AUTOMATIC HIGH SPEED JUTE RIBBONING MACHINE AND THE
PROCESS THEREOF
FIELD OF INVENTION
[0001] This present disclosure relates to an automatic high speed jute extracting
and ribboning machine from the stems of jute plant. More particularly the present
disclosure deals with means for separating the fiber-containing bark of plant
stems at high speed by the process of tearing from the core prior to retting in the
preparation of fibers for the spinning of threads or yarns substituting the
hazardous unhealthy lengthy process of traditional jute retting and saving water
consumption. The process also reduces the retting time. A maximum jute ribbon
yield 90% with purity and continuity of nearly 95% has been observed and the
continuity of jute stick yield observed in nearly 90%.
BACKGROUND ART
[0002] Bast fibers or skin fiber is plant fiber collected from the phloem (the "inner
bark" or the skin) or bast surrounding the stem of certain, mainly dicotyledonic,
plants such as Jute, Hemp , Flax (Linen), Ramie , Kenaf , Kudzu , Nettle , Okra ,
Paper Mulberry , Roselle hemp , Rattan , Wisteria etc. Bast fibers have
traditionally been used by the textile industry to manufacture spun products such
as carpet yarn, rope, geotextile, traditional hessian and burlap. However,
increasingly bast fibers are being used by other industries for such things as the
manufacture of non-woven mats and carpets, composite materials, and
automobile interior panels. Often bast fibers have higher tensile strength than
other kinds, and are

used in high-quality textiles (sometimes in blends with cotton or synthetic fibers),
ropes, yarn, paper, composite materials and burlap. A special property of bast
fibers is that the fiber contains a special structure, the fiber node that represents
a weak point. Seed hairs, such as cotton, do not have nodes.
[0003] Before bast fibers can be used, they must be first separated from the inner
core of the fiber plant by some form of decortication process. Prior art
decortication processes vary from chemical to mechanical processes. The
machines subjects the fiber plant to mechanical stresses that physically rupture
the bond between the inner core and the bast. The machine then separates the
bast from the inner core. Another process commonly employed to separate bast
from the inner core is that of "retting", which is a process of submerging the plant
stalks in water, and soaking them for a period of time to loosen the fibers from
the other components of the stalk. Retting can also be done by letting the cut
crop stand in the fields exposed to atmospheric moisture. Bacterial action attacks
pectin and lignin, freeing the cellulose fibers. The stalks are then removed and
washed and subjected to mechanical processing to remove the soft tissue and
then dried. A process employing a combination of retting and decortication
machinery may also be used to obtain bast fibers.
[0004] The decortication process for removing the outer fibrous layer from the
inner core layer can be achieved through the use of number of different
machines such as hammer mills and crushing rollers. Hammer mills are energy
intensive machines that use impact and shear forces for decortication. The
energy requirement of the hammer mill is affected by factors such as screen size
of the hammer mill, moisture content of the bulk and particle density of the hemp
material and the feed rate (Yu et al, 2006; Lopo 2002, Shi et al 2003). Another
method used for the decortication involves a cutter head. Graton and Chen

(2004) used a modified cutter head with three knives and 38x38mm angle steel
scutching bars to decorticate hemp stock. A maximum fiber yield of 61 % with a
purity of 52% was observed. They observed that approximately 45% of the fiber
contained in the hemp feed stock was lost into chaff outlet. Therefore it was
inferred that the hammer mill and the cutter head methods generate low fiber
purity. Another method of decorrtication involves crushing rollers. The crushing
rollers utilize fluted pinned and flat rollers to crush and separate hemp feedstock.
The roller speed and the roller gap are the critical parameters for the
decortication. If the roll speed is too low then poor decortication is observed. The
roll gaps affect the hemp particle size and distribution and energy requirement.
Small gaps have a high energy requirement due to more efficient grinding.
[0005] Yet another method for the decortication is achieved by ball mill which is
also not efficient. Further in the retting process micro-organisms such as bacteria
or fungi are affecting the plant tissues surrounding the fiber cells, thus liberating
the fibers from the non fiber parts. The water retting process of jute (15-20 days)
takes place in ditches, ponds and consume large amount of water at a ratio of
one to ten, thus causing pollution in surface waters. Organic degradation of
decomposing plant tissues and accumulation of microbial biomass are niot
considered toxic but the process causes oxygen depletion and foul smell
emissions. Therefore an improved eco-friendly economical method and machine
is needed for a controlled green fiber extraction or ribbon extraction..
[0006] A patent specification WO 97/45573, the disclosure of which is
incorporated herein by reference, describes a method and apparatus for
processing the green plant stalk of a bast crop. To encourage the separation of
the hurd from the bast, the bonds between the fiber and the hurd are ruptured.
The stalk is then subsequently split and the exposed hurd is stripped from the

