Description:FORM 2

THE PATENTS ACT, 1970
(39 of 1970)
&
THE PATENT RULES, 2003

COMPLETE SPECIFICATION
(See Section 10 and Rule 13)

Title of invention:
AN APPARATUS FOR SINGULATING SUGARCANE STICKS

Applicant:
Canectar Foods Private Limited
An Indian Company
Having address:
B1-2102/2103, F Residences, S. No.44/45, Balewadi, Pune – 411045,
Maharashtra, India

The following specification describes the invention and the manner in which it is to be performed.

PRIORITY INFORMATION
[001] The present application does not claim a priority from any other application.
TECHNICAL FIELD
[002] The present subject matter described herein, in general, relates to a process automation. Particularly, the invention describes an apparatus for singulating sugarcane sticks.
BACKGROUND
[003] In recent times, process automation is widely implemented in food processing industries. Specifically, a variety of automated beverage vending/extracting machines are available in the global market and it requires some manual processing also. Especially, in sugarcane juice extracting /vending machines, human intervention is required to feed an extractor with one or more sugarcane sticks. Although some have attempted to automate the feeding step, a major problem with the existing techniques is the inability to feed one sugarcane stick at a time. Most often, the feeder feeds in more than one stick at a time and it puts a strain on the juice extractor and may result in the extractor getting jammed.
[004] Therefore, there is a need for an apparatus to singulate/segregate a plurality of sugarcane sticks and feed one at a time to a sugarcane juice extractor, before the extraction of sugarcane juice.
OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION
[005] Some of the objects of the present disclosure are described herein below:
[006] A main object of the present invention is to provide an apparatus for singulating a plurality of sugarcane sticks automatically to feed one sugarcane stick at a time to a sugarcane juice extractor.
[007] Another object of the present invention is to provide an apparatus for singulating the plurality of sugarcane sticks to improve efficiency of extraction of juice at a sugarcane juice extractor.
[008] Another object of the present invention is to provide an apparatus for singulating a plurality of sugarcane sticks to avoid entanglement during juice extraction process.
[009] Another object of the present invention is to provide an apparatus for singulating a plurality of sugarcane sticks to improve disposal of bagasse part of the sugarcane sticks after extraction of the sugarcane juice.
[010] The other objects and advantages of the present invention will be apparent from the following description when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, which are incorporated for illustration of preferred embodiments of the present invention and are not intended to limit the scope thereof.
SUMMARY
[011] Before the present system(s) and method(s), are described, it is to be understood that this application is not limited to the particular system(s), and methodologies described, as there can be multiple possible embodiments which are not expressly illustrated in the present disclosures. It is also to be understood that the terminology used in the description is for the purpose of describing the particular implementations or versions or embodiments only and is not intended to limit the scope of the present application. This summary is provided to introduce aspects related to an apparatus for singulating/segregating a plurality of sugarcane sticks. This summary is not intended to identify essential features of the claimed subject matter nor is it intended for use in determining or limiting the scope of the claimed subject matter.
[012] According to an embodiment, the present invention provides an apparatus for singulating a plurality of sugarcane sticks. The apparatus comprises a hopper unit, and an inlet unit. According to an embodiment, the hopper unit comprises a singulator assembly, an enclosure, and an outlet vent. The singulator assembly comprising a base, a plurality of fixed-plates, a plurality of moving-steps and a driving mechanism.
[013] According to the embodiment, the base is for receiving a plurality of sugarcane sticks. The base has a plurality of fixed-plates and a plurality of moving-steps. Each of the plurality of fixed-plates has a secured end formed by two edges and which is fixed to the base to create a slope with a predetermined inclination angle. Further, each of the plurality of fixed-plates has an open end having an edge in the form of a step-ladder arrangement. The plurality of moving-steps also has a first end formed by two edges and a second end having an edge in a shape of a step ladder. It should be noted that the plurality of moving-steps is placed adjacent to each of the plurality of the fixed-plates. In an aspect, one side of each of two moving-steps are placed on either side of the fixed plate to form a single set. The base may then have plurality of such sets placed at a regular interval (distance) from each other.
[014] The driving mechanism is mechanically coupled to a first rod connecting the plurality of moving-steps for synchronizing the movement of the plurality of moving-steps in a trajectory. The driving mechanism may comprise a motor, a plurality of actuators, a plurality of sensors, and so on. The plurality of actuators may include a set of crankshafts. It must be noted that the driving mechanism controls the movement of the plurality of moving-steps such that the step-ladder arrangement of the plurality of moving-steps and the fixed-plates are aligned at one point during a first half cycle of a reciprocating movement of the set of crank shafts and the plurality of moving-steps and the fixed-plates are skewed during a second half cycle of the reciprocating movement of the crankshafts. Further, the driving mechanism is mechanically coupled to the first rod at both sides of the base of the hopper unit.
[015] It should be noted that the reciprocating movement driven by the driving mechanism in combination with the step-ladder arrangement of the fixed-plates and the moving-steps singulates the plurality of the sugarcane sticks towards an outlet vent of the hopper unit over several cycles of reciprocating movement of the crankshafts. In other words, the step-ladder arrangement of the plates and the sliding movement of the moving-steps adjacent to the fixed-plates cause the singulator assembly to move one sugarcane stick at a time horizontally toward the outlet vent.
[016] Further, the singulator assembly includes a plurality of frames each fastened to the base and positioned below one edge of each of the moving-steps. The frames are provided to prevent wear and tear that may be caused by the movement of the moving-steps against the base.
[017] According to the embodiment, the singulator assembly further comprises a second rod connected to the plurality of moving-steps and parallel to the first rod. The second rod is provided for stability of the moving-steps and for balancing unequal load due to the plurality of the sugarcane sticks and for synchronizing movement of the plurality of moving-steps in the trajectory over the plurality of frames. It should be noted that the plurality of moving-steps is secured to the first rod at a top edge of the plurality of moving-steps. Further, the plurality of moving-steps is secured to the second rod at a bottom edge of the plurality of moving-steps.
