Abstract: A hybrid flute for a stalk roll may be configured with a sharp edge positioned between a first blunt edge and a second blunt edge along a length of the flute edge. The flute edge may extend radially outward from a main cylinder of the stalk roll. The flute edge may be engaged with a radius at the base of the flute edge, and a flute base may extend from the radius. A plurality of flute bases positioned adjacent to one another may be configured to form a main cylinder for the stalk roll.

Abstract: An Integrated dual-use machine is for harvesting and treating fruit on trees, in order to harvest the fruit when in season and treat the fruit on the tree with phytosanitary products. The machine includes a moveable structure, intended to shelter the fruit trees. The moveable structure includes a collection unit for the fruit that has been brought down, and is supported on one or two traction vehicles. The vehicles include at least one device for projecting and orienting air currents, at least one infrared camera, at least one collection belt, at least one load container, at least one conveyor belt that connects the collection belt to a load trailer, and a traction system that actuates tractor treads.

Abstract: A fruit collector (1) may include a retaining bracket (3) and a collecting container (4) that is pivotably associated with the retaining bracket. The retaining bracket includes a hub (9) arranged to pivotably retain a stub axle section (12) of the collecting container projecting from an axial end of the collecting container.

Abstract: A shaped conveyor assembly configured for use in association with a harvester comprising a first side lower conveyor sub-assembly and a second lower conveyor subassembly. One or both of the sub-assemblies having a frame structure, a discharge assembly and a conveyor assembly. The frame structure has a gathering portion, an outward portion and a terminating portion. The gathering portion is positioned proximate the first end and spaced apart from the second end. The terminating portion is positioned proximate the second end and spaced apart from the first end. The outward portion extends therebetween, the outward portion being inclined in an upward direction relative to the gathering portion, and directed in an outward direction, thereby extending away from the channel, and away from the other one of the first side and the second side lower conveyor sub-assemblies.

Abstract: An agricultural mechanical harvesting system useable with a harvester machine. The system includes at least one airflow generator connected to nozzles via air conduction systems for ejecting pressurized air flows from the nozzles located in the harvester machine above fruit receiving units and under fruit harvester units. The nozzles are positioned above the fruit receiving units and under the fruit harvester units of the harvester machine.

Abstract: A device and method for removing leaves from a plant includes a downward extending and elongate support surface for supporting the plant and a pair of cutting devices disposed on either side of the support surface. Each cutting device includes a rotatable blade assembly and a grating which is disposed between the blade assembly and the support surface.

Abstract: A harvester using shaking to dislodge product from trees in which the shaking in each of at least two inertial force generators is controlled independently of the others. Embodiments provide the flexibility to adapt a harvesting procedure to different product and to adapt the harvesting procedure to different individuals within a particular type of plant, and in real-time.

Abstract: A harvester having a frame, an agitating system and a product gathering system. The frame has a central portion configured to receive and pass plants therethrough. The agitating system is positioned within the central portion that has a first side agitating assembly further comprising an axle with an axis of rotation and a plural of axial wands extending axially outwardly therefrom in a spaced apart configuration. The axle has a first end which is both above and outboard of the second end and the axle is angled relative to a vertical plane bisecting the frame body from front to back thereof. The axial wands can be agitated. The product gathering system includes an outer guide wall positioned below the rotary agitator assembly. The outer guide wall is angled relative to a vertical plane bisecting the frame body from front to back thereof.

Abstract: A self-propelled tree fruit picking machine, of the type which includes a vibrator device which acts on the trunk of a tree detected by a probe device. The picking machine includes two side frames joined by a transverse gantries device, equipped with transporting devices to move the fruit towards peeling devices, and from these towards hoppers. Each gantry includes four successively articulated segments with anchoring devices between adjacent segments, which are extractable to fold the machine by closing together both side frames via the action of cylinders to a minimum width. The machine is further equipped with a control cabin which can be moved inwards to the position of minimum width, and with the transport wheels connected to suspension devices adjustable in height via cylinders.