bast by the abrasion of a toothed roller on the herd. Bond rupturing is effected by
passing the green stalks between a complex series of counter-rotating pressing
rollers, before the stalk is split and stripped of the hurd. This proposal is
somewhat complex and requires significant power to drive the rollers.
[0007] Another patent specification US5465464 discloses decorticating machine
with variable speed feed and beater rollers. The machine includes first and
second sets of bladed feed rollers which have blades which intermesh to crush
and split the bast fiber bark longitudinally and breakup the core of the stalks into
short segments. The stalks are then fed into a first set of bladed beater rollers
which have blades which intermesh to beat against the bast fiber and loosen and
separate the broken core pieces. The machine includes a third set of bladed feed
rollers downstream from the first set of bladed beater rollers. The third set of feed
rollers further breaks up any remaining core pieces associated with the bast
fibers and feed the stalks into a second set of bladed beater rollers. The blades
of the second set of bladed beater rollers also intermesh to beat against the
fibers and further loosen and separate additional core pieces. The stalks are then
fed through a fourth set of bladed feed rollers which further break any core
pieces that may remain.
[0008] The present invention provides an effective alternative to the foregoing
proposals for the processing of a bast crop.
[0009] The textile industry requires relatively long strand lengths of bast fibers.
Accordingly, use of bast fibers in the textile industry has resulted in the
development of decortication processes and machines that produce a longer
staple of fiber, being 50 millimeters or longer, often in excess of 150 millimeters.
However, the non-textile industries such as the cellulose based industry and

composite moulding industries do not require long strand lengths and in fact,
often have to cut the bast fibers into shorter lengths prior to use.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0010] One object of our invention is to provide a machine for this purpose, which
is of simple construction, is efficient in use, is easily maintained, so that fibers
can be separated easily from the stems at an early stage.
[0011] Another object is to provide a machine, which will operate efficiently with
plant stems varying widely in thickness or diameter and length and followed by
negligible wastage.
[0012] Yet another object of the present invention wherein the bark of fibrous
vegetable, specifically of jute plant thus are debarked by this process / machine
and reduce the consumption of water helping water conservation to protect
environment and reduce the time during next process of retting.
[0013] According to the present disclosure the machine for the ribboning of
fibrous vegetable stems or stalks especially jute comprises of a Sorting and Tip
Cutting and Sorting Platform, plant Feeder, Belt Conveyor, Roller Assembly, Self
aligning debarking unit, Grip assembly, Chain Conveyor, Bark Cutting system,
Ribbon Conveying system, Waste (Root ends) collecting system, Stick collection
conveyor system, Sensor arrangement, PLC controlled system for the control of
conveying and roller speed is disclosed.
[0014] As per another object of the present invention the ribboning includes
decortication / debarking of the vegetable stems.

According to further object of the present disclosure there is provided an
automatic process for the ribboning of fibrous vegetable stems or stalks
especially jute comprising the steps of: Sorting and Tip cutting of the jute plants;
Feeding the jute plants onto the feeding conveyor through feeding chute; Holding
and clamping the root end of Jute plants by holding roller assembly and moving
the grip assembly through nearly 135 degrees through self aligning debarking
unit and pulling the held plant portion against the roll so that the bark at the
plants stem surface is torn out in the bottom surface of the plant longitudinally
and across followed by ribbon cutting, ribbon conveying and stick collecting
conveying separately to collection centres.
[0015] As per another embodiment of the present invention there is provided a
process for debarking / separating / ribboning the fibrous material that the fiber
separated in a continuous, flat, ribbon-like piece from the, wood and pith, which
are likewise delivered in practically a single continuous and unbroken piece. The
fibers are retained in as straight and perfect a condition, when separated from
the pith, wood, as it was when in the original reed. There is no entangling or
snarling of the fiber, and the exterior bark is largely removed without injury to the
fiber; and, lastly, it is delivered from the machine in condition to be readily
gathered and handled in the subsequent operations. The stick, wood and pith,
also comes out unbroken at intermediate stage.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE ACCOMPANYING DRAWINGS
[0016] Fig 1 illustrates the block diagram for the Automatic High Speed Jute
Ribboning Machine and the process in accordance with the present invention;

