Produce sizing or sorting transport mechanism with a support region of retaining members located beneath the produce being sized or sorted

摘要

A transport system for use in a produce sizing or sorting apparatus has a plurality of pivotally interconnected carrier members (10) forming an endless conveyor. Each carrier member (10) having a pair of finger members (25, 26) connected thereto in a manner whereby the finger members depend downwardly at least along a portion of the endless conveyor. Each pair of finger members (25, 26) together with adjacent such pairs defining a produce retaining zone (22) extending in the direction of the endless conveyor when the finger members (25, 26) are positioned in a closed position, and at least one of each finger member pair (25, 26) being selectably pivotable, in use, to an open position enabling produce to be released from the produce retaining zone (22) at desired and spaced locations along the path of the endless conveyor. The finger member pair (25, 26) defines a support region that is located at least partially beneath produce retained by the finger member pair (25, 26) when they are in the closed position.