Claims:We claim that continuous feed equipment for aonla seed removal and segmentation equipment enables easy and hygienic seed removal and segmentation operation with the following claims

1. We claim that rotating index disc (Part no. 7; Fig. 1) has six holes on which the aonla can be placed which need to be deseeded or segmented.
2. We claim that aonla seed holding fixtures ( Part no. 8; Fig. 1) have six segments which help in holding the aonla to be deseeded/ segmented.
3. We claim that the sliding head (Part no. 5; Fig. 1) arrangements was provided to hold the seed removal /segmentation mechanism so that it could carry out the deseeding/segmentation operation by moving in vertical position to the combined action of power transmission mechanism activated by the motor.
4. We claim that the Indexing mechanism (Part no. 2; Fig. 1) is activated by the motor through the power transmission mechanism which inturn rotates the indexing discs on which the aonla to be deseeded/ segmented are placed.
5. We claim that alignment shaft (Part no. 3; Fig. 1) is placed such that it holds the indexing disc (Part no. 7; Fig. 1) in static position when the deseeding/segmentation process is being activated to avoid the slip during the deseeding/ segmentation process.
6. We claim that the seed removal /segmentation assembly ( Part no. 4; Fig. 1) consists of knife assembly which have a centre shaft to remove the seed and six knifes to cut the fruit into six segments
7. We claim that the knifes on seed removal /segmentation assembly ( Part no.4; Fig. 1) are of detachable type, so that if only the deseeding process is to be carried out, the knife can be removed. The knifes are attached to the seed removal /segmentation assembly by means of allen keys.
8. We clam that the ejector mechanism (Part no. 12; Fig.1) is provided so that aonla segments which are cut by using the knife placed on the knife assembly are ejected by using this mechanism.
9. We claim these is hole provided at the bottom ( Part no 10; Fig. 1) , which discharges the seed into the bottom collecting tray
10. We claim that the power source for the moving parts is obtained from 0.5 hp single phase electric motor (Part no. 6; Fig. 1) with on/off (Part no 9; Fig. 1) through cranking mechanism ( Part no 13; Fig. 2), speed reduction gear ( Part no. 14; Fig. 2) and bevel gear mechanism ( Part 15; Fig. 2)
, Description:A) Prior Art
Akubuo and Odigboh (1999) developed egusi fruit coring machine to remove seed bearing core of the mesocarp and endocarp. The coring machine consists of reciprocating ring coring cutter which could be operated manually or by electric motor. The proto type machine had a capacity of 458 fruits/h when operated manually at 8-10 rev/min and about 2390 fruits/h when motorized at 50 rev/min, as against a hand-peeling rate of 29 fruits/h.

Kapadi et al. (2001) developed a continuous flow power operated machine for large scale production of shreds as well as extraction of stone from aonla. It consists of a hopper, a taper roller, drum chamber with concave sieve, and discharge chute and power transmission system. The machine could process 60-70 kg aonla per hour, which is 10 times more that manual processing. About 98 per cent shreds were recovered without any breakage of stone and cost of processing of aonla using this machine was Rs.159 per tonne.

Ambrash Ganachari (2005) developed a hand-operated equipment for the removal of seed from aonla fruit. It consisted of fruit seat, fruit punching rod, handle and frame to hold all the parts. The equipment had a capacity of 16.66 kg/h or 530 fruits/h. The wastage that included the pulp and juice was recorded to be 10 per cent.

The existing knowledge of the field

Aonla fruit is available only for a short period (October to January) and is highly perishable in nature, and it is not consumed as fresh fruit due to its high acidic and astringent taste. Hence its processing and storage is essential. A number of processed products therefore are prepared from aonla fruits to improve their acceptability and exploit nutritional qualities. Besides, the use of aonla in more than 50 products and ayurvedic formulations, aonla pulp, RTS, Nectar, squash, candy pickle, sauce and dehydrated shreds are more valuable and popular.

In case of nutritionally rich fruits like aonla a planning for the diversification of products to suit the requirements of consumer is essential to capture the emerging market. To capture the market, awareness about health aspects of aonla and mechanization of production of the aonla products are necessary. For the mechanization of the aonla processing and development of new products, difficulty involved is the removal of the seed and segments from the fruit. There are few equipments developed to remove the seed by blanching the fruit (subjecting to high temperature) or by shredding the fruit in the shredder. The problem involved in blanching the fruit at high temperature is the loss of valuable nutrients from the fruit and in case of the shredder, the machine while shredding will crush the fruit between rollers, which makes the fruit to loose the juice, and the shreds without juice is obtained. This shredded fruit cannot be used for food industries to produce important value added products from the shreds. Fruits in full shape or in the sliced form are needed for new product development in aonla. Therefore there is a need for development of suitable equipment for the removal of seed and segmentation process, which may help in complete utilization of nutrients.
The existing method of Aonla seed removal equipment is done either by any one of the following methods as described in detail earlier section
In the aonla seed removal and segmentation equipment developed by the Scientists of Central Institute of Agricultural Engineering, Regional Centre, both the seed removal and segmentation can be taken up in hygienic manner. If the segmentation has to be taken up then the blades have to be attached to the seed removal mechanism.

The drawbacks and/or difficulty in the existing known art

The present operation, which is carried out either manually using knife, is usually done in unhygienic manner and there is no control to avoid contamination in manual handling. Also, this operation is slow in operation and low in output. Moreover, it is tedious in operation as the person usually has to sit down and work in bending position.
In the hand operated model, the operator has to apply a large quantity of force ( 45-60 kgs) based on the fruit to remove the seeds, which will be difficult to do on continuous basis. In the present model under there is a provision of segmentation of the aonla based on the requirement, which is not possible by the earlier method.
The drawback/ difficulties in the existing method can be avoided by using the Aonla seed removal and segmentation equipment – mechanical model being reported upon.

