Sorting machine for e.g. mushrooms, comprises two dimensional network of sorting meshes defined by transport direction elements and cross direction rods which are movable apart

摘要

The machine comprises parallel elements extending parallel to one plane in the transport direction, in order to define a mesh structure; cross-direction rods (12) which are movable in this plane and extend transverse to the transport direction, so that they combine with the parallel elements to form a two-dimensional network of sorting meshes; and a drive mechanism (14a-14c, 15a-15c, 16) for moving the rods in the transport direction in this plane so that they become more spaced apart. An independent claim is also included for a sorting method using this machine, in which the produce is deposited on top of the sorting mesh network and then the rods are moved apart so that the meshes become larger and the produce can fall through them.