[0017] Fig 2 illustrates the Belt Conveyor for the High Speed Jute Ribboning
Machine in accordance with the present invention;
[0018] Fig 3 illustrates the Roller Assembly for the High Speed Jute Ribboning
Machine in accordance with the present invention;
[0019] Fig 4 illustrates the Self-aligning debarking unit for the High Speed Jute
Ribboning Machine in accordance with the present invention;
[0020] Fig 5 illustrates the Single Top assembly of rollers in Self-aligning
debarking unit for the High Speed Jute Ribboning Machine in accordance with
the present invention;
[0021] Fig 6 illustrates the Single Bottom assembly of rollers in Self-aligning
debarking unit for the High Speed Jute Ribboning Machine in accordance with
the present invention;
[0022] Fig 7 illustrates the Grip Assembly for the High Speed Jute Ribboning
Machine in accordance with the present invention;
[0023] Fig 8 illustrates the Grip Assembly Jaws for the High Speed Jute
Ribboning Machine in accordance with the present invention;
[0024] Fig 9 illustrates the Grip Assembly holding detail for the High Speed Jute
Ribboning Machine in accordance with the present invention;

[0025] Fig 10 illustrates the Chain Conveyor for the High Speed Jute Ribboning
Machine in accordance with the present invention;
[0026] Fig 11 illustrates the Bark Cutting system for the High Speed Jute
Ribboning Machine in accordance with the present invention;
[0027] Fig 12 illustrates the Ribbon Conveying system for the High Speed Jute
Ribboning Machine in accordance with the present invention;
[0028] Fig 13 illustrates the Waste (Root ends) collecting system for the High
Speed Jute Ribboning Machine in accordance with the present invention;
[0029] Fig 14 illustrates the Stick collection conveyor system for the High Speed
Jute Ribboning Machine in accordance with the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0030] The present disclosure, herein discloses an automatic low cost high
productive Jute decorticating and Ribboning Machine. As shown in figures (1 to
14), the following modules have been developed in the process and have been
designed for the production of the unique machine.
Module I - Tip Cutting and Sorting Platform
Module II - Automatic plant Feeder.
Module III - Belt Conveyor
Module IV - Roller Assembly
Module V - Self aligning debarking unit.
Module VI - Grip assembly

Module VII - Chain Conveyor.
Module VIII - Bark Cutting system.
Module IX - Ribbon conveying system.
Module X - Waste (Root ends) collecting system
Module XI - Stick collection conveyor system.
Module XIII - Sensor arrangement
Module XIV - Control system.
Module XV - Air Compressor and pneumatic arrangement
[0031] The green Jute plants, cut from the field are kept in the field for 24 -48
hours for partial defoliating of leaves. Practically the defoliated green jute plants
are sorted out manually in the Module I. the sorting is based on the table given
below and are classified for diameter ranges as follows.

Module I - Tip Cutting and Sorting Platform
[0032] In sorting system, only the straight plants are grouped into A, B and C
The sorted out bunches of the jute plants are then cut from to tip by 150 to 300
mm suitably for removing unwanted and ineffective portion of tip end. A powered
cutter at tip end does the tip cutting operation. The jute plants are placed on a
graduated table platform. One end of the graduated table platform has fixed
elevated plate against which the plants are supported. The powered cutter

moves on a rod and cut the tip end of the plants at suitable distance while the
root ends are supported against the elevated plate at the other end. Once the tip
ends are cut, the plants are then manually transferred to the Feeder system,
(Module II) and are kept ready in stock near the ribboner for feeding through the
Feeder System, (Module II) of the ribboner.
Module II - Feeder System:
[0033] The feeder system is configured for receiving the bundles of stored out
jute plants from Module I - (Tip cutting and sorting system). The system is
designed to feed jute plants, placed at the end of the belt conveyor, Module III for
round the clock operation. This module also acts as a partial storage of sorted
green jute plants, where enough quantity of plants are stored to continuously
feed for a period of for 10-15 minutes. Further the module II is power driven by a
suitable geared motor and other drive components e.g. chain sprocket etc.
Module - III Belt Conveyor
[0034] Feeding of green jute plants are activated by a mechanized heavy duty
Belt Conveyor. The belt conveyor is specifically designed and configured
according to the purpose of feeding of the green jute plants for decortication (Fig
2).
The General specification for the conveyor is:
Centre to centre distance between head pulley and tail pulley - 5500 mm
Belt width - 10 mm, Length of belt - 1200 mm
Drive - 1 hp, 220 v, geared motor with variable speeds through variable
frequency drive control.
Linear speed of belt conveyor - linear speed range between 90 mm/s to 250
mm/s.

