PROCESS THEREOF FIELD OF INVENTION

[0001 ] This present disclosure relates to an automatic high speed jute extracting and ribboning machine from the stems of jute plant. More particularly the present disclosure deals with means for separating the fiber-containing bark of plant stems at high speed by the process of tearing from the core prior to retting in the preparation of fibers for the spinning of threads or yarns substituting the hazardous unhealthy lengthy process of traditional jute retting and saving water consumption. The process also reduces the retting time. A maximum jute ribbon yield 90% with purity and continuity of nearly 95% has been observed and the continuity of jute stick yield observed in nearly 90%.

BACKGROUND ART

[0002] Bast fibers or skin fiber is plant fiber collected from the phloem (the "inner bark" or the skin) or bast surrounding the stem of certain, mainly dicotyledonic, plants such as Jute, Hemp , Flax (Linen) , Ramie , Kenaf , Kudzu , Nettle , Okra , Paper Mulberry , Roselle hemp , Rattan , Wisteria etc. Bast fibers have traditionally been used by the textile industry to manufacture spun products such as carpet yarn, rope, geotextile, traditional hessian and burlap. However, increasingly bast fibers are being used by other industries for such things as the manufacture of non-woven mats and carpets, composite materials, and automobile interior panels. Often bast fibers have higher tensile strength than other kinds, and are

used in high-quality textiles (sometimes in blends with cotton or synthetic fibers), ropes, yarn, paper, composite materials and burlap. A special property of bast fibers is that the fiber contains a special structure, the fiber node that represents a weak point. Seed hairs, such as cotton, do not have nodes.

[0003] Before bast fibers can be used, they must be first separated from the inner core of the fiber plant by some form of decortication process. Prior art decortication processes vary from chemical to mechanical processes. The machines subjects the fiber plant to mechanical stresses that physically rupture the bond between the inner core and the bast. The machine then separates the bast from the inner core. Another process commonly employed to separate bast from the inner core is that of "retting", which is a process of submerging the plant stalks in water, and soaking them for a period of time to loosen the fibers from the other components of the stalk. Retting can also be done by letting the cut crop stand in the fields exposed to atmospheric moisture. Bacterial action attacks pectin and lignin, freeing the cellulose fibers. The stalks are then removed and washed and subjected to mechanical processing to remove the soft tissue and then dried. A process employing a combination of retting and decortication machinery may also be used to obtain bast fibers.

[0004] The decortication process for removing the outer fibrous layer from the inner core layer can be achieved through the use of number of different machines such as hammer mills and crushing rollers. Hammer mills are energy intensive machines that use impact and shear forces for decortication. The energy requirement of the hammer mill is affected by factors such as screen size of the hammer mill, moisture content of the bulk and particle density of the hemp material and the feed rate (Yu et al, 2006; Lopo 2002, Shi et al 2003). Another method used for the decortication involves a cutter head. Graton and Chen (2004) used a modified cutter head with three knives and 38x38mm angle steel scutching bars to decorticate hemp stock. A maximum fiber yield of 61 % with a purity of 52% was observed. They observed that approximately 45% of the fiber contained in the hemp feed stock was lost into chaff outlet. Therefore it was inferred that the hammer mill and the cutter head methods generate low fiber purity. Another method of decorrtication involves crushing rollers. The crushing rollers utilize fluted pinned and flat rollers to crush and separate hemp feedstock. The roller speed and the roller gap are the critical parameters for the decortication. If the roll speed is too low then poor decortication is observed. The roll gaps affect the hemp particle size and distribution and energy requirement. Small gaps have a high energy requirement due to more efficient grinding.

[0005] Yet another method for the decortication is achieved by ball mill which is also not efficient. Further in the retting process micro-organisms such as bacteria or fungi are affecting the plant tissues surrounding the fiber cells, thus liberating the fibers from the non fiber parts. The water retting process of jute (15-20 days) takes place in ditches, ponds and consume large amount of water at a ratio of one to ten, thus causing pollution in surface waters. Organic degradation of decomposing plant tissues and accumulation of microbial biomass are niot considered toxic but the process causes oxygen depletion and foul smell emissions. Therefore an improved eco-friendly economical method and machine is needed for a controlled green fiber extraction or ribbon extraction..