[018] According to an embodiment, the apparatus further comprises an inlet unit. The inlet unit comprises a cylindrical drum with a plurality of compartments, a controller, a front vent, and a rear vent. The plurality of compartments is rotatable along a central axis of the cylindrical drum using the controller. The inlet unit is provided for receiving a plurality of sugarcane sticks through the front vent and feeding the plurality of sugarcane sticks through the rear vent. It should be noted that the front vent and the rear vent are provided along a length of the cylindrical drum. Further, the front vent is open when the rear vent is closed, and vice versa. It should be noted that the controller is activated manually while loading the plurality of compartments with the plurality of sugarcane sticks. Whereas, the controller is activated automatically while feeding the singulator assembly with the plurality of sugarcane sticks based on the feeding requirement.
[019] According to the embodiment, the hopper unit comprises the enclosure that covers the inlet unit and the singulator assembly. The inlet unit is placed above the singulator assembly and secured within the enclosure and in such a way that to allow the plurality of compartments rotatable along the central axis of the cylindrical drum. That is, the cylindrical drum is placed parallel to the base of the singulator assembly. Further, a circular region on sides of the cylindrical drum is provided with a plurality of perforations for air circulation.
[020] During operation, one of the plurality of compartments is aligned with the hopper unit or the base of the singulator assembly in a feeding position and then rotation of the cylindrical drum is controlled to unload the sugarcane sticks through the rear vent, based on a feeding requirement. In addition, an inner portion of the enclosure that is facing the rear vent is provided with a curved plate to transfer the sugarcane sticks smoothly from the rear vent to the singulator assembly. The curved plate is padded with a material to avoid noise during the feeding of the plurality of sugarcane sticks to the singulator assembly. The material used for padding can include at least one but is not limited to foam material, a fibrous material, a polymeric material, and the like.
[021] According to the embodiment, the outlet vent is provided above the base of the hopper unit for dispensing one of the singulated sugarcane sticks from the plurality of the sugarcane sticks from the base of the hopper unit. According to the embodiment, the hopper unit is made of at least one material that includes but is not limited to rust-free metals, heavy plastic and the like. According to the embodiment, the base of the hopper unit is in at least one structure that includes a triangular prismatic structure, a rectangular prismatic structure, a cubical prismatic structure, and a cylindrical structure.
[022] These and other aspects of the embodiments herein will be better appreciated and understood when considered in conjunction with the following description and the accompanying drawings. It should be understood, however, that the following descriptions, while indicating preferred embodiments and numerous specific details thereof, are given by way of illustration and not of limitation. Many changes and modifications may be made within the scope of the embodiments herein without departing from the spirit thereof, and the embodiments herein include all such modifications.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[023] The foregoing detailed description of embodiments is better understood when read in conjunction with the appended drawings. For the purpose of illustrating of the present subject matter, an example of construction of the present subject matter is provided as figures, however, the invention is not limited to the specific apparatus for singulating/segregating a plurality of sugarcane sticks as disclosed in the document and the figures.
[024] The present subject matter is described in detail with reference to the accompanying figures. In the figures, the left-most digit(s) of a reference number identifies the figure in which the reference number first appears. The same numbers are used throughout the drawings to refer various features of the present subject matter.
[025] Figure 1 illustrates an exemplary model of an apparatus for singulating/segregating sugarcane sticks, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter;
[026] Figure 2 illustrates a front view of an exemplary apparatus for singulating/segregating sugarcane sticks, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter;
[027] Figure 3 illustrates a cross-sectional view of A-A’ illustrated in figure 2 of an exemplary apparatus for singulating/segregating sugarcane sticks, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter;
[028] Figure 4 illustrates a hopper unit illustrated in figure 1 of an exemplary apparatus for singulating/segregating sugarcane sticks is illustrated according to an embodiment; and
[029] Figure 5 illustrates a top view of an exemplary apparatus for singulating/segregating sugarcane sticks, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter.
[030] The figures depict an embodiment of the present disclosure for purposes of illustration only. One skilled in the art will readily recognize from the following discussion that alternative embodiments of the structures and methods illustrated herein may be employed without departing from the principles of the disclosure described herein.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[031] The embodiments herein and the various features and advantageous details thereof are explained more fully with reference to the non-limiting embodiments and detailed in the following description. Descriptions of well-known components and processing techniques are omitted so as to not unnecessarily obscure the embodiments herein. The examples used herein are intended merely to facilitate an understanding of ways in which the embodiments herein may be practiced and to further enable those of skill in the art to practice the embodiments herein. Accordingly, the examples should not be construed as limiting the scope of the embodiments herein.
[032] Some embodiments of this disclosure, illustrating all its features, will now be discussed in detail. The words “assembly”, “arrangement”, “secured”, “singulator”, “segregate”, "receive”,"perforated", “actuation” and other forms thereof, are intended to be open ended in that an item or items following any one of these words is not meant to be an exhaustive listing of such item or items, or meant to be limited to only the listed item or items. It must also be noted that as used herein and in the appended claims, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the" include plural references unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Although any system and methods similar or equivalent to those described herein can be used in the practice or testing of embodiments of the present disclosure, the exemplary, system and methods are now described.