The major components of the system are:
a. Drive unit -0.75kw 220v, 50hz geared motor with output of 35 rpm.
b. Screw take-up unit with Tail Pulley arrangement comprising of rubberized
250mm dia pulley suitable for 1000 mm wide belt, with rolling bearing
blocks at both end. The take-up unit provide scope of adjustments for
proper tensioning of the conveyor belt
c. Drive end rubberized Head Pulley coupled to the geared motor through
suitable flexible coupling.
d. Conveyor belt - 1000 mm wide X 1200 mm long nylon impregnated
rubber belt
e. Support idlers - six nos fitted with rolling bearings at both ends
f. Return rollers - 3 nos
g. Skirt board at both sides of the belt along the length
h. Support structure and stringers
The jute plants are fed on to this belt conveyor shown in Figure 2, which drives
them up to the self-aligning debarking unit through the Roller Drive Unit. The Jute
Plants are fed in such a manner that their thicker root ends are placed in the
direction of the motion of conveyor at a speed range between 90 mm/s to 250
mm/s.
Module IV - Roller Assembly Unit
[0035] Roller Assembly Unit, Module IV, is illustrated in Figure 3 is configured to
facilitate the entrance of the Jute Plants smoothly and uniformly to the self
aligning debarking unit, being conveyed by belt conveyor, at a linear speed range
between 90 mm/s to 250 mm/s. Further the system comprise with a set of not
more than six grooved roller which has automatic and sequenced drive with
automatic lifting system to facilitate easy movement of the jute plants while grip

assembly initiates pulling and debarking. This helps in rationalizing the pulling
force and eliminates the possibilities of tearing of bark / ribbon.
The specification of the roller assembly unit is:
No of jute plants - 24 per cycle
Speed - synchronized with variable speed of belt conveyor = linear speed range
between 90 mm/s to 250 mm/s. The speed may vary under condition that other
variables are changed. The jute plants are driven by the said unit to the Self-
Aligning Debarking unit in an equally spaced manner to ensure one jute plant to
enter into one groove so that uniform and consistent debarking is done.
Major components:
a. Set of mild steel rollers with rubberized v-shaped grooves - nearly 24 nos
@ 35mm pitch.
b. Chain sprocket drive set for abovementioned roller set. This drive is
provided so that the rollers are synchronized with belt conveyor.
c. Pneumatic lifting arrangement of the roller set which activates
automatically as soon as GRIP assembly starts moving once the jute
plants are securely held by the grips
d. Necessary fabricated brackets and bearing blocks are provided at both
ends of the rollers
Module V - Self Aligning Debarking Unit
[0036] The self aligning Debarking unit as illustrated as Module V, in Figure 4,
operates on an innovative principle for Jute Debarking / ribboning. Each one Jute
Plant thicker root end oriented forward, being conveyed by the belt conveyor
through roller drive unit enter the self aligning debarking unit single assembly and
thus all Plants enter in each of the single assemblies of the unit. According to the

diameter of the unit, the gap is maintained with the help of spring loaded self
weight metal pins. The lower portion of the unit helps cut a portion of the length
of the bark/ ribbon to a depth of not more than 2 mm continuously while the Jute
Plant move forward towards the grip assembly. This helps initiating debarking/
ribboning while pulled taking a turn around. The root end of Jute plants are
gripped by the roller assembly and by moving the grip assembly through nearly
135 degrees through self aligning debarking unit and pulling the held plant
portion against the roll, the bark at the plants stem surface is torn out in the
bottom surface of the plant longitudinally and across.
Major components are:
a. Top alignment system
Horizontal Roller A, in figure 5, held by spring loaded bracket B, can freely
rotate and oscillates up and down to accommodate different diameter of
green jute plants in vertical direction.
b. Bottom alignment system
Tapered discs C, D and E as shown in figure 6, are spring loaded so that
they can move back and forth freely to accommodate different diameter
and locate each jute plant exactly over the debarking cutter which
produces a thin slit of 1 to 2 mm depth, as required, on the bark
continuously along the length. This facilitates and ensures complete
debarking when the grip assembly pulls the jute plants.
This unit has nearly 24 debarking rollers each of which starts the debarking
process of a single plant. This unit feeds the plant to grip assembly.

Module VI - Grip Assemble
[0037] The grip assembly as shown in figure 7 consists of a holding mechanism
with the help of spring, hinges, actuators and a set of jaws. Thicker root ends of
Jute Plant enter into the grip assembly through self aligning debarking unit. The
sensor initiates the griping of all Plants once all the Plant ends reach the grip
assembly.
The jute plants are fed through the debarking unit to the grip assembly (Module
VI) and are conveyed by the belt conveyor. A sensor ensures the entry of all 24
plants into the grip. The grip then closes and the chain conveyor starts. The two
Grip Assemblies are mounted on the chain conveyor. The grip assembly jaws are
equi-spaced as shown in figure 8. The phase difference of these two grip
assemblies are such that when one grip finishes its work by releasing the smaller
cut pieces of the root end into the Waste (root ends) collection system (Module
X), then the other grip assembly reaches through the chain conveyor to the self
aligning Debarking Unit, Module V for the next cycle of operation. The cycle time
is set to not more than 80 seconds.
The grip assembly consists of two sets of grips as shown in fig 9-
a. Upper grip consisting two jaws and
b. Lower grip with one jaw
c. Four set of heavy duty tension springs
d. Cams fitted with separate frame.
As a set of sensor ensures complete entry of all green jute plants while the jaws
get closed by cam operation (as follower crosses point P of cam C as in grip
assembly holding details in figure 9, the upper jaw and the lower jaw are closed
by the pull of tension springs as shown) facilitated with set of heavy compression