[0006] A patent specification WO 97/45573, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference, describes a method and apparatus for processing the green plant stalk of a bast crop. To encourage the separation of the hurd from the bast, the bonds between the fiber and the hurd are ruptured. The stalk is then subsequently split and the exposed hurd is stripped from the bast by the abrasion of a toothed roller on the herd. Bond rupturing is effected by passing the green stalks between a complex series of counter-rotating pressing rollers, before the stalk is split and stripped of the hurd. This proposal is somewhat complex and requires significant power to drive the rollers.

[0007] Another patent specification US5465464 discloses decorticating machine with variable speed feed and beater rollers. The machine includes first and second sets of bladed feed rollers which have blades which intermesh to crush and ^" split the bast fiber bark longitudinally and breakup the core of the stalks into short segments. The stalks are then fed into a first set of bladed beater rollers which have blades which intermesh to beat against the bast fiber and loosen and separate the broken core pieces. The machine includes a third set of bladed feed rollers downstream from the first set of bladed beater rollers. The third set of feed rollers further breaks up any remaining core pieces associated with the bast fibers and feed the stalks into a second set of bladed beater rollers. The blades of the second set of bladed beater rollers also intermesh to beat against the fibers and further loosen and separate additional core pieces. The stalks are then fed through a fourth set of bladed feed rollers which further break any core pieces that may remain.

[0008] The present invention provides an effective alternative to the foregoing proposals for the processing of a bast crop.

[0009] The textile industry requires relatively long strand lengths of bast fibers. Accordingly, use of bast fibers in the textile industry has resulted in the development of decortication processes and machines that produce a longer staple of fiber, being 50 millimeters or longer, often in excess of 150 millimeters. However, the non-textile industries such as the cellulose based industry and composite moulding industries do not require long strand lengths and in fact, often have to cut the bast fibers into shorter lengths prior to use.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0010] One object of our invention is to provide a machine for this purpose, which is of simple construction, is efficient in use, is easily maintained, so that fibers can be separated easily from the stems at an early stage.

[0011] Another object is to provide a machine, which will operate efficiently with plant stems varying widely in thickness or diameter and length and followed by negligible wastage. [0012] Yet another object of the present invention wherein the bark of fibrous vegetable, specifically of jute plant thus are debarked by this process / machine and reduce the consumption of water helping water conservation to protect environment and reduce the time during next process of retting.

[0013] According to the present disclosure the machine for the ribboning of fibrous vegetable stems or stalks especially jute comprises of a Sorting and Tip Cutting and Sorting Platform, plant Feeder, Belt Conveyor, Roller Assembly, Self aligning debarking unit, Grip assembly, Chain Conveyor, Bark Cutting system, Ribbon Conveying system, Waste (Root ends) collecting system, Stick collection conveyor system, Sensor arrangement, PLC controlled system for the control of conveying and roller speed is disclosed. [0014] As per another object of the present invention the ribboning includes decortication / debarking of the vegetable stems.

According to further object of the present disclosure there is provided an automatic process for the ribboning of fibrous vegetable stems or stalks especially jute comprising the steps of: Sorting and Tip cutting of the jute plants; Feeding the jute plants onto the feeding conveyor through feeding chute; Holding and clamping the root end of Jute plants by holding roller assembly and moving the grip assembly through nearly 135 degrees through self aligning debarking unit and pulling the held plant portion against the roll so that the bark at the plants stem surface is torn out in the bottom surface of the plant longitudinally and across followed by ribbon cutting, ribbon conveying and stick collecting conveying separately to collection centres.

