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US 5,208,997 AGranted
Apparatus for measuring the thickness of flower stems
AssigneeAweta B.V.
InventorAdrianus W. Tas
Life of this patent
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Abstract
This invention relates to an apparatus for grading flowers on the basis of the thickness of the stem, wherein each flower stem is passed between a rotatable roller and a restraint. One of these two members is arranged for movement and is urged towards the other member under the influence of a force. The displacement of the rotatable roller resulting from the passage of the flower stem is a measure for the thickness of the stem. The rotatable roller is driven at a peripheral velocity which is approximately equal to the speed of the passing flowers.
Claims9
An apparatus for grading the stem thickness of a flower, comprising:
- (1) an endless conveyor having a plurality of flower supporting means for receiving and supporting a vertically disposed single flower;
- (2) a horizontally disposed rotatable restraining roller adapted to rotate about a fixed vertical shaft;
- (3) a horizontally disposed rotatable and displaceable roller supported by a displaceable end of a lever such that a periphery of the displaceable roller is urged towards a periphery of the restraining roller by a spring means and the restraining roller and displaceable roller are positioned relative to the supporting members such that the stem of each flower in each support passes between said rollers;
- (4) drive means for rotating one of said rollers at a peripheral velocity which is approximately equal to a speed of the conveyor;
- or
- (5) measuring means for measuring a displacement of the displacement roller caused by the passing of a flower stem between the said rollers, whereby the thickness of the flower stem is determined.
3 more elements
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.