springs. The whole system is designed in such a way as to confirm that all jute
plants remain properly held during fuii debarking.
Module VII - Chain Conveyor.
[0038] This is a heavy duty chain conveyor, as shown in figure 10, fitted with at
least two sets of spring loaded grip assembly equally spaced. This conveyor is
driven by a 2hp single-phase variable speed geared motor. The motion of this
conveyor is controlled / sequenced by electronic sensors and PLC controls.
One position sensor locates the grip assembly at the HOME position and stops
the chain conveyor. Another sensor ensures complete entry of all jute plants into
the grip assembly and starts the chain conveyor.
As soon as the chain conveyor starts, the extraction of bark / ribbon starts and
one sensor stops the actuator. Automatic lifting of roller assembly takes place for
approximately 400 mm long bark / ribbon extraction after which the roller
assembly is reengaged with belt conveyor. The grip continuously moves to the
position where automatic cutter is positioned. A sensor ensures proper position
of the grip and the chain conveyor stops. After bark cutting is completed the
chain restarts and finally stops to end the cycle as soon as the grip reaches
proper position for next set of jute plants. Thus in this operation, on one side jute
ribbon comes out and on the other side the continued length of jute stick also
comes out.
Module VIII- Bark cutting system
[0039] The bark cutting system as shown in Fig 11 comprise of an automatic
cutter for end portions of the jute plants. The said cutter is a mechanized cutter
for cutting the bark / ribbon of the jute plant after debarking/extraction/ robboning

is completed. The cutting wheel made of metal and is moved back and forth by a
sensor controlled mechanized system. Speed of bark cutting varies from 90
mm/sec - 250 mm/sec.
Module IX - Ribbon Conveying System.
[0040] The said conveyor as shown in Fig 12 is responsible for removing the
barks to the storage container of Portable Ribbon Retting Bin, once the barks are
fully extracted and cut by the cutter. This conveyor is fitted below the chain
conveyor and above the belt conveyor and is driven by 0.5hp geared motor.
Movement sequence of this conveyor is controlled by sensor and PLC control.
Module X - Waste (Root ends) Collecting System
[0041] The Waste (Root ends) collecting system as shown in figure 13 is a static
chute which collects and disposes the end portions / pieces of jute plants
originally held by Grip Assy.
Module XI - Stick Collection Conveyor System.
[0042] Further there is also provided a stick collection conveyor system as
illustrated in figure 14. The chain conveyor along with grip assembly pulls and
extracts the jute bark from green plants; the stems, the jute stick with its
continued length comes out automatically and is collected by this conveyor after
which the same are collected in bins.
Module XII - Drive Arrangement
[0043] The drive arrangement of the machine is a specially designed system and
further consists of:
- Belt conveyor drive - 1hp three-phase high efficiency multistage helical geared
motor, variable speed drives control

- Chain conveyor drive- 2hp three-phase high efficiency multistage helical geared
motor, with variable speed drive control
- Roller unit drive
- Jute delivery drive - 0.5hp three-phase high efficiency multistage helical geared
motor
- Stick disposal drive- chains and sprocket unit
- Cutter drive - integrated single-phase motor
Module XIII - Sensor Arrangement
[0044] The sensor arrangement in the said system consists of nearly two
magnetic and nearly four nonmagnetic sensors, wherein the sequencing being
controlled by PLC
Sensor ensures completion of following operations -
1st sensor: Sense the home position of the grip assembly.
2nd sensor: Sense the effective entry of the root ends of the jute plants
into the grip assembly, it switches on the chain conveyor and it also
switches on the automatic lifting system of roller assembly at the
beginning of the pulling by the grip assembly.
3rd sensor: Switches off the automatic lifting system of roller assembly
and re-engages the roller assembly with belt conveyor after the jute
plant travel nearly 400 mm from the axis of the Self aligning debarking
unit.
4th sensor: As the grip assembly reaches the Bark Cutting system,
Module VIII, it switches off the movement of the chain conveyor,
Switches on the Bark Cutting system, Module VIII and Switches on
the Ribbon Conveying system, Module IX.