Abstract: A harvester having a frame, an agitating system and a product gathering system. The frame has a central portion configured to receive and pass plants therethrough. The agitating system is positioned within the central portion that has a first side agitating assembly further comprising an axle with an axis of rotation and a plural of axial wands extending axially outwardly therefrom in a spaced apart configuration. The axle has a first end which is both above and outboard of the second end and the axle is angled relative to a vertical plane bisecting the frame body from front to back thereof. The axial wands can be agitated. The product gathering system includes an outer guide wall positioned below the rotary agitator assembly. The outer guide wall is angled relative to a vertical plane bisecting the frame body from front to back thereof.

Abstract: Rail assembly 302 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 having a mobile frame, which frame at least comprises two opposite, longitudinal sides for guiding fruit. The frame further comprises fruit collecting devices adjoining the first longitudinal side. At least one longitudinal side is provided with wirelike, flexible elements extending from the first longitudinal side, over which elements the fruit can be guided.

Abstract: Provided is an information processing device in which a sub response part (SRP) provides a response on behalf of a main response part (MRP) for enabling a provision of an easy coordination between the MRP and the SRP in protocol process. A network connection part is for receiving a packet from an external network. A distribution function part of a filter part distributes the packet to either one the MRP and the SRP based on a packet distribution condition. A duplicate function part of the filter part, if no response data is stored in the SRP, duplicates the packet received and gives the packets to the MRP and the SRP. Thereby, the SRP receives response data from the MRP to store the same in a response data storage area and provides a response on behalf of the MRP using the stored response data.

Abstract: A harvester for agricultural products such as fruits such as grapes, berries, vegetables, and the like, and method of harvesting, using an RFID system capable of detecting and interrogating RFID tags associated with objects or conditions along a path of the harvester in a manner to determine both presence and location of the associated object or condition, to enable responsively adapting or altering the operation of harvesting apparatus in a predetermined manner, such as by reducing or interrupting forces exerted thereby when about or proximate the object or condition.

Abstract: A trunk shaker harvester includes a shaker assembly with four synchronized shaker drives. The shaker drives are mounted on a frame of trunk engagement members. The shaker drives include offset weights that are synchronized so that all are directed to the left or right side at the same time. However, the front and rear motors on each side of the drive rotate in the opposite direction so that the weights face toward or away from one another at the same time and cancel out longitudinal forces.

Abstract: A forced-air system for conveying a produce within a mechanized harvester of a row crop. The mechanized harvester includes a straddling over-carriage having a central channel for receiving a row of bushes or vines containing the produce to be harvested, and especially for blue berries. The harvester has a harvesting beater, including a spool with rotating rods, mounted within the central channel of the mechanized harvester. The forced-air system can employ offset harvesting beaters and a flexible air supply diffuser, to precisely direct the fan or blower-generated airstream, to direct the harvested fruits or produce to interior catch pans and conveyors within the harvester, and to help remove the produce from the bushes or vines.

Abstract: A fruit harvesting unit mounted on a harvesting machine. The harvesting unit comprises a straddling chassis delimiting a harvesting tunnel in which plants to be shaken are introduced successively to move through said tunnel between a front opening and a rear opening of said tunnel. The harvesting unit has a main shaker system including two shaker devices disposed on respective sides of the harvesting tunnel to delimit transversely a central part of said tunnel, and an additional shaker system that is mounted on the straddling chassis and comprises two shaker devices disposed on respective sides of the harvesting tunnel to delimit transversely a front upper part of said tunnel.

Abstract: An apparatus (20) for use in stripping irregular material (8) from a line (3, 4) during relative movement between the apparatus (20) and line (3, 4), including a material guide (50), stripping mechanism (40) and line guide (30). A first line guide element (30a), first stripping element (40a) and first material guide element (50a) collectively form a first stripping assembly and the second line guide element (30b), second stripping element (40b) and second material guide element (50b) collectively form a second stripping assembly, the line passing between the stripping assemblies during stripping. The stripping assemblies are orientated during stripping such that the first material guide rotation axis and the first stripping element rotation axis are on a first lateral side of the line and the second material guide rotation axis and the second stripping element rotation axis are on a second lateral side of the line.

