The present invention relates to a process and to an apparatus for the extraction of slime spiral. The snail slime, in particular of the species Helix aspersa, is now widely used by laboratories for the creation of cosmetic creams, gels the body and other similar products and industry pharmaceutical for the realization of syrups for the care of diseases apparatus respiratory and stomach. The request of slime of snail by part industry, is growing, thanks to amazing regenerative properties and antioxidants of substances that the component, as the mucopolysaccharides. Indeed, it seems that these substances are in degree of fight with extraordinary effectiveness of skin blemishes such as acne, wrinkles, scars, blemishes and burns. The techniques used today for the extraction of slime of snail are poorly described in literature. From the little information that can be get by survey on theme, one shows that the extraction still takes place manually, through the dehydration of snails with sodium chloride provided in the solid state and using materials absorbents, on which is placed the said chloride and the snails to be treated. This procedure, however, presents several negative aspects.

2 A first drawback regards the health of the animal, which is not guaranteed adequate rehydration after its use, since this operation at the discretion of operators. A second drawback concerns the quality of the product. In fact, the lack of control systems sure on the factors that determine the composition of product, such as the amount of salt used and the times of dehydration, affect a quality constant of the final product. A third drawback is the low productivity, in particular due to poor or absent mechanization and automation of the process. With the present invention is to propose a solution new and alternative solutions so far notes, and possibly such as to obviate one or more of above reported drawbacks and / or problems, and / or such as meet one or more requirements, or otherwise derivable from the above remarks. Is, then, provided a process for removal of slime from snails, characterized by the fact that it provides a substance to the spiral likely to stimulate the production of slime by spiral, and in that said stimulating substance is in fluid condition. Is also provided an apparatus for removal of slime from snails including a respective supporting frame, characterized by done of present of means of supply to spiral of a substance stimulating the production of 30 burrs from the snail, which has stimulant in fluid condition.

In this manner, is possible get a stimulation of the snails which is more effective, in particular to advantage of productivity, and in any case, moreover, which can be better tolerated by the same snail. This and other innovative aspects are, however, set forth in the appended claims, whose specifications are found, along with corresponding benefits achieved, in following detailed description, illustrating the forms of realization purely illustrative and not limiting of found, and that is made with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein:

- Figure 1 shows a schematic view in longitudinal section along a vertical plane of a first possible realization of device or apparatus made in accordance with the invention, in its essential configuration;

- Figure 2 and figure 3 are sectional views respectively according to two longitudinal and transverse and vertical planes perpendicular to each other of a possible construction of the device or equipment designed in accordance with the invention, in a configuration most complex that uses several additional elements respect to the configuration of Figure 1 ;

- Figure 4 is a view in section according to a longitudinal vertical plane of the device or equipment second a third possible implementation;

- Figure 5 is a schematic representation of an embodiment of the hydraulic system to be matched to the device or equipment for its operation.

- Figure 6 is a view in longitudinal section according to a vertical plane of a fourth possible Full implementation of the device or equipment of rollers for the automated movement;

- Figure 7 is an isometric view of a first preferred embodiment of a container for snails, in the closed condition;

- Figure 8 is an isometric view of the first preferred embodiment of a container for snails concerns in the open;

- Figure 9A is a view in longitudinal section of a fifth preferred embodiment of a device or apparatus according to the present invention;

- Figure 9B is an enlarged view of Figure 9A, showing the part to mountain of fifth preferred embodiment of apparatus according to the present invention; - Figure 9C is an enlarged view of Figure 9A, showing the part to valley of fifth preferred embodiment of apparatus according to the present invention;

- Figure 10 is an isometric view of a second preferred embodiment of a container for snails in open condition.

Advantageously, second the procedure, for removal of slime from snails, is expected to provide the substance for stimulating a snail the production from the slime, which stimulant is in fluid condition, in the form of a fluid substance, and, preferably, in liquid condition. In particular, second a further appearance advantageous to the process provides that the substance stimulating the production of slime is brought to contact of the spiral through the air environment surrounding the same nut. In particular, according to a preferred embodiment of procedure, the substance that stimulates the production of foam is sprayed into the air surrounds the snail in special way being provided that the substance stimulating the production of burr is sprayed on the respective nut.