5th sensor: As soon as the bark cutting operation is completed, it
switches on the chain conveyor; track back the bark cutter to its
starting position.
6th sensor: It senses if the cutter reaches its original position for safety
purpose. This sensor actually confirms the home position of the
cutter.
Module XIV PLC Controlled Operating System
[0045] The PLC controlled operating system controls the full sequence of
operation, which is stated below. This can be set in automatic as well as manual
mode as required. There is an emergency stop, which stops the total system in
case of any emergency. The speed of the equipment can be controlled from this
system. The sequencing system consists of:
PLC for automatic operation
Manual ON/OFF for each output element like Motor, Solenoid etc.
Protective circuits for 2 Nos. VFD controlled motors, (one is optional)
for belt conveyor & other for chain conveyor
Start, Stop for Air Compressor Motor.
Ribbon conveyor motor starter.
Starter for cutter motor.
Contactor / Relay for Pneumatic SOV
Home position push switch
Auto / Manual mode selection switch
Cycle start switch

LED / Lamp indicators for all the sensors & other machine status.
Module XV Air Compressor and pneumatic arrangement
[0046] The Automatic High Speed Jute Ribboning machine has several
automatic logic controlled activation arrangements which are powered by
appropriate PNEUMATIC ACTUATORS.
These actuation systems include
• Lifting and Lowering of Rubberised grooved roller arrangement i.e.
Module IV
• Forward and backward movement of Bark Cutting Unit i.e. Module VIII
The overall Pneumatic arrangement comprises of
- Three nos heavy-duty pneumatic cylinders
- Two nos-way, 5-port solenoid valves
- One flow control valve
The solenoid valves are activated by appropriate sensors which are PLC
controlled. The solenoid valves, in turn, controls activation of the movement
pneumatic cylinders. The flow control valve is provided to control speed of
cylinder movement.
Compressed air required for operating the total pneumatic arrangement is
provided by THE AIR COMPRESSOR - powered by 1 hp motor, the compressor
being capable of producing compressed air consistently at a pressure of nearly 7
kg/sq. cm. The compressor is fitted with necessary safety pressure relief valve.

[0047] The operating sequence of the Automatic High Speed Jute Ribboning
Machine is as follows:
1. Leaves and branches from top 150 mm to 300 mm are cut from the tip
end.
2. This green jute plants are fed manually on to feeding hopper with its root
end towards the direction of the movement of the belt conveyor (leading
end).
3. Machine is started in auto mode.
4. The green jute plants with its root end towards Roller Assembly, Module
IV. The green jute plants thus are conveyed by motor driven belt
conveyor. Jute plants (nearly 24 nos., optional) start moving towards
Roller Assembly, Module IV. As the root end of Jute plants enters the
Roller assembly, it ensures that each plant enters in to the roller assembly
and in turn each into a single assembly of Self aligning debarking unit. The
Self aligning debarking unit helps in initiating debarking while pulled by the
grip assembly.
5. The root end of Jute plants enters the grip assembly after the Self-aligning
debarking unit. A set of sensors monitors the entry of all the root ends of
the jute plants. Once all the root ends are inside the grip assembly in
position, the sensor sense and switch on the chain conveyor. The chain
conveyor immediately helps the grip assembly gripping all the root ends of
the jute plants.
6. As the chain conveyor moves, the grip assembly starts debarking the jute
plant and pulls till the condition when the bark thickness becomes very low
and thin (nearly up to the full length of the jute plant / fibre) and reaches
the cutter.

7. Once the grip assembly reaches the Bark Cutting system, Module VIII, the
sensor stops the movement of chain conveyor and starts the action of
cutter. The cutter starts cutting the bark / ribbon and release the end
portion of the root which is held within the grip assembly. As soon as the
bark / ribbon is cut, it falls on to the Ribbon Conveying system, Module IX
and the ribbon conveying system starts its operation with the help of the
sensor. The ribbon in turn conveyed laterally and falls on to the ribbon-
retting bin.
8. As the Bark Cutting system, Module VIM completes the cutting operation;
the sensor switches on the chain conveyor drive. The chain conveyor
drive starts its movement and simultaneously the grip assembly opens its
jaws and unholds the held up root ends. The root ends immediately falls
on to the Waste (Root ends) collecting system, Module X through the
chute.
9. By that time the 2nd grip assembly reaches the Self aligning debarking
unit, Module V, the home position and the root ends of the green jute
plants fed by the feeding hopper and conveyed by the belt conveyor reach
the Self aligning debarking unit, Module V.
[0048] The 2nd cycle is thus repeated. Grip (chain conveyor) returns to starting
position when sensor ensures proper grip positioning for smooth entry of second
set of (nearly 24 nos., optional) green jute plants. Machine stops and are ready
for next cycle. 2nd cycle starts after feeding of 2nd set of jute plants.
[0049] Although the foregoing description of the present invention has been
shown and described with reference to particular embodiments and applications
thereof, it has been presented for purposes of illustration and description and is
not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the particular

