AU2014200895B2 - Method and Device for Peeling Green Bananas - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a device for separating fruit pulp from fruit peel, in particular separating flesh from the skin of green bananas. The invention also relates to a method of separating fruit pulp from fruit peel using the device.

Description

METHOD AND DEVICE FOR PEELING GREEN BANANAS

TECHNICAL FIELD [0001] The present invention relates to a device for separating fruit pulp from fruit peel, in particular separating flesh from the skin of green bananas. The invention also relates to a method of separating fruit pulp from fruit peel using the device.

BACKGROUND ART [0002] Peeling fruit is a labour-intensive process and is particularly difficult to scale-up for processing large quantities of fruit in a rapid, safe and efficient manner.

[0003] Bananas are a popular food item. Ripe bananas are relatively easy to manually peel where a single banana is to be consumed, as the peel can be split into longitudinal sections which are readily removed from the flesh. However, where large quantities of banana flesh are required, such as in the food processing industry, manual peeling of bananas is not an economically viable option.

[0004] Green (unripe) bananas and plantains are also a useful food source, however, they have a very hard skin which makes them difficult to peel manually. In order to peel a green banana or a plantain, it is necessary to use a sharp knife, which places the user at risk of injury. Additionally, manual peeling of green bananas and plantains is slow. It is estimated that one person can peel about 30 to 60 green bananas in an hour, using a sharp knife. Clearly, this is not a commercially viable process.

[0005] In the case of ripe fruit, it is usually the flesh that is required, and the skin is to be discarded. This is commonly the case with ripe bananas. However, although bulk processing of bananas (ripe and green) is required to obtain the flesh as a food source, the peel is also economically valuable, and so should not simply be discarded. For example, banana peels are known to contain antioxidants, minerals and anti-inflammatory compounds. Therefore, it is important that any bulk-processing of bananas to separate the flesh from the skin should allow both the flesh and peel to be separately collected.

[0006] A number of devices have been proposed for the purpose of separating fruit flesh from its skin, including devices specifically for peeling bananas. For example, US 3,627,011 discloses a machine having four rotating wheels with a plurality of suction pads around the outer circumference of each wheel, such that the skin of the banana is cut longitudinally in four places.

2014200895 20 Feb 2014

Following cutting, the banana needs to be correctly oriented before passing through the machine to remove the peel. Manual orientation of the banana following cutting of the skin leads to a significant reduction in the time that would be expected to be saved by utilising a machine rather than manual peeling.

[0007] US 8,206,769 discloses a method for large-scale separation of banana flesh from peel, which requires each banana to be cut in half, in a transverse direction. A compressive force is then applied to each banana half, forcing the flesh from the skin via the cut end. To ensure that the bananas are cut in a transverse direction requires each banana to be oriented appropriately prior to the cutting step. In addition, the compressive force needs to be applied differently to the two halves of a banana, to enable the flesh to be squeezed out each end, thereby adding to the complexity of the device.

[0008] It would therefore be advantageous to have a device for rapidly, safely and efficiently separating fruit pulp from fruit peel, in particular, rapidly, safely and efficiently separating flesh from the skin of green bananas.

[0009] It will be clearly understood that, if a prior art publication is referred to herein, this reference does not constitute an admission that the publication forms part of the common general knowledge in the art in Australia or in any other country.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION [0010] The present invention is directed to a device for separating fruit pulp from fruit peel, which may at least partially overcome at least one of the abovementioned disadvantages or provide the consumer with a useful or commercial choice.

[0011] With the foregoing in view, in a first embodiment, the invention provides a device for separating peel and flesh of a banana, the device comprising a pair of conveyor systems each including an elongate belt, the elongate belts of the pair of conveyor systems being aligned to form an upper conveyor system and a lower conveyor system, the respective elongate belts counter-rotating at different relative speeds, and spaced from one another by a separation distance, the separation distance between the elongate belts tapering to a pinch point to allow a banana to enter the pinch point and be at least partially crushed when passing the pinch point.

