Separator for a Berry Harvester Technical Field

[0001 ] The present invention relates to an apparatus for sorting mechanically harvested berries to remove contaminating matter from the berries. Particularly, the apparatus is configured to be fitted to a mechanical harvesting machine.

[0002] The invention also relates to mechanical harvesting machines including an apparatus for separating berries and contaminating matter during harvesting.

Background of Invention

[0003] Traditionally, berries such as grapes were harvested by hand. However, as technology has improved, driven by the need to increase the speed of harvesting and decrease the cost, the process for harvesting berries has become increasingly automated. The most commonly used mechanical berry harvesters are grape harvesters. Mechanical grape harvesters are used throughout the world to rapidly remove grapes from grape vines during vintage. Problematically, however, mechanical grape harvesters also remove matter other than grapes (MOG). Such contaminating matter is undesirable in the harvested grapes and if not removed can lead to significant alterations in the flavour of wine produced from grapes. This is particularly important when producing red wine whereby the grape juice is fermented together with the skin (and any contaminating matter) for a prolonged period of time.

[0004] Consequently, wineries typically grade all grapes that are provided from vineyards based on the level of MOG contamination and will pay less for grapes that have a high percent of contaminating matter. In some instances, wineries will reject grapes that have too much contamination. As a result, mechanical grape harvesters are operated in a manner that aims to reduce the concentration of contamination in harvested grapes. One such way to reduce contamination is to operate the harvester at a slower speed. However, this is undesirable as it increases the cost of harvesting the grapes and may offset the value added to the grapes by decreasing contamination. [0005] Mechanical grape harvesting machines generally work by providing a channel through which trained grape vines can pass as the mechanical harvesting machine moves along a row of grape vines. The harvesters have a harvesting head that sits either side of the vines and vibrates in a lateral direction thereby laterally shaking the vines. As a result, grapes fall from the vines and are collected by the mechanical harvesting machine and then fed along a conveyor system to one or more outlets. Typically, a mechanical grape harvesting machine will have two outlets positioned toward either side of the harvesting machine that are provided with berries by two independent conveyor systems. These outlets either directly deposit the harvested grapes into a collection bin, or the grapes are deposited on a further conveyor system which transports the grapes to a discharge conveyor that extends to one side of the harvesting machine, which then deposits the harvested grapes into a "chaser" bin which is transported alongside the harvester.

[0006] In order to allow the mechanical harvesting machine to operate at increased speed and reduce the level of contaminating matter in the harvested grapes, devices for the removal of contaminants and waste plant matter have been developed. These devices can generally be categorised into two groups; firstly, devices that remove contaminants after harvesting and collection (and prior to fermentation); and secondly devices that remove contaminants during harvesting, before collection in transport bins.

[0007] It is the second group of devices that offer the most economical outcome as they do not introduce a further step in the process of harvesting. Furthermore, they also offer the ability for vineyards to increase the speed of harvesting, while not incurring penalties for excessive MOG contamination.

[0008] Air fans are perhaps the most primitive form of contaminating-matter removal systems provided on mechanical berry harvesting machines (such as grape harvesters). Typically, multiple fans are positioned above the conveyor paths that transports harvested grapes to a collection bin. These fans create an updraft above the harvested grapes as they are transported under the fans. The updraft sucks up some of the contaminating matter, such as leaves, into the fans which then discharge the matter from the harvester. Whilst these fans have some utility, they are not ideal for several reasons. Firstly, these fans only remove a portion of the contaminating matter from the harvested grapes. Some types of contamination, such as leaves, are more easily removed by this system while other contaminants, such as stalks, canes and petioles, are less easily removed. Furthermore, these fans typically only remove contaminating matter that is located close to the surface, whilst the remaining contaminating matter is held down by grapes which sit on top. Secondly, the updraft generated by these fans also removes a large portion of juice which may be created during the harvesting process. This is an unwanted side effect of this process as the juice is still desired and contributes to the value of the harvested material.

[0009] In order to overcome these limitations several attempts have been made to provide berry separating systems that can be integrated in mechanical grape harvesters. These include systems by Braud™, Gregoire™ and Pellenc™, who each provide different system for separating grapes from contaminating material. However, these systems generally have the problem of not being compatible with a discharge conveyor, and therefore do not allow the use of chaser bins, consequently limiting the types of mechanical harvesting machines which can utilise these systems. Furthermore, these systems need to be integrated into a harvester at the time of manufacture, and generally cannot be retrofitted to existing harvesters.

