Abstract: A mobile harvesting apparatus and method, which permits the automated harvesting of produce, preferably lettuce. The apparatus consists in its most basic form of a vehicle having a bandsaw positioned at a front portion thereof, the blade of which is positioned to slice the lettuce head at the desired location. The apparatus further includes a conveyor, that transports the harvested produce from the cutting site and onto the apparatus. Preferably, the apparatus additionally features a washing conveyor, washing station, inspection station, and elevator conveyor, to assist in the further processing of harvested produce.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
February 25, 2003
Date of Patent:
June 20, 2006
Assignee:
Harvesting Innovations
Inventors:
Frank J. Maconachy, David Offerdahl, Chris Garnett