[033] The disclosed embodiments are merely examples of the disclosure, which may be embodied in various forms. Various modifications to the embodiment will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art and the generic principles herein may be applied to other embodiments. However, one of ordinary skill in the art will readily recognize that the present disclosure is not intended to be limited to the embodiments described, but is to be accorded the widest scope consistent with the principles and features described herein.
[034] As mentioned above, there is a need for an apparatus to singulate a plurality of sugarcane sticks and feed one at a time to a sugarcane juice extractor before extraction of sugarcane juice. The embodiments herein achieve this by apparatus for singulating a plurality of sugarcane sticks. Referring now to the drawings, and more particularly to FIGS. 1 through 4, where similar reference characters denote corresponding features consistently throughout the figures, there are shown preferred embodiments.
[035] The term “singulating” referred to isolation/ segregation of one cane stick at a time from the plurality of sugarcane sticks.
[036] The present subject matter discloses an apparatus for singulating a plurality of sugarcane sticks thereby to feed one sugarcane stick at a time into a sugarcane juice extractor, before extraction of the juice. Initially, the plurality of sugarcane sticks is loaded into an inlet unit manually. The inlet unit has a cylindrical drum with a plurality of compartments. The plurality of compartments is loaded manually with the sugarcane sticks through a front vent of the inlet unit by rotating the cylindrical drum. The front vent is closed manually when the sugarcane sticks are loaded in the inlet unit. Simultaneously, a rear vent of the inlet unit is opened up for feeding the plurality of sugarcane sticks to the hopper unit. The rear vent automatically feeds the hopper unit by controlling the rotation of the cylindrical drum, when the apparatus is activated. The apparatus can be activated by means of electrical means.
[037] After activation of the apparatus, one of the sugarcane stick is pushed out from the plurality of sugarcane sticks that are stored in the hopper unit through a singulator assembly. The singulator assembly can push one sugarcane stick at a time using a driving mechanism. The driving mechanism may comprise a motor, a plurality of actuators, a plurality of sensors, and so on. The plurality of actuators includes crank shafts, . Further, the singulator assembly comprises a plurality of fixed-plate and moving-steps having a step-ladder arrangement. The moving-steps are secured with first rod that is operatively coupled to the driving mechanism. The driving mechanism self-aligns the fixed plate with the moving-steps at one point of each half-cycle of a reciprocating movement of the crankshafts. Thus, the reciprocating movement of the step-ladder arrangement, singulates the plurality of sugarcane sticks at a time in a controllable sequence from the hopper unit. By this way, the apparatus facilitates the sugarcane juice extractor to obtain maximum efficiency in sugarcane juice extraction by extracting one sugarcane stick at a time. With figure descriptions, the details regarding the apparatus and method for singulating a plurality of sugarcane sticks are further explained.
[038] Referring now to Figure 1, an exemplary model of an apparatus 100 for singulating a plurality of sugarcane sticks is illustrated according to an embodiment. The apparatus 100 for singulating the plurality of sugarcane sticks comprises an inlet unit 102, and a hopper unit 160. The inlet unit 102 comprises a cylindrical drum 106 with a plurality of compartments 108, a controller 110, a front vent 112 and a rear vent (not shown in figure 1). The plurality of compartments is constructed inside the cylindrical drum using a plurality of baffles fixed at a specific angle on a central rod. The central rod (not shown in figure 1) is provided along a central axis 114 of the cylindrical drum 106. The plurality of baffles is having a length lesser than an inner length of the cylindrical drum. Further, the plurality of baffles 140 is having a width lesser than an inner radius of the cylindrical drum 106. The plurality of compartments 108 is rotatable along the central axis 114 of the cylindrical drum 106 using the controller 110. The controller includes but is not limited to a motor arrangement, a plurality of sensors, actuator and the like.
[039] The inlet unit 102 is provided for receiving a plurality of sugarcane sticks through the front vent 112 and feeding the plurality of sugarcane sticks through the rear vent. The front vent 112 and the rear vent are provided along the length of the cylindrical drum 106. It should be noted that the front vent 112 is open when the rear vent is closed and vice versa using a locking mechanism 142. Further, the controller 110 is activated manually while loading the plurality of compartments 108 with the plurality of sugarcane sticks. Whereas, the controller 110 is activated automatically while feeding the singulator assembly 104 with the plurality of sugarcane sticks based on the feeding requirement. For instance, the plurality of compartments in the cylindrical drum is rotated along the central axis 114 of the cylindrical drum 106 manually, while loading the plurality of compartments 108.
[040] The hopper unit comprises a singulator assembly 104 and an enclosure 132. The singulator assembly 104 comprises a base 116, a plurality of fixed plates (not shown), a plurality of moving-steps 118 and a driving mechanism. The driving mechanism may comprise a motor, a plurality of actuators, a plurality of sensors, and so on. The plurality of actuators may comprise a set of crank-shafts. The base 116 is in at least one structure that includes a triangular prismatic structure, a rectangular prismatic structure, a cubical prismatic structure, and a cylindrical structure. A crankshaft may include but is not limited a piston-rod arrangement 120, a crank disc 122, a crank eye 124 and a shaft eye 126. The hopper unit is provided for receiving the plurality of sugarcane sticks from the inlet unit 102 and horizontally storing the plurality of sugarcane sticks. Furthermore, the singulator assembly 104 is provided for pushing one sugarcane stick at a time from the hopper unit to an outlet tray (not shown in figure) through an outlet vent 150 provided in the hopper unit. The singulator assembly 104 may comprise stationary elements such as the plurality of fixed-plates, the plurality of frames and moving elements such as the plurality of moving-steps 118, the driving mechanism and so on.
[041] The inlet unit 102 is placed above the singulator assembly 104 and secured on the enclosure 132 in such a way that to allow the plurality of compartments 108 rotatable along the central axis 114 of the cylindrical drum 106. That is, the cylindrical drum 106 is placed parallel to the base of the singulator assembly. Further, a circular region on sides 138 of the cylindrical drum 106 is provided with a plurality of perforations for air circulation. For instance, the inlet unit can be circulated with chilled air to keep the sugarcane sticks cold in order to get chilled juice from the sugarcane sticks. During operation, the front vent is kept closed, and simultaneously, the rear vent for dispensing the sugarcane sticks is opened up. Further, one of the plurality of compartments 108 is aligned with the base of the singulator assembly 104 in a feeding position, and then the rotation of the cylindrical drum is controlled to unload the sugarcane sticks, based on a feeding requirement. For example, one of the plurality of baffles is aligned in parallel to a horizontal plane of the hopper unit 160 in the feeding position to unload the plurality of sugarcane sticks. The rotation of the cylindrical drum is controlled to change the alignment of one of the plurality of baffles that is parallel to the horizontal plane of the hopper unit 160 thereby to feed the base 116.
