OYSTER PEARL EXTRACTION DEVICE

Abstract

An oyster pearl extraction device, comprises a platform 1 positioned on a ground surface, a C-shaped member 2 with platform 1 accommodates oyster, an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 5 captures images of the oyster, an expandable pulley arrangement increases/decreases the diameter of the platform 1, a pair of L-shaped telescopically operated links 6 extends to position the clamps 7, clamps 7 grips the lower shell of the oyster, a telescopically operated rod 8 extends to adhere the suction cup 9, an X-ray imaging unit 10 detects exact location of the pearl, a robotic arm extracts the pearl, a speaker 12 notifies the user to collect the pearl, ultrasonic sensor detects the user’s height.

Specification

Description:FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to an oyster pearl extraction device that is capable of assisting the user in pearl removal from the oyster in a secured manner for multiple purposes thereby eliminates the time and efforts of the user involved in the pearl removal.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] The tool for extracting pearls from oysters has a rich historical background intertwined with the practice of pearl harvesting, which dates back thousands of years. Early pearl extraction tools were rudimentary and often involved manual techniques that required skill and patience. Historically, pearl divers used simple implements such as knives, hooks, or needles to pry open oyster shells and extract pearls. And the blade of the pearl knife is slender and pointed to penetrate the oyster shell easily without causing excessive damage.

[0003] Although the traditional method of manually assisting the user in pearl removal from the oyster using knife that has proven effective to some extent, but it comes with inherent limitations. Using traditional tools can sometimes result in damage to the oyster shell, potentially harming the oyster and affecting its ability to produce pearls in future. Extracting pearls with traditional tools requires skill and experience. Thus, there is a need to develop an innovative tool that provide a consistent way of assisting the user in pearl removing from the oyster where traditional methods may fall short and to meet the evolving demands of modern requirements.

[0004] JP2012130331A disclose to solve problems of restriction of a usable pearl oyster depending on a district since the pearl oyster is cultured in the sea to restrict the kind of producible pearl depending on the district, restriction of the kind of artificially producible pearl, and absence of an artificial pearl production method to use shells difficult to perform nucleus insertion such as a part of bivalves and snails. SOLUTION: There are provided the pearl oyster enabling insertion of nucleus piece obtained from different kind of shells and the pearl production method to use the pearl oyster. The pearl oyster is an immunity-tolerized pearl oyster.

[0005] WO2015135346A1 A method for separating and preparing a pearl extract from pearls comprise the following steps: pulverizing pearls to a nanometer scale, then adding deionized water, and micro-emulsifying pearl powder by means of cooperation of a pressure and a temperature; then performing electro dialysis on a pearl powder emulsion, placing the deionized water in a concentrated water pool, placing the pearl powder emulsion in a fresh water pool, and performing cyclic decalcification and separation to obtain a calcium salt-containing solution and a pearl protein solution; using the obtained calcium salt-containing solution as soluble edible calcium or a soluble edible calcium raw material; adding a phosphate buffered saline into the obtained pearl protein solution to form a homogeneous mixture; and first performing pre-processing, then placing the liquid mixture into a reaction vessel to carry out an enzyme-catalyzed reaction, killing enzyme in a boiling water bath centrifugally after the reaction finishes, and removing a supernatant liquid, namely, a pearl complex whitening factor solution.

[0006] Conventionally, many devices exist that are capable of removing the pearls from the oyster of different sizes however these devices fail in providing the user to comfortably operated the device physically as well as remotely in a secure manner.

[0007] In order to overcome the aforementioned drawbacks, there exists a need in the art to develop a device that is capable of providing the user to comfortably operate the device physically as well as remotely in an efficient manner without any physical intervention from user.

OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION

[0008] The principal object of the present invention is to overcome the disadvantages of the prior art.

[0009] An object of the present invention is to develop a device that is capable of removing the pearls from the oyster of different sizes.

[0010] Another object of the present invention is to develop a device that is capable of providing the user to comfortably operate the device physically as well as remotely.