[0012] In a second embodiment, the invention provides a method of separating peel and flesh of a banana using a device comprising a pair of conveyor systems each including an elongate belt, the elongate belts of the pair of conveyor systems being aligned to provide an

2014200895 20 Feb 2014 upper and a lower conveyor system, the elongate belts counter-rotating at different relative speeds, and spaced from one another by a separation distance, the separation distance between the elongate belts tapering to a pinch point to allow a banana to enter the pinch point and be at least partially crushed when passing the pinch point, the method comprising the step of placing a banana on the belt of the lower conveyor system, whereby the motion of the belt transports the banana into the space between the belts towards the pinch point, such that the combined action of the counter-rotating elongate belts and the tapering separation distance between the belts partially crushes the banana.

[0013] Each conveyor system further comprises two rollers, spaced apart and around which the elongate belt rotates. The two rollers of each conveyor system thus define the length of the associated elongate belt. The elongate belts of the conveyor systems can be any suitable size with respect to both length and width. Preferably the elongate belts are the same width, so that the separation distance between the belts is the same width. The elongate belts can be the same length or they can be a different length. Preferably, where the elongate belts are a different length, the lower elongate belt is longer than the upper elongate belt.

[0014] Where the lower elongate belt is longer than the upper elongate belt, the pinch point can be defined by a roller of each elongate belt, or the pinch point can be defined by a roller of the upper belt and a region of the lower belt between the two rollers of the lower belt. Preferably, the pinch point is defined by a roller of the upper belt and a region of the lower belt between the two rollers of the lower belt, so that a portion of the lower belt extends beyond the pinch point.

[0015] In addition, it is preferable for the lower belt to extend beyond the end of the upper belt distant from the pinch point, thus providing for ease of placement of bananas on the lower conveyor belt, in preparation for transport of the bananas through the tapering separation distance between the two belts towards the pinch point.

[0016] One or both of the conveyor systems can be fitted with a spring mechanism that enables the separation distance between the two elongate belts to be adjusted. Adjustment of the separation distance between the belts allows for the device to be optimized dependent on the size of the bananas being processed. The adjustment can also optimize the pressure on each banana, allowing for variations in height between individual bananas as they pass through the tapering separation distances between the belts towards the pinch point. For example, lady finger bananas would require a narrower pinch point than plantains, for the device to effectively separate flesh from skin. Additionally, the spring mechanism enables the conveyor systems to

2014200895 20 Feb 2014 be adjusted to compensate for individual variation between bananas of the same type.

[0017] Preferably, the upper conveyor system is fitted with high tensile springs that enable the height of the upper conveyor system to be adjusted relative to the lower conveyor system.

[0018] The two elongate belts can be any type of belt suitable for use industrial and/or commercial conveyor systems. The belt material can be any material known in the art, including rubber, gum rubber or silicone. Irrespective of the belt material, it is preferable that each belt has a roughened or textured surface to assist with transport of the bananas through the tapering separation distance between the two elongate belts towards the pinch point, as roughening or texturing of the belt surface provides traction for the bananas. The use of only two belts rather than more than two belts as in some of the prior art devices, enables the belts to be easily cleaned, ensuring hygienic conditions when processing the bananas.

[0019] It is particularly preferable for the two conveyor systems to each comprise a rigid plate underneath the internal face of the elongate belt. That is, the upper conveyor system preferably has a rigid plate under the elongate belt on the side facing the lower conveyor system, and the lower conveyor system preferably has a rigid plate under the elongate belt on the side facing the upper conveyor system. The rigid plates can be made of any suitable material, including plastic, such as high impact styrene or polyvinylchloride (PVC). The rigid plates can also be made from metal. Preferably, the metal is stainless steel, due to its properties of longevity, durability and being easy to clean.

[0020] Counter-rotation of the elongate belts in the direction towards the pinch point, transports a banana on the lower elongate belt through the tapering separation distance between the two belts towards the pinch point. As the banana is transported towards the pinch point, the banana is effectively squashed between the upper and lower elongate belts, so that the banana skin splits and the flesh is at least partially dislodged from the skin.

[0021] The rigid plates underneath the facing sides of the elongate belts of the upper and lower conveyor systems contribute to the squashing process by providing a rigid surface.