[042] According to the embodiment, the enclosure 132 covers the inlet unit 102 as well as the singulator assembly 104. The enclosure 132 includes provisions for feeding the plurality of sugarcane sticks into the hopper unit and for pushing out one sugarcane stick at a time through an outlet vent in a controlled manner. The sugarcane sticks are received through the inlet unit 102. In addition, an inner portion of the enclosure that is facing the rear vent is provided with a curved plate. The curved plate aligns the plurality of sugarcane sticks that are fed through the rear vent and prevents entanglement.
[043] According to the embodiment, the singulator assembly 104 comprises the base for receiving a plurality of sugarcane sticks. The base 116 is in at least one structure that may include a triangular prismatic structure, a rectangular prismatic structure, a cubical prismatic structure, and a cylindrical structure. For example, the base 116 (parts of the base includes 116a, 116b, 116c and 116d collectively referred as base ‘116’) is in a form of a triangular prismatic structure formed by a first longitudinal plane 116a and a second longitudinal plane 116b inclined to form an edge with two vertices. That is, the base of the hopper unit has at least two longitudinal planes (116a, 116b) and at least two triangular planes. It should be noted that the base is provided to receive the sugarcane sticks through the rear vent of the inlet unit 102 and to convey the sugarcane sticks, one cane at a time to the outlet tray through the outlet vent 150 during operation of the singulator assembly 104. Further, the base 116 is covered by the enclosure 132 with a provision for the outlet vent. The planar surfaces (i.e. at least two longitudinal planes) referred herein is with respect to a horizontal plane, where the apparatus is installed. The second longitudinal plane 116b is attached to the enclosure 132. The first longitudinal plane 116a and the second longitudinal plane 116b of the base of the hopper unit have a predetermined inclination angle with reference to the planar surface.
[044] According to the embodiment, the hopper unit 160, and the inlet unit 102 are temperature-controlled storage units. i.e., cool air is circulated inside the inlet unit 102 and the hopper unit 160. It should be noted that the inlet unit and the hopper unit are made of at least one material that includes but is not limited to rust free metals, heavy plastic, and the like.
[045] According to the embodiment, the base further comprises a plurality of fixed-plates (shown in figure 3), a plurality of moving steps 118, and a plurality of frames 146. Each of the plurality of fixed-plates has a secured end formed by two edges and which is fixed to the first longitudinal plane 116a and second longitudinal plane 116b of the base to create a slope with a predetermined inclination angle. It should be noted that each of the plurality of fixed-plates has an open end having an edge in a form of a step-ladder arrangement. Further, the fixed-plates are secured inside the base of the hopper unit at a predetermined interval so that to provide a balance in load while pushing/ lifting the sugarcane sticks.
[046] According to an embodiment, the base comprises a plurality of moving-steps 118. It should be noted that the plurality of moving-steps 118 has a first end formed by two edges and a second end having an edge in a shape of a step-ladder arrangement.
[047] According to the embodiment, the moving-steps 118 has a first end formed by two edges and a second end having an edge in a shape of a step-ladder arrangement. It should be noted that the moving-steps 118 are placed adjacent to each of the plurality of the fixed-plates. The singulator assembly 104 includes a plurality of frames 146 each fastened to the first longitudinal plane 116a and positioned below one edge of each of the moving-steps 118. It should be noted that the frames 146 are provided to prevent wear and tear that may be caused by the reciprocating movement of the moving-steps 118 against the first longitudinal plane 116a. It must be noted that the outlet vent is provided above the first longitudinal plane 116a of the base of the hopper unit. That is, the plurality of moving-steps 118 of the singulator assembly 104 are configured to push one of the sugarcane stick from the plurality of sugarcane sticks towards the outlet vent 150 by sliding movement over the plurality of the frames 146. That is, the moving-steps 118 are moving in a reciprocating movement over the frames.
[048] According to an embodiment, the driving mechanism (130, 120, 124, 122, 126) mechanically coupled to a first rod 128 connecting the moving-steps 118 for synchronizing a movement of the moving-steps 118 in a trajectory of the plurality of frames 146. The driving mechanism comprises a motor, a plurality of actuators, a plurality of sensors, and so on. The plurality of actuators may include a set of crankshafts. It should be noted that the driving mechanism controls the movement of the plurality of moving-steps 118 such that the step-ladder arrangement of the moving-steps 118 and the fixed-plates are aligned at one point during a first half cycle of the reciprocating movement of the crank shafts and the moving-steps 118 and the fixed-plates are skewed during a second half cycle of the reciprocating movement of the crankshafts. It should be noted that the reciprocating movement singulates the plurality of the sugarcane sticks towards an outlet vent 150 of the hopper unit over several cycles of reciprocating movement of the crank shafts. Further, the driving mechanism is mechanically coupled to the first rod 128 at both sides of the base 116c of the hopper unit. It should be noted that the first rod 128 is connected to the moving-steps 118. Further, the hopper unit is provided with a shock absorbing means 136 to prevent operational disturbances due to vibrations.
[049] Both sides 116c of the base of the hopper unit are extended (sides of the vertical extension refer ‘310’ in Figure 3) vertically above the first and second longitudinal planes (116a, 116b) up to a specified length. Further, both sides 116c of the base are extended horizontally (148a, 148b) for a short distance to cover a gap between the cylindrical drum and the singulator assembly. The horizontal extension (148a, 148b) at the sides of the base provides enough space between the singulator assembly and the cylindrical drum 106 to prevent the sugarcane stick from getting stuck in between while the singulator assembly is in operation to push one sugarcane stick from the plurality of sugarcane sticks.