[0011] Yet another object of the present invention is to develop a device that is capable of eliminating the time and efforts of the user involved in pearl extraction.

[0012] The foregoing and other objects, features, and advantages of the present invention will become readily apparent upon further review of the following detailed description of the preferred embodiment as illustrated in the accompanying drawings.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0013] The present invention relates to an oyster pearl extraction device that is capable of assisting the user in pearl removal from the oyster in a secured manner for multiple purposes thereby eliminates the time and efforts of the user involved in the pearl removal securely.

[0014] According to an embodiment of the present invention, an oyster pearl extraction device, a platform positioned on a ground surface and installed with a C-shaped member via a telescopically operated rod, wherein the member is housed with a circular plate that is developed to accommodate an oyster, a user-interface installed within a computing unit wirelessly associated with the device for enabling a user to give input commands for extracting pearl from the oyster, wherein a microcontroller wirelessly linked with the computing unit processes the input commands and activates an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit mounted in the member and paired with a processor for detecting dimensions of the oyster, an expandable pulley arrangement integrated within the platform that is actuated by the microcontroller for increasing/decreasing diameter of the platform as per dimensions of the oyster in view of accommodating the oyster appropriately over the platform, a pair of L-shaped telescopically operated links installed on the platform to extend, followed by actuation of a pair of motorized clamps equipped with the links for gripping lower shell of the oyster in a secured manner, a telescopically operated rod suspended from a ceiling portion of the member and attached with a suction cup.

[0015] According to another embodiment of the present invention, further comprises, the rod to extend for adhering the suction cup on upper shell of the oyster, followed by re-actuation of rod to retract for pulling the upper shell in view of exposing mantle of the oyster, an X-ray imaging unit installed with the member for detecting exact location of pearl in the mantle, wherein based on the exact location, the microcontroller actuates a robotic arm installed with the member in view of extracting the pearl and transferring the pearl to a chamber attached with the member, followed by activation of a speaker mounted on the member for notifying the user to collect the pearl from the chamber, a motorized ball and socket joint is configured between the rod and suction cup for providing suitable tilt to the suction cup with respect to the rod during retraction of the rod in view of accurately opening the shells, wherein an ultrasonic sensor is positioned on the member that works in sync with the imaging unit for detecting the user's height, in accordance to which the microcontroller actuates the rod to extend for allowing the user to comfortably access the platform for placing the oyster, wherein a battery is associated with the device for supplying power to electrical and electronically operated components associated with the device.

[0016] While the invention has been described and shown with particular reference to the preferred embodiment, it will be apparent that variations might be possible that would fall within the scope of the present invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0017] These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with regard to the following description, appended claims, and accompanying drawings where:
Figure 1 illustrates an isometric view of an oyster pearl extraction device.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0018] The following description includes the preferred best mode of one embodiment of the present invention. It will be clear from this description of the invention that the invention is not limited to these illustrated embodiments but that the invention also includes a variety of modifications and embodiments thereto. Therefore, the present description should be seen as illustrative and not limiting. While the invention is susceptible to various modifications and alternative constructions, it should be understood, that there is no intention to limit the invention to the specific form disclosed, but, on the contrary, the invention is to cover all modifications, alternative constructions, and equivalents falling within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined in the claims.

[0019] In any embodiment described herein, the open-ended terms "comprising," "comprises," and the like (which are synonymous with "including," "having" and "characterized by") may be replaced by the respective partially closed phrases "consisting essentially of," consists essentially of," and the like or the respective closed phrases "consisting of," "consists of, the like.

[0020] As used herein, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the" designate both the singular and the plural, unless expressly stated to designate the singular only.

[0021] The present invention relates to an oyster pearl extraction device that is capable of assisting the user in pearl removal from the oyster in a secured manner for multiple purposes thereby eliminates the time and efforts of the user involved in the pearl removal securely.