[0010] To overcome these issues, mechanisms that are fitted to the harvester discharge conveyor itself have been developed. These systems have the advantage of being able to be retrofitted to existing mechanical harvesting machines. However, as they are fitted to the discharge conveyor, they require the use of a chaser bin. One such system is described in US Patent 7166027. This system uses a conveyor and a series of rollers fitted to the discharge conveyor of a grape harvester, whereby the rollers act to separate the grapes from waste plant matter. Critically, for this system to work effectively, the series of rollers need to be maintained at an optimal incline relative to level. However, the angle of the discharge arm of a grape harvester will vary depending on the height of the chaser bin and if the grape harvester is working across a slope. Consequently, the optimum incline is rarely maintained during operation. Therefore, the system described in US Patent 7166027 requires a means for automatically adjusting the angle of the incline of the rollers relative to the discharge arm. This allows for the incline of the rollers to be maintained at the optimal angle relative to level. While this system is effective at removing a portion of contamination, it is complicated by its need to automatically adjust the incline angle of the rollers. Furthermore, the length of the series of rollers is restricted by the arrangement of the conveyor and its positioning on the discharge arm. This ultimately limits the system's capacity to remove contamination. As such, the efficacy of this system significantly declines in high yielding vineyards and when the mechanical harvesting machine is operated a high speeds.

[001 1 ] In light of the above, there is a need for an apparatus for separating harvested berries, such as grapes, from waste matter which is less complicated, has a higher capacity, and can be retro-fitted to mechanical berry harvesters.

[0012] It is to be understood that the discussion of documents, acts, materials, devices, articles and the like is included in this specification solely for the purpose of providing a context for the present invention. It is not suggested or represented that any or all of these matters formed part of the prior art base or were common general knowledge in the field relevant to the present invention as it existed before the priority date of each claim of this application.

Summary of Invention

[0013] In a first aspect, the present invention provide an apparatus for separating harvested berries and waste matter, the apparatus including; a waste disposal system for the collection and disposal of the waste matter; a first separating conveyor system and a second separating conveyor system, each separating conveyor system includes a plurality of gaps that are sized to permit harvested berries to pass through and into a berry collection system while limiting waste matter from passing through whereby waste matter is separated from the berries, the first and second separating conveyor systems further arranged to convey waste matter to the waste disposal system; and the first and second separating conveyor systems are positioned on horizontally opposing sides of the waste disposal system and are inclined to deliver waste matter to the waste disposal system. [0014] Preferably, the apparatus is configured to be fitted to a body of a berry harvester such that when fitted the apparatus extends laterally across the harvester and the first and second separating conveyor systems transport waste matter inwardly in a direction away from the sides of the harvester.

[0015] The separating conveyor systems allow for the harvested berries to pass through the gaps to the berry collection system while waste matter does not pass through and is maintained on the separating conveyor systems for transporting to the waste disposal system. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that it is desirable for all waste matter to be separated from the berries. However, it is inevitable that some waste matter will pass through the gaps. It is however the intention of the present invention to minimise the passing of waste matter through the gaps in so far as reasonably possible.

[0016] The Inventors of the present invention have identified that effective separation of berries and waste matter is reduced at high harvester speeds if large volumes of berries and waste material are delivered to the separation conveyor. This problem has been solved by the Inventors by providing a first and a second separation conveyor system, preferably each related to an outlet duct of the harvester. Advantageously, this allows for improved separation of berries from waste matter, particularly when the system is used with higher volumes of harvested berries and at higher harvester speeds. Furthermore, the apparatus of the present invention allows for any juice formed during the harvesting process to be collected together with the berries as any juice can pass through the gaps to the berry collection system.

[0017] The Inventors have also recognised that the incline of the first and second separating conveyor systems is important for the proper working of the present invention as it maximises the time, and travel length, of the harvested berries and waste matter on the separator conveyor system. In doing so, it maximises the effective separation of the berries from the waste matter. In the absence of an incline, a large portion of the harvested berries fail to fall through the gaps provided in the separating conveyor systems and are therefore transported to the waste disposal system. Clearly this is not a desirable outcome. Therefore, the separating conveyor systems are provided on an incline. The incline maximises the possible time that the harvested berries are on the separating conveyor systems, as well as the attainable length of the separating conveyor system when the system needs to be provided in a laterally confined space. That laterally confined space effectively being the width of the body of the mechanical harvesting machine (i.e. from one side to the other). The incline of the separating conveyor systems, as used in accordance with an embodiment of the invention, allows for the vast majority of the berries to fall through the provided gaps. However, the Inventors have also recognised that if the incline is too steep, too much waste matter may pass through the gaps provided in the separating conveyor systems and this decreases the purity of berries passing into the berry collection system.

