Claims:CLAIMS,
We Claims,
[CLAIM 1] A nutmeg decorticator with sorter-grader based on machine learning
characterized by:
a) an angular base frame (2) configured to hold said decorticator machine;
b) a decortication tank (1) configured to store, release and sort the objects, wherein the decortication tank (1) comprises:
c) a sorting unit (9,10) for size based sorting of the nutmeg or any other object storage unit;
d) plurality of guiding plates configured to receive the sorted objects from said sorting unit and guiding to plurality of crushing rollers, wherein the plurality of slotted roller counted on said angular base frame (2) configured such that to apply force on periphery of the dry fruit/s for crushing;
e) a sieve arrangement (5), mounted on said angular base frame (2), provided with a container configured to collect and separate the kernels and the shells from the crushed dry fruit/s; and
f) the decortication tank (1), guiding plates and sieve arrangement (5).
[CLAIM 2] The nutmeg decorticator with sorter-grader based on machine learning as
claimed in claim 1, wherein the sorting unit comprises at least sorting conveyor and plane roller being incrementally increased for facilitating release of firstly small sized dry fruit/s followed by bigger sized dry fruit/s into the sorting platform.
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[CLAIM 3] The nutmeg decorticator with sorter-grader based on machine learning as
claimed in claim 1, wherein plurality of sorting platform has sorting conveyor arranged together with variable gaps between the plates with the gaps varying based on size of the dry fruit/s/ objects and store in store compartment and after that move into the packaging.
[CLAIM 4] The nutmeg decorticator with sorter-grader based on machine learning
comprising system and method:
a) feeding the dry fruit/s / objects having hard shell into a decortication tank (1);
b) size based sorting of the dry fruit/s / objects in a sorting unit of the decortication tank (1); and
c) sending the dry fruit/s into plurality of guiding plates; 5
d) receiving of the sorted dry fruit/s / objects by the plurality of sorting conveyor (9);
e) guiding of the sorted dry fruit/s / objects by the plurality of sorting conveyor (9) and sorting platform (10);
f) applying surface force by at least by motor and a sorting 10 conveyor (9) of sorting conveyor (9) to extract the dry fruit/s / objects from the hard shell; and
g) separating the kernel from the sorting conveyor and sorting platform (9,10).
[CLAIM 5] The nutmeg decorticator with sorter-grader based on machine learning as
claimed in claim 1, wherein Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning were implemented for visualizing our project progress to a deeper definition. Novel ideas to curb the existing inefficacy of cross examination by naked eyes brought us to the disruptive technology of image processing.
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[CLAIM 6] The nutmeg decorticator with sorter-grader based on machine learning as
claimed in claim 1, wherein the weight measuring unit is processed together with the output from the ML model to finalise the predicted quality. A Raspberry pi microcontroller is used to implement the output analysed by the ML model, thus segregating the seeds successfully.
[CLAIM 7] The nutmeg decorticator with sorter-grader based on machine learning as
claimed in claim 1, wherein decortications method comprises following steps:
a) feeding the dry fruit/s / objects having hard shell into a decortication tank (1);
b) size based sorting of the dry fruit/s / objects in a sorting unit of the decortication tank (1); and
c) sending the dry fruit/s into plurality of guiding plates; 5
d) receiving of the sorted dry fruit/s / objects by the plurality of sorting conveyor (9);
e) guiding of the sorted dry fruit/s / objects by the plurality of sorting conveyor (9) and sorting platform (10);
f) applying surface force by at least by motor and a sorting 10 conveyor (9) of sorting conveyor (9) to extract the dry fruit/s / objects from the hard shell; and
g) separating the kernel from the sorting conveyor and sorting platform (9,10).
[CLAIM 8] The nutmeg decorticator with sorter-grader based on machine learning as
claimed in claim 1, wherein the sorter cum grader section of the machines uses computer vision and a system studying set of rules to kind and grade the seeds in line with shade, texture and folds on surface of seed or absence of folds. The system is trained initially the usage of schooling facts/photographs earlier than it is made able to sorting and grading the seeds.