[0022] The different speed of the lower elongate belt compared to the speed of the upper elongate belt is important for splitting the banana skin and also assisting with dislodging the flesh from the skin. Rather than just squashing the banana, which is what happens when the upper and lower elongate belts move at the same speed, the different relative speeds of the upper and lower elongate belts result in a ‘shearing’ force on the bananas. The speed of each elongate belt can be adjusted for optimizing separation of the banana flesh and skin. The lower elongate

2014200895 20 Feb 2014 belt can move at a faster speed than the upper elongate belt. Alternatively, the lower elongate belt can move at a slower speed than the upper elongate belt. Preferably, the lower elongate belt moves at a faster speed than the upper elongate belt.

[0023] The ratio of the lower elongate belt speed and the upper elongate belt speed can be any ratio which is effective to separate the banana skin and flesh. The ratio of the lower to upper elongate belt speeds can thus be within the range of about 1:1 to about 3:1. Preferably, the ratio of the lower to upper elongate belt speeds is about 2:1.

[0024] The device can be utilised for any type of banana, whether ripe or unripe. Preferably the banana is an unripe (green) banana, as the peel of such bananas is very hard, making it difficult to separate from the flesh. The device can also be used for separating the peel and flesh of plantains, which similarly to unripe bananas, have a very hard skin, making separation of the flesh from the peel difficult.

[0025] Typically, during operation of the device, bananas are placed on the lower elongate belt. The bananas do not need to be aligned in any particular direction on the lower elongate belt, they can be placed in any orientation. This is particularly important for bananas, as they are all slightly different in shape. Aligning the bananas in a particular direction would be a costly and time consuming process. As the present device operates irrespective of the alignment or positioning of the bananas, there is a cost and time-saving when compared to using devices of the prior art. The bananas do not need to be placed on the lower elongate belt as individual bananas, hands of bananas can also be placed on the lower elongate belt.

[0026] Motion of the lower elongate belt transports the bananas through the tapering separation distance between the two elongate belts towards the pinch point. As the bananas reach the pinch point, the pressure from tapering of the separation distance between the belts shears and squashes the banana, splitting the skin and dislodging the flesh from the skin.

[0027] The split banana skins and partially dislodged banana flesh are then moved through the pinch point, after which they can then be collected for further processing.

[0028] Due to the starchy nature of green banana pulp, following passage through the device, there is still some pulp attached to the skins. Therefore, such further processing can include subjecting the combined skins and pulp to mechanical means to completely separate any pulp remaining on the skins. The mechanical means can operate by any suitable mechanism, including one or more of rotation, vibration and tumbling. Following separation of the pulp from the skins, the pulp and skins can be sorted into different processing streams and subjected to

2014200895 20 Feb 2014 further separate processing.

[0029] Optionally, the bananas can be pre-treated before passing through the device. Bananas exude a particularly sticky sap from the stem once they have been cut. If left on the bananas, the sticky sap can interfere with operation of the device as it coats the conveyor belts. Leaving the sap on the bananas can result in more frequent cleaning of the device, leading to lower efficiency of banana processing. Pre-treatment of the bananas to remove excess sap from the stem and surface of the bananas can be undertaken using known methods in the art. For example, subjecting the bananas to hot water (about 80 °C) for about 2 minutes is generally sufficient to clean excess sap from the bananas. Alternatively, the bananas can be allowed to sit for about 2, 3, 4, 5 or 6 days, preferably about 4 days, to allow the sap to settle and be less sticky.

[0030] A device according to the present invention can optionally comprise cleaning means. Even if the bananas to be processed have been pre-treated to remove excess sap, there is still some sap associated with pre-treated bananas. This sap combined with starches and components from the bananas and skins can build up on the conveyor belts leading to reduced efficiency of the device over time. Incorporation of cleaning means allows the device to be periodically cleaned to remove the sap and other contaminants from the conveyor belts.

[0031] The cleaning means can comprise any suitable means. Preferably, the cleaning means comprises brushes and fluid outlet means. The fluid outlet means enable fluids such as water (hot or cold) and/or detergent to be applied to the elongate belts and the brushes assist in dislodging any solid material from the belts, thereby cleaning the belts. The cleaning means can be activated manually, or electronically activated at pre-determined time intervals.

[0032] Any of the features described herein can be combined in any combination with any one or more of the other features described herein within the scope of the invention.