[0022] Referring to Figure 1, an isometric view of an oyster pearl extraction device is illustrated, comprising a platform 1 positioned on a ground surface, a C-shaped member 2 via a telescopically operated bar 3 installed on the housing, a circular plate 4 housed with the member 2, an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 5 mounted in the member 2, a pair of L-shaped telescopically operated links 6 installed on the platform 1, a pair of motorized clamps 7 equipped with the links 6, a telescopically operated rod 8 suspended from a ceiling portion of the member 2, a suction cup 9 attached with the rod 8, an X-ray imaging unit 10 installed with the member 2, a chamber 11 attached with the member 2, a speaker 12 mounted on the member 2.

[0023] The proposed device includes a platform 1 positioned on a ground surface and installed with a C-shaped member 2 via a telescopically operated bar 3 and the member 2 is housed with a circular plate 4 that is developed to accommodate an oyster.

[0024] The telescopically operated bar 3 herein is powered by pneumatic unit including an air compressor, air cylinders, air valves and piston which works in collaboration to aid in extension and retraction of the bar 3. The pneumatic unit is operated by the microcontroller, such that the microcontroller actuates valve to allow passage of compressed air from the compressor within the cylinder, the compressed air further develops pressure against the piston and results in pushing and extending the piston. The piston is connected with the bar 3 and due to applied pressure the bar 3 extends and similarly, the microcontroller retracts the telescopically operated bar 3 by closing the valve resulting in retraction of the piston, wherein an ultrasonic sensor positioned on the member 2 that works in sync with the imaging unit 5 for detecting the user's height.

[0025] The ultrasonic sensor works by emitting ultrasonic waves and then measuring the time taken by these waves to bounce back after hitting the user. The ultrasonic sensor includes two main parts viz. transmitter, and a receiver for user. The transmitter sends a short ultrasonic pulse towards the surface of user which propagates through the air at the speed of sound and reflects back as an echo to the transmitter as the pulse hits the user.

[0026] The transmitter then detects the reflected eco from the user and calculations is performed by the sensor based on the time interval between the sending signal and receiving echo to determine the height of the user. The determined data is sent to the microcontroller in a signal form, based on which the microcontroller further process the signal to actuate the bar 3 to position the platform 1 at an appropriate height for allowing the user to comfortably access the platform 1 for placing the oyster.

[0027] Further the user accesses a computing unit wirelessly associated with a user-interface that enables the user to give input commands for extracting pearl from the oyster. The computing unit is wirelessly linked with the device via a communication module which includes, but not limited to Wi-Fi module, Bluetooth module, GSM module that establishes a secure wireless connection that allows the user to remotely access the device of giving commands.

[0028] The commands given by user are processed by a linked microcontroller that further activates an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 5 mounted in the member 2 captures multiple images of the oyster. The imaging unit 5 comprises of an image capturing arrangement including a set of lenses that captures multiple images of the oyster, and the captured images are stored within memory of the imaging unit 5 in form of an optical data.

[0029] The imaging unit 5 also comprises of a processor that is integrated with artificial intelligence protocols, such that the processor processes the optical data and extracts the required data from the captured images. The extracted data is further converted into digital pulses and bits and are further transmitted to the microcontroller. The microcontroller processes the received data and determines the dimensions of the oyster.

[0030] On the basis of the determined the microcontroller actuates an expandable pulley arrangement integrated within the platform 1 for increasing/decreasing diameter of the platform 1 as per dimensions of the oyster. The expandable pulley arrangement allows the platform 1 to change its diameter without any physical effort. The expandable pulley arrangement consists of two main components: an outer pulley shell and an inner core. The inner core is mounted on a shaft and is capable of moving axially within the outer shell.

[0031] By changing the position of the inner core relative to the outer shell, the effective diameter of the platform 1 is increased/decreased. When the core moves towards the center of the shell, the rotatable extendable plate 4 is retracted and when the core moves away the diameter increases in view of accommodating the oyster appropriately over the platform 1 and after the accommodation of the oyster the microcontroller actuates a pair of L-shaped telescopically operated links 6 installed on the platform 1 to extend.

