for wine making [0003] The manufacture of the highest quality wines requires the use of nearly perfect wines grapes, which are of perfect ripeness and free form foreign and extraneous matter that would lead to off flavors and / or hinder or degrade the fermentation process. [0004] Wine grapes, being a natural agriculture product that is harvested in large commercial quantities for commercial wine making, inevitably contains some quantity of foreign or otherwise undesirable matter, be it from field contamination, so-call...

Claims

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Application Information

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Patent Type & Authority Applications(United States)
IPC IPC(8): A01D46/00
CPCB07B1/12A23N15/025
Inventor BARR, EDWIN L.
Owner BARR EDWIN L
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