Abstract: A huller device for hulling bunches of grapes after a harvest or other fruits harvested in bunches by separating the fruit from the stalks, includes two shaking units disposed side by side and defining a vertical space into which the harvest is intended to be directed by gravity. A device for collecting the fruits and the stalks is disposed under the shaking units.

Abstract: Automated rotary brush harvesters that reduce or prevent damage to fruit or other crops (“produce”) when they are removed from trees or bushes, and methods of using such harvesters are disclosed. The harvesters may include a brush having flexible radiating members (e.g., filaments or bristles) for removing crops from trees or bushes and a conveyor paired therewith for receiving the produce from the brush. The brush and conveyor may be angled to aid in collecting the produce and preventing damage to the produce. The conveyor may be configured to deliver the produce to one or more bins, which may be mounted on a bin elevator system.

Abstract: Berry, such as grape, harvesting machine includes a plurality of superimposed shakers formed by flexible bars, and attached through their ends to two vertical shafts. At least one shaft is an oscillating actuation shaft controlled by a mechatronic shaking control permitting an oscillating movement. The mechatronic shaking control includes an eccentric system connected to the actuating shaft through a connecting rod, and the rotation axis of the eccentric system is mounted with an orientation adjustable in a plane parallel to the median plane of the machine so that any modification of this orientation permits to modify the amplitude of the oscillating movement of the actuating shaft, and, consequently the amplitude of the shaking movement of the shakers.

Abstract: A vehicle for harvesting espalier fruit, such as berries or grapes, and for further processing to a must on the vehicle. The vehicle comprises a frame configured to reach over a row of plants to be harvested in an area of a u-shaped recess of the vehicle. Also included are wheels on both sides of the u-shaped recess and arranged on the frame. Further included is a picking device to separate the fruit from a remainder of the plants. A solid-bowl screw-type centrifuge is arranged directly on the vehicle, which solid-bowl screw-type centrifuge separates and clarifies a fruit mash into at least a solids phase and a liquid phase.

Abstract: An apparatus for automatically bypassing tying posts in fruit-bearing hedges has a working head with a pair of vertical drive shafts, each having stacks of toothed cutting disks mounted thereon. Each of the vertical drive shafts having a an opening wheel thereof. The stacks are movable between a position in which the cutting disks mesh with each other and a position in which the stacks of the cutting disks are spaced away from each other. The opening wheels are connected by speed reducers to the shaft such that the open wheels rotate at a speed less than the cutting disks.

Abstract: A shaking system for a harvesting head used in picking fruit from orchards has a fruit separating assembly with a lower subassembly and an upper subassembly. The upper subassembly is positioned rearwardly of said lower subassembly at a higher level than the lower subassembly. First and second oscillating drive shafts are independently and drivingly connected to the respective first and second subassemblies.

Abstract: An apparatus for removing plant material from a vine. The apparatus generally comprises a support frame, a pair of counter-rotating wheels, and a vine stripping component. In an embodiment, the vine stripping component includes interchangeable stripping dies. In an additional embodiment, the apparatus is incorporated in a mobile harvesting unit. The invention further includes a method for removing plant material from vines.

Abstract: A device and method for stripping leaves from the stems of herbs and plants and a method of stripping leaves using the device. The device includes a container that supports a lower plate carrying a number of closely spaced flexible tines. An upper plate is pivotally attached to the lower plate and is movable toward and away from the tines. A scalper blade, that is attached to the upper plate at an angle, moves with the upper plate such that when the upper plate engages the tines the scalper blade is spaced below the tines, and when the upper plate is spaced above the tines the scalper blade is adjacent the tines. The method of stripping leaves from the stems of plants is practiced with the device.