The requirement of removing the drawbacks and/or difficulty

The drudgery involved in the present method of manual /mechanical seed removal of aonla has to be reduced. Also there is a provision of segmentation in the present model which can be taken up simultaneous along with the seed removal process. This is the need of the hour and is being reported upon.

B) Novelty of the invention
Aonla seed removal and segmentation is done manually by using sharp knife Mechanical methods uses a seed punching type mechanism using a punching rod activated by a hand operated lever. This operation involves a lot of drudgery and not possible to carry out on continuous basis. Thus the present model which is being operated by a motor will obviate the drudgery involved in the present punching method.

In some product development, the segments have to be separated. For this two operations have to carried out separately, first the seed removal, followed by segmentation by using knife/any other means This is a tedious method and also unhygienic in nature. Also there are chances that the operator may cut his/her hand during the segmentation process. Alternatively the segmentation is carried out by blanching the fruit at high temperature, where in it is reported that there is loss of valuable nutrients from the fruit to an extent of more than 80 per cent. This segments obtained by the process of blanching in hot water will be devoid of valuable nutrients which are present in the fruit
The equipment being reported upon is unique in design and very useful in seed removing and segmentation of the aonla fruits with ease.

C) Inventive steps
This invention relates to development of a machine for seed removal and segmentation of aonla. By this equipment, seed removal and segmentation can be safely carried out. At present aonla seed removal is being removed either by hand which is unhygienic, unsafe and tedious or by mechanical methods. The mechanical methods of seed removal although faster, is tedious in operation and cannot be carried out on continuous process. Segmentation of the aonla seed is carried out manually by using knife which is tedious and time consuming. Alternatively the segmentation is carried out by blanching the fruit at high temperature, where in it is reported that there is loss of valuable nutrients from the fruit to an extent of more than 80 per cent. This segments obtained by the process of blanching in hot water will be devoid of valuable nutrients which are present in the fruit.

Keeping these problems in mind, mechanical model of Aonla seed removal and segmentation equipment had been developed for hygienic and efficient seed removing and segmentation equipment has been developed by Central Institute of Agricultural Engineering, Regional Centre, Coimbatore. The capacity of the machine is about 12-15 kg/h.
The machine consists of following parts: (Figs 1 & 2); (Plates 1 & 2)
1. Rotating Indexing Disc assembly ( Part 7; Fig.1) on which the aonla is to be placed.
2. Motor assembly ( Part 6; Fig.1) for moving the rotating Indexing disc
3. Seed removing/ Segmentation mechanism ( Part 4; Fig.1) which consists of knife assembly which have a centre shaft to remove the seed and six knifes to cut the fruit into six segments. These knifes are of detachable type, so that if the seeds so that if the process requires only the knife can be removed. The knifes are attached by means of allen keys
4. The ejector mechanism ( Part 4; Fig.1) so that the segments which are cut by using the knife placed on the knife assembly is ejected by using this mechanism.
5. Seed outlet( Part 10; Fig.1): These is hole provided at the bottom, which discharges the seed into the bottom collecting tray. The position of the holes is controlled in such a way that the centre of the hole is perpendicular to the centre shaft of the knife assembly.
6. On/ off Control panel( Part 9; Fig.1): The process time is regulated by using the control panel assembly, which controls the speed of the motor so that the synchronization of the cutting knife assembly and indexing table takes place. The process regulator assembly consists of main switch, condenser, relay assembly, stop rum switch etc.
7. The whole mechanism for seed removing/segmentation is housed on a based plate (Part 1; Fig.1)
Functioning of the equipment

The unit consists of motor assembly for moving the rotation disc on which the aonla to be deseeded/ desegmented is placed. The knife assemble consists of knife assembly which have a centre shaft to remove the seed and six knifes to cut the fruit into six segments These knifes are of detachable type, so that if the seeds so that if the process requires only the knife can be removed. The knifes are attached by means of allen keys. The ejector mechanism is provided so that the segments which are cut by using the knife placed on the knife assembly are ejected by using this mechanism.
The aonla to be processed is placed on the rotating indexing assembly. These have six holes in which the fruit can be placed. These is hole provided at the bottom, which discharges the seed into the bottom collecting tray. The position of the holes is controlled in such a way that the centre of the hole is perpendicular to the centre shaft of the knife assembly.
The process time is regulated by using the control panel assembly, which controls the speed of the motor so that the synchronization of the cutting knife assembly and indexing table takes place. There should be sufficient time available for the operator to place the aonla in the provision made in the indexing table. The process regulator assembly consists of main switch, condenser, relay assembly, stop/ ru switch etc.

Advantages of the invention

1. The machine is portable.
2. Any unskilled person can operate the device.
3. Drudgery of operation is greatly reduced when compared to manual method of aonla seed removal or segmentation equipment.
4. There is an option of seed removal or segmentation operation to be carried out by using the equipment.
5. The deseeded/ segmented aonla obtained by using this equipment is more hygienic than the manual method of extraction by using the knife.
6. The segment obtained will retain the nutrient when compared to the traditional method of blanching to obtain the segments.
7. Operators can safely and comfortably remove aonla seeds or segments in standing position.
8. The capacity of the machine is about 12-15 kg/h.
9. The cost of the unit is approximately Rs. 40,000 only.
10. Saving in time over conventional method is about 85 per cent.
11. Saving in cost over conventional method is about 90 per cent.