Importance

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Abstract

A cluster seprator for engaging and separating clusters of pod vegetables joined together by stem sections from a large quantity of individual pod vegetables, includes two tandem substantially horizontally spaced drums which each have a cylindrical surface such that the two drums form a restricted zone between the cylindrical surfaces. The drums are rottable in opposite directions so that the cylindrical surfaces move in the same direction at the restricted zone. On each drum are hooked rods which extend generally radially outwardly from the cylindrical surface so that a hook portion of each rod faces generally upwardly within the restricted zone. The hooked rods on each drum form an array of rods of selected density. The hooked rods pass juxtaposedly through the restricted zone at the combined densities of the arrays of both drums to optimize engagement of the clusters of pod vegetables falling through the restricted zone while permitting individual pod vegetables to fall freely between the rods. As the drums rotate, the hooked rods pass outwardly and away from the restricted zone at the respective single array density of each drum so that the clusters may be cut apart or otherwise processed more efficiently. A drive system is connected to the drums to rotate them.

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First Claim