Abstract
This technical note describes a prototype apparatus for separating floral material from vegetative plant structures to improve essential-oil feedstock quality. The system uses ultraviolet or other spectral illumination and optical detection to identify flowers based on differences in reflectance relative to stems and leaves. Inspired by pollinator vision systems (e.g., Apis mellifera), the apparatus can actuate pneumatic, mechani- cal, or other separation mechanisms to isolate flowers. Lavender (Lavandula spp.) is presented as an example implementation. The disclosure is intended as public prior art to make the system available for widespread use without patent restriction.
Creative Commons License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.
Recommended Citation
De Vleeschauwer, Koenraad M., "Apparatus for Spectral Optical Sorting of Floral Material for Essential Oil Feedstock", Technical Disclosure Commons, ()
https://www.tdcommons.org/dpubs_series/9521