[050] According to the embodiment, the singulator assembly 104 comprises a second rod (not shown in Figure) that is connected to the moving-steps 118 and parallel to the first rod 128. It should be noted that the second rod (not shown in Figure) is provided for stability of the moving- steps 118 and for balancing unequal load due to the plurality of the sugarcane sticks and for synchronizing movement of the moving- steps 118 in the trajectory over the frames 146. Further, the moving- steps 118 are secured to the first rod 128 at a top edge of the moving- steps 118. In addition, the moving-steps 118 are secured to the second rod at a bottom edge of the moving- steps 118.
[051] Referring now to Figure 2, a front view 200 of an exemplary apparatus for singulating sugarcane sticks is illustrated according to an embodiment. According to the front view 200 of the apparatus, the front vent 112 is covered by a movable curved plate 154 which is part of the cylindrical drum 106 of the inlet unit. The movable curved plate 154 can be slidably pushed along circumferences of the cylindrical drum 106 in both sides. The inlet unit 102 is provided for receiving a plurality of sugarcane sticks through the front vent 112 and feeding the plurality of sugarcane sticks through the rear vent. The front vent 112 and the rear vent are provided along the length of the cylindrical drum 106. It should be noted that the front vent 112 is open when the rear vent is closed and vice versa using a locking mechanism 142.
[052] A singulator assembly comprises a base, a plurality of fixed plates (not shown), a plurality of moving-steps (not shown), a plurality of frames 146 and a driving mechanism. The driving mechanism may comprise a motor, a plurality of actuators, a plurality of sensors, and so on. The plurality of actuators may include a set of crankshafts (124, 126). The fixed-plates are secured vertically inside both of the longitudinal planes (116a, not shown) of the base with the predetermined inclination angle. The predetermined inclination angle is same as that of the inclination angle of the base of the hopper unit from a planar surface.
[053] In addition, the fixed-plates are secured inside the base (116a, 116b) of the hopper unit at a predetermined interval so that to provide a balance in load while pushing/ lifting the sugarcane sticks. The moving-steps 118 are secured to a first rod and the moving-steps 118 are placed adjacent to each of the fixed-plates. The movement of the plurality of moving-steps are controlled over a plurality of frames (not shown) in the trajectory and the frames are fastened adjacent to the fixed-plates on the first longitudinal plane 116a of the base of the hopper unit. It can be seen from the Figure 2 that the driving mechanism is operatively coupled to the first rod at both sides of the base of the hopper unit and the first rod is connected to the moving-steps. The reciprocating movement singulates the plurality of the sugarcane sticks towards an outlet vent 150 of the hopper unit 160 over several cycles of reciprocating movement of the crankshafts. The driving mechanism may include but is not limited to a motor 130, a plurality of actuators, a plurality of sensors, and so on. The plurality of actuators may include a set of crankshafts. A crank-shaft may include a piston-rod arrangement 120, a crank disc 122, a rod 134 connecting crank disc from both the triangular plane of the base, a crank eye 124 and a shaft eye 126. A cross sectional view A-A’ 202 is further illustrated in figure 3.
[054] Referring now to Figure 3, a cross sectional view 202 of A-A’ illustrated in figure 2 of an exemplary apparatus for singulating sugarcane sticks is illustrated according to an embodiment. A base is covered with an enclosure 132. The base of the singulator assembly 104 having at least two longitudinal planes (116a, 116b) and at least two triangular planes (refer ‘116c’ in figure 1). The at least two longitudinal planes (116a, 116b) includes a first longitudinal plane 116a and a second longitudinal plane 116b. The base is in a form of a triangular prismatic structure is formed by the first longitudinal plane 116a and the second longitudinal plane 116b inclined to form an edge. The base is designed to store limited number of the sugarcane sticks that are received from the inlet unit through the rear vent. The at least two triangular planes 116c are provided opposite to the first and second longitudinal planes 116a, 116b to form the base with the triangular prismatic structure. Further, the second longitudinal plane 116b is attached to the enclosure 132 with a vertical plate 116d. The inner portion of the enclosure that is facing the rear vent is provided with a curved plate 144. One edge of the curved plate 144 is attached to the enclosure 132 opposite to the rear vent 302. Another edge of the curved plate 144 is attached to the vertical plate 116d that is attached to the enclosure 132. The curved plate 144 aligns the plurality of sugarcane sticks that are fed through the rear vent and prevents entanglement. It should be noted that the curved plate 144 is padded with a material to reduce noise during the feeding of the plurality of sugarcane sticks to the singulator assembly 104. The material used for padding can include but is not limited to foam material, a fibrous material, a polymeric material, and the like.
[055] During operation of the apparatus, the plurality of sugarcane sticks is loaded to the plurality of compartments 108 manually through the front vent 112 by adjusting the movable curved plate 154 using a front adjustment 304. The movable curved plate 154 is slidably pushed along circumferences of the cylindrical drum 106 to close the rear vent 302. Now, the rear vent 302 is in closed position (shown in Figure 3). Once the plurality of compartments is loaded, the front vent is closed by the front adjustment 304 and locked using a locking mechanism 142. Subsequently, the rear vent 302 is opened up by a rear adjustment 306 when the front vent is closed. The rear vent is opened up to feed the singulator assembly 104. Further, one of the plurality of compartments 108 is aligned with the base of the singulator assembly 104 in a feeding position, and then the rotation of the cylindrical drum is controlled to unload the sugarcane sticks, based on a feeding requirement.
[056] Once the sugarcane sticks are fed through the rear vent 302, the curved plate 144 allows the sugarcane stick to roll over to the singulator assembly 104. The singulator assembly further pushes one sugarcane stick at a time to an outlet tray (not shown in figure) through the outlet vent 150 for extracting a sugarcane juice. The singulator assembly comprises the base (116a, 116b, 116c, 116d collectively mentioned as 116), a plurality of fixed plates 308, a plurality of moving-steps 118, a driving mechanism (120, 124, 126, 130, 134), and a plurality of frames (146). The driving mechanism may comprise a motor, a plurality of actuators, a plurality of sensors, and so on. The plurality of actuators may include a set of crankshafts. A crank-shaft may include a piston-rod arrangement 120, a crank disc 122, a rod 134 connecting crank disc from both the triangular plane of the base, a crank eye 124 and a shaft eye 126.