Abstract: A harvesting apparatus has a harvesting head suitable for connection to a traveling carrier and suitable for straddling a row of fruit-bearing plants. A straddling carrier has the harvesting head mounted thereon. An actuator arrangement is provided and is cooperative with the harvesting head so as to move the harvesting head in relation to a median plane of the straddling carrier. A centering mechanism is cooperative with the harvesting head so as to center a lower portion of the harvesting head in relation to the row of fruit-bearing plants. A controller is cooperative with the centering system.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of eliminating leaf stalks (P) from a harvested stream in a machine for harvesting fruit berries (G), said method successively comprising the steps of feeding the harvested stream to a sorting device through which a stream portion comprising leaf stalks (P) and fruit berries (G) can pass; recovering the portion passing through on a conveyor: removing from the conveyor components of the passing through portion other than leaf stalks (P); eliminating leaf stalks (P) remaining on the conveyor. The invention also relates to a sorting device, an extraction conveyor, and an elimination system for implementing this method, and a fruit berry harvesting machine including this kind of elimination system.

Abstract: An apparatus for removing plant material from a vine. The apparatus generally comprises a support frame, a pair of counter-rotating wheels, and a vine stripping component. In an embodiment, the vine stripping component includes interchangeable threaded stripping dies. In an additional embodiment, the apparatus is incorporated in a mobile harvesting unit. The invention further includes a method for removing plant material from vines.

Abstract: One embodiment of a tool to aid in harvesting edible plant products may include a glove adapted to be worn on an individual's hand for protecting the hand against injuries while harvesting the plant products. The harvesting tool may also include a claw member extending from the glove, the claw member adapted for dislodging the plant products from a branch bearing the plant products. Further, the harvesting tool may include an attachment member adapted to be removably attached to an upper end portion of a pole for facilitating in maneuvering the plant. Moreover, the harvesting tool may include a gripping tool adapted to be carried by the individual for holding a receptacle underneath the plant products intended to be dislodged in order to collect the plant products in the receptacle.

Abstract: A berry harvester movable along berry bushes in a berry field for picking berries includes a rake head having a plurality of spaced apart rake teeth. The rake teeth form a rake having a top face for collecting berries and a bottom face which faces a ground of the berry field in a harvesting position. A cleaner is mounted on the rake head and is juxtaposed to a bottom face of the rake and has protrusions extending in interspaces defined between the rake teeth from the bottom face towards the top face.

Abstract: A scale or leaf for a berry picking machine and a collector scale assembly including the scale. A freely rotating circular disc on the free end of the scale when attached to a rail of the machine is the most distinctive feature of the comma shaped scale.

Abstract: An apparatus for harvesting strawberries at night is disclosed. An array of high intensity lights is carried by an articulating boom mounted to the chassis of an existing strawberry harvesting machine. The boom moves between an extended position wherein it supports the array of lights above the ground a distance between 10 and 20 feet and behind the harvester chassis a distance between 10 and 19 feet. The massive lighting illuminates a large area allowing handpickers to harvest strawberries at night with the same picking efficiency as experienced during daytime harvesting. The illumination provided by the invention is preferably at least 75 lumens per square foot.

Abstract: Berry, such as grape, harvesting machine includes a plurality of superimposed shakers formed by flexible bars, and attached through their ends to two vertical shafts. At least one shaft is an oscillating actuation shaft controlled by a mechatronic shaking control permitting an oscillating movement. The mechatronic shaking control includes an eccentric system connected to the actuating shaft through a connecting rod, and the rotation axis of the eccentric system is mounted with an orientation adjustable in a plane parallel to the median plane of the machine so that any modification of this orientation permits to modify the amplitude of the oscillating movement of the actuating shaft, and, consequently the amplitude of the shaking movement of the shakers.