According to another advantageous aspect, there is provided that the substance stimulating the production of slime includes an active agent dissolved in a respective solvent, and in particular dissolved in water. Preferably, and advantageously, said agent active substance is a salt and in particular from sodium chloride. Advantageously, the salt, or sodium chloride, is dissolved in the solvent, in particular in water, in a quantity comprised between 30% and 60% by weight of the solvent.

According to the process is also expected provide a fluidizing substance of slime in alia, by providing a first and a second phase application of the same substance that thins the burr. Said first and second phase fluidization are provided one after the other and, in any case After applying this stimulant drug. Preferably, the substance fluidizing is consisting of water, which is supplied to the scroll through the ambient air surrounding the spiral.

In particular, this substance is fluidifying provided means nebulization of substance in the air that surrounds the nut, and special way is Splash on respective spiral. In particular, one provides that the respective treatment of snail in particular the supply of the substance stimulating and / or of the substance thinning, done by sending the respective medium upon the nut through a respective jet of substance directed from top to bottom and / or a jet of substance direction from the bottom upwards.

According to the process, it is expected, therefore, to collect the slime produced, the which burr, preferably, is made to fall by gravity on the corresponding collection means. Advantageously, second the process the nut is retained on a support surface, said supporting surface being permeable or provided of openings in such a way as to allow the fall of the dribble, it is also expected to refer to snails vibration and dry the nuts, in particular through which air is blown on these snails. In practice, second a form realization preferred, the procedure for the extraction of burr from snails is to spray a solution of water and sodium chloride nuts positioned on a surface permeable. The saline stimulates the animal to produce burr that drips through the permeable surface and is collection in containers underlying. For facilitate the operations of collection after a brief mist of water and salt spray can, a or more times, a small amount of water to make the slime less viscous and more fluid.

In accordance with the accompanying drawings from 1 to 8, shows how the device or equipment to extract slime of snail in particular implementing the procedure described above, including a chamber nebulization, open able to allow the entry and the output of the nuts and with a bottom permeable to allow the fall of the burr and a system of nozzles, housed inside the nebulizer and connected to a hydraulic system, which nebulize the solution of water and sodium chloride on snails. It is also provided a collection system of the burr under the provisions of the nebulizer. To facilitate the handling of the snails in the device or equipment, and prevent evasion from the machine and to avoid injury, the snails can be enclosed in a suitable container equipped with perforated walls or network that allows the undisturbed flow of fluids through the walls holding inside the snails. The container has at least a wall mobile for allow the filling and emptying, and a means of fastening Quick unenforceable by the animal. The use of the container described above eliminates the permeable bottom of the nebulizer because I plays the function of support of snails and is permeable. To facilitate the handling of the snails nebulization chamber 1 can be provided with openings Side with of barriers furnishings or Flexible, for example for doors or curtain, such as to not obstruct the passage of the snails through the openings and such as to minimize the leakage of solution sprayed from the chamber. In addition, the chamber may be provided with rollers or chains hubs Side that while doing the function of transporting the container with the snails did not interfere with the flow of saliva dripping from container. To realize an automated handling of snails throughout the process, can be use rollers or conveyor belts or chains which lead snails the entrance of the chamber nebulization and that exit of room the transport you to a collection point.

To take the step by nebulization, the chamber can be conveniently divided into more chambers of nebulization which may be separated from each other movable barriers and in which are independent of the systems of nozzles. The use of multiple chambers of nebulization to speed up the whole process by eliminating the necessary breaks between the various sprays. In part lower of room of nebulization, can be realized a conveyor with the function to drain the burr that drips from the chamber towards a collecting container. The container must be easily extractable and storable in the device or equipment. If they are multiple spray chambers, the conveyor may be shaped so as to channel the flows of slime arising from the various phases of mist in containers distinct, obtaining products at different concentrations of drool. Between the nebulization chamber and the container is provided the introduction of a filter which intercepts the flow dross and retains impurities.