[0018] In some embodiments, the first and second separating conveyor systems are inclined at an angle of between 10 and 30 degrees from level, preferably between 15 and 25 degrees, or between 18 and 22 degrees. In a yet more preferred embodiment, the first and second separating conveyor systems are inclined at an angle of 20 degrees from level.

[0019] In a preferred embodiment, the apparatus is configured to be fitted to the body of a berry harvester such that when so fitted, the apparatus extends laterally across the harvester. In a further form of this embodiment, the first and second separating conveyor systems transport waste matter inwardly in a direction away from the sides of the harvester. As the incline of the separating conveyor systems is important to the working of the invention, there is a need to maintain this incline as consistent as possible during operation of the apparatus of the present invention. The Inventors of the present invention have identified that the incline can be maintained as consistently as possible by attaching the apparatus of the present invention to the body of a berry harvester in a lateral orientation. Furthermore, the Inventors have identified that such an orientation permits the apparatus to be integrated within the body of a mechanical harvesting machine as well as permitting the apparatus to be retro-fitted to the mechanical harvesting machine.

[0020] Many mechanical berry harvesters have the ability to independently alter the ride height of each side of the mechanical harvesting machine. This allows the berry harvester to be maintained level while working across sloped ground. In fact, many modern harvesters have the ability to self-level and will automatically adjust the ride height of one side of the harvester compared to the other in order to maintain a horizontal level orientation. Consequently, when an embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention is fitted laterally to the body of a harvester, the incline of the separating conveyor systems can be maintained at a consistent angle relative to the horizontal with respect to gravity (i.e. level or water-level). This is achieved as the mechanical harvesting device, to which the apparatus is fitted, will generally maintain its horizontal level within a desired range and therefore will also maintain the desired incline of the separator conveyor systems relative to level.

[0021 ] When fitted to a mechanical berry harvester, the apparatus of an embodiment of the present invention will sit below two laterally spaced outlets that are provided with berries transported from the harvesting head. Each of these outlets provides harvested berries to one of the first or second separating conveyor systems. The separating conveyors separate the berries from waste matter as previously described and then transport the waste matter from below the laterally spaced outlets, inwardly to a centralised waste disposal system.

[0022] The waste disposal system can be any suitable system for disposing of, or storing, the waste matter. However, in some embodiments, the waste disposal system includes a conveyor system for transporting the waste matter from the waste separating conveyor systems. This conveyor system can then deposit the waste matter onto the ground, or alternatively the waste matter can be deposited into a storage bin. Furthermore, the waste matter being transported along the conveyor system of the waste disposal system can be monitored to ensure that the apparatus of the present invention is not removing excessive quantities of harvested berries. For example an individual can monitor the waste matter on the conveyor belt of the waste disposal system of an embodiment of the invention and can return any remaining harvested berries to the separating conveyor system.

[0023] Further, means can be provided to help remove some of the waste matter that would otherwise be delivered to the waste disposal system. In some embodiments a fan is provided over the waste disposal system to assist in the removal of waste matter. The fan creates an updraft above the waste disposal system thereby lifting and ejecting some of the waste matter. Such fans, and systems for driving the fans, are known in the art and are already provided on most mechanical berry harvesters. In some embodiments, the fan is provided at a location above where the separating conveyor systems provide waste matter to the waste disposal system.

[0024] The apparatus of the first aspect of the invention is effective in separating the majority of waste matter from the harvested berries. Generally, the apparatus can remove approximately 97% of the berries from the harvested material leaving 3% of the berries in the waste matter delivered to the waste disposal system. In order to prevent the berries that are delivered to the waste disposal system from being discarded, further separation means can be provided to separate any berries delivered to the waste disposal system.

