Apparatus and method for separating plants

摘要

An apparatus and method is presented for separating healthy plants from agricultural material, such as harvested plants. The apparatus includes a conveyor to present the agricultural material to a mesh, which may be, for example bristles. A rotating drum with a plurality of protruding tines moves through the mesh and pulls individual plants from the agricultural material. A machine vision system may then sort the healthy, individual plants. The method includes presenting the agricultural material to the mesh, and then pulling individual plants through the mesh.

主权项

1. An apparatus having a first portion to accept agricultural material and a second portion to provide individual plants from the agricultural material, said apparatus comprising:
a conveyor having one or more belts extending from a first conveyor end at the first portion and a second conveyor end; a plurality of flexible elements having a first side contacting the second conveyor end and a second side opposing said second conveyor end; and a pull-through device at the second portion, where said pull-through device includes a plurality of tines, and where the pull-through device moves the plurality of tines through said plurality of flexible elements, such that said conveyor moves accepted agricultural material from the first portion to the first side of said plurality of flexible elements, and said plurality of tines moves through said plurality of flexible elements to separate individual plants from agricultural material at said first side and provide individual plants at said second side.