[0033] The reference to any prior art in this specification is not, and should not be taken as an acknowledgement or any form of suggestion that the prior art forms part of the common general knowledge.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS [0034] Various embodiments of the invention will be described with reference to the following drawings, in which:

[0035] Figure 1 shows a device for separating peel and flesh of a banana according to one

2014200895 20 Feb 2014 embodiment of the current invention.

[0036] Figure 2 shows a side view of a device for separating peel and flesh of a banana according to one embodiment of the current invention.

[0037] Figure 3 shows a close-up view of the surface of the elongate belts of the device of Figure 1 and Figure 2.

[0038] Figure 4 shows the device of Figure 1 and Figure 2 with individual bananas positioned on the lower elongate belt.

[0039] Figure 5 shows the device of Figure 1 and Figure 2 with banana hands positioned on the lower elongate belt.

[0040] Figure 6 shows the device of Figure 1 and Figure 2 with bananas aligned differently on the lower elongate belt.

[0041] Figures 7 to 10 show the device of Figure 1 and Figure 2 following passage of bananas through the pinch point of two conveyor systems.

[0042] Preferred features, embodiments and variations of the invention may be discerned from the following Description which provides sufficient information for those skilled in the art to perform the invention. The Description is not to be regarded as limiting the scope of the preceding Summary of Invention in any way.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS [0043] Similar features are numbered similarly throughout the Figures.

[0044] Referring firstly to Figure 1, there is shown a device 10 for separating peel and flesh of a banana according to one embodiment of the current invention. The device 10 comprises a lower elongate belt 12 and an upper elongate belt 14 which are aligned. The upper elongate belt 14 is positioned with respect to the lower elongate belt 12 such that there is a tapering separation distance 16 between the two belts, 12 and 14, having a pinch point 18. The separation distance 16 is greatest 20 at the end of the upper elongate belt 14 distant the pinch point 18.

[0045] The separation distance 16 is more clearly shown in Figure 2.

[0046] The operation and speed of each elongate belt, 12 and 14, is controlled by a motor 22 and 24, respectively.

2014200895 20 Feb 2014 [0047] Figure 3 shows a close-up view of the surface of the elongate belts 12 and 14, of the device 10 of Figure 1 and Figure 2. The surface of each belt, 12 and 14, is ridged. The ridges on the belt surfaces provide traction for the bananas as they pass through the tapering separation distance 16.

[0048] Figure 4 shows the device 10 of Figure 1 and Figure 2 with individual bananas 26 positioned on the lower elongate belt 12. In this view, the individual bananas 26 are positioned on the lower elongate belt 12 at the widest portion 20 of the tapering separation distance 16, and are in alignment. During use, the lower elongate belt 12 moves at a faster rate than the upper elongate belt 14. The bananas 26 pass through the tapering separation distance 16, from the widest portion 20 to the pinch point 18. As the bananas 26 approach the pinch point 18, the force of the slower moving upper elongate belt 14 squashes and shears the bananas 26, splitting the banana skin 32 and dislodging most of the banana flesh 30.

[0049] Figure 5 shows the device 10 of Figure 1 and Figure 2 with banana hands 28 positioned on the lower elongate belt 12. Although the banana hands 28 are aligned on the lower elongate belt 12 prior to transport through the tapering separation distance 16, it is not necessary to align them for the device 10 to operate effectively; bananas 26 or banana hands 28 can be positioned on the lower elongate belt 12 in any manner.

[0050] This is shown in Figure 6, where bananas 26 are not aligned on the lower elongate belt 12, prior to transport through the tapering separation distance 16.

[0051] Figures 7 to 10 are images of bananas 26 after they are transported by the lower elongate belt 12 through the tapering separation distance 16. The force of the slower moving upper elongate belt 14 squashes and shears the bananas 26, splitting the banana skin 32 and dislodging most of the banana flesh 30. At this stage, the banana flesh 30 and banana skins 32 can be subjected to further processing.

[0052] The present invention thus provides a device that enables banana flesh to be separated from the banana skin efficiently, rapidly and safely. The present invention also enables both the banana flesh and banana skin to be collected and processed through different processing streams.