[0025] In some embodiments the apparatus, includes a waste-separating system for separating any harvested berries delivered to the waste disposal system from waste matter delivered to the waste disposal system. In a preferred embodiment, the waste-separating system includes a rotatable cylinder having a plurality of apertures configured to permit berries to pass through and a coaxial shaft extending along the cylinder, the shaft having a plurality of projecting members that radially extend toward the periphery of the cylinder. The shaft and its projecting members rotate relative to the cylinder and break off any berries still attached to waste matter, such as stalks. These berries then pass through the apertures in the cylinder and can fall onto a conveyor system (such as a conveyor belt) which transports them back to the berry collection system. In some embodiments, the cylinder and shaft rotate in opposing directions. In some embodiments, the plurality of projecting members are arranged on the shaft to form a helix, such that when the shaft is rotated the projecting members direct waste along the length of the cylinder. In some embodiments, the waste matter enters a first open end of the cylinder and is directed along the length of the cylinder and exits the second open end. As the waste matter, and any berries remaining therein, travel along the length of cylinder, berries are separated from the waste matter and fall through the apertures in the cylinder, whereby they are collected on the conveyor system, and returned to the berry collection system. Consequently, the waste-separating system further improves the collection of the harvested berries and reduces unwanted disposal of berries.

[0026] The berry collection system used by the apparatus of an embodiment of the present invention can be any suitable collection system known in the art. When the apparatus of an embodiment of the present invention is fitted to a mechanical harvesting machine, the berry collection system is generally provided on the mechanical harvesting machine. In a preferred embodiment, the berry collection system is provided by a laterally extending conveyor system, which is integrated in the mechanical harvesting machine, and extends across the mechanical harvesting machine. Typically, this laterally extending conveyor collects berries from the two laterally spaced outlets that are provided with berries transported from the harvesting head. The laterally extending conveyor then transports these berries to a discharge conveyor that extends to one side of the harvester and deposits the harvested berries into a "chaser bin" which is being transported alongside the harvester.

[0027] The apparatus of an embodiment of the present invention is configured to be positioned below the two laterally spaced outlet ducts provided on the mechanical harvesting machine, and above the laterally extending conveyor system. As such, the apparatus of the present invention intercepts the berries (and any other contaminating waste matter) which is discharged from the two laterally spaced outlet ducts before they fall onto the laterally extending conveyor system. The gaps provided in the first and second separating conveyor systems of the apparatus permit berries to pass through and onto the laterally extending conveyor system for transport to the discharge conveyor that deposits the separated berries into the chaser bin. The waste matter is restricted from passing through the gaps in the first and second separating conveyor systems and is transported by the separating conveyor systems to the waste disposal system for disposal.

[0028] As will be understood, when the apparatus of the present invention is retrofitted to a mechanical harvesting machine, some modification may need to be made to the harvester to permit the fitting of the apparatus. One such modification is repositioning of the laterally extending conveyor system. Specifically, the laterally extending conveyor system may need to be lowered to provide space for fitting the apparatus of the present invention to the mechanical berry harvester. This modification may also require the lowering of the discharge conveyor. Alternatively, the laterally extending conveyor system can be lowered and oriented at an incline toward the discharge conveyor. This will reduce or remove the need to lower the discharge conveyor, while still permitting enough room to fit the apparatus of the present invention to the mechanical harvesting machine. [0029] Alternatively, the berry collection system may be provided by one or more collection bins positioned on the back of the harvester. In this configuration, the apparatus of the present invention can be positioned below the two laterally spaced outlets provided on the mechanical harvesting machine, and above the collection bins. When provided in this arrangement, the apparatus works in the same way as describe in relation to the laterally extending conveyor system, however, the berries pass through the gaps in the first and second separating conveyor systems and into the collection bins. These collection bins can then be periodically emptied into a following trailer or into transport bins.

[0030] Suitable means and systems for providing separating conveyor systems are known in the art. However, in some embodiments the first and second separator conveyor systems are provided by a series of shafts, each shaft provided with a plurality of spaced apart radially-extending members, wherein a gap is provided between the radially extending members for berries to pass through. In further forms of this embodiment, the shafts are spaced along a plane at an orientation and distance relative to one or more adjacent shafts such that a radially-extending member on a shaft extends into a space provided between two adjacent radially- extending members on an adjacent shaft, thereby proving a gap for berries to pass through.