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[CLAIM 9] The nutmeg decorticator with sorter-grader based on machine learning as
claimed in claim 1, wherein the dry fruit/s is selected from the group consisting of cashew, almond or cuddapah almond, nutmeg and any other all dry fruits sorting mechanism.
[CLAIM 10] The nutmeg decorticator with sorter-grader based on machine learning as
claimed in claim 1, wherein the breakage of shells of peanut collected and passes thru the hopper when the plates are separated at optimize gap and the beaten peanutsare automatically separated with the utility of fan attached to decrease size sprocket. , Description:FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to relates to machine for the purpose of de-hulling and/or shell decortications required for extraction of kernel(s), and more specifically provides an efficient decorticator machine for extracting the kernel(s) from the hull and/or shell thereby separating 5 the extracted kernel(s) from the cracked, residual hull/shells and its method of operation thereof. More particularly present invention relates to the machine is operated by machine learning and artificial intelligence, also improve and record all data with respect to time so identify the sorting objects and waste collections.
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BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The relevant activities in agricultural processing of dry fruit/s primarily include operation such as shelling, threshing, de-hulling and decortications. The objective behind these 15 operations is to improve the value of the dry fruit/s by detaching or dissociating their kernels from the shell and/or hull. A primary step required in harvesting and processing of many dry fruits like almonds, walnut, cashews, cuddapah almond (Charoli or chironji) etc. generally require drudgery in extraction of kernels from their hulls and/or shells. The quality of the kernel depends upon an efficient nut decorticating process which helps in effective separation 20 of the kernel from shell. Traditionally, the decortication is done by hammer and a rotating drum called Jatta. Both processes are laborious and time consuming with more percentage of breaking the kernel during the process of removing hard shell and/or hull. Other traditional practicing methods prevailing for kernel extraction from their shells for such dry fruit/s as for example cuddapah almond is by traditional grinder or by using the stone to break the hard 25 shell and/or hull. These methods also involve the problem related to hygiene resulting in the degradation of the quality of the product and also there is fear of injury to fingers during these traditional processes which further results enhances difficulty in getting labour for this operation.
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There are various automated and semi-automated machines available in market, but the drawback associated with such machines is that the probability of breaking of kernels is more which results in poor yield. There are some other high capacity machines available in market which decorticates Chironji at faster rates with better efficiency but small farmers and tribal people cannot afford such type of automated machines. Another constraint faced by small 5 farmers and tribal people in the existing machines is that either they are bulky or expensive or because of the non-adjustable assembly of such existing decorticating machine and de-hulling machine which is dedicated for specific kernel extraction only for example
Almond Sheller/ huller, cashew decorticator etc. and non applicability on the different types, 10 variety and size of the kernel to be extracted. There is a need of having decorticator machine with high decortications efficiency accompanied with little probability of damaging the kernel during decortications process and that yields maximum good quality of whole kernels in the process of decortications. Additionally, the decorticator machine needs to be adjustable according to the different types, variety and size of the kernel to be extracted and which is 15 cost effective also.
India is an agricultural country. In India 70- 72% of the population is dependent on agriculture. In India mostly farming is done with help of traditional 5 equipment and methods. Due to the traditional equipment and methods, the earning of farmer is greatly 20 reduced. In India most of the rural population is engaged in agricultural practices. Hence this project can be of greater use.
India is a tropical country. One of the major crops grown is groundnut. It is widely grown in the tropics and subtropics region. It is important to both small 10 and large commercial 25 producers.
A survey says that the productivity rate of groundnut is very less in other countries when compared to The United States. These are attributed to the following constrains.
