US3799338A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Leaf separator
Assignee: Individual
•
Filing: 1971-09-20
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Granted: 1974-03-26
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Expires: 1991-09-20
Abstract
Abstract This invention relates to a mechanical leaf separator designed to automatically separate leaf portions and other undesirable components from a cut-up vegetable such as diced celery or the like, using one or more inclined conveyor belts. This novel device is so effective and efficient as to render unnecessary any of the hand labor practices usually associated with the removal of leaf portions from cut-up produce.
Inventors
- 👤 J Duda
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-25 05:18
CPC Classifications
B; B03; B03B; B03B5/00; B03B5/02; B03B5/08
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 9
Claim 1
Independent Claim
175 words
A mechanical leaf separator designed to automatically separate leaf portions and other undesirable components from cutup vegetables or the like comprising at least two steeply inclined, endless, imperforate conveyor belts, whose upper surfaces travel upwardly, with said belts being disposed in an essentially orthogonal relationship to each other, one of said belts being higher than the other and arranged to receive the cut up vegetables and leaves from a supply source, with the cut up vegetables tending to tumble down the higher Belt during its operation, and the leaves tending to stick to the surface of the belt and to be carried to a location adjacent the upper portion of the higher belt for disposal, the second belt being arranged to receive the vegetable tumbling down from the higher belt, which vegetable portions then tumble down the second belt, to be received for further processing, whereas any remaining leaf portions tend to stick to the surface of said second belt and to be carried upwardly to a location adjacent the top part thereof for disposal.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
175 words
A mechanical leaf separator designed to automatically separate leaf portions and other undesirable components from cutup vegetables or the like comprising at least two steeply inclined, endless, imperforate conveyor belts, whose upper surfaces travel upwardly, with said belts being disposed in an essentially orthogonal relationship to each other, one of said belts being higher than the other and arranged to receive the cut up vegetables and leaves from a supply source, with the cut up vegetables tending to tumble down the higher Belt during its operation, and the leaves tending to stick to the surface of the belt and to be carried to a location adjacent the upper portion of the higher belt for disposal, the second belt being arranged to receive the vegetable tumbling down from the higher belt, which vegetable portions then tumble down the second belt, to be received for further processing, whereas any remaining leaf portions tend to stick to the surface of said second belt and to be carried upwardly to a location adjacent the top part thereof for disposal.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
24 words
The separator as defined in claim 1 in which the vegetable portions tumbling down the second belt are received on a third moving belt.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
19 words
The separator as defined in claim 2 in which said third belt is steeply inclined for achieving additional separation.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
20 words
The separator as defined in claim 2 in which said third belt is utilized for carrying off produce for canning.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
21 words
The separator as defined in claim 1 in which a common power source is utilized for powering all of said belts.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
19 words
The separator as defined in claim 1 in which said belts are operatively mounted upon a common supporting framework.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
21 words
The separator as defined in claim 1 in which additional belts are provided for carrying away the leaf portions for disposal.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
25 words
The separator as defined in claim 1 in which a blast of air is provided adjacent the lowermost belt, to blow away any remaining leaves.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1977-03-25 | 1977-09-24 | 1978-03-26 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1981-03-25 | 1981-09-24 | 1982-03-26 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1985-03-25 | 1985-09-24 | 1986-03-26 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |