AU2018202348B2 - Harvester apparatus for tree fruits - Google Patents

Abstract

AUSTRALIA PATENT Standard patent application Dated: 3 April 2018 Title: Harvesting machine for tropical tree fruit crops 3 April 2018 ABSTRACT This invention is addressing a more effective method of harvesting mango fruits, but not limited to. When the stalk at the top of the mango fruit is broken off, a sticky, milky sap exudes, which causes sap burn. Sap burn causes black lesions on the fruit, leading to rot and reducing storage and consumption time. When the sap becomes in contact with the fruit surface, it causes brownish-black to black streaks or blotches on the mango skin due to its acidic nature causing quick decay of the fruit. Research and experimental work has proven that increased harvesting productivity can be achieved by carefully picking mangoes and braking off the stem/stalk at the top of the fruit and immediately after, de-sapping in a mixture of water and sodium carbonate, followed by washing in tap water. This process neutralises the sap and reduces damage to the mango skin. This invention consists of a prototype machine (mobile unit) that consist of a tarp/trampoline, trough/tank, conveyor and a fruit bin for collection of the harvested mangoes. When the prototype machine is in operation at least one person, but not limited to, are walking and manually pick mangoes from the trees. In this process they brake the stalk off each fruit and throw the fruit into the tarp/trampoline which in turn is submerged into a trough/tank, where at the bottom is a conveyor for transporting the fruit into a fruit bin for collection of harvested mangoes. The trough/tank is full of water mixture sodium carbonate, which naturalise the mango sap. Along the conveyor which at some point a shower sprinkling type system, is situated, that is adjustable in flow rate thus rinsing travelling fruits using clean mixture of water/sodium carbonate pumped from tanks located on the mobile unit. The rinsing water/sodium carbonate flows onto a tray under the conveyor and returns into the trough/tank. The rate of rinsing water will overflow the trough/tank and bring with it mango sap and thus discharge it on the ground in the field. Mango sap floating in the trough/tank has now been neutralised and does not stick to the mango skin. The machine has an engine for powering forward/backward motion and is able to accurately regulate its ground speed and frequently stop. The engine is also powering the conveyor that incorporates a variable speed system that the driver/operator can adjust depending on the rate of harvesting and the submersion time required of the type of mangoes being harvested, thus ensuring de sapping is effective and intake rate of fruit at any given time is optimum and efficient. <END OF THIS APPLICATION> 6a 8 1 b 1c 1d 9 1a6 3 4 2a 2 5 Figure 1

Description

AUSTRALIA PATENT

Standard patent application

Dated: 3 April 2018

Title:

Harvesting machine for tropical tree fruit crops 3 April 2018

ABSTRACT

This invention is addressing a more effective method of harvesting mango fruits, but not

limited to. When the stalk at the top of the mango fruit is broken off, a sticky, milky sap exudes, which causes sap burn. Sap burn causes black lesions on the fruit, leading to rot and

reducing storage and consumption time. When the sap becomes in contact with the fruit surface, it causes brownish-black to black streaks or blotches on the mango skin due to its

acidic nature causing quick decay of the fruit. Research and experimental work has

proven that increased harvesting productivity can be achieved by carefully picking mangoes and braking off the stem/stalk at the top of the fruit and immediately after, de-sapping in a

mixture of water and sodium carbonate, followed by washing in tap water. This process

neutralises the sap and reduces damage to the mango skin. This invention consists of a prototype machine (mobile unit) that consist of a tarp/trampoline, trough/tank, conveyor

and a fruit bin for collection of the harvested mangoes. When the prototype machine is in operation at least one person, but not limited to, are walking and manually pick mangoes

from the trees. In this process they brake the stalk off each fruit and throw the fruit into the tarp/trampoline which in turn is submerged into a trough/tank, where at the bottom is a

conveyor for transporting the fruit into a fruit bin for collection of harvested mangoes. The

trough/tank is full of water mixture sodium carbonate, which naturalise the mango sap. Along the conveyor which at some point a shower sprinkling type system, is situated, that is

adjustable in flow rate thus rinsing travelling fruits using clean mixture of water/sodium carbonate pumped from tanks located on the mobile unit. The rinsing water/sodium

carbonate flows onto a tray under the conveyor and returns into the trough/tank. The rate of rinsing water will overflow the trough/tank and bring with it mango sap and thus

discharge it on the ground in the field. Mango sap floating in the trough/tank has now been neutralised and does not stick to the mango skin. The machine has an engine for

powering forward/backward motion and is able to accurately regulate its ground speed and

frequently stop. The engine is also powering the conveyor that incorporates a variable speed system that the driver/operator can adjust depending on the rate of harvesting and

the submersion time required of the type of mangoes being harvested, thus ensuring de sapping is effective and intake rate of fruit at any given time is optimum and efficient.

<END OF THIS APPLICATION>

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HARVESTER APPARATUS FOR TREE FRUITS BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0001] Mango is one of the most popular fruits in the world due to its attractive colour,

delicious taste and excellent nutritional properties. Known for its sweet fragrance and flavour, the mango has delighted the senses for more than 4000 years. A celebrated fruit,

mango, is now produced in most of the tropical parts of the globe.

[0002] The rapid growth of mango production in recent years has been due to its expansion

into new growing regions of the New Worlds, China and parts of Africa; the planting of regular bearing selections; and the adoption of modern field practices, which include

irrigation management, control of flowering, etc. There is an estimated 3.7 million ha of mango worldwide.

[0003] Mangoes form a regular part of the diet of people in areas where the fruit is easily

grown. Over many years mangoes have been used in ice cream and mixture of fruit juice.

[0004] The mango is the most important fruit of Asia, and currently ranks fifth in the total

production among major fruit crops worldwide after bananas and plantain, citrus, grapes and apples. The top eight largest mango exporting countries are India, China, Thailand,

Pakistan, Mexico, Brazil, Peru and the Philippines with high export value in US$100's of million.

[0005] By far India is the largest mango producing country in the world with annual mango

production of 16,337,400 tons a year, which accounts for over 40% of the world's total production of mango. India is exporting mangoes to many country throughout the world.

[0006] Australian is a very small producer of the world's mango production. The Australian mango industry produced 50,000 tonnes in the 2015-2016 season of fresh mangoes each

season, of which up to 10 per cent is exported to markets in Hong Kong, New Zealand, Singapore and the United Arab Emirates. Australian mangoes are the most expensive in the world. This is due to high labour costs, remote production regions involving high cost of infrastructure such as accommodation, the high cost of establishing and operating cooling rooms and very long transport distances to market, such as capital cities in Australia.

[0007] In contrast the Australian domestic market is very profitable so growers tend to be

spot sellers in overseas markets, where price drives a transactional approach to exports.

[0008] However, Australian mangoes have unique genetics, resulting in a product that appeals to premium export markets. The industry leaders believe that the Australian mango

industry has the potential to double exports over the next three years, if there is a focussed effort by industry, growers and exporters to obtain very high quality of fruits. The Australian

Mango Industry is aiming to export 20% (10,000 tonnes) of production by 2018-19.

[0009] In order to supply the superior quality mango to domestic and international markets,

many problems need to be solved.

[0010] The Australian mango industry is currently facing many challenges including cost of harvesting, limited shelf life of fruit and quality issues due to extensive transportation

distance to the markets. One of the quality concerns for mango producers and exporters is sap burn damage resulting in poor cosmetic quality fruits, which lower the price of fruit both

for the domestic and international markets. The fruit from mango trees does not mature all at one time so growers are required to pick what is mature and then harvest again, adding

extra cost for producers. Generally, fruit will take at least several days to ripen once it is

picked.

[0011] In Australia, many types of harvesting equipment aids have been produced by farmers. The equipment is damaging mangoes and is unreliable and unsuitable for increased

production. Poor harvest techniques, equipment and handling practices while harvesting have generally been reasons for reducing the quality and consumer acceptability. Therefore,

for the delivery of a competitive commodity in the market and to fetch maximum price is a great opportunity for Australia.

[0012] One of the major problems while harvesting mangoes is to control, or eliminate, the

sap burn on the mango skin. Different experiments have been conducted to devise a

strategy to eliminate sap burn.

[0013] All over the world mangoes are harvested manually by people. The fruit is picked

from the trees by hand or with long stakes (sometime an elevating work platform may be used that may be mobile). Generally some equipment is used for assistance for collecting

the mangoes. To harvest mangoes, the fruit needs a tug. If the stem snaps off easily the fruit is ripe.

[0014] The stem at the top of the fruit is broken off and shortly after a sticky, milky sap

exudes, which can cause sap burn. Sap burn causes black lesions on the fruit, leading to rot and reducing storage and consumption time.

[0015] In many countries, where labour cost is very low, traditional harvesting methods is used, the fruit is picked with a long stalk, for example of 100mm to 150mm and laid on a

tray so the sap will drain on the ground in the field. This prevents sap from coming in contact with the skin of the fruit. The fruit is later collected into a bin.

[0016] During harvesting the fruit, sap or heavy sugary waxy material gets exuded on the

fruit skin. This sap is very sticky and attracts soils which adheres to the fruit, making it dirty and high in sugars and other nutrients, attracting microorganisms which grow rapidly on the

sap and cause quick decay of the fruit. When the sap is on the fruit surface, it causes

brownish-black to black streaks or blotches on the mango skin due to its acidic nature.

[0017] Skin damage symptoms may appear after a few hours as the ripening progresses. Damage caused to the skin of the mango fruit by contact with sap exuded from the cut or

broken pedicel reduces cosmetic quality and storage life of the fruit. Mango sap removed from the fruit can be separated into two distinct fractions on standing: oil and a protein

polysaccharide fraction, the former being responsible for skin damage.

[0018] Damage occurs as the oil fraction makes contact with and enters the mango skin,

which is normally via the lenticels. A major component of this oil fraction is terpinolene

which give symptoms indistinguishable from sap burn damage when applied to the fruit surface. Sap exuded from the mango leaf petioles also contain terpinolene, but its

concentration is generally less than 1% of the concentration in pedicel sap and this sap is

not damaging to the fruit's skin. The intensity of sap burn damage depends on many factors including the cultivars, tree age, fruit maturity and conditions under which harvesting takes

place.

[0019] Traditional harvesting techniques and postharvest handling procedures prevailing in the mango industry severely plague the quality along the supply chains. Significant volume

of mangoes (about 50%) undergoes sap contamination due to poor harvesting methods; while about 25% of the fruit is harvested at improper stage of maturation.

[0020] Poor harvesting techniques and postharvest handling procedures, contribute towards high economic losses due to poor value at retail.

[0021] Unfortunately, limited research work has been conducted regarding on-farm

interventions.

[0022] Effective use of available research work could add value to the product and help obtaining better quality of produce in supply chain. Further, this in turn will give better

returns to the stakeholders.

[0023] Over the last few years commercial produces in Australia have taken up some

experimental trials.

[0024] Improving the efficiency of harvesting practices has been undertaken by the Queensland Department of Agriculture and Fisheries (DAF) mainly evaluating the benefits of

tree architectural training systems on trellis grown mangoes and also at Walkamin Research Station in Australia.

[0025] Dr Cameron McConchie from the Berrimah Farm, Darwin of Department of Primary

Industry and Fisheries, Northern Territory Government has also conducted some research

work on mango sap management.

[0026] Some research work has been conducted within Philippines mango crop

management project co-funded by the Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research (ACIAR).

[0027] Universities in Pakistan have conducted studies in mango harvesting techniques and

postharvest handling procedures. The studies were undertaken to conduct a comparative impact analysis of the traditional and improved on-farm harvest and handling practices on

the mango fruit quality along the domestic supply chains. Reference has been made to some research work by: Mazhar, M.S., M. Amin, A.U. Malik, J. Campbell and P. Johnson, 2011.

Improved harvest and de-sapping practices affect mango fruit quality along the supply

chains. Int. J. Agric. Biol., 13: 776-780.

[0028] In most countries, traditionally harvested mangoes are picked with stalks of 100mm to 150mm in length and laid on a tray so the sap would drain on the ground in the field

followed by collecting the mangoes in cushioned baskets and then shifting the mangoes to a packing shed and rough packaging in retail boxes/crates. In Australia, this would be a time

consuming and costly method.

[0029] I has been found that mango sap can be managed during the harvesting process by

submerging for 2-3 min dip the fruit into Mango Wash®; a mixture of water and sodium carbonate, Na 2CO 3 with added detergent followed by washing in simple tap water. Mango

Wash is a neutraliser and detergent mixture that has been developed over some time, and does not have additives except clean water.

[0030] Mango sap is acidic, sugary, proteinaceous and sticky in nature and has been

reported to be associated with secondary pathogenic infections.

[0031] The improved practice of lime de-sapping along with subsequent washing denatures

washes it away along with various dust particles from the fruit skin, imparting an attractive

and clean appearance to the mango fruit and reducing the chances of invasion and proliferation of the spores of various sap associated pathogens (fungi & bacteria).

[0032] It has been found that the traditional harvest and handling practices were responsible for physical damage to the mango fruit at the farm (15% affected fruit). Further

increase in physical damages were also noted at retail in the fruit of both practices.

[0033] Occurrence of the physical damage from farm level (site of production) up to retail clearly indicated that adopting improved practices only at farm level (i.e., careful harvest

& de-sapping) is not sufficient to maintain the quality throughout the supply chain.

[0034] As mentioned, over the years Mango Wash© has been used and it is a neutraliser and

detergent mixture, and needs no additives except clean water. If, and when, hydrated lime is used, it can be mixed with a detergent such as Agral©. This product is a wetting agent that

will assist wetting waxy leafed plants which are normally hard to wet.

[0035] Also Sodium carbonate, Na 2 CO 3 , is the water-soluble sodium salt of carbonic acid. It has also been used to naturalise the sticky, milky sap exuded from mangoes.

[0036] Mangoes are very sensitive and are prone to physical damage at each step of the

harvesting and postharvest handling chain. Therefore, there is a need to follow better

management practices at all subsequent steps/stages (i.e., grading, packaging, loading/unloading, transport, market & retail etc.) until the commodity arrives in the hands

of consumer.

[0037] Therefore it was believed that harvesting could somewhat be partly mechanised and much more effective and efficient methods could be developed, at least for Australia where

labour costs are extremely high.

[0038] The reference to any prior art in this specification is not, and should not be taken as,

an acknowledgement or any suggestion, that the prior art forms part of the common

general knowledge of the priority date of the present disclosure(s).

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0039] In one aspect, the present invention provides a harvester apparatus for harvesting

tree fruits, the apparatus including, a trough for receiving the tree fruits, the trough including a washing liquid in which the tree fruits are submerged to cause sap from the tree

fruits to be removed and to cause the sap to float towards an upper level of the washing liquid, a conveyer including a lower portion partly submerged in said washing liquid, the

conveyor configured to remove the tree fruits from inside the trough and move the tree

fruits towards an upper portion of the conveyer which is positioned to feed washed tree fruits into a storage bin, the conveyer further including a wash liquid collection tray

positioned beneath the conveyer, one or more sprinklers positioned above the conveyor and configured to cause washing liquid to be sprayed onto the tree fruits after being moved

out of the trough, wherein excess sprayed washing liquid is collected by the collection tray positioned beneath the conveyor which causes the excess washing liquid to flow into the

trough and the upper level of washing liquid in the trough to rise and overflow, thereby causing sap floating on the upper level of the washing liquid to be discharged from the

trough.

[0040] In an embodiment, the harvester apparatus includes a mobile chassis having at least two wheels, the mobile chassis being towable by a vehicle.

[0041] In an embodiment, the mobile chassis includes a funnel shaped tarp that directs

received tree fruit towards a central outlet in the lower part of the funnel shaped tarp, the central outlet positioned above said trough such that tree fruit collected in the funnel

shaped tarp is directed into the trough.

[0042] In an embodiment, the funnel shaped tarp includes two or more substantially vertical tarps of which a central portion extends over the central outlet in a configuration that

minimises the occurrence of tree fruit being received directly into the trough in which the lower portion of the conveyor is submerged.

[0043] In an embodiment, disposed above the two or more substantially vertical tarps is a

delivery pipe system having a plurality of adjustable sprinkler outlets configured to wet the funnel shaped tarp as well as the two or more substantially vertical tarps.

[0044] In an embodiment, the liquid used to wet the funnel shaped tarp and two or more

substantially vertical tarps using the adjustable sprinkler outlets is the washing liquid in said

trough.

[0045] In an embodiment, liquid is pumped from the trough and, via a filter, through the delivery pipe system to the adjustable sprinkler outlets.

[0046] In an embodiment, the apparatus further includes a flow control system that is used

by an operator of the harvester apparatus to control the flow rate to the adjustable sprinkler outlets positioned above the tarp.

[0047] In an embodiment, the one or more sprinklers positioned above the conveyer are

configured to target all tree fruits travelling along the conveyer towards the storage bin.

[0048] In an embodiment, the washing liquid sprayed by the one or more sprinklers positioned above the conveyor is pumped from a storage tank, via a filter and flow control

valve, to the one or more sprinklers.

[0049] In an embodiment, the flow control valve is associated with a flow control system that is used by an operator of the harvester apparatus to control the flow rate to the one or

more sprinklers positioned above the conveyor and thereby control the frequency and extent to which the trough will overflow with washing liquid and thereby cause tree fruit

sap to be discharged from the trough.

[0050] In an embodiment, the apparatus includes one or more additional control systems configured to be used by an operator of the apparatus to control, forward/reverse travel

speed ofthe apparatus, and conveyor speed.

[0051] In an embodiment, the apparatus further includes a console configured for use by the operator of the apparatus, the console positioned to provide the operator with

overview of the conveyor and configured to enable the operator to control said flow control and additional control systems in accordance with instructions from the operator.

[0052] In an embodiment, the tree fruit is mango and the sap is mango sap.

[0053] In an embodiment, the washing liquid includes a mixture of water and sodium

bicarbonate (Na 2 CO 3 ).

[0054] In another aspect, the present invention provides a method of removing sap from

tree fruits, the method including, causing tree fruits to be received in a trough of a harvester

apparatus, the trough including a washing liquid in which the tree fruits are submerged to cause sap from the tree fruits to be removed and to cause the sap to float towards an upper

level of the washing liquid, removing the tree fruits from the trough using a conveyer that

includes a lower portion partly submerged in said washing liquid, the conveyor configured to remove the tree fruits from inside the trough and move the tree fruits towards an upper

portion of the conveyer which is positioned to feed washed tree fruits into a storage bin, the conveyer further including a wash liquid collection tray positioned beneath the conveyer,

and causing one or more sprinklers positioned above the conveyor to be operated to spray washing liquid onto the tree fruits after being moved out of the trough, wherein excess

sprayed washing liquid is collected by the collection tray positioned beneath the conveyor which causes the excess washing liquid to flow into the trough and the upper level of

washing liquid in the trough to rise and overflow, thereby causing sap floating on the upper

level of the washing liquid to be discharged from the trough.

[0055] In this embodiment, the washing liquid sprayed by the one or more sprinklers

positioned above the conveyor is pumped from a storage tank, via a filter and flow control

valve, to the one or more sprinklers.

[0056] In this embodiment, the flow control valve is associated with a flow control system

that is used by an operator of the harvester apparatus to control the flow rate to the one or

more sprinklers positioned above the conveyor and thereby control the frequency and extent to which the trough will overflow with washing liquid and thereby cause tree fruit

sap to be discharged from the trough.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0057] The invention will be better understood with reference to the illustrations of embodiments of the invention which are:

[0058] Figure 1. Perspective view of harvester apparatus.

[0059] Figure 2. Side view of harvester apparatus.

[0060] Figure 4. Top view of harvester apparatus.

[0061] Figure 5. Further Side view of harvester apparatus.

[0062] Figure 6. Rear view of harvester apparatus.

[0063] Figure 7. Front view of harvester apparatus.

[0064] Figure 8. Trough/tank and conveyor perspective view.

[0065] Figure 9. Schematic side view of harvester apparatus in operation.

[0066] Figure 10. Schematic side view of pumping system

[0067] Figure 11. Mango Fruit perspective view.

[0068] Figure 12. Sliced Mango Fruit perspective view

[0069] Items for all relevant figures for reference as follows: 1. Engine

la. Tarp/trampoline 1b. Vertical tarp/trampoline

1c Water pipe for wetting tarp/trampoline 1d. Tarp frame

le. Mango(s)

if. Shower/sprinkler system 2. Front wheels

2a. Rear wheels 4. Trough/tank

Tanks for rinsing water 6. Bin for fruits

7. Conveyor 7a. Tray under conveyor

8. Roof for driver/operator

9. Driver/operator

10. Pumps.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENT(S) OF THE INVENTION

[0070] For simplicity and illustrative purposes, the present disclosure is described by referring to embodiment(s) thereof. In the following description, numerous specific details

are set forth to provide a better understanding of the present disclosure. It will be readily

apparent, however, that the disclosure may be practiced without limitation to the specific details. In other instances, some features have not been described in detail to avoid

obscuring the present disclosure.

[0071] Scientific research has proven that mango sap can be managed during the harvesting process by submerging the fruit into Mango Wash; a mixture of water and sodium

carbonate, Na 2CO 3 with added detergent therefore neutralising the mango sap. Agral© was used as a wetting agent together with added detergent.

[0072] A machine (mobile unit) was developed based on significant scientific research work

conducted in the mango industry.

[0073] It was realised that it would be possible to devise an effective harvesting machine

that would be able to harvest high tonnage of mango per day using traditional methods of manually picking fruits from the tree and throwing mangoes into a tarp/trampoline.

[0074] A harvester apparatus (also referred to herein as a machine or mobile unit) was developed as shown in the accompanying drawings. The apparatus consists of a

tarp/trampoline (la), trough/tank (4) for submersion, a conveyor (7) for transporting mangoes (le), and a fruit bin (6) for collecting the mangoes (le).

[0075] When the apparatus is in operation, it travels very slowly, and stops frequently in

between two rows of mango trees as shown most clearly in Figure 9. In front, on the side and at the rear of the mobile machine several people are walking and manually pick

mangoes (1e) from the trees and in the process they brake the stalk off each fruit and throw the fruit into the tarp/trampoline (la).

[0076] The machine has an engine (1) for powering forward motion and is able to accurately regulate its ground speed and frequently stop. The engine (1) is also powering the conveyor

(7) either by a hydraulic or electrical motor. The conveyor motor has incorporated a variable

speed system that the driver/operator (9) can adjust depending on the rate of harvesting

and the submersion time required of the type of mangoes (1e) being harvested thus, ensuring de-sapping is effective and the intake rate of fruit at any given time is optimal and

efficient.

[0077] Furthermore, the engine (1) also powers at least two water/sodium carbonate/detergent pumps (10), together with a hydraulic or electrical actuator for tilting

and lifting the fruit bin at the rear of the machine. The system for tilting the angle and lifting the fruit bin is also controlled by the driver/operator (9) to ensure that fruits (1e) are gently

falling into the fruit bin (6).

[0078] One pump (pump 1) transfers and circulates water/sodium carbonate/detergent

from trough/tank to the tarp/trampoline high volumes in the vicinity of 300 litre per minute to 500 litre per minute. The tarp/trampoline (la) has a funnel shape and is separated into

four sections, which are divided by simple vertical tarps (1b) so the pickers can throw the

fruit (1e) into the vertical tarps (1b). The fruit (1e) falls into the funnel shaped tarp/trampoline (la) and into the trough/tank (4) and are therefore submerged in

water/sodium carbonate/detergent, generally known as Mango Wash

[0079] From the trough/tank (4) the conveyor (belt) (7) transports mangoes (1e) from a

submerged position, up and along a partly horizontal but inclined towards the trough/tank (4), and along the conveyor (7) which at some point a shower sprinkling type system (1f), is

situated with an adjustable in flow rate thus rinsing travelling fruits (1e) using clean water/sodium carbonate/detergent or Mango Wash© pumped from tanks (5) located on the

mobile machine. Rinsing water consisting of water/sodium carbonate/detergent or Mango

Wash flows onto a tray (7a) under the conveyor (7), shown most clearly in Figure 8, and return into the trough/tank (4). The rate of rinsing water will overflow the trough/tank

(4)and bring with it mango sap and thus discharge it on the ground in the field. Mango sap floating in the trough/tank (4) has now been neutralised and does not stick to the mango

skin.

[0080] When the machine is in operation traveling between two rows of trees (or frequently

stopping) the conveyor speed is adjusted to suit the rate of harvest.

[0081] In operation the driver/operator (9) of the machine is situated at the rear on the side

next to the conveyor (7) near the fruit bin (6). The driver (9) is also involved in the process of

harvesting such as quality control of fruit (1e) that has been harvested and travelling on the conveyor (7). The driver/operator (9) is checking and evaluating each fruit (1e) passing for

the removal of its stalk so that the fruit (1e) can drain its sap before it travels into the bin

(6). In the event that the stalk has not been removed from fruits (le), the driver/operator (9) will do so and throw those particular fruits (1e) back into the tarp/trampoline (la),

ensuring submersion and de-sapping will take place.

[0082] Using this invention, harvesting can be accomplished in a time-frame available due to

desirable weather conditions, fruit ripening stage and with much less damage to fruits.

[0083] The effectiveness of this harvester (this invention) if based on an accurate and

efficient control system of the forward travel speed of the harvester machine, the conveyor speed, the flow rate of the mixture of water and sodium carbonate, Na 2CO 3 with added

detergent pumped to the tarp/trampoline (la) and the rinsing flow rate, which is the

overflow of the trough/tank (4) thus the discharge of mango sap on the ground.

[0084] The nature, purpose and operation of this invention has been described above and

should be understood by those skilled in this field this invention and claims will be better understood when referring to the illustrations.

[0085] According to a particular embodiment, the harvester apparatus can be used for harvesting particularly mangoes (1e) and managing sap from mangoes, and may comprise

one or more of the following features:

a) a mobile towable chassis having at least two wheels (including front (2)

and rear (2A) wheels), powered and towed by a conventional tractor able to

travel at adjustable forward/reverse speed and stopping frequently (eg. a mobile chassis having three wheels, at least one steerable front wheel (2), an engine (1)

and transmission system able to travel at said adjustable speed forward and reverse and stopping frequently, or a mobile chassis having four wheels, at least

two steerable front wheel (2), said engine (1) and said transmission system able to travel at said adjustable speed forward and reverse and stopping frequently; b) the mobile chassis having located, at least one trough/tank (4) for the mixture of water and sodium carbonate, Na 2 CO 3 storage (eg. located centrally on the mobile chassis); c) in-side of said trough (4) is located a conveyor (belt) (7), partly submerged in said mixture of water and sodium carbonate [Na 2CO 3], and said conveyor (7) extending upward at an incline and backward along said mobile chassis to the rear of said mobile chassis; d) the mobile chassis having located, at centre rear, a pair of tilt-able fork lift tines for carrying and securing a fruit bin (6) for collecting and storage of said mangoes (1e) that have been harvested and delivered by said conveyor (belt) (7); e) the mobile chassis having located, above the centre of said trough (4), a funnel shaped tarp/trampoline (la) in which mangoes (1e) are manually thrown into by help of manual labours (pickers), (eg. a tarp/trampoline having a funnel shape, expanding the width and partly the length of said mobile chassis, where an upper edge is of a rectangular or square funnel shape and has a square or rectangular lower centre outlet (hole) and the upper part (1d) is separated into four sections, which are divided by vertical stretched tarps (1b), partly covering the lower centre outlet (hole) in the lower part of said funnel shape tarp/trampoline (la) therefore preventing mangoes (1e) from falling and/or being thrown directly into said trough (4) and said submerged conveyor (belt)

(7);

f) strategically along said upper edge, of said funnel shape tarp/trampoline

(la), is incorporate a delivery pipe system (1c) that has a plurality of adjustable sprinkler outlets sufficiently to wet the entire material of said funnel shape

trap/trampoline (la) at all times when in operation, (eg. a delivery pipe system having a plurality of sprinklers sufficiently to wet at all times the entire material

of said vertical stretched tarps (1b) when in operation); g) at all time, when in operation, said mixture of water and sodium carbonate [Na 2 CO 3 ], is transferred by a pump (10) (pump 1) from said trough (4) via a filter and through a flow control valve to said sprinkler outlets of said funnel shape tarp/trampoline (la) and to said sprinkler outlets of said vertical stretched tarps (1b); h) strategically along and above said conveyor (belt) (7) at least one adjustable sprinkler (1f) is located targeting all said mangoes (1e) traveling on said conveyor (belt) (7) ensuring rinse/wash of said mangoes (1e) before arriving in the fruit bin (6) for storage; i) at all time, when in operation, said mixture of water and sodium carbonate [Na 2 CO 3 ], is transferred by a pump (10) (pump 2) from said storage tank (5) via a filter and through a flow control valve to a sprinkler (1f) targeting said mangoes (1e) traveling on said conveyor (belt) (7) ensuring rinse/wash of said mangoes (1e) before arriving in the fruit bin (6) for storage; j) the mobile chassis (harvester apparatus) has a control system (with flow meter) of flow rate to said rinse/wash sprinkler (1f)and that is the overflow of the trough (4) discharged of mango sap on the ground; k) the mobile chassis (harvester apparatus) having an efficient control system of the forward/reverse travel speed;

I) the mobile chassis (harvester apparatus) having an efficient control system of flow rate of mixture of water and sodium carbonate, Na 2 CO 3 pumped

to the tarp/trampoline (la);

m) the mobile chassis (harvester apparatus) having an efficient control

system of conveyor (belt) speed;

n) the mobile chassis (harvester apparatus) having an efficient control

system of flow rate for rinsing traveling said mangoes (1e) on conveyor (belt) (7); a) strategically alongside of said conveyor (7), a control/instrumentation console is located, having a steering wheel and control leavers for controlling said mobile chassis (harvester machine) and where an operator (9) is situated (standing or sitting) and having overview of said conveyor(belt) (7) and able to make adjustment of all required functions for effective harvesting process.

[0086] According to one or more implementations of the present invention:

a) the mobile chassis is made from structural steel and designed to incorporate said engine (1), said transmission system, said conveyor (7), said pair

of tilt-able fork lift tines, said funnel shape tarp/trampoline (la) and fruit bin (6);

b) the engine (1) and said transmission system is able travel on undulating

agricultural land at adjustable speed forward and reverse and stop;

c) the trough (4) is made from stainless steel or UV-protected, food-grade polyethylene able to store water and sodium carbonate [ Na 2CO 3], having a

suitable shape to accommodate said submergible part of said conveyor (7);

d) the conveyor frame is made from stainless steel or corrosion resistance

materials that is food-grade and said conveyor belt is made from UV-protected, food-grade thermoplastics that cannot discolour said mangoes;

e) the pair of tilt-able fork lift tines made from high tension steel and able of carrying and securing a fruit bin (6) for storage of harvested fruit (le);

f) the fruit bin (6) is made from UV-protected, food-grade polyethylene;

g) the funnel shape trap/trampoline (la) is made from synthetic fabrics that are laminated and coated with a waterproofing material such polyvinyl chloride

(PVC), polyurethane and that the design of said funnel shape trap/trampoline (1b) is accommodating such that said mangoes (1e) can slide/role down into said

trough (4); h) the vertical stretched tarps (1b) are made from synthetic fabrics that are laminated and coated with a waterproofing material polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and polyurethane.

[0087] According to a particular embodiment, the harvester apparatus may be operated for

removing and managing sap from mangoes in accordance with one or more of the following steps:

a) an orchard manager and/or horticulture manager estimates and/or

predicts the amount of mangoes to be harvested per minute (estimates harvesting rate) by said mobile harvester;

b) said operator (9) adjusts all said adjustable controls from said control/instrumentation console to suit particular harvesting situation;

c) manually harvesting/fruit picking removing a ripe mango (1e) from a tree

either by hand or picking pool, removing the stalk (stem) from said mango locating said mango into said funnel shape tarp/trampoline (la) which

incorporates said sprinklers that ensures circulation of said mixture of water and sodium carbonate, Na 2CO 3 from said trough (4) to said funnel shape

trap/trampoline (la) and said vertical stretched tarps (1b);

d) by gravity said mangoes (1e) are transferred to the trough (4) containing

a mixture of water and sodium carbonate, Na 2 CO 3 , and submerging said

mangoes (1e) for a specific period;

e) removing said mango (1e) from said trough (submerging position) by said

conveyor (belt) (7);

f) the conveyor (belt) (7) moving along said mango (1e) passing said

sprinkling (1f) of clean mixture of water and sodium carbonate, Na 2 CO 3 ; g) the operator (9) inspects said mango (1e) traveling on said conveyor (belt) (7), remove stalk(stem) from said mango (le), if required, and return said mango (1e) to said funnel shape trap/trampoline (1b); h) an operator (9) adjusts ideal and optimum angle of the fruit bin (6), preventing any damage to said mango (1e) falling into said fruit bin (6) i) when said mobile chassis (harvester machine) is operating and traveling, and when said fruit bin (6) is full, said operator (9) stops said harvester machine including conveyor (belt) (7), changes angle of said fruit bin (6), tilting it backward thus unloading said fruit bin (6) on ground, thereafter an empty said fruit bin (6) is loaded on to said pair of tilt-able fork lift tines and ready for the continuation of harvesting;

[0088] It will be appreciated by persons skilled in the relevant field of technology that

numerous variations and/or modifications may be made to the invention as detailed in the embodiments without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention as broadly

described. The present embodiments are, therefore, to be considered in all aspects as illustrative and not restrictive.

[0089] Throughout this specification and claims which follow, unless the context requires otherwise, the word "comprise", and variations such as "comprises" and "comprising", will

be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated feature or step, or group of features or steps, but not the exclusion of any other feature or step or group of features or steps.

Claims (19)

The claims defining the invention are as follows:

1. A harvester apparatus for harvesting tree fruits, the apparatus including:

a trough for receiving the tree fruits, the trough including a washing liquid in which the tree fruits are submerged to cause sap from the tree fruits to be removed and to cause

the sap to float towards an upper level of the washing liquid;

a conveyer including a lower portion partly submerged in said washing liquid, the

conveyor configured to remove the tree fruits from inside the trough and move the tree

fruits towards an upper portion of the conveyer which is positioned to feed washed tree fruits into a storage bin, the conveyer further including a wash liquid collection tray

positioned beneath the conveyer;

one or more sprinklers positioned above the conveyor and configured to cause

washing liquid to be sprayed onto the tree fruits after being moved out of the trough, wherein excess sprayed washing liquid is collected by the collection tray positioned beneath

the conveyor which causes the excess washing liquid to flow into the trough and the upper level of washing liquid in the trough to rise and overflow, thereby causing sap floating on

the upper level of the washing liquid to be discharged from the trough.

