Abstract:
A tomato catcher device having an outer rectangular plastic frame and an inner ultra-violet resistant netting with a rectangular cut-out in the center to allow a tomato or cucumber plant to grow up and through. The center rectangle cut-out is surrounded by flanges that rest against the plant to help shield the plant's produce from falling through the center net hole and onto the ground, thereby preventing the produce from rotting.
Abstract:
The berry catcher system has an elastic catcher sheet that is sandwiched between upper and lower endless hollow rims. A protector sheet is deployed below the catcher sheet. The system is structured so that as berries are dislodged from their respective vines, the catcher sheet catches the berries as the protector sheet simultaneously protects (at least) the underside of the catcher sheet.
Abstract:
A method is provided for converting a bow rod harvester into a trunk shaker harvester. In the bow rod harvester, a plurality of bow rods are attached to an oscillating member that is configured to reciprocate about a first vertical axis of a first vertical shaft of the bow rod harvester. In the conversion, the plurality of bow rods are removed from the oscillating member and a shaker rail is coupled to the oscillating member.
Abstract:
A novel mobile orchard platform and method of operation for preferably harvesting apples on trellised tress is introduced herein. An exemplary embodiment herein utilizes an articulated lifting arm which manipulates a catch frame and an apple harvesting attachment. The catch frame is configured with at least one but more often a multi-layer design of catch pans, which are inserted into the tree canopy wall lying under a trellised branch using the manipulating arm. An eccentric Dual Motor Actuator (DMA) coupled to support shafts is preferably utilized to provide shaker harmonic patterns and energy to one or more points on coupled trellis wires or one or more points of the branches of the trained trees residing in an orchard. The removed apples are caught using the catch pans.
Abstract:
Described herein is rail assembly 302, which may comprise rail 322 mechanically coupled to oscillating members 305 and 307. In operation, oscillating members 305 and 307 may reciprocate about vertical axes 352 and 353 of vertical shafts 309 and 311, respectively. Reciprocation of the oscillating members may cause rail 322 to travel in arcuate paths 802 and 804. Arcuate paths 802 and 804 may be located in a two-dimensional plane that is perpendicular to vertical shafts 309 and 311. Rail 322 may impart a force on the trunk of a vine so as to dislodge the fruit from the vine.
Abstract:
A device which is suitable for harvesting fruit hanging from a plant at least comprises a mobile frame, which frame at least comprises two opposite, elongated fruit guiding means. First longitudinal sides of the fruit guiding means are positioned lower than opposite second longitudinal sides of the fruit guiding means. The frame further comprises fruit collecting devices adjoining the first longitudinal sides of the fruit guiding means. At least one fruit guiding means is provided with wirelike, flexible elements extending from the first longitudinal side, over which elements the fruit can be guided.
Abstract:
Lightened vibrating clamp for machines harvesting fruit by shaking, of the type featuring two jaws capable of being brought closer together or of being placed further apart from each other. At least one of the jaws includes an exterior jacket made of composite material and positioned around a web or core.
Abstract:
The invention relates to vibrating tongs, including two opposing jaws in which the closing or opening movements are achieved through one or several hydraulic jacks, referred to as clamping jacks. These tongs are especially remarkable in that the oil intake chamber or pressure chamber of the clamping jacks that control the closing motion of the jaw or jaws, is linked to a mechanism fitted to detect any pressure rise inside the chamber that occurs when the tong jaws come into contact with the trunk of a tree. Blocking devices are controlled by the detection mechanism, and any increase in the pressure of the jaws on the trunk is opposed as soon as such a pressure rise occurs in the oil intake chamber.
Abstract:
A vegetation clipping blanket that can be positioned underneath a plant, bush or small tree and collects the vegetation clippings and avoids the clippings from falling directly to the ground. The vegetation clipping blanket including a first end, a second end opposite the first end, and a body portion. The second end forming a pocket portion for collecting the vegetation clippings. A central aperture is formed in the body portion, and an open track extends from the first end to the central portion. In application, the trunk or stem of the plant to be clipped is directed through the open track until the truck or stem is positioned in the central aperture. The blanket further includes a hem disposed about the parameter of the open track and central aperture. A cord member is disposed within the hem and outwardly extends through apertures adjacent the first end.
Abstract:
A drop cloth having a planar body made from a canvas material, the body having an outer edge forming a square and a single slit form the outer edge leading to a hole centrally located therein forming an inner edge; the body further having all edges doubled stitched. The 1″ high light weight barrier is around the entire perimeter edges, as well as all the inner edges. The drop cloth may be simply used by wrapping the cloth around any large indoor or outdoor potted plant, shrub, flower or tree, thereafter, pruning, trimming, changing soil or transferring a plant from one pot to another; thereby permitting the drop cloth to capture and contain all the debris, and for quick and easy cleanup; and for folding the drop cloth and discarding debris in a garbage pail or bag.