embodiments and applications disclosed. It will be apparent to those having
ordinary skill in the art that a number of changes, modifications, variations, or
alterations to the invention as described herein may be made, none of which
depart from the spirit or scope of the present invention. The particular
embodiments and applications were chosen and described to provide the best
illustration of the principles of the invention and its practical application to thereby
enable one of ordinary skill in the art to utilize the invention in various
embodiments and with various modifications as are suited to the particular use
contemplated. All such changes, modifications, variations, and alterations should
therefore be seen as being within the scope of the present invention as
determined by the appended claims when interpreted in accordance with the
breadth to which they are fairly, legally, and equitably entitled.

I Claim:
1. An automatic machine for the ribboning of fibrous vegetable stoms or
stalks especially jute comprises of a tip cutting and sorting platform, automatic
plant feeder, belt conveyor, roller assembly, self aligning debarking unit, grip
assembly, chain conveyor, bark cutting system, ribbon conveying system, waste
(root ends) collecting system, stick collection conveyor system, sensor
arrangement, PLC controlled system for the control of conveying and roller
speed.
2. An automatic machine for the ribboning of jute plants as claimed in claim1,
wherein initial sorting is carried out in groups on the basis of the diameter of the
stems of the jute plants.
3. An automatic machine for the ribboning of jute plants as claimed in claim
1, wherein the automatic plant feeder is configured for receiving the bundles of
stored out jute plants from the tip cutting and sorting system which is activated by
a mechanized heavy duty belt conveyor.
4. An automatic machine for the ribboning of jute plants as claimed in claim
1, wherein the jute plants are fed in such a manner that its thicker root end are
placed in the direction of the motion of conveyor.
5. An automatic machine for the ribboning of jute plants as claimed in claim
1, wherein the roller assembly unit is configured to facilitate the entrance of the
jute plants smoothly and uniformly to the self aligning debarking unit which is
conveyed by belt conveyor at a linear speed range between 90 mm/s to 250
mm/s.

6. An automatic machine for the ribboning of jute plants as claimed in claim
1, wherein the roller assembly unit further comprise of grooved rollers which has
automatic and sequenced drive with automatic lifting system for rationalizing the
pulling force and which eliminates the possibilities of tearing of bark / ribbon.
7. An automatic machine for the ribboning of jute plants as claimed in claim
1, wherein the self aligning debarking unit comprise of gaps to accommodate
different diameter of the jute plants which are spring loaded self weight metal
pins along with a lower alignment portion and a top alignment portion.
8. An automatic machine for the ribboning of jute plants as claimed in claim
7, wherein the lower / bottom alignment portion is configured for cutting a portion
of the length of the bark/ ribbon to a depth of not more than 2 mm continuously
while the jute plant move forward towards the grip assembly.
9. An automatic machine for the ribboning of jute plants as claimed in claim
7, wherein the bottom alignment system comprise of tapered discs which are
spring loaded so that they can move back and forth (sidewise) freely to
accommodate different diameter and locate each jute plant exactly over the
debarking cutter.
10. An automatic machine for the ribboning of jute plants as claimed in claim
7, wherein the bottom alignment system is configured for complete debarking
when the grip assembly pulls the jute plants.
11. An automatic machine for the ribboning of jute plants as claimed in claim
7, wherein the top alignment portion comprise of horizontal roller held by spring

loaded bracket which freely rotates and oscillates up and down to accommodate
different diameter of green jute plants in vertical direction.
12. An automatic machine for the ribboning of jute plants as claimed in claim
1, wherein the grip assembly consists of a holding mechanism with the help of
spring, hinges, actuators and a set of jaws and sensor for initiating the griping of
all plants once so that all the plant ends reaches the grip assembly.
13. An automatic machine for the ribboning of jute plants as claimed in claim
1, wherein the root end of Jute plants are gripped by the roller assembly and the
grip assembly is moved by 135 degrees through self aligning debarking unit and
further by pulling the held plant portion against the roll, the bark of the plants
stem surface is torn out from the bottom surface of the plant longitudinally and
across.
14. An automatic machine for the ribboning of jute plants as claimed in claim
12, wherein each grip assembly comprise of an upper grip and a lower grip
configured for gripping all the jute plants firmly during full debarking.
15. An automatic machine for the ribboning of jute plants as claimed in claim
14, wherein the upper grip comprise of two jaws, the lower grip comprise of one
jaw and further the upper jaw and the lower jaw are closed by the pull of tension
springs and cam operation.
16. An automatic machine for the ribboning of jute plants as claimed in claim
1, wherein at two equi spaced grip assemblies are mounted on the chain
conveyor and the phase difference of grip assemblies are such that when one
grip finishes its work by releasing the smaller cut pieces of the root end into the