2. A harvester apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the harvester apparatus

includes a mobile chassis having at least two wheels, the mobile chassis being towable by a

vehicle.

3. A harvester apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the mobile chassis includes a

funnel shaped tarp that directs received tree fruit towards a central outlet in the lower part of the funnel shaped tarp, the central outlet positioned above said trough such that tree

fruit collected in the funnel shaped tarp is directed into the trough.

4. A harvester apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the funnel shaped tarp includes

two or more substantially vertical tarps of which a central portion extends over the central outlet in a configuration that minimises the occurrence of tree fruit being received directly

into the trough in which the lower portion of the conveyor is submerged.

5. A harvester apparatus according to claim 4, wherein disposed above the two or

more substantially vertical tarps is a delivery pipe system having a plurality of adjustable

sprinkler outlets configured to wet the funnel shaped tarp as well as the two or more substantially vertical tarps.

6. A harvester apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the liquid used to wet the

funnel shaped tarp and two or more substantially vertical tarps using the adjustable sprinkler outlets is the washing liquid in said trough.

7. A harvester apparatus according to claim 6, wherein liquid is pumped from the trough and, via a filter, through the delivery pipe system to the adjustable sprinkler outlets.

8. A harvester apparatus according to claim 7, further including a flow control system that is used by an operator of the harvester apparatus to control the flow rate to the

adjustable sprinkler outlets positioned above the tarp.

9. A harvester apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the one

or more sprinklers positioned above the conveyer are configured to target all tree fruits

travelling along the conveyer towards the storage bin.

10. A harvester apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the washing liquid sprayed by

the one or more sprinklers positioned above the conveyor is pumped from a storage tank, via a filter and flow control valve, to the one or more sprinklers.

11. A harvester apparatus according to claim 10, wherein the flow control valve is associated with a flow control system that is used by an operator of the harvester apparatus

to control the flow rate to the one or more sprinklers positioned above the conveyor and thereby control the frequency and extent to which the trough will overflow with washing

liquid and thereby cause tree fruit sap to be discharged from the trough.

12. A harvester apparatus according to either claim 8 or claim 11, including one or more additional control systems configured to be used by an operator of the apparatus to control:

forward/reverse travel speed of the apparatus, and

conveyorspeed.

13. A harvester apparatus according to claim 12, further including a console configured

for use by the operator of the apparatus, the console positioned to provide the operator

with overview of the conveyor and configured to enable the operator to control said flow control and additional control systems in accordance with instructions from the operator.

14. A harvester apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the

tree fruit is mango and the sap is mango sap.

15. A harvester apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the

washing liquid includes a mixture of water and sodium bicarbonate (Na 2 CO 3 ).

16. A method of removing sap from tree fruits, the method including:

causing tree fruits to be received in a trough of a harvester apparatus, the trough including a washing liquid in which the tree fruits are submerged to cause sap from the tree

fruits to be removed and to cause the sap to float towards an upper level of the washing liquid;

removing the tree fruits from the trough using a conveyer that includes a lower

portion partly submerged in said washing liquid, the conveyor configured to remove the tree fruits from inside the trough and move the tree fruits towards an upper portion of the

conveyer which is positioned to feed washed tree fruits into a storage bin, the conveyer further including a wash liquid collection tray positioned beneath the conveyer; and

causing one or more sprinklers positioned above the conveyor to be operated to spray washing liquid onto the tree fruits after being moved out of the trough, wherein

excess sprayed washing liquid is collected by the collection tray positioned beneath the conveyor which causes the excess washing liquid to flow into the trough and the upper level

of washing liquid in the trough to rise and overflow, thereby causing sap floating on the

upper level of the washing liquid to be discharged from the trough.

17. A method of removing sap from tree fruits according to claim 16, wherein the

washing liquid sprayed by the one or more sprinklers positioned above the conveyor is pumped from a storage tank, via a filter and flow control valve, to the one or more

sprinklers.

18. A method of removing sap from tree fruits according to claim 17, wherein the flow

control valve is associated with a flow control system that is used by an operator of the

harvester apparatus to control the flow rate to the one or more sprinklers positioned above the conveyor and thereby control the frequency and extent to which the trough will

overflow with washing liquid and thereby cause tree fruit sap to be discharged from the

trough.

19. A method of operating a harvester apparatus configured in accordance with any one

of claims 1 to 15, the method including:

causing the tree fruits to be received and submerged in the trough to cause sap from

the tree fruits to be removed and to cause the sap to float towards an upper level of the washing liquid;

removing the tree fruits from the trough using the conveyer towards the upper portion of the conveyer in order to feed washed tree fruits into the storage bin; and

causing the one or more sprinklers positioned above the conveyor to be operated to

spray washing liquid onto the tree fruits after being moved out of the trough, wherein excess sprayed washing liquid is collected by the collection tray positioned beneath the

conveyor which causes the excess washing liquid to flow into the trough and the upper level of washing liquid in the trough to rise and overflow, thereby causing sap floating on the

upper level of the washing liquid to be discharged from the trough.