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• The cultivation of the crop on marginal lands under rain fed conditions,
• Occurrence of frequent drought stress due to vagaries of monsoon,
• Higher incidence of disease and pest attacks,
• Factors related to socio-economic infrastructure,
• Low availability of affordable machines. 5
The tools and equipment fabricated by local farm families themselves or by rural artisans mainly perform post-harvest processing of groundnuts in the traditional manner. New modern and sophisticated machineries are normally manufactured in urban factories or overseas. The introduction of commercial machinery brings down the demand for the 10 products of rural artisans. This potentially diverts cash flow away from the rural economy. As well, it will probably increase the drain on the country's scarce supply of foreign exchange for imported machines, spare parts and fuels. But with the machine we designed, it is sure to increase the income and productivity of small scale framers. In many cases, suitable machines could be made locally by the use of simple machines, tools and welding equipment. 15
As a solution to the existing problem faced by the small farmers and tribal people in extracting dry fruit/s having hard shell, without damaging the kernel, the present invention provides a simple and cost effective technical advancement for decortications of dry fruit/s by providing a decorticator machine which can efficiently extract dry fruit/s without breaking 20 the kernel. The present invention provides an adjustable decorticator machine for dry fruit/s extraction having hard shell, without damaging the kernel and its method of operation.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
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The main aspect of the present invention comprising large quantities of bunch type of groundnuts can be stripped using groundnut strippers. In some areas in first lifted out of the soil, dried in the field and then the pod ends of the plant are knocked against a cross bar to dislodge the pods. In this process, some pods will be damaged though this method of stripping nutmeg is cheaper. 30
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Other aspect of the present invention comprising the pods left over on the vines are handpicked. This method of stripping is preferred as it is considered to reduce the fodder value of vines. When nutmeg are harvested they contain wide range of foreign materials like dust, rock pieces, sticks/ previous crop residues, immature pods, pops, leaves, stem and hulls, etc…This impacts quality, 5 beginning with airflow restrictions distribution during separating
Another aspect of the present invention comprising the nutmegs are then looked after based on the dimensions, and subsequently the shells of the nutmeg are removed the usage of a wood mallet, in order that the internal seed isn't broken during decortication. Once the shells are 10 removed the, seeds are then sorted and graded visually via employees and segregated in one-of-a-kind grades.
Other aspect of the present invention comprising the deshelled seeds and the broken shells are passed into a sieve where the shells are removed and the seeds are only left behind for further 15 sorting and grading.
Another aspect of the present invention comprising sorter cum grader section of the machines uses computer vision and a machine learning algorithm to sort and grade the seeds according to colour, texture and folds on surface of seed or absence of folds. 20
Other aspect of the present invention comprising steps , Sorter based on size ; De-sheller arrangement ;Sieve ;Sorter and Grader based on machine learning-AI and then after final outcome received.
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Another aspect of the present invention comprising decorticator machine for nutmeg having hard shell, without damaging the kernel and its method of operation.
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BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
The summary, as well as the following detailed description, is further understood when read in conjunction with the appended drawings. For the purpose of illustrating the invention, there are shown in the drawing’s exemplary embodiments of the invention; however, the 5 invention is not limited to the specific methods, compositions, and devices disclosed. In addition, the drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale. In the drawings:
The detailed description is set forth with reference to the accompanying drawings. The drawings are provided for purposes of illustration only and merely depict example 10 embodiments of the disclosure. The drawings are provided to facilitate understanding of the disclosure and shall not be deemed to limit the breadth, scope, or applicability of the disclosure. The use of the same reference numerals indicates similar, but not necessarily the same or identical components. However, different reference numerals may be used to identify similar components as well. Various embodiments may utilize elements or components other 15 than those illustrated in the drawings, and some elements and/or components may not be present in various embodiments. The use of singular terminology to describe a component or element may, depending on the context, encompass a plural number of such components or elements and vice versa.
Figure 1:- Schematic side view of the invention. 20
Figure 2:- Front view of the invention.
Figure 3:- Top view of the invention.
Figure 4:- Isometric view of the invention.
Repeat use of reference characters in the present specification and drawings is intended to 25 represent the same or analogous features or elements of the present invention
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DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Detailed descriptions of the diverse embodiments and versions of the equipment and techniques of the invention are actually supplied. While basically mentioned within the context of the get admission to factor radio gadgets beneficial with an LTE wireless 5 communications tool or machine, the numerous equipment and methodologies mentioned herein aren't so restrained. In truth, many of the equipment and methodologies described herein are useful in any number of complex antennas, whether or not associated with mobile or fixed devices, cell or in any other case, that could benefit from the multiband dipole antenna methodologies and apparatus described herein. 10
For the purpose of promoting an understanding of the principles of the invention, reference will now be made to the embodiment illustrated in the drawings and specific language will be used to describe the same. It will nevertheless be understood that no limitation of the scope of the invention is thereby intended, such alterations and further modifications in the 15 illustrated system, and such further applications of the principles of the invention as illustrated therein being contemplated as would normally occur to one skilled in the art to which the invention relates.