Abstract: A berry harvester comprising a rake head having a plurality of spaced apart rake teeth forming a rake having a top face for collecting berries and a bottom face; and a cleaner mounted on the bottom face of the rake and slidable along the rake teeth in conformity with the shape of the teeth. A ground-engaging roller rotatably mounted to the berry harvester and located under the rake head can be added, the moving of the berry harvester causing the roller to roll. The roller can comprises notches bumping across a portion of the rake head for causing vibrations of the rake head, and thus cleaning the rake head. The roller can also comprises a plurality of combs having prongs insertable into the rake teeth interspaces for cleaning the rake.

Abstract: Shaker with adjustable stiffness for harvesting machines, especially grape harvesters, includes two berry detaching assemblies, facing each other. Each assembly includes a plurality of vertically spaced out flexible shakers, having the general shape of a hairpin and two branches connected through a curved portion. The end of one of these branches, the activation branch, connects to an actuation system while the end of the other branches connects to a fixed support. The activation branch is equipped with a mechanism to modify the degree of stiffness or flexibility of the branches over at least a portion of length, and thereby, to adjust the degree of stiffness or flexibility of the shaker assembly.

Abstract: Removable scale for articulated receiving platform equipping small fruit machines such as for example, grape harvesting machines. The removable scale is made of two parts, namely a first anchor and articulation part. The first part has a fastening lug attached onto the carrying boom of a row of scales and a flexible articulation and assembling lug attached to the fastening lug. There is a second flat part forming the scale itself. The first and second parts are provided with additional quick assembly and disassembly device formed by an automatic locking device in an assembling position, accessible from the top of the removable scale.

Abstract: A scale or leaf for a berry picking machine and a collector scale assembly including the scale that reduces both the waste of berries and damage to the stalks of berry bushes associated with the use of such machines. A freely rotating disc on the free end of the scale when attached to a rail of the machine is the most distinctive feature of the comma shaped scale.

Abstract: The mounting mechanism comprise: on the straddle carrier side, a main frame mounted on wheels and suitable for selective lifting and lowering of the main frame in relation to the ground; on the equipment side, an auxiliary frame suitable for fixing to the main frame using detachable connection mechanism allowing it to be detached; and of a number of struts for supporting the auxiliary frame on the ground when the auxiliary frame is separated from the main frame. The main frame and the auxiliary frame both comprise a pair of parallel, substantially horizontal girders. One of the frames comprises mechanism for longitudinal guidance able to co-operate with the girders on the other frame to guide the two frames in along each other, when the main frame moves longitudinally with respect to the auxiliary frame supported by the struts.

Abstract: A harvester incorporating at least one force balanced shaker vibratory brush as the harvesting apparatus uses a sensing system connected to spring feelers to generate a signal responsive to the location, shape and position of a tree.

Abstract: A harvesting device comprises two shaker assemblies mounted face-to-face on a straddle carrier frame for shaking fruit-bearing trees or bushes. Each shaker assembly comprises a plurality of horizontal flexible material rods having a first end detachably fixed to an oscillatory vertical support, a median portion adapted to act on the fruit-bearing trees or shrubs to shake them, and a second end connected to the frame by a connecting link that is horizontal and perpendicular to a vertical median plane of symmetry of the frame. Hence, in operation, the second end of the rod is maintained at a substantially constant distance from the vertical median plane of symmetry. The connecting link is fixed to the frame by a rigid connection and is flexible in a substantially horizontal plane, so that, in operation, the end of the connecting link adjoining the rod moves to-and-fro substantially horizontally in a direction substantially parallel to the vertical median plane of symmetry.

Abstract: Stalk separator for the de-stalking of small fruit picked in bunches, in particular for the de-stalking of grapes. The invention includes a conveyor belt and a de-stalking device positioned above this conveyor belt. The de-stalking device includes at least two spaced assemblies positioned opposite each other, each assembly featuring a number of stacked separator arms. The mechanical drives communicate a high frequency oscillating movement to the assemblies of stacked separator arms.