[0015] As per another embodiment of the present invention there is provided a process for debarking / separating / ribboning the fibrous material that the fiber separated in a continuous, flat, ribbon-like piece from the, wood and pith, which are likewise delivered in practically a single continuous and unbroken piece. The fibers are retained in as straight and perfect a condition, when separated from the pith, wood, as it was when in the original reed. There is no entangling or snarling of the fiber, and the exterior bark is largely removed without injury to the fiber; and, lastly, it is delivered from the machine in condition to be readily gathered and handled in the subsequent operations. The stick, wood and pith, also comes out unbroken at intermediate stage.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE ACCOMPANYING DRAWINGS

[0016] Fig 1 illustrates the block diagram for the Automatic High Speed Jute Ribboning Machine and the process in accordance with the present invention;

[0017] Fig 2 illustrates the Belt Conveyor for the High Speed Jute Ribboning Machine in accordance with the present invention;

[0018] Fig 3 illustrates the Roller Assembly for the High Speed Jute Ribboning Machine in accordance with the present invention;

[0019] Fig 4 illustrates the Self-aligning debarking unit for the High Speed Jute Ribboning Machine in accordance with the present invention; [0020] Fig 5 illustrates the Single Top assembly of rollers in Self-aligning debarking unit for the High Speed Jute Ribboning Machine in accordance with the present invention;

[0021] Fig 6 illustrates the Single Bottom assembly of rollers in Self-aligning debarking unit for the High Speed Jute Ribboning Machine in accordance with the present invention; [0022] Fig 7 illustrates the Grip Assembly for the High Speed Jute Ribboning Machine in accordance with the present invention; [0023] Fig 8 illustrates the Grip Assembly Jaws for the High Speed Jute Ribboning Machine in accordance with the present invention;

[0024] Fig 9 illustrates the Grip Assembly holding detail for the High Speed Jute Ribboning Machine in accordance with the present invention;

[0025] Fig 10 illustrates the Chain Conveyor for the High Speed Jute Ribboning Machine in accordance with the present invention;

[0026] Fig 1 1 illustrates the Bark Cutting system for the High Speed Jute Ribboning Machine in accordance with the present invention;

[0027] Fig 12 illustrates the Ribbon Conveying system for the High Speed Jute Ribboning Machine in accordance with the present invention; [0028] Fig 13 illustrates the Waste (Root ends) collecting system for the High Speed Jute Ribboning Machine in accordance with the present invention;

[0029] Fig 14 illustrates the Stick collection conveyor system for the High Speed Jute Ribboning Machine in accordance with the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0030] The present disclosure, herein discloses an automatic low cost high productive Jute decorticating and Ribboning Machine. As shown in figures (1 to 14), the following modules have been developed in the process and have been designed for the production of the unique machine. Module I - Tip Cutting and Sorting Platform

Module II - Automatic plant Feeder.

Module III - Belt Conveyor

Module IV - Roller Assembly

Module V - Self aligning debarking unit.

Module VI - Grip assembly

Module VII - Chain Conveyor.

Module VIII - Bark Cutting system.

Module IX - Ribbon conveying system.

Module X - Waste (Root ends) collecting system

Module XI - Stick collection conveyor system.

Module XIII - Sensor arrangement

Module XIV - Control system.

Module XV - Air Compressor and pneumatic arrangement

[0031 ] The green Jute plants, cut from the field are kept in the field for 24 -48 hours for partial defoliating of leaves. Practically the defoliated green jute plants are sorted out manually in the Module I. the sorting is based on the table given below and are classified for diameter ranges as follows.

Module I - Tip Cutting and Sorting Platform

[0032] In sorting system, only the straight plants are grouped into A, B and C

The sorted out bunches of the jute plants are then cut from to tip by 150 to 300 mm suitably for removing unwanted and ineffective portion of tip end. A powered cutter at tip end does the tip cutting operation. The jute plants are placed on a graduated table platform. One end of the graduated table platform has fixed elevated plate against which the plants are supported. The powered cutter moves on a rod and cut the tip end of the plants at suitable distance while the root ends are supported against the elevated plate at the other end. Once the tip ends are cut, the plants are then manually transferred to the Feeder system, (Module II) and are kept ready in stock near the ribboner for feeding through the Feeder System, (Module II) of the ribboner. Module II - Feeder System:

[0033] The feeder system is configured for receiving the bundles of stored out jute plants from Module I - (Tip cutting and sorting system). The system is designed to feed jute plants, placed at the end of the belt conveyor, Module III for round the clock operation. This module also acts as a partial storage of sorted green jute plants, where enough quantity of plants are stored to continuously feed for a period of for 10 -15 minutes. Further the module II is power driven by a suitable geared motor and other drive components e.g. chain sprocket etc.