[0032] The L-shaped telescopically operated links 6 is powered by a pneumatic unit including an air compressor, air cylinders, air valves and piston which works in collaboration to aid in extension and retraction of the link. The pneumatic unit is operated by the microcontroller, such that the microcontroller actuates valve to allow passage of compressed air from the compressor within the cylinder, the compressed air further develops pressure against the piston and results in pushing and extending the piston.

[0033] The piston is connected with the link and due to applied pressure the link extends and similarly, the microcontroller retracts the link by closing the valve resulting in retraction of the piston. Thus, the microcontroller regulates the extension/retraction of the link in order to position a pair of motorized clamps 7 equipped with the links 6 for gripping lower shell of the oyster in a secured manner.

[0034] The clamps 7 are a fastening equipment used to hold or secure the lower shell of the oyster. clamps 7 comprise a pair of curved motorize clamps 7, attached with motor to grip the lower shell of the oyster in a secured manner for opening the oyster.

[0035] Thereafter the microcontroller actuates a telescopically operated rod 8 suspended from a ceiling portion of the member 2 and attached with a suction cup 9, to extend for adhering the suction cup 9 on upper shell of the oyster. The suction cup 9 provides an additional grip the oyster. The suction unit when actuated by the microcontroller, creates an airtight between the cup 9's flexible rim and the oyster for sealing off the area within the suction cup 9. The flexible rim of the suction cup 9 is designed to maintain an airtight seal between the suction cup 9 and the oyster that is followed by re-actuation of rod 8 to retract for pulling the upper shell in view of exposing mantle of the oyster.

[0036] Further the microcontroller actuates a motorized ball and socket joint configured between the rod 8 and suction cup 9 for providing suitable tilt to the suction cup 9 with respect to the rod 8 during retraction of the rod 8 in view of accurately opening the shells. The ball and socket joint provides a rotation to the rod 8 for aiding the adherence of the suction cup 9 to turn at a desired angle.

[0037] The ball and socket joint is a coupling consisting of a ball joint securely locked within a socket joint, where the ball joint is able to move in a 360-dgree rotation within the socket thus, providing the required rotational motion to the rod 8 The ball and socket joint is powered by a DC (direct current) motor that is actuated by the microcontroller thus providing multidirectional movement to the suction cup 9 for gripping the mantle.

[0038] In addition, an X-ray imaging unit 10 installed with the member 2 detects the exact location of pearl in the mantle. The X-ray imaging unit 10 operate by emitting X-rays through the pearl, which are absorbed a pearl that are absorbed at different intensities and get processed by a linked processor that further translates the captured images to the microcontroller that determines the exact location of the pearl inside the mantle.

[0039] On the basis of the detected location of the pearl in the mantle, the microcontroller actuates a robotic arm installed with the member 2 in view of extracting the pearl and transferring the pearl to a chamber 11 attached with the member 2. The robotic arm comprises of a robotic link and a clamp attached to the link. The robotic link is made of several segments that are attached together by joints also referred to as axes. Each joint of the segments contains a step motor that rotates and allows the robotic link to complete a specific motion of the arm. Upon actuation of the robotic arm by the microcontroller, the motor drives the movement of the clamp to position and grip the pearl and position the pearl on to the chamber 11.

[0040] Post removal of the pearl the microcontroller activates a speaker 12 mounted on the member 2 for notifying the user to collect the pearl from the chamber 11. The speaker 12 works by receiving signals from the microcontroller, converting them into sound waves through a diaphragm's vibration, and producing audible sounds with the help of amplification and control circuitry in order to notify the user to collect the pearl from the chamber 11.

[0041] A battery is associated with the device to supply power to electrically powered components which are employed herein. The battery is comprised of a pair of electrodes named as a cathode and an anode. The battery uses a chemical reaction of oxidation/reduction to do work on charge and produce a voltage between their anode and cathode and thus produces electrical energy that is used to do work in the device.