Abstract: A harvesting device for mechanical harvesting of vegetables and the like. A pair of circular supports rotates on an axle disposed and are disposed in a housing. The circular supports are positioned on opposite sides of a picking path defined by a void in the housing and through which the vegetables pass as the harvester moves. Each circular support having at least one picking element extended into the picking path.

Abstract: A vehicle for harvesting espalier fruit, such as berries or grapes, and for further processing to a must on the vehicle. The vehicle comprises a frame configured to reach over a row of plants to be harvested in an area of a u-shaped recess of the vehicle. Also included are wheels on both sides of the u-shaped recess and arranged on the frame. Further included is a picking device to separate the fruit from a remainder of the plants. A solid-bowl screw-type centrifuge is arranged directly on the vehicle, which solid-bowl screw-type centrifuge separates and clarifies a fruit mash into at least a solids phase and a liquid phase.

Abstract: The low-bush berry harvester that has a plurality of interspaced berry-picking units movable along a closed-loop berry-picking path. The closed-loop berry picking path is non-circular, but rather designed with a relatively straight lower portion configured and adapted to be level with the ground during use. Hence, the berry-picking units are slidable against the ground in the straight lower portion of the berry-picking path to pick berries, and are pivotable in an upper portion of the berry-picking path to drop picked berries for collection.

Abstract: The destemming device is installed on a harvesting machine, between the sloping end of the harvesting conveyors and the harvest collection bowls pertaining to the machine. The destemming device includes, upstream in the direction of the supply of the rough harvest, an extractor system for extracting the juice and the grapes detached from the stems by the crop package; and, downstream, a stemmer provided with an inlet that communicates with the sloping end of the extractor system. The stemmer enables the hacking of the bunches forming the remaining part of the harvest, and the rejection of the stems, plant waste and other undesirable products.

Abstract: A rotovibrating device applicable to the knocking down rod headers of harvesting machines, rendering a much better yield to that of other harvesting machines that use the rotovibrating devices known today, being harvesting machines comprising: a frame holding the rotating headers or rollers (2), each one having a vertical axle with which a plurality of rods (3) are radially in contact; said rods being capable of being in physical contact with the branches of the plant to be harvested; comprising at least three eccentric weights (9) capable of turning on independent axles (8), and being laid on equidistant vertexes (7) of the unit that supports the weights (6); and said eccentric weights (9) are in connection with respective crowns (Ci), which receive the movement from their pertinent pinions (Pi) located on the axle (11) of the turning header or roller and the weight (9) support unit (6); having a brake system that is capable of braking the support unit (6) and the header (2) and thus attaining the rotation o

Abstract: A deleafer apparatus including a drum assembly partially enclosed by a shroud. A rotating blade assembly is located within an interior volume of the drum assembly. An air circulation device, located beneath the drum assembly, draws air through an opening defined by the shroud and into the interior volume of the drum assembly. In use, the deleafer apparatus is carried by a transport in a direction of travel along a row of plants or vines. The rotating blade assembly strips leaves that extend into the interior volume of the drum assembly from the plants or vines. The deleafer apparatus also includes a break-away mechanism that permits a portion of the deleafer apparatus to rotate outward relative to a transport mounting to accommodate obstacles that may reside in the pathway of the plants or vines.

Abstract: A system for performing several functions in caring for crops such as vines grown in rows uses a high pressure water jet to selectively prune, thin shoots and remove leaves from growing crops. Water jet size, pressure, movement and position relative to the crops are controlled to obtain desired functions.

Abstract: A mechanical pruner has a hinged trimming head that allows the trimming of grape vines growing on sloped ground. The trimming head has hedgers with forward facing cutting teeth and rotating combers that open up the grape vine canopy and pull the vines into the cutting path. By also allowing for multiple adjustments in the height of the pruner, lateral position of the trimming head, lateral position of the hedger relative to the trimming head, and both the lateral and vertical positions of the combers relative to the trimming head, the mechanical pruner provides a user with significant control over the trimming of grapevines.