Module - HI Belt Conveyor

[0034] Feeding of green jute plants are activated by a mechanized heavy duty Belt Conveyor. The belt conveyor is specifically designed and configured according to the purpose of feeding of the green jute plants for decortication (Fig 2).

The General specification for the conveyor is:

Centre to centre distance between head pulley and tail pulley - 5500 mm

Belt width - 10 mm, Length of belt - 1200 mm

Drive - 1 hp, 220 v, geared motor with variable speeds through variable frequency drive control.

Linear speed of belt conveyor - linear speed range between 90 mm/s to 250 mm/s. The major components of the system are:

a. Drive unit -0.75kw 220v, 50hz geared motor with output of 35 rpm.

b. Screw take-up unit with Tail Pulley arrangement comprising of rubberized 250mm dia pulley suitable for 1000 mm wide belt, with rolling bearing blocks at both end. The take-up unit provide scope of adjustments for proper tensioning of the conveyor belt

c. Drive end rubberized Head Pulley coupled to the geared motor through suitable flexible coupling.

d. Conveyor belt - 1000 mm wide X 1200 mm long nylon impregnated rubber belt

e. Support idlers - six nos fitted with rolling bearings at both ends

f. Return rollers - 3 nos

g. Skirt board at both sides of the belt along the length

h. Support structure and stringers

The jute plants are fed on to this belt conveyor shown in Figure 2, which drives them up to the self-aligning debarking unit through the Roller Drive Unit. The Jute Plants are fed in such a manner that their thicker root ends are placed in the direction of the motion of conveyor at a speed range between 90 mm/s to 250 mm/s.

Module IV - Roller Assembly Unit

[0035] Roller Assembly Unit, Module IV, is illustrated in Figure 3 is configured to facilitate the entrance of the Jute Plants smoothly and uniformly to the self aligning debarking unit, being conveyed by belt conveyor, at a linear speed range between 90 mm/s to 250 mm/s. Further the system comprise with a set of not more than six grooved roller which has automatic and sequenced drive with automatic lifting system to facilitate easy movement of the jute plants while grip assembly initiates pulling and debarking. This helps in rationalizing the pulling force and eliminates the possibilities of tearing of bark / ribbon. The specification of the roller assembly unit is:

No of jute plants - 24 per cycle

Speed - synchronized with variable speed of belt conveyor = linear speed range between 90 mm/s to 250 mm/s. The speed may vary under condition that other variables are changed. The jute plants are driven by the said unit to the Self- Aligning Debarking unit in an equally spaced manner to ensure one jute plant to enter into one groove so that uniform and consistent debarking is done.

Major components:

a. Set of mild steel rollers with rubberized v-shaped grooves - nearly 24 nos @ 35mm pitch.

b. Chain sprocket drive set for abovementioned roller set. This drive is provided so that the rollers are synchronized with belt conveyor.

c. Pneumatic lifting arrangement of the roller set which activates automatically as soon as GRIP assembly starts moving once the jute plants are securely held by the grips

d. Necessary fabricated brackets and bearing blocks are provided at both ends of the rollers Module V - Self Aligning Debarking Unit

