Patent attributes
A sorting apparatus (1) has a first conveyor (2) with a plurality of cups (4) to receive products such as fruit (3). Moving substantially parallel with the first conveyor (2) is at least a second conveyor (5) having a plurality of discrete product holding compartments or pockets (6). The second conveyor (5) can move in the same or opposite direction to that of the first conveyor (2). The first conveyor (2) is operated so that products (3) are selectively discharged from the first conveyor (2) into respective compartments (6) until a required number of the products having a prescribed characteristic have been received and that pocket (6) can then be moved to the product transfer or emptying point. The characteristic of the product (3) can be for example type, weight, quantity, colour, shape, surface quality and/or density.