It will be understood by those skilled in the art that the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory of the invention and are not 20 intended to be restrictive thereof. Throughout the patent specification, a convention employed is that in the appended drawings, like numerals denote like components.
Modifications to embodiments of the invention described in the foregoing are possible without departing from the scope of the invention as defined by the accompanying claims. 25 Expressions such as “including”, “comprising”, “incorporating”, “consisting of”, “have”, “is” used to describe and claim the present invention are intended to be construed in a non-exclusive manner, namely allowing for items, components or elements not explicitly described also to be present. Reference to the singular is also to be construed to relate to the plural. Numerals included within parentheses in the accompanying claims are intended to 30
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assist understanding of the claims and should not be construed in any way to limit subject matter claimed by these claims. While the present disclosure has been described with respect to a limited number of embodiments, those skilled in the art, having benefit of this disclosure, will appreciate that other embodiments may be devised which do not depart from the scope of the disclosure as described herein. Accordingly, the scope of the present disclosure should 5 be limited only by the attached claims.
The main embodiment of the present invention comprising
I. an angular base frame (2) configured to hold said decorticator machine;
II. a decortication tank (1) configured to store, release and sort the objects, 10 wherein the decortication tank (1) comprises:
III. a sorting unit (9,10) for size based sorting of the nutmeg or any other object storage unit;
IV. plurality of guiding plates configured to receive the sorted objects from said sorting unit and guiding to plurality of crushing rollers, wherein the plurality 15 of slotted roller counted on said angular base frame (2) configured such that to apply force on periphery of the dry fruit/s for crushing;
V. a sieve arrangement (5), mounted on said angular base frame (2), provided with a container configured to collect and separate the kernels and the shells from the crushed dry fruit/s; and 20
VI. the decortication tank (1), guiding plates and sieve arrangement (5).
There is provided a method of operation of present invention comprising
I. feeding the dry fruit/s / objects having hard shell into a decortication tank (1);
II. size based sorting of the dry fruit/s / objects in a sorting unit of the 25 decortication tank (1); and
III. sending the dry fruit/s into plurality of guiding plates;
IV. receiving of the sorted dry fruit/s / objects by the plurality of sorting conveyor (9);
V. guiding of the sorted dry fruit/s / objects by the plurality of sorting conveyor 30
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(9) and sorting platform (10);
VI. applying surface force by at least by motor and a sorting conveyor (9) of sorting conveyor (9) to extract the dry fruit/s / objects from the hard shell; and
VII. separating the kernel from the sorting conveyor and sorting platform (9,10).
5
.Another goal of the present invention is to provide an green decorti-cating device that could decorticate the shells best without adverse the outercover of the man or woman kernels. Still any other goal of the existing invention is to offer a ball bearingarrangement which can keep the rollers at a single side of frame and provide minimum vibration to the machine and facilitate minimum friction for maximumpositive utilization of input energy. 10
Another embodiment of the present invention comprising provide an electricity efficient system with minimal mechanical losses to facilitate the operator at maximum.
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Other embodiment of the present invention comprising, the decortication tank (1) stores the dry fruit/s with hard shell into the storing unit and size based sorting of the dry fruit/s is done in the sorting unit. After sorting the dry fruits having hard shell are sent into plurality of sorting conveyor (9).
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As per Fig another embodiment of the present invention comprising, the sorting unit of the hopper assembly comprises at sorting conveyor, wherein at conveyor is spiral shaped and the other of the at least one conveyor is plane in shaped with gap between the platform being incrementally increased for facilitating release of firstly small sized dry fruit/s followed by bigger sized dry fruit/s into the decortication tank (1). A comprehensive view of the machines 25 is illustrated in figure Fig 1 to Fig 4.