The nozzle system housed inside the nebulization chamber are fed by a simple hydraulic system that provides for the use of a pump of suitable characteristics that picks up the solution of water and sodium chloride from a tank, and a second pump which draws the water from another tank. The solution of water and sodium chloride can be created manually, or more conveniently can be produced by a special appliance mixer which picks up the components of the solution by different tanks, creates the solution to desired concentration and fills the tank, which feeds the pump. Throughout the process, with the aid of sensors and switches can be managed by a PLC (PLC Programmable Logic), through which can be determine the working parameters of the various phases in base to needs user. In fact, the quality and the properties of the obtained product are function of characteristics of process, in particular the number and duration of cycles nebulization, the concentration of the solution water and sodium chloride, the scope of the nozzles. In examples not limiting illustrated, the components of device or equipment can be made of plastic and stainless steel. The device or equipment can be differently dimensioned according to the needs the user, and also may be provided with other auxiliary components, such as robots for the positioning of the snails in the containers and rollers. The construction details may, however, vary in any equivalent way as the shape, dimensions, disposal of elements, nature of materials employed, without departing from the scope of the adopted solution idea and, thereby, remaining within the limits the protection granted by this patent. A fifth realization preferred of equipment for extraction of slime from snails is illustrated in the subsequent Figure 9.

This fifth preferred embodiment of the present components that are similar to those of the previous achievements, that are marked with the same reference numerals and, to avoid encumbering excessively the present description, that are not described again in detail. This fifth preferred embodiment of equipment for extraction of slime from snails comprises, like the previous preferred embodiments, a respective frame support, and advantageous means of the supply the nut of a substance stimulating the production of slime by snail the which stimulating substance is in fluid condition, or is in the form of a fluid substance.

The frame supports the means defining a plurality of working chambers la, lb, lc, Id and le, which are preferably defined by a respective cover defining respective upper wall side and delimiting the respective chamber. The framework also claims the means transportation of snails, particularly among stations or rooms lb, lc, Id and the apparatus, starting from a first section of input and up to a section lu output. As illustrated, the means of transport are under form of means chain or roller of sliding of the containers of the snails, in particular those means chain or roller are ratably supported on corresponding spars equipment to define such stations first, la, lb, lc, Id, le, lu of the equipment.

Said longitudinal members are supported on one hundred and first legs, as shown. Advantageously, also in this fifth preferred embodiment, inside the respective chamber la, lb, lc, Id, le is a system of rollers or conveyor belts or chains of size such as to enable the movement of said containers or containers of snails without interfering with flows of fluids or liquids. These rollers or chains are also provided, however, first entrance and exit of said chambers of lu work by ensuring the movement of the automated snails in the device or equipment. In the lower part of the respective chamber, therefore, the roller conveyor is realized by means that do not intercept the flow of mucus are in particular in the form of rollers hubs, or pairs of semi-rollers or chains that are fixed Swivel on their spars side casing and on which the containers of snails rest solely with the side portions of the same. In practice, like As shown in previous embodiments of preference among the pairs of rollers aligned transversely to direction of progress of containers and This snail is an area of free fall of mucus. However, as will become clearer from the following of the present description, the respective chamber work la, lb, lc, I d, le is provided with one or more side windows, in particular input and exit from the chamber, provided in said side walls, in correspondence of which openings are provided with barriers, which are movable to allow the passage of the snails, or containers that carry, and hamper the release of the respective spray mist, as shall be still better from the following the present description. In practice, advantageously, the apparatus comprises means that are adapted to bring the substance stimulating the production of slime in contact with the nut through the ambient air surrounding the nut, the whole, advantageously, inside a respective first housing chamber and stimulation of the cochlea.