[057] The base has a plurality of moving-steps 118 and a plurality of fixed plates 308. It should be noted that each of the plurality of fixed-plates 308 has a secured end formed by two edges and which is fixed to the base 116. That is, each of the plurality of fixed-plates 308 has a secured end formed by two edges and which is fixed to a first longitudinal plane 116a and second longitudinal plane 116b of the base. Each of the plurality of fixed-plates has an open end 308b having an edge in a form of a step-ladder arrangement. The plurality of moving-steps 118 has a first end formed by two edges and a second end having an edge in a shape of a step-ladder arrangement. The plurality of moving-steps 118 is placed adjacent to each of the plurality of the fixed-plates 308. Similarly, the plurality of fixed-plates 308 has a first end (308a) formed by two edges and a second end (308b) having an edge in a shape of a step-ladder arrangement.
[058] This feature enables the moving-steps 118 and the fixed-plates 308 to align with each other during a first half cycle of a reciprocating movement of a crankshaft and the moving-steps 118 and the fixed-plates 308 are skewed during a second half cycle of the reciprocating movement of a crank shaft. In other words, during the second half of the reciprocating movement, the moving-steps 118 and the fixed plates 308 are transverse to each other. The fixed plates 308 and the moving-steps 118 are aligned when the moving-steps 118 slide down in an inward direction towards the base. Conversely, the fixed plates 308 and the moving-steps 118 are skewed when the moving-steps 118 slide up in an upward direction away from the base. The alternating alignment and skewing of the fixed plates 308 and moving-steps 118 cause the sugarcane sticks to move up the step-ladder end of the plates in a decremental manner till only one sugarcane stick reaches the outlet at a time. Thus, the reciprocating movement singulates the plurality of the sugarcane sticks towards the outlet vent 150 of the hopper unit 160 over several cycles of reciprocating movement of the driving mechanism (120, 124, 126, 130, 134).
[059] The driving mechanism may comprise a motor, a plurality of actuators, a plurality of sensors, and so on. The plurality of actuators may include but not limited to a set of crankshafts. A crank shaft may include but is not limited to a piston-rod arrangement 120, a crank disc 122, a rod 134 connecting crank disc from both the triangular plane of the base, a crank eye 124 and a shaft eye 126. The term ‘skewed’ referred to misalignment. That is, the moving-steps 118 are misaligned with the fixed-plates 308 during the other half-cycle of the operation of the reciprocating crank- shaft mechanism.
[060] Referring now to Figure 4, a hopper unit 160 illustrated in figure 1 of an exemplary apparatus for singulating/segregating sugarcane sticks is illustrated according to an embodiment. A placement of the moving-steps 118 and fixed plates 308 over the frames 146 are illustrated. The frames 146 are in “L” shape to prevent wear and tear caused by the reciprocating movement of the moving-steps 118 against the first longitudinal plane 116a. A base is formed with the first longitudinal plane 116a and first longitudinal plane 116b. Further, the frames 146 also protects the first longitudinal plane 116a of the base of the singulator assembly 104. The moving-steps 118 with a first rod 128 and a second rod (not shown in figure) provided for balancing unequal load due to the plurality of the sugarcane sticks and for synchronizing movement of the moving-steps 118 in a trajectory over the frames 146.
[061] The hopper unit 160 has a provision 152 for holding the inlet unit. The inlet unit comprises a cylindrical drum, a plurality of compartments, a front vent and a rear vent. Both sides 116c of the base are extended horizontally (148a, 148b) for a short distance to cover a gap between the cylindrical drum and the singulator assembly. The horizontal extension (148a, 148b) at the sides of the base provides enough space between the singulator assembly and the cylindrical drum 106 to prevent the sugarcane stick from getting stuck in between while the singulator assembly is in operation to push one sugarcane stick from the plurality of sugarcane sticks.
[062] Figure 5 illustrates a top view 500 of an exemplary apparatus 100 for singulating/segregating sugarcane sticks, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter. According to the top view 500 of the apparatus 100, the front vent 112 is covered by a movable curved plate 154 which is part of the cylindrical drum 106 of the inlet unit. The movable curved plate 154 can be slidably pushed along circumferences of the cylindrical drum 106 in both sides. It should be noted that the front vent 112 is open when the rear vent is closed and vice versa using a locking mechanism 142. The front vent is opened manually using a handle 510. The plurality of compartments is constructed inside the cylindrical drum 106 using a plurality of baffles 140 fixed at a specific angle on a central rod 312. The central rod (shown in figure 3) is provided along a central axis 114 of the cylindrical drum 106. The plurality of baffles is having a length lesser than an inner length of the cylindrical drum. Further, the plurality of baffles 140 is having a width lesser than an inner radius of the cylindrical drum 106. The plurality of compartments 108 is rotatable along the central axis 114 of the cylindrical drum 106 using the controller 110.
[063] Exemplary embodiments discussed above may provide certain advantages. Though not required to practice aspects of the disclosure, these advantages may include those provided by the following features.
[064] Some embodiments of the apparatus for singulating the sugarcane sticks can automatically feed one sugarcane stick at a time to a sugarcane juice extractor to improve the efficiency of extraction of juice.
[065] Some embodiments of the apparatus can avoid entanglement of sugarcane sticks during juice extraction process.
[066] Some embodiments of the apparatus for singulating the sugarcane sticks can automatically feed the sugarcane sticks controllably from the inlet unit to the singulator assembly to improve the efficiency of the singulator assembly thereby to push one sugarcane stick at a time.
[067] Some embodiments of the apparatus can improve disposal of bagasse part of the sugarcane sticks after extraction of the sugarcane juice.
[068] Although implementations for singulating/segregating a plurality of sugarcane sticks have been described in language specific to structural features, it is to be understood that the appended claims are not necessarily limited to the specific features or methods described. Rather, the specific features are disclosed as examples of implementations for singulating/segregating a plurality of sugarcane sticks.
[069] The foregoing description of the specific embodiments will so fully reveal the general nature of the embodiments herein that others can, by applying current knowledge, readily modify and/or adapt for various applications such specific embodiments without departing from the generic concept, and, therefore, such adaptations and modifications should and are intended to be comprehended within the meaning and range of equivalents of the disclosed embodiments. It is to be understood that the phraseology or terminology employed herein is for the purpose of description and not of limitation. Therefore, while the embodiments herein have been described in terms of preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize that the embodiments herein can be practiced with modification within the spirit and scope of the embodiments as described herein.