[0036] The self aligning Debarking unit as illustrated as Module V, in Figure 4, operates on an innovative principle for Jute Debarking / ribboning. Each one Jute Plant thicker root end oriented forward, being conveyed by the belt conveyor through roller drive unit enter the self aligning debarking unit single assembly and thus all Plants enter in each of the single assemblies of the unit. According to the diameter of the unit, the gap is maintained with the help of spring loaded self weight metal pins. The lower portion of the unit helps cut a portion of the length of the bark/ ribbon to a depth of not more than 2 mm continuously while the Jute Plant move forward towards the grip assembly. This helps initiating debarking/ ribboning while pulled taking a turn around. The root end of Jute plants are gripped by the roller assembly and by moving the grip assembly through nearly 135 degrees through self aligning debarking unit and pulling the held plant portion against the roll, the bark at the plants stem surface is torn out in the bottom surface of the plant longitudinally and across. Major components are:

a. Top alignment system

Horizontal Roller A, in figure 5, held by spring loaded bracket B, can freely rotate and oscillates up and down to accommodate different diameter of green jute plants in vertical direction. b. Bottom alignment system

Tapered discs C, D and E as shown in figure 6, are spring loaded so that they can move back and forth freely to accommodate different diameter and locate each jute plant exactly over the debarking cutter which produces a thin slit of 1 to 2 mm depth, as required, on the bark continuously along the length. This facilitates and ensures complete debarking when the grip assembly pulls the jute plants.

This unit has nearly 24 debarking rollers each of which starts the debarking process of a single plant. This unit feeds the plant to grip assembly.

Module VI - Grip Assembly

[0037] The grip assembly as shown in figure 7 consists of a holding mechanism with the help of spring, hinges, actuators and a set of jaws. Thicker root ends of Jute Plant enter into the grip assembly through self aligning debarking unit. The sensor initiates the griping of all Plants once all the Plant ends reach the grip assembly. The jute plants are fed through the debarking unit to the grip assembly (Module VI) and are conveyed by the belt conveyor. A sensor ensures the entry of all 24 plants into the grip. The grip then closes and the chain conveyor starts. The two Grip Assemblies are mounted on the chain conveyor. The grip assembly jaws are equi-spaced as shown in figure 8. The phase difference of these two grip assemblies are such that when one grip finishes its work by releasing the smaller cut pieces of the root end into the Waste (root ends) collection system (Module X), then the other grip assembly reaches through the chain conveyor to the self aligning Debarking Unit, Module V for the next cycle of operation. The cycle time is set to not more than 80 seconds. The grip assembly consists of two sets of grips as shown in fig 9- a. Upper grip consisting two jaws and

b. Lower grip with one jaw

c. Four set of heavy duty tension springs

d. Cams fitted with separate frame.

As a set of sensor ensures complete entry of all green jute plants while the jaws get closed by cam operation (as follower crosses point P of cam as in grip assembly holding details in figure 9, the upper jaw and the lower jaw are closed by the pull of tension springs as shown) facilitated with set of heavy compression springs. The whole system is designed in such a way as to confirm that all jute plants remain properly held during full debarking.

Module VII - Chain Conveyor.

[0038] This is a heavy duty chain conveyor, as shown in figure 10, fitted with at least two sets of spring loaded grip assembly equally spaced. This conveyor is driven by a 2hp single-phase variable speed geared motor. The motion of this conveyor is controlled / sequenced by electronic sensors and PLC controls.

One position sensor locates the grip assembly at the HOME position and stops the chain conveyor. Another sensor ensures complete entry of all jute plants into the grip assembly and starts the chain conveyor. As soon as the chain conveyor starts, the extraction of bark / ribbon starts and one sensor stops the actuator. Automatic lifting of roller assembly takes place for approximately 400 mm long bark / ribbon extraction after which the roller assembly is reengaged with belt conveyor. The grip continuously moves to the position where automatic cutter is positioned. A sensor ensures proper position of the grip and the chain conveyor stops. After bark cutting is completed the chain restarts and finally stops to end the cycle as soon as the grip reaches proper position for next set of jute plants. Thus in this operation, on one side jute ribbon comes out and on the other side the continued length of jute stick also comes out.

Module VIII- Bark cutting system

[0039] The bark cutting system as shown in Fig 11 comprise of an automatic cutter for end portions of the jute plants. The said cutter is a mechanized cutter for cutting the bark / ribbon of the jute plant after debarking/extraction/ robboning is completed. The cutting wheel made of metal and is moved back and forth by a sensor controlled mechanized system. Speed of bark cutting varies from 90 mm/sec - 250 mm/sec.