In particular, there are provided means nebulization of substance stimulant the production of slime, in condition liquid, in the air that surrounds the nut and preferably, means are provided acts to jetting that substance stimulating the production of drool on the respective nut. Advantageously, means are provided adapted to provide a fluidizing substance into burr. In particular, there is provided a respective chamber, or station, lb, lc of supply of substance thinning, supply to valley of Room or station, the first supply of the stimulant. Advantageously and preferably, are provided a first and a second supply stations of substance that thins the burr, in particular defined by respective first and second chambers fluidization lb, lc. In particular, said first and second room, or stations, lb, l c supply of plasticizing substance drool come with one in after the other. These means provide the substance fluidizing the slime of snail through the ambient air surrounding the cochlea. These means ensure to nebulize said substance fluidizing that, then, is provided by spraying into the air surrounding the nut. In particular, they are provided with the means which are adapted to spray said substance fluidifying on the respective nut. Advantageously, the respective substance of treatment of snail in particular the stimulant and / or plasticizing substance, is sent to the nut through a jet directed from top to bottom and / or a direct jet from the bottom upwards.

Purpose, there are provided means or nozzles which are provided above the snails (or the transport plane) to send a jet directed from top to bottom and are provided of the means or nozzles which are provided below of snails or the transport plane to send a jet directed from the bottom upwards. Are also provided means for collecting of the burr produced, which, in particular, are placed to of under of snails (or of plan of transport), and that are supported by the frame apparatus. In practice, the burr produced is dropped by gravity on the corresponding collecting means, which include advantageous means to the hopper. Said means for collecting, in particular of the type hopper, can be provided at the bottom of a the chamber or workstation, and are, in particular, advantageously provided below a plurality of stations or rooms to be adapted to collect the burr produced in a plurality of workstations. Preferably, to collect the drool falling from the stations, or rooms, la, lb, lc, Id, the means of collection comprise at least a pair of walls oblique and inclined that are preferably top fixed to the frame, and goes on to the low and converging inferiorly in correspondence with the collection area. In practice, below the chamber 1 , or of the conveyor of progress of snails, is and provided with a container for the collection of the burr. Advantageously, between the respective room of work l a, lb, lc, Id and containers is interposed a filter which retains the impurities. In this equipment, to equal of previous preferred embodiments of equipment, the nut is maintained to a plan support, said supporting surface being permeable or provided with openings in such a way as to allow the fall of the burr. In particular, are provided of means restraint of a plurality of snails or containers, advantageously acts to define the means of limitation of movement in height of snails.

Said containers, illustrated in Figures 7 and 8 for the previous realizations favorite of equipment, have a lower plane of support of the spiral and a containment wall top, in particular spaced from said plane support to such an extent as to impede the movement vertical snails and keep them in condition distributed on the support surface.

Advantageously, say container of containment of the snails has a wall of background permeable in particular defined by an appropriate network structure, preferably metal or in material plastic, possible wall of top cover, also preferably of permeable type, in particular defined by a special structure to network preferably metal or in plastic material, and preferably defining a open able cover and closable to allow the loading and unloading of the snails, as well as any lateral containment walls, which extend between said bottom wall and said wall more than. As illustrated, the container has, in addition, laterally projecting portions of the defining means of support on means of transport, in particular a first and a second lateral protrusions in correspondence of sides opposite of container.

A second realization preferred of container is illustrated in Figure 10. This second preferred embodiment has a first and a second compartments for housin the scrolls stacked, in particular vertically stacked between them. This second realization preferred of container has a bottom wall, a wall upper opening and an intermediate baffle, also opening that defines the upper wall of the lower compartment and the bottom wall of the compartment. As illustrated advantageously, say container of restraint of snails presents the bottom wall, the upper wall and the septum intermediate horizontal that are suitably permeable to the burr, in particular defined by a special structure to network preferably metal or plastic material.

A valley of second station or room of fluidization of the burr means are provided to pouring of the burr, which are in the form of a simple station, or room, staging and casting. As illustrated, are also advantageously provided means of drying of the nuts, in particular comprising the nozzles of the swelling of air, preferably hot air, on those snails housed in a corresponding chamber drying. As illustrated the station or room of drying is downstream of the first station, or room, staging and casting. They can also be provided of the means of vibration of the snails, in particular that are designed to vibrate the containers that carry the snails. In practice, the said main chambers la, lb, lc are provided with spray systems independent and are separated by movable barriers. Although not particularly illustrated, also in this fifth preferred embodiment, is expected to hydraulic system which includes a hydraulic pump which fetches stimulating substance from a respective tank.

