Systems and methods of de-stemming produce are provided. An apparatus can process an item of produce having a first portion and a second portion attached to the first portion. The apparatus can include at least one first conveyor unit that can convey the first portion of the item of produce in a first direction. The apparatus can include at least one second conveyor unit that can convey the second portion of the item of produce in a second direction that differs from the first linear direction by between zero and 90 degrees to generate a separation force between the first portion of the item of produce and the second portion of the item of produce that separates the first portion from the second portion.

Systems and methods of de-stemming produce are provided. An apparatus can process an item of produce having a first portion and a second portion attached to the first portion. The apparatus can include at least one first conveyor unit that can convey the first portion of the item of produce in a first direction. The apparatus can include at least one second conveyor unit that can convey the second portion of the item of produce in a second direction that differs from the first linear direction by between zero and 90 degrees to generate a separation force between the first portion of the item of produce and the second portion of the item of produce that separates the first portion from the second portion.

A way of dealing with challenges to the pepper processing industry and pepper growers is to mechanize pepper processing, including the de-stemming of whole peppers. The present example provides a method for mechanically de-stemming whole peppers. The method provides for the recognition of a pepper's shoulder and or interior regions and stem in order to generate a control signal to initiate a process to de-stem the pepper. In particular, several implementations of the method are provided that may include a mechanical system, a laser system, a machine vision system, a combination of a machine vision system and the laser system, and other equivalent implementations. Additionally disclosed, are methods of processing whole peppers utilizing automated de-stemming.

A way of dealing with challenges to the pepper processing industry and pepper growers is to mechanize pepper processing, including the de-stemming of whole peppers. The present example provides a method for mechanically de-stemming whole peppers. The method provides for the recognition of a pepper's shoulder and or interior regions and stem in order to generate a control signal to initiate a process to de-stem the pepper. In particular, several implementations of the method are provided that may include a mechanical system, a laser system, a machine vision system, a combination of a machine vision system and the laser system, and other equivalent implementations. Additionally disclosed, are methods of processing whole peppers utilizing automated de-stemming.

A handheld bean end cutting device.

A handheld bean end cutting device.

An apparatus for separating a calyx and a seed pod of a sorrel bud, whereby the apparatus can include a holder configured to hold the sorrel bud; a cutter movable in relation to the holder, the cutter configured to cut an opening in a base of the calyx to provide a cut calyx; and a separator movable in relation to the holder, the separator configured to separate the seed pod from the cut calyx via the opening. Movement of the cutter and the separator can be automatic.

An apparatus for separating a calyx and a seed pod of a sorrel bud, whereby the apparatus can include a holder configured to hold the sorrel bud; a cutter movable in relation to the holder, the cutter configured to cut an opening in a base of the calyx to provide a cut calyx; and a separator movable in relation to the holder, the separator configured to separate the seed pod from the cut calyx via the opening. Movement of the cutter and the separator can be automatic.

A machine for cleaning up fruits, particularly strawberries and radishes is disclosed. The machine includes closed loop conveyor belt (5) for conveying fruits, a vacuum-generating means (8), and first cutting means (11). The closed loop conveyor belt (5) is provided with an upper conveying branch (5a), a lower returning branch (5b) and two front and rear connecting portions (5c, 5d), respectively, a plurality of holes (6) that are formed in the conveyor belt (5), and the conveyor belt (5) is movable by rollers (3, 4) along a predetermined advancing direction (A). The vacuum-generating means (8) includes distributing means (10) arranged under at least a predetermined portion of the upper conveying branch (5a). The first cutting means (11) cutting fruits is arranged in the plurality of holes (6) according to a cutting line substantially perpendicular to the advancing direction (A).

A machine for cleaning up fruits, particularly strawberries and radishes is disclosed. The machine includes closed loop conveyor belt (5) for conveying fruits, a vacuum-generating means (8), and first cutting means (11). The closed loop conveyor belt (5) is provided with an upper conveying branch (5a), a lower returning branch (5b) and two front and rear connecting portions (5c, 5d), respectively, a plurality of holes (6) that are formed in the conveyor belt (5), and the conveyor belt (5) is movable by rollers (3, 4) along a predetermined advancing direction (A). The vacuum-generating means (8) includes distributing means (10) arranged under at least a predetermined portion of the upper conveying branch (5a). The first cutting means (11) cutting fruits is arranged in the plurality of holes (6) according to a cutting line substantially perpendicular to the advancing direction (A).