[0031 ] In some embodiments, the distance provided between adjacent radially extending members on the same shaft is between 30mm and 60mm, preferably between 40mm and 50mm, or more preferably the distance is approximately 45 mm. As will be understood, the space between the radially-extending members may need to be adjusted depending on the berries being picked. Therefore, in some embodiments the distance provided between adjacent radially-extending members on the same shaft can be adjusted. In some embodiments, the first and second separator conveyor systems include a mechanism for adjusting the distance provided between adjacent radially-extending members on the same shaft.

[0032] In some embodiments, each shaft is provided with between 3 and 9 radially-extending members, in some embodiments, each shaft is provided with between 5 and 7 radially-extending members. In some embodiments, each shaft is provided with 6 radially-extending members. [0033] In some embodiments, each shaft is positioned between 200mm and 100mm apart, preferably 180mm to 120mm apart, or 165mm to 135mm apart. In yet a further preferred embodiment, the shafts are spaced 150mm apart. As will be understood the distance between the shafts may be altered when there is a need to use smaller or larger radially-extending members. Furthermore, the distance between the shafts maybe altered if the incline of the separating conveyors is increased or decrease.

[0034] In some embodiments the diameter of the shaft is between 70mm and 40mm, preferably between 60 and 50mm. In yet a further preferred embodiment, the diameter of the shaft is 56mm.

[0035] In some embodiments, each radially-extending member has a length of between 200mm and 120mm, preferably 180mm to 140mm. In yet a further preferred embodiment, the length of the radially-extending members is 160mm. In embodiments wherein the radially-extending members are provided by discs, the diameter of the discs will be the length of the member. However, as will be understood the length of the radially-extending members can be altered to optimize the performance of the separating conveyor systems. Such alterations may be made in consideration of the berries to be separated.

[0036] In some embodiments, the width of the radially-extending members is between 16mm and 10mm, preferably between 14mm and 12mm. In a most preferred embodiment the thickness of the radially-extending members is 13mm. As will be understood the width of the radially-extending members can be altered to optimize the performance of the separating conveyor systems, and may be altered depending on the spacing between adjacent radially-extending members on the same shaft.

[0037] In some embodiments, the radially-extending members rotate in a direction such that waste matter is transported to the waste disposal system. In this embodiment, the radially-extending members of the first separating conveyor system rotate in the opposite direction to the radially-extending members of the second separating conveyor system. [0038] In some embodiments, the radially-extending members on the shafts are provided by discs of multiple radially-extending projections, wherein the discs are disposed perpendicular to the shaft. Preferably, the radially extending projections are flexible. In a preferred form of this embodiment, the radially-extending projections extend from the shaft in an arc away from the direction of rotation of the radially- extending members. Such an arrangement is referred to as a 'star wheel', and the radially-extending members are provided by rubber projections.

[0039] In a second aspect, the present invention provides a mechanical berry harvester including a separating apparatus for separating harvested berries and waste matter, the berry harvester including; a mechanism for harvesting berries from a plant, a mechanism for catching berries and transporting the berries to a first or second outlet duct, the outlet ducts laterally spaced apart towards opposing sides of the harvester and above the separating apparatus; and a berry collection system for collecting harvested berries; the separating apparatus including; a waste disposal system for the collection of the waste matter; a first and a second separating conveyor system each provided with a plurality of gaps that are sized to permit harvested berries to pass through and into the berry collection system while limiting waste matter from passing through, whereby the waste material is separated from the berries, the first and second conveyor systems further arranged to convey waste to the waste disposal system; and the first separating conveyor system extends in an inclined direction from below one of the two laterally spaced outlet ducts toward the waste disposal system and the second separating conveyor system extends in an inclined direction from below the second of the two laterally spaced outlet ducts toward the waste disposal system, and the first and second separating conveyor systems are positioned on opposing sides of the waste disposal system. [0040] Preferably, in some embodiments the separating apparatus of the berry harvester extends laterally across the berry harvester. In some embodiments, the berry harvester is provided with means for horizontally levelling the harvester when operating on uneven ground thereby maintaining the incline of the first and second separating conveyor systems within a desired range relative to level.

[0041 ] The mechanical berry harvester of the second aspect of the invention may be constructed de novo with the separating apparatus integrated into the machine. Alternatively, the mechanical berry harvester may be provided by retro-fitting the separating apparatus to a mechanical berry harvester having a mechanism for harvesting berries from a plant and a mechanism for catching berries and transporting the berries to a first or second outlet duct.