[0042] The proposed device works the best in the following manner, where the platform 1 is positioned on the ground surface and installed with the C-shaped member 2 and housed with the circular plate 4 that accommodates the oyster. Thereafter the user using the user-interface installed within the computing unit gives input commands for extracting pearl from the oyster and based on the user given inputs the microcontroller processes the input commands and activates the artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 5 captures multiple images of the oyster, and on the basis of the captured images the microcontroller detects the dimensions of the oyster. On the basis of the expandable pulley arrangement increases/decreases the diameter of the platform 1 as per dimensions of the oyster in view of accommodating the oyster appropriately over the platform 1, wherein the pair of L-shaped telescopically operated links 6 extend and the pair of motorized clamps 7 grips the lower shell of the oyster in the secured manner. Further telescopically operated rod 8 extends for adhering the suction cup 9 on upper shell of the oyster and simultaneously the rod 8 retracts for pulling the upper shell in view of exposing mantle of the oyster. Thereafter the X-ray imaging unit 10 detects the exact location of pearl in the mantle and accordingly the robotic arm extracts the pearl and transfers the pearl to the chamber 11 attached with the member 2. Lastly the speaker 12 notifies the user to collect the pearl from the chamber 11.

[0043] Although the field of the invention has been described herein with limited reference to specific embodiments, this description is not meant to be construed in a limiting sense. Various modifications of the disclosed embodiments, as well as alternate embodiments of the invention, will become apparent to persons skilled in the art upon reference to the description of the invention. , Claims:1) An oyster pearl extraction device, comprising:
i) a platform 1 positioned on a ground surface and installed with a C-shaped member 2 via a telescopically operated bar 3, wherein said member 2 is housed with a circular plate 4 that is developed to accommodate an oyster;
ii) a user-interface installed within a computing unit wirelessly associated with said device for enabling a user to give input commands for extracting pearl from said oyster, wherein a microcontroller wirelessly linked with said computing unit processes said input commands and activates an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 5 mounted in said member 2 and paired with a processor for capturing and processing multiple images of said oyster, respectively, for detecting dimensions of said oyster;
iii) an expandable pulley arrangement integrated within said platform 1 that is actuated by said microcontroller for increasing/decreasing diameter of said platform 1 as per dimensions of said oyster in view of accommodating said oyster appropriately over said platform 1, wherein said microcontroller actuates a pair of L-shaped telescopically operated links 6 installed on said platform 1 to extend, followed by actuation of a pair of motorized clamps 7 equipped with said links 6 for gripping lower shell of said oyster in a secured manner;
iv) a telescopically operated rod 8 suspended from a ceiling portion of said member 2 and attached with a suction cup 9, wherein said microcontroller actuates said rod 8 to extend for adhering said suction cup 9 on upper shell of said oyster, followed by re-actuation of rod 8 to retract for pulling said upper shell in view of exposing mantle of said oyster; and
v) an X-ray imaging unit 10 installed with said member 2 for detecting exact location of pearl in said mantle, wherein based on said exact location, said microcontroller actuates a robotic arm installed with said member 2 in view of extracting said pearl and transferring said pearl to a chamber 11 attached with said member 2, followed by activation of a speaker 12 mounted on said member 2 for notifying said user to collect said pearl from said chamber 11.

2) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein a motorized ball and socket joint is configured between said rod 8 and suction cup 9 for providing suitable tilt to said suction cup 9 with respect to said rod 8 during retraction of said rod 8 in view of accurately opening said shells.

3) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein an ultrasonic sensor is positioned on said member 2 that works in sync with said imaging unit 5 for detecting said user's height, in accordance to which said microcontroller actuates said rod 8 to extend for allowing said user to comfortably access said platform 1 for placing said oyster.

4) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein said microcontroller is wirelessly linked with said computing unit via a communication module which includes, but not limited to Wi-Fi module, Bluetooth module, GSM module.

5) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein said telescopically operated rod 8 and L-shaped telescopically operated links 6 are powered by a pneumatic unit that includes an air compressor, air cylinder, air valves and piston which works in collaboration to aid in extension and retraction of said rod 8 and links 6.

6) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein a battery is associated with said device for supplying power to electrical and electronically operated components associated with said device.

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