REFERENCE LABELS
100 exemplary apparatus for singulating sugarcane sticks
102 inlet unit
104 singulator assembly
106 cylindrical drum
108 plurality of compartments
110 Controller
112 front vent/ inlet vent
114 central axis
116 base (116a, 116b, 116c, 116d)
116a first longitudinal plane
116c triangular plane
116b second longitudinal plane
116d vertical plate
118 moving-step
120 piston rod
122 crank disc
124 crank eye
126 shaft eye/ rod eye
128 first rod connecting moving step
130 motor
132 Enclosure
134 rod connecting the motor and both of the crank discs
136 shock absorbing means
138 circular region on sides of the cylindrical drum
140 plurality of baffles
142 locking mechanism
144 curved plate
146 frame
148a, 148b horizontal extension at the sides of the base
150 outlet vent
152 a provision for holding the inlet unit
154 movable curved plate
160 hopper unit
200 front view of the apparatus
202 cross section A-A’ of figure 1
302 rear vent
304 front adjustment
306 rear adjustment
308 fixed plate
308a first edge of the fixed plate
308b second edge/open end of the fixed plate
310 vertical extension
312 central rod
500 top view of the apparatus , C , Claims:We Claim

1. An apparatus (100) for singulating sugarcane sticks comprises:
a hopper unit (160) comprising a singulator assembly (104) that comprises:
a base (116) for receiving a plurality of sugarcane sticks;
wherein the base (116) has a plurality of fixed-plates (308) and a plurality of moving-steps (118);
wherein each of the plurality of fixed-plates (308) has a secured end formed by two edges and which is fixed to the base to create a slope with a predetermined inclination angle; wherein each of the plurality of fixed-plates (308) has an open end having an edge in a form of a step-ladder arrangement;
wherein the plurality of moving-steps (118) has a first end formed by two edges and a second end having an edge in a shape of a step-ladder arrangement, wherein the plurality of moving-steps (118) is placed adjacent to each of the plurality of the fixed-plates (308);
driving mechanism mechanically coupled to a first rod (128) connecting the plurality of moving-steps (118) for synchronizing a movement of the plurality of moving-steps (118) in a trajectory, wherein the driving mechanism controls the movement of the plurality of moving-steps (118) such that the step-ladder arrangement of the plurality of moving-steps (118) and the fixed-plates (308) are aligned at one point during a first half cycle of a reciprocating movement of a set of crankshafts and the plurality of moving-steps (118) and the fixed-plates (308) are skewed during a second half cycle of the reciprocating movement of the set of crankshafts;
wherein the reciprocating movement singulates the plurality of the sugarcane sticks towards an outlet vent (150) of the hopper unit (160) over several cycles of reciprocating movement of the set of crankshafts.