[0042] The separating apparatus included in the berry harvester of the second aspect of the invention, will sit below two laterally spaced outlets that are provided, in use, with berries transported from a harvesting head. Each of these outlets provides harvested berries to one of the first or second separating conveyor systems. The separating conveyor systems allow the harvested berries to pass through the provided gaps to a berry collection system while waste matter does not pass through and is maintained on the separating conveyor systems. The separating conveyor systems then transport the waste matter from below the laterally spaced outlets, inwardly to a waste disposal system.

[0043] In some embodiments of the second aspect, the berry collection system includes a conveyor disposed laterally across the berry harvester to transport berries to a discharge conveyor positioned on one side of the harvesting machine.

[0044] As will be understood, it is envisaged that the separating apparatus of the second aspect of the invention will include the embodiments and features outlined with respect of the first aspect of the invention.

[0045] In preferred embodiments of the first and second aspects of the invention, the berries are grapes and the waste matter is material other than grapes (MOG). As would be understood MOG includes, but is not limited to: leaves, petioles, stalks, canes, wood, non-vine plant matter (e.g. leaves from surrounding trees), pests (e.g. snails, caterpillars, rodents) and foreign objects (e.g. irrigation parts, trellis parts and debris).

Brief Description of Drawings

[0046] The invention is further illustrated in the following embodiments described with reference to the accompanying drawings. The drawings are for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and are not intended to be limiting with respect to the above description.

[0047] Figure 1 illustrates an arrangement of the first and second separating conveyor systems relative to the waste disposal system in one embodiment of the invention.

[0048] Figure 2 illustrates separation of berries and waste plant matter in an embodiment of the separating apparatus of the invention.

[0049] Figure 3 is a top view of an embodiment of the first and second separating conveyor systems and the waste disposal system.

[0050] Figure 4 is a rear view of an embodiment of the apparatus of the invention including a waste-separating system for removing berries from the waste matter.

[0051 ] Figure 5 is a side view of an embodiment of the invention including a waste-separating system for removing berries from the waste matter.

[0052] Figure 6 is a top view of an embodiment of the first and second separating conveyor systems and the waste disposal system in combination with a waste- separating system for removing berries from the waste matter

[0053] Figure 7 is a rear view of a grape harvester illustrating the laterally spaced apart ducts and a grape collection system in combination with a discharge conveyor, prior to the inclusion of the apparatus of an embodiment of the invention.

[0054] Figure 8 is a rear view of a grape harvester fitted with the apparatus of an embodiment of the invention. [0055] Figure 9 illustrates the ability of a grape harvester to level when working across sloped ground.

Detailed Description

[0056] According to an embodiment of the present invention illustrated in Figure 1 , there is provided an apparatus for separating harvested berries and waste plant matter, the apparatus having a first separating conveyor system (1 ), a second separating conveyor system (2) and waste disposal system (3) disposed in between. The first (1 ) and second (2) separating conveyor systems are provided with a plurality of gaps (31 ) which are sized to permit berries to pass through while limiting waste plant matter from passing through. The retained plant matter is then progressed along the separating conveyor systems (1 , 2) to the waste disposal system (3) for disposal.

[0057] The first (1 ) and second (2) separating conveyor systems are provided by a series of spaced apart shafts (4) mounted on a frame (5) such that they form an inclined plane of 20 degrees. Each shaft is provided with multiple radially extending members (6) (see Figure 3) provided by 'star wheels'. As can be seen in Figures 1 and 2, each star wheel (6) comprises a disc of multiple radially-extending projections which arc as they radiate from the shaft (4). The projections of the star wheels are preferably made out of flexible material such as rubber, however other suitable material can be used. While star wheels (6) are used in the illustrated embodiment of the invention, any suitable projecting members can be attached to the shafts (4) to provide the required gaps (3) through which the grapes can pass. Additional means for providing separating conveyor systems are known in the art such as the Selectiv' Process Winery™ table by Pellenc™ which provides a series of parallel rollers which oscillate in thickness along their length such that gaps are provided between the rollers for berries to pass through, while waste plant matter is retained and rolled off the table.

[0058] The separating conveyor systems (1 , 2) are provided with belts, or chains (7) connected to hydraulic motors, which drive the rotation of the shafts (4) and the star wheels (6) mounted thereon. This rotation transports retained matter, such as waste plant matter, along the separating conveyor systems (1 , 2) to the waste collection system (3).