waste (root ends) collection system and the other grip assembly reaches through
the chain conveyor to the self aligning debarking Unit (home position) for the next
cycle of operation.
17. An automatic machine for the ribboning of jute plants as claimed in claim
1, wherein the chain conveyor is fitted with two sets of spring loaded grip
assembly which are equally spaced and is driven by a variable speed geared
motor and the motion is controlled / sequenced by electronic sensors and PLC
controls.
18. An automatic machine for the ribboning of jute plants as claimed in claim
1, wherein the bark cutting system comprise of a mechanized cutter for cutting
the bark of the plant after debarking/extraction is completed with a speed of bark
cutting varies from 90 mm/sec - 250 mm/sec.
19. An automatic machine for the ribboning of jute plants as claimed in claim
1, wherein the drive arrangement further comprise of belt conveyor drive, chain
conveyor drive, roller unit drive, jute delivery drive, stick disposal drive and cutter
drive.
20. An automatic machine for the ribboning of jute plants as claimed in claim
1, wherein the sensor arrangement further comprise of two magnetic and four
nonmagnetic sensors for which the sequencing is controlled by PLC controlled
operating system.
21. An automatic machine for the ribboning of jute plants as claimed in claim
1, wherein the ribboning includes debarking and / or decortication.

22. An automatic machine for the ribboning of jute plants as claimed in claim
1, wherein the machine is configured for a continuous production of jute ribbons
by repeated feeding of the jute stems in the plant feeder and further continuous
extraction of the separated materials from the machine.
23 An automatic process for the ribboning of fibrous vegetable stems or
stalks especially jute comprising the steps of:
sorting and Tip cutting of the jute plants;
feeding the jute plants onto the feeding conveyor with feeding chute;
holding and clamping the root end of jute plants by holding roller assembly tightly
and moving the grip assembly through 180 degrees and pulling the held plant
portion against the roll so that the bark at the plants stem surface is torn out in
the bottom surface of the plant longitudinally and across.
24. An automatic process for the ribboning of fibrous vegetable stems or
stalks especially jute as claimed in claim 23, further comprising the step of.
conveying the ribbon, stick and the waste materials to different collection
centers separately.
25. An automatic process for the ribboning of fibrous vegetable stems or
stalks especially jute as claimed in claim 23, wherein the ribboning includes
debarking and / or decortication.
26. An automatic process for the ribboning of fibrous vegetable stems or
stalks especially jute as claimed in claim 23, wherein the speed is synchronized
with variable speed of belt conveyor and the linear speed is maintained at range
between 90 mm/s to 250 mm/s.

27. An automatic process for the ribboning of fibrous vegetable stems or
stalks especially jute as claimed in claim 23, wherein the jute plants are driven by
the roller drive unit to the Self-Aligning Debarking unit in an equally spaced
manner to ensure one jute plant to enter into one groove so that uniform and
consistent debarking is done.
28. An automatic process for the ribboning of fibrous vegetable stems or
stalks especially jute as claimed in claim 23, wherein the phase difference of grip
assemblies are such that when one grip finishes its work by releasing the smaller
cut pieces of the root end into the waste (root ends) collection system and the
other grip assembly reaches through the chain conveyor to the self aligning
debarking unit for the next cycle of operation.
29. An automatic process for the ribboning of fibrous vegetable stems or
stalks especially jute as claimed in claim 23, wherein the ribboning cycle
repeated continuously.

30. An automatic process for the ribboning of fibrous vegetable stems or stalks
especially jute stick as claimed in claim 23, wherein the jute stick comes out
continuously as a product through its length.
31. The jute ribbon produced in accordance with any of the preceding claims.

The present invention relates to an automatic machine for the ribboning of fibrous
vegetable stems or stalks especially jute comprises of a tip cutting and sorting
platform, automatic plant feeder, belt conveyor, roller assembly, self aligning
debarking unit, grip assembly, chain conveyor, bark cutting system, ribbon
conveying system, waste (root ends) collecting system, stick collection conveyor
system, sensor arrangement, PLC controlled system for the control of conveying
and roller speed and an automatic process for the said ribboning of fibrous
vegetable stems or stalks especially jute.