2. The apparatus (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the singulator assembly includes a plurality of frames (146) each fastened to the base (116) and positioned below one edge of each of the moving-steps (118), wherein the frames (146) are provided to prevent wear and tear caused by the reciprocating movement of the moving-steps (118) against the base (116).

3. The apparatus (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the singulator assembly (104) comprises a second rod that is connected to the plurality of moving-steps (118) and parallel to the first rod (128), wherein the second rod is provided for stability of the moving-steps (118) and for balancing unequal load due to the plurality of the sugarcane sticks and for synchronizing movement of the plurality of moving-steps (118) in the trajectory over the plurality of frames (146).

4. The apparatus (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the plurality of moving-steps (118) is secured to the first rod (128) at a top edge of the plurality of moving-steps (118); and wherein the plurality of moving-steps (118) is secured to the second rod at a bottom edge of the plurality of moving-steps (118).

5. The apparatus (100) as claimed in claim 1, further comprises an inlet unit (102) comprising: a cylindrical drum (106) with a plurality of compartments (108), a controller (110), a front vent (112) and a rear vent (302); wherein the inlet unit (102) is configured for receiving the plurality of sugarcane sticks through the front vent (112) and feeding the plurality of sugarcane sticks to the base (116) of the singulator assembly (104) through the rear vent (302).

6. The apparatus (100) as claimed in claim 5, wherein the front vent (112) is open when the rear vent (302) is closed and vice versa during operation, and wherein the controller (110) is activated automatically while feeding the singulator assembly (104) with the plurality of sugarcane sticks based on the feeding requirement.

7. The apparatus (100) as claimed in claim 5, wherein the hopper unit (160) comprises an enclosure (132) that covers the inlet unit (102) and the singulator assembly (104); and wherein the inlet unit (102) is placed above in parallel to the singulator assembly (104) and secured within the enclosure (132).

8. The apparatus (100) as claimed in claim 7, wherein an inner portion of the enclosure (132) that is facing the rear vent (302) is provided with a curved plate to transfer the sugarcane sticks smoothly from the rear vent (302) to the singulator assembly (104).

9. The apparatus (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the outlet vent (150) is provided above the base (116) of the hopper unit (160) for dispensing one sugarcane stick from the plurality of the sugarcane sticks from the base (116) of the hopper unit (160).

10. The apparatus (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the driving mechanism mechanically coupled to the first rod (128) at both sides of the base of the hopper unit; wherein the first rod (128) is connected to the plurality of moving-steps (118).

11. The apparatus (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the hopper unit (160) is made of at least one material that includes rust free metals, and heavy plastic.

12. The apparatus (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the base (116) of the hopper unit (160) is in at least one structure that includes a triangular prismatic structure, a rectangular prismatic structure, a cubical prismatic structure, and a cylindrical structure.