[0059] The process by which the apparatus of the present invention separates harvested berries and waste plant matter is illustrated in Figure 2. First (21 ) and second (22) laterally spaced outlets provide harvested berries to the first (1 ) and second (2) separating conveyor systems. The berries falls through gaps (31 ) provided between the star wheels (6), as indicated by the dotted arrow (23). Waste plant matter (indicated by the dotted and dashed arrows), however, does not pass through the gaps (31 ) and is retained on the separating conveyor systems (1 , 2). The star wheels (6) rotate in the direction indicted by the arrow (24) and as such transports the retained waste plant matter upwardly toward the centrally located waste disposal system (3) . Berries that fall through the gaps (31 ) in the separating conveyor systems (1 , 2) are collected by a berry collection system provided by a conveyor belt (26). Separated berries are then passed along the conveyor belt (26) for collection.

[0060] Figure 3 illustrates a top view of the first (1 ) and second (2) separating conveyor systems and the waste disposal system (3). As can be seen, the first (1 ) and second (2) separating conveyor systems are provided by a series of parallel shafts (4), each shaft is provided with a plurality of spaced apart radially-extending members (6) provided in the illustrated embodiment by star wheels. The positioning of the shafts (4), and the orientation of the radially-extending members (6), is such that at least one radially-extending member (6) on a shaft (4) extends into a space provided between two adjacent radially-extending members (6) on an adjacent shaft (4). Consequently, a gap (31 ) is provided by the shafts (6) and the radially-extending members, through which berries can pass.

[0061 ] Rotation of the shafts (4) is driven by hydraulic motors (32). A hydraulic motor (32) is provided for each of the first (1 ) and second (2) separating conveyor systems and is connected to one of the series of shafts (4), which in turn is connected to the remaining shafts (4) by way of a chain or belt (7) thereby rotating the shafts (4) in unison. [0062] As is shown by the dashed and dotted arrow on Figures 2, 3, 4 and 5, waste matter is transported toward a centrally-located waste disposal system (3). In the embodiment illustrated in the figures, the waste disposal system (3) is provided by a conveyor belt which will transport the waste plant matter away from the separating conveyor systems (1 , 2). This matter can then be dumped onto the ground, or into a suitable receptacle (not shown). While the illustrated embodiment uses a conveyor belt any appropriate means to move the plant waste matter away from the separating conveyor systems (1 , 2) can be used, for example the waste disposal system can be provided by a downwardly-sloping chute or other transporting means.

[0063] While the separating conveyor systems (1 , 2) separate the majority of harvested berries from the waste matter, a small minority (approximately 3%) remain. Typically, these are berries still attached to stems or gathered in bunches such that they are too large to fit through the gaps (31 ) provided in the first and second separating conveyor systems (1 , 2). Without further intervention, these berries will be discarded by the waste disposal system (3) along with the waste matter. One option to prevent the disposal of the berries that remain in the waste matter is to have a person situated to survey the waste matter as it is transported along the waste disposal system (3) and manually remove these berries so they can be returned to the collected berries. However, this requires the intervention of a human, which can be costly. Furthermore, such intervention results in the berries returning to the collected berries with any attached waste matter, such as stems. Therefore, it is advantageous to have an automated system for removing these berries from the waste matter and separating them from any attached waste matter, such as stems.

[0064] As illustrated in Figures 4, 5 and 6, the apparatus of the present invention can include a waste-separating system (41 ) for separating any harvested berries (indicated by the dotted arrows) delivered to the waste disposal system (3) from waste matter (indicated by the dotted and dashed arrows) delivered to the waste disposal system (3). In the illustrated embodiment, the waste-separating system (41 ) essentially consists of a de-stemmer, which includes a rotatable cylinder (51 ) having a plurality of apertures (52) configured to permit berries to pass through. The cylinder has a coaxial shaft (not shown) which extends along at least a portion of the length of the cylinder, the shaft having a plurality of projecting members (also not shown) that radially extend toward the periphery of the cylinder (51 ). When operational, the waste-separating system (41 ) is provided with waste matter (and any remaining berries therein) by the waste disposal system (3) at one of its two open ends. The shaft (not shown) of the waste-separating system rotates relative to the cylinder (51 ). Preferably, the cylinder (51 ) and shaft rotate in opposing directions, such that the plurality of projection member break any berries in the provided waste matter from their attached stems or bunches. The berries then pass through the apertures (52) in the cylinder (51 ) and fall onto a collecting system (42). In the illustrated embodiment, the collecting system (42) is a conveyor that transports the berries back to the berry collecting system (26), however any suitable transportation means can be used.