Preferably, the reservoir containing the substance stimulant is stocked through a mixer that picks up the components of the solution contained in separate containers and mix them. Even in this fifth preferred embodiment, the process operations are managed by a PLC. In practice, preferably, the snails are positioned in containers of metal mesh dimensions of 40 cm in length, 40 cm wide, 3 cm in height. Each container can welcome about 180 snails. These containers have a top surface open able and closable closure unenforceable from the animal. The container to two plans, has preferably size of 40 cm in length, 40 cm wide, 6 inches high, with a surface intermediate mobile made with network metal. This container could contain up to about 360 snails. In the apparatus, the containers are positioned on a roller conveyor or conveyor belts or chains that transports them through the machine.

The machine is preferably composed of four chambers separated from each other by movable or open able doors and closable and have a size slightly greater than containers, or about 50 cm in length, 50 cm wide and 30 cm in height. In each room of work can stop preferably only one container at a time. The working chambers are open at the bottom to allow the fall of the mucus and have at least one surface lateral or top opening for providing the maintenance inside. In the lower part of the roller conveyor is realized with means which do not intercept the flow of mucus, in particular in the form of chains or rollers fixed hubs pivoting, to the frame and on which the containers of the snails support only with the portions side of the same. Inside the rooms there are two to four nozzles at the top and as many nozzles at the bottom to the height of about roller conveyor, in particular slightly below this.

The containers move simultaneously on roller through all the rooms in sequence, within which persist for a time roughly of 7 minutes. In the interval of "stopover" in various rooms the following happens:

- In the first chamber pacing is first run two sprays of duration 5 sec / each water (PH7) and salt (NaCl, in a quantity comprised between 30% and 60%);

- In the second and third dilution chamber lb, lc, we proceed to a spray for 5 seconds with only water (PH7); while in fourth room of Id pouring you a simple pouring without provide to any spraying. The nozzles used preferably have a maximum flow rate of 0.25 ml / sec, this value is, however, variable depending on the number of nozzles and of the same number of snails treated. Inside the four working chambers, is expected to mount, in particular at the level of the roller conveyor of vibrators which, in contact with the containers, stimulate snails and further facilitate the detachment of mucus. Say vibrator not is however particularly illustrated in the accompanying figures. Outlet of the machine, that is, downstream of the fourth room, the containers come in a possible fifth stage or drying chamber for limiting the minimum stress to the animal induced by moisture. In this room are provided vents that blow hot and dry air on snails. The water used in process is deionized water. The salt used is sodium chloride. For facilitate the mixing of solution by use in the working chamber 1 a, the water can conveniently be heated. The water temperature, as well as influence the solubility of the salt, is deemed to have influence Also on the stimulation of the animal. The mixture of water and salt can be realized manually, or, as illustrated, can be used a suitable mixer. In the lower part of the first four chambers of work is positioned the hopper for conveying the mucus in a container or collection point. As illustrated, in the hopper is arranged a filter for macroscopic trap any impurities. Downstream of the present apparatus can provide for additional equipment, which will be sent to the mucus (for example a machine for packaging, a device for the analysis or for the processing of mucus). In particular, it is expected to send the mucus product in a freeze- dryer apparatus to obtain freeze-dried mucus. With the present method and apparatus is can achieve one or more of the following advantages:

- You can remove the slime from snails without stress the animal, because the process of dehydration and rehydration, through solutions mist of water and sodium chloride, occur simultaneously;

- It is possible to obtain a product with predetermined PH and percentages of moisture and salt, by means of simple adjustment operations of the solution of the title and periods of salt spray;

- is possible get a product from characteristics constant, since the device uses always the same amount and type of solution,

- is possible, by liophilyzation final of mucus, obtain a product of very high purity that not needs of preservatives, easily for assembly and transport.

- You can make the device for various dimensions according to the needs of the user;

- is possible use the device or equipment on an ongoing and intensive, increasing productivity while minimizing the operators' work.

The invention so designed is susceptible of evident industrial applications. The skilled may, also, imagine numerous variants and / or amendments to the invention shown in specific