[0053] In the present specification and claims (if any), the word ‘comprising’ and its derivatives including ‘comprises’ and ‘comprise’ include each of the stated integers but does not exclude the inclusion of one or more further integers.

2014200895 20 Feb 2014 [0054] Reference throughout this specification to ‘one embodiment’ or ‘an embodiment’ means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, the appearance of the phrases ‘in one embodiment’ or ‘in an embodiment’ in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment. Furthermore, the particular features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more combinations.

[0055] In compliance with the statute, the invention has been described in language more or less specific to structural or methodical features. It is to be understood that the invention is not limited to specific features shown or described since the means herein described comprises preferred forms of putting the invention into effect. The invention is, therefore, claimed in any of its forms or modifications within the proper scope of the appended claims (if any) appropriately interpreted by those skilled in the art.

Claims (16)

1. A device for separating peel and flesh of a banana, the device comprising a pair of conveyor systems each including an elongate belt, the elongate belts of the pair of conveyor systems being aligned, to form an upper conveyor system and a lower conveyor system, the elongate belts counter-rotating at different relative speeds, and spaced from one another by a separation distance, the separation distance between the elongate belts tapering to a pinch point to allow a banana to enter the pinch point and be at least partially crushed when passing the pinch point, wherein the lower elongate belt is longer than the upper elongate belt.

2. The device of claim 1, wherein one or both of the conveyor systems are fitted with a spring mechanism enabling the separation distance between the elongate belt of each conveyor system to be adjusted.

3. The device of claim 2, wherein the upper conveyor system is fitted with a spring mechanism enabling the height of the upper conveyor system relative to the lower conveyor system to be adjusted.

4. The device of any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein each conveyor system comprises two rollers, the rollers being spaced apart and around which the elongate belt rotates.

5. The device of any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the ratio of the speed of the elongate belt of the lower conveyor system to the speed of the elongate belt of the upper conveyor system is within the range of about 1:1 to about 3:1.

6. The device of claim any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the pinch point is defined by a roller of the upper elongate belt and region of the lower elongate belt between the two rollers of the lower elongate belt.

7. The device of any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein each conveyor system comprises a rigid plate proximate the elongate belt, wherein the rigid plate provides support to the elongate belt.

8. The device of claim 7, wherein each rigid plate is made from metal.

9. A method of separating peel and flesh of a banana using a device comprising a pair of conveyor systems each including an elongate belt, the elongate belts of the pair of conveyor systems being aligned to provide an upper and a lower conveyor system, the elongate belts

2014200895 10 Jan 2019 counter-rotating at different relative speeds, and spaced from one another by a separation distance, the separation distance between the elongate belts tapering to a pinch point to allow a banana to enter the pinch point and be at least partially crushed when passing the pinch point, the method comprising the step of placing a banana on the belt of the lower conveyor system, whereby the motion of the belt transports the banana into the space between the belts towards the pinch point, such that the combined action of the counter-rotating elongate belts and the tapering separation distance between the belts partially crushes the banana, wherein the lower elongate belt is longer than the upper elongate belt.

10. The method of claim 9, wherein one or both of the conveyor systems are fitted with a spring mechanism enabling the separation distance between the elongate belt of each conveyor system to be adjusted.

11. The method of claim 9, wherein the upper conveyor system is fitted with a spring mechanism enabling the height of the upper conveyor system relative to the lower conveyor system to be adjusted.

12. The method of any one of claims 9 to 11, wherein each conveyor system comprises two rollers, the rollers being spaced apart and around which the elongate belt rotates.

13. The method of any one of claims 9 to 12, wherein the ratio of the speed of the elongate belt of the lower conveyor system to the speed of the elongate belt of the upper conveyor system is within the range of about 1:1 to about 3:1.

14. The method of claim any one of claims 9 to 13, wherein the pinch point is defined by a roller of the upper elongate belt and region of the lower elongate belt between the two rollers of the lower elongate belt.

15. The method of claim 14, wherein as the banana passes through the pinch point, pressure on the banana resulting from the tapering separation distance between the counter-rotating elongate belts shears and squashes the banana, resulting in partially dislodging banana flesh from the banana skin.

16. The method of claim 15, wherein after progress through the pinch point, the partially dislodged banana flesh and banana skin are collected for further processing.