Abstract: A system and a method for orientation of a ring by rotation, including a cable engaging the ring which rotates about a ring axis, a motor assembly providing a first rotation reduction, and a stretcher for stretching the cable. The system has at least one proximal pulley and at least one distal pulley rotating about a pulley axis each pulley having grooves configured for receiving the cable therein. The ring is rotated by the motor assembly and the pulley assembly is configured to provide a second reduction of rotation to the ring relative to motor rotation, whereby the ring is driven via at least a double reduction of rotation relative to rotation of the motor, and the cable, the plurality of pulleys, and the ring provide a one-way mechanism.

Abstract: A system and a method for orientation of a ring by rotation, including a cable engaging the ring which rotates about a ring axis, a motor assembly providing a first rotation reduction, and a stretcher for stretching the cable. The system has at least one proximal pulley and at least one distal pulley rotating about a pulley axis each pulley having grooves configured for receiving the cable therein. The ring is rotated by the motor assembly and the pulley assembly is configured to provide a second reduction of rotation to the ring relative to motor rotation, whereby the ring is driven via at least a double reduction of rotation relative to rotation of the motor, and the cable, the plurality of pulleys, and the ring provide a one-way mechanism.

Abstract: A method and a system for collection of harvested tree-fruit having a collection device mounted on a hauled cart. For fruit collection, two arms are extended under the foliage of a tree to spread an apron hung between them, in a fruit receiving position. After harvesting is completed, and the apron contains the harvested fruit, the arms draw the apron away from under the tree, and swing through an arc of a circle to stop in a fruit discharge position, where fruit is discharged by gravity into the open top opening of the cart. Then, the arms are returned back from the discharge position to the fruit receiving position.

Abstract: A vehicle-carried Tree-Trunk Shaker (TTS) for harvesting tree fruit is configured to prevent the transmission of vibrations from a vibration generator (4) to the TTS and to the vehicle, and for optimal shaking efficiently. Currently, TTSs are allowed to shake multi-directionally and chaotically, convey destructive vibrations to the TTS and to the vehicle, and have low harvesting efficiency. The remedy consists of shaking the trunk only in perpendicular to a pair of jaws (6, 8) clamping the trunk (T), with a unidirectional linear vibration generator vibrating transversally to the trunk. A beam (16) is configured to support the clamping jaws and the vibration generator to form a rigid structure restricted to swivel about a vertical pivot shaft (42) coupled to the vehicle. Thereby there is allowed but a single lateral degree of freedom of motion. Possibly, two vertical pivot shafts (42, 48) are used to that end.

Abstract: A split-level flexible deflector, or SLFD, supported above a telescopic boom carrying a tree-trunk shaker, and having an upper portion (103, 203) and a lower portion, which is divided in a mid-section residing above the telescopic boom, with on both sides thereof, two side portions positioned lower below the mid-section and proximate to the ground (G). The proximity of each one of the two side portions to the ground is independently adjustable. The SLFD is configured for assembly and disassembly in situ, into man-portable divisions. The mid-division is foldable. The SLFD is carried by a towed vehicle, which is pulled with a towing boom behind an automotive vehicle. Optionally, the SLFD is supported on the automotive vehicle.

Abstract: A method and a system for collection of harvested tree-fruit having a collection device mounted on a hauled cart. For fruit collection, two arms are extended under the foliage of a tree to spread an apron hung between them, in a fruit receiving position. After harvesting is completed, and the apron contains the harvested fruit, the arms draw the apron away from under the tree, and swing through an arc of a circle to stop in a fruit discharge position, where fruit is discharged by gravity into the open top opening of the cart. Then, the arms are returned back from the discharge position to the fruit receiving position.

Abstract: A deflector (10) for collecting and guiding harvested tree-fruit is implemented for resilient recovery from collisions with obstacles in the field. The deflector is coupled in cantilever to a boom harvester (4) mounted on a vehicle (2). The harvester has a telescopic boom (8) with a mobile portion (14) terminated by a clamp (6) able to move in horizontal and in vertical translation towards and along a tree trunk (T). The deflector is coupled to the mobile portion for slaved translation with the clamp. Implemented as an array of separate ribs (32) flexibly coupled together and made of flexible elastic plastic material such as fiberglass, the deflector is lightweight and flexes upon collision to resiliently recover shape after the collision. Being lightweight, the cantilever does not destabilize the vehicle. The structure and the materials of construction of the deflector prevent transmission of vibrations generated by the vibrator (12) used to shake the trunk when harvesting.

Abstract: A vehicle-carried Tree-Trunk Shaker (TTS) for harvesting tree fruit is configured to prevent the transmission of vibrations from a vibration generator (4) to the TTS and to the vehicle, and for optimal shaking efficiently. Currently, TTSs are allowed to shake multi-directionally and chaotically, convey destructive vibrations to the TTS and to the vehicle, and have low harvesting efficiency. The remedy consists of shaking the trunk only in perpendicular to a pair of jaws (6, 8) clamping the trunk (T), with a unidirectional linear vibration generator vibrating transversally to the trunk. A beam (16) is configured to support the clamping jaws and the vibration generator to form a rigid structure restricted to swivel about a vertical pivot shaft (42) coupled to the vehicle. Thereby there is allowed but a single lateral degree of freedom of motion. Possibly, two vertical pivot hafts (42, 48) are used to that end.