[0065] Preferably, the projecting members on the shaft, located within the cylinder (41 ), are arranged to form a helix, such that when the shaft is rotated the projecting members direct waste along the length of the cylinder and will propel waste matter out of an open end of the cylinder, opposite the end to which the waste matter was provided. The waste matter can then be disposed of in a desired manner.

[0066] The waste-separating system (41 ) described above generally also breaks the berries while removing them from the stem. This is generally undesirable as it releases juices from the berries and can begin uncontrolled fermentation of the juice. This is a problem largely avoided by the separating conveyor systems (1 , 2) of the present invention. However, as only a small majority of berries (approximately 3%) are passing into the waste-separating system (41 ), this problem is largely minimized.

[0067] Figure 7 provides a view of the rear of a standard mechanical grape harvesting machine (71 ). Figure 8 provides a view of the rear of a mechanical grape harvesting machine incorporating the apparatus of an embodiment of the present invention. The rear housing of the mechanical grape harvesting machine (as illustrated by the dotted lines) has been depicted as removed to show the arrangement of the apparatus of an embodiment of the present invention when incorporated into a mechanical grape harvesting machine (71 ).

[0068] The mechanical grape harvesting machine (71 ) is provided with two harvesting heads (72) which are positioned to sit either side of a grape vine (91 ) to be harvested (see Figure 9). The heads (72) vibrate laterally, thereby shaking the grapes of the vine. The grapes fall and are collected by a series of movable catcher plates (73) which are mounted such that when they come into contact with an object (such as a grape vine or trellis pole) passing between the harvesting heads (72) they can move to permit the passage of the object through the harvesting head (72). The catcher plates (73) are biased to automatically return to their original positions once the object has passed through the harvester (71 ). The catching plates (73) direct the harvested grapes sideways toward two laterally-positioned conveyor systems (not shown). These laterally-positioned conveyor systems move the harvested grapes to a first (74) and second (75) outlet duct laterally-spaced at opposing sides of the grape harvesting machine (71 ), whereby the grapes are provided to a berry collection system (26). The berry collection system (26) includes a lateral conveyor that transports the harvested grapes to a discharge conveyor (76) which deposits the grapes into chaser bins (not shown) which follow alongside of the mechanical grape harvesting machine (71 ).

[0069] As can be seen in Figure 8, a mechanical harvesting machine (71 ) can be provided which incorporates the apparatus of an embodiment of the present invention, without the need for significant modification. The first (1 ) and second (2) separating conveyor systems are provided below the first (74) and second (75) laterally-spaced outlet ducts, and extend laterally across the mechanical grape harvesting machine (71 ). The separating conveyor systems (1 , 2) feed waste matter from their associated ducts (74, 75) up an incline to a centralised waste disposal system (3). The lateral conveyor of the berry collection system (26) is oriented at an incline to facilitate the incorporation of the separating conveyor systems (1 , 2) and the waste disposal system (3).

[0070] As can be seen in Figure 9, mechanical grape harvesting machines have the ability to level themselves when they are working across a slope. This is done primarily to orient the grape harvesting heads (72) with the grape vine (91 ). However, by providing the apparatus of an embodiment of the present invention laterally across the mechanical grape harvesting machine (71 ), the orientation of the separating conveyor systems (1 , 2) is maintained at a suitable angle relative to level and therefore the incline of the separating conveyor systems (1 , 2) is also maintained. This stops the incline of the separating conveyor systems (1 , 2) from moving away from its optimal range. [0071 ] A fan (81 ) can be fitted above the waste disposal system (3) to assist in the removal of some of the waste matter from the waste disposal system. The fan (81 ) creates a updraft, and can assist in removing some of the waste matter. Additionally, or alternatively, fans (77) can be located above the first and second outlet ducts (74, 75) and may assist in removing some of the waste matter from the harvested berries before they are provided to the first and second conveyor systems (1 , 2)

[0072] It is to be understood that various alterations, additions and/or modifications may be made to the parts specifically described, without departing from the ambit of the present invention.