Module IX - Ribbon Conveying System.

[0040] The said conveyor as shown in Fig 12 is responsible for removing the barks to the storage container of Portable Ribbon Retting Bin, once the barks are fully extracted and cut by the cutter. This conveyor is fitted below the chain conveyor and above the belt conveyor and is driven by 0.5hp geared motor. Movement sequence of this conveyor is controlled by sensor and PLC control.

Module X - Waste (Root ends) Collecting System

[0041] The Waste (Root ends) collecting system as shown in figure 13 is a static chute which collects and disposes the end portions / pieces of jute plants originally held by Grip Assy. Module XI - Stick Collection Conveyor System.

[0042] Further there is also provided a stick collection conveyor system as illustrated in figure 14. The chain conveyor along with grip assembly pulls and extracts the jute bark from green plants; the stems, the jute stick with its continued length comes out automatically and is collected by this conveyor after which the same are collected in bins.

Module XII - Drive Arrangement

[0043] The drive arrangement of the machine is a specially designed system and further consists of:

- Belt conveyor drive - 1 hp three-phase high efficiency multistage helical geared motor, variable speed drives control

- Chain conveyor drive- 2hp three-phase high efficiency multistage helical geared motor, with variable speed drive control

- Roller unit drive

- Jute delivery drive - 0.5hp three-phase high efficiency multistage helical geared motor

- Stick disposal drive- chains and sprocket unit

- Cutter drive - integrated single-phase motor

Module XIII - Sensor Arrangement

[0044] The sensor arrangement in the said system consists of nearly two magnetic and nearly four nonmagnetic sensors, wherein the sequencing being controlled by PLC

Sensor ensures completion of following operations -

> 1 ^st sensor: Sense the home position of the grip assembly.

> 2 ^nd sensor: Sense the effective entry of the root ends of the jute plants into the grip assembly, it switches on the chain conveyor and it also switches on the automatic lifting system of roller assembly at the beginning of the pulling by the grip assembly.

> 3 ^rd sensor: Switches off the automatic lifting system of roller assembly and re-engages the roller assembly with belt conveyor after the jute plant travel nearly 400 mm from the axis of the Self aligning debarking unit.

> 4 ^th sensor: As the grip assembly reaches the Bark Cutting system, Module VIII, it switches off the movement of the chain conveyor, Switches on the Bark Cutting system, Module VIII and Switches on the Ribbon Conveying system, Module IX.

> 5 ^th sensor: As soon as the bark cutting operation is completed, it switches on the chain conveyor; track back the bark cutter to its starting position.

> 6 ^th sensor: It senses if the cutter reaches its original position for safety purpose. This sensor actually confirms the home position of the cutter.

Module XIV PLC Controlled Operating System

[0045] The PLC controlled operating system controls the full sequence of operation, which is stated below. This can be set in automatic as well as manual mode as required. There is an emergency stop, which stops the total system in case of any emergency. The speed of the equipment can be controlled from this system. The sequencing system consists of:

PLC for automatic operation

Manual ON/OFF for each output element like Motor, Solenoid etc.

Protective circuits for 2 Nos. VFD controlled motors, (one is optional) for belt conveyor & other for chain conveyor

Start, Stop for Air Compressor Motor.

Ribbon conveyor motor starter. Starter for cutter motor.

Contactor / Relay for Pneumatic SOV

Home position push switch

Auto / Manual mode selection switch

Cycle start switch

LED / Lamp indicators for all the sensors & other machine status.

Module XV Air Compressor and pneumatic arrangement

[0046] The Automatic High Speed Jute Ribboning machine has several automatic logic controlled activation arrangements which are powered by appropriate PNEUMATIC ACTUATORS.

These actuation systems include

• Lifting and Lowering of Rubberised grooved roller arrangement i.e.