Another embodiment of the present invention comprising the deshelled seeds and the broken shells are passed into a sieve where the shells are removed and the seeds are only left behind for further sorting and grading 30
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Other embodiment of the present invention machine has the following automated processing stages:-
1. Sorter based on size 5
2. De-sheller arrangement
3. Sieve
4. Sorter and Grader based on machine learning-AI
Another embodiment of the present invention manually by the drying system is completed 10 in an electric dryer. The nutmegs are then sorted based totally on the size, and sooner or later the shells of the nutmeg are eliminated the usage of a wooden mallet, in order that the inner seed isn't broken in the course of decortication. Once the shells are eliminated the, seeds are then sorted and graded visually with the aid of people and segregated in distinctive grades. This grading is executed base on shade, texture, folds on surface of seed or absence of folds 15 and so on.
Benefits:-
a) Easy to operate. Works in dual mode i.e. manually and automatically.
b) The machine requires low maintenance & simple in design as compared to existing 20 technologies which are slow in the process and are not easy to use.
c) The machine can be operated only by a single person.
d) The machine reduces the drudgery of removing dry fruit/s by hands and it is quick and easy to use.
e) Provide a device with smooth and controlled enter of peanut decorticating unit via 25 the performance area of the gadget.
f) Still every other goal of the machine is to offer a totally specific decorti-cating/crushing unit which accommodates a compression force on peanuts between conveyor to provide optimize breakage of shell with out damagingthe kernel.
g) The prevailing invention is to provide a much less laborintensive system.Still any 30
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other objective of the present invention is to provide a transportable smallsize gadget which may be moved from one vicinity to another as in step with the consumer’s requirements
The decortications method comprises following steps: 5
I. feeding the dry fruit/s / objects having hard shell into a decortication tank (1);
II. size based sorting of the dry fruit/s / objects in a sorting unit of the decortication tank (1); and
III. sending the dry fruit/s into plurality of guiding plates; 10
IV. receiving of the sorted dry fruit/s / objects by the plurality of sorting conveyor (9);
V. guiding of the sorted dry fruit/s / objects by the plurality of sorting conveyor (9) and sorting platform (10);
VI. applying surface force by at least by motor and a sorting conveyor (9) of 15 sorting conveyor (9) to extract the dry fruit/s / objects from the hard shell; and
VII. separating the kernel from the sorting conveyor and sorting platform (9,10).
Fabrication of scaled down prototype: 20
By thinking about the ideas, a demo shape of the machine became fabricated. A frustum fashioned vessel turned into used as a decortication tank. This tank turned into equipped with a horizontal shaft which had radial rods for the cause of agitation. The primary horizontal shaft was linked to a motor via a belt force and the whole shape completed basic decortication. 25
Fabrication Methodology:
The processing of nutmeg is largely performed the use of few sequential steps. The nutmegs are fed to a frustum fashioned container that's the decortication tank. Then the seeds are agitated the use of iron rods which can be radially connected to the horizontal shaft related 30
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to a motor. The pace of rotation is numerous using digital manage techniques to reap preferred pace. The rods connected to the shaft hit the nutmegs and broke the shells. After the procedure of agitation, the de-shelled nutmeg seeds and the shells get deposited at the lowest of the container from which they're transferred to a vibrating sieve periodically. The seeds are separated from the broken shells on this sieve and the seeds are then allowed to 5 move via a passage containing a pressure sensor and camera module. The photo of each nutmeg seed is captured using a camera and fed to the custom educated ML version. Simultaneously the burden of the seed is likewise measured. The outputs from the ML model and weight measuring unit are processed together to finalise the prediction after which finalised decision is handed to the Raspberry pi. The Raspberry pi microcontroller put into 10 effect the controlling movements with the help of servo mechanism to categorise the seeds into bins named precise and horrific.
Designing the Structure of Machine
As a primary step closer to production of the gadget, diverse sketches of our device have 15 been created. Various models we managed to design are shown here. The main motive at the back of various designing steps had been to create an ergonomic and aesthetic product.