Abstract: A multiple channel peristaltic metering pump includes a base having a pair of spaced apart bearings, a rotor supported on the base and an occlusion member. The rotor includes a rotation shaft in the bearings and a plurality of rollers mounted thereon. A pair of occlusion rings, which are located concentrically with the rotation shaft by the bearings, position the occlusion member with respect to the rollers. Each of the rollers is rotated about a bearing which is located in an opening having sufficient size to allow expansion of lubricant under high operating temperatures. A hose expansion space adjacent the rotor takes up any elongation of the hoses in order to avoid crimping. Hose spacers in the expansion space prevent hose creep along the rotor.

Abstract: A spray unit and process for controlled droplet atomization in which a tangential vortex type fan with wide mouth passes operation from low-to-medium pressures at high volume, passes air through a throat in which controlled droplet atomization of spray material is being achieved prior to emission from the fan in a plane generally parallel to the flow of air. The flow of air sweeps the droplets into a parallel orientation in substantial avoidance of contact of the spray material on the fan parts, throat or mouth thereof and the airflow confines the continuous core of controlled droplets and projects the protected spray toward a target. The spray units are arranged to permit plural end-to-end adjacent articulated mounting with directional adjustment and flexible conduits for power at the individual units, including spray material delivery and power to lineal actuators and are carriage mounted on wheels for easy movement in the target area.

Abstract: A harvester for picking cucumbers that is effective and cost efficient on small, "pickling" cucumbers is mountable on a tractor frame for a conventional mechanical pickle harvester between a vine cutter and pinch roller mechanism. The harvester comprises a pickup mechanism at the front of the harvester for picking up severed cucumber vines and a conveying and fruit removal mechanism that conveys the vines rearwardly between the pick-up mechanism to the pinch roller mechanism, while at the same time gently dislodging fruit from the vines and thinning and defoliating the vines so as to improve the action of the pinch roller mechanism. The conveying and fruit removal mechanism includes a rotating paddle mechanism comprising cushioned gum rubber paddle blades that rotate in the direction of vine travel and strike the fruit as the vines are conveyed over the paddles.