Module IV

• Forward and backward movement of Bark Cutting Unit i.e. Module VIII

The overall Pneumatic arrangement comprises of

- Three nos heavy-duty pneumatic cylinders

- Two nos-way, 5-port solenoid valves

- One flow control valve

The solenoid valves are activated by appropriate sensors which are PLC controlled. The solenoid valves, in turn, controls activation of the movement pneumatic cylinders. The flow control valve is provided to control speed of cylinder movement. Compressed air required for operating the total pneumatic arrangement is provided by THE AIR COMPRESSOR - powered by 1 hp motor, the compressor being capable of producing compressed air consistently at a pressure of nearly 7 kg/sq. cm. The compressor is fitted with necessary safety pressure relief valve.

[0047] The operating sequence of the Automatic High Speed Jute Ribboning Machine is as follows:

1. Leaves and branches from top 150 mm to 300 mm are cut from the tip end.

2. This green jute plants are fed manually on to feeding hopper with its root end towards the direction of the movement of the belt conveyor (leading end).

3. Machine is started in auto mode.

4. The green jute plants with its root end towards Roller Assembly, Module IV. The green jute plants thus are conveyed by motor driven belt conveyor. Jute plants (nearly 24 nos., optional) start moving towards Roller Assembly, Module IV. As the root end of Jute plants enters the Roller assembly, it ensures that each plant enters in to the roller assembly and in turn each into a single assembly of Self aligning debarking unit. The Self aligning debarking unit helps in initiating debarking while pulled by the grip assembly.

5. The root end of Jute plants enters the grip assembly after the Self-aligning debarking unit. A set of sensors monitors the entry of all the root ends of the jute plants. Once all the root ends are inside the grip assembly in position, the sensor sense and switch on the chain conveyor. The chain conveyor immediately helps the grip assembly gripping all the root ends of the jute plants.

6. As the chain conveyor moves, the grip assembly starts debarking the jute plant and pulls till the condition when the bark thickness becomes very low and thin (nearly up to the full length of the jute plant / fibre) and reaches the cutter. 7. Once the grip assembly reaches the Bark Cutting system, Module VIII, the sensor stops the movement of chain conveyor and starts the action of cutter. The cutter starts cutting the bark / ribbon and release the end portion of the root which is held within the grip assembly. As soon as the bark / ribbon is cut, it falls on to the Ribbon Conveying system, Module IX and the ribbon conveying system starts its operation with the help of the sensor. The ribbon in turn conveyed laterally and falls on to the ribbon- retting bin.

8. As the Bark Cutting system, Module VIII completes the cutting operation; the sensor switches on the chain conveyor drive. The chain conveyor drive starts its movement and simultaneously the grip assembly opens its jaws and unholds the held up root ends. The root ends immediately falls on to the Waste (Root ends) collecting system, Module X through the chute.

9. By that time the 2 ^nd grip assembly reaches the Self aligning debarking unit, Module V, the home position and the root ends of the green jute plants fed by the feeding hopper and conveyed by the belt conveyor reach the Self aligning debarking unit, Module V.

[0048] The 2 ^nd cycle is thus repeated. Grip (chain conveyor) returns to starting position when sensor ensures proper grip positioning for smooth entry of second set of (nearly 24 nos., optional) green jute plants. Machine stops and are ready for next cycle. 2 ^nd cycle starts after feeding of 2 ^nd set of jute plants. [0049] Although the foregoing description of the present invention has been shown and described with reference to particular embodiments and applications thereof, it has been presented for purposes of illustration and description and is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the particular embodiments and applications disclosed. It will be apparent to those having ordinary skill in the art that a number of changes, modifications, variations, or alterations to the invention as described herein may be made, none of which depart from the spirit or scope of the present invention. The particular embodiments and applications were chosen and described to provide the best illustration of the principles of the invention and its practical application to thereby enable one of ordinary skill in the art to utilize the invention in various embodiments and with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. All such changes, modifications, variations, and alterations should therefore be seen as being within the scope of the present invention as determined by the appended claims when interpreted in accordance with the breadth to which they are fairly, legally, and equitably entitled.