Abstract: An improved system and method for sensing the location of a tree trunk relative to an orchard harvester machine that generally includes a distance sensor, a vegetation pushing device that functions to displace vegetation, such as low-hanging tree branches, grass or other upward-growing vegetation which may obscure the sensor's detection of the tree trunk, and a controller in communication with the distance sensor, which system may be incorporated into existing tree harvesters such as those with mechanized tree shakers, and may also be incorporated into a catching frame vehicle or a nut sweeping vehicle.

Abstract: A system for sensing the location of a tree trunk relative to an orchard harvester, which includes a body, including a distance sensor mounted on the body, a boom movably connected to the body, a tree shaker head having two opposed jaws and rotatably connected to the boom and a programmable controller in communication with the distance sensor, the controller programmed to manipulate the angle at which the distance sensor measures distance as determined by a measured height at which the shaker head jaws will clamp a proximate tree.

Abstract: A system for sensing the location of a tree trunk relative to an orchard harvester, which includes a body, including a distance sensor mounted on the body, a boom movably connected to the body, a tree shaker head having two opposed jaws and rotatably connected to the boom and a programmable controller in communication with the distance sensor, the controller programmed to manipulate the angle at which the distance sensor measures distance as determined by a measured height at which the shaker head jaws will clamp a proximate tree.

Abstract: An improved system and method for sensing the location of a tree trunk relative to an orchard harvester machine that generally includes a distance sensor, a vegetation pushing device that functions to displace vegetation, such as low-hanging tree branches, grass or other upward-growing vegetation which may obscure the sensor's detection of the tree trunk, and a controller in communication with the distance sensor, which system may be incorporated into existing tree harvesters such as those with mechanized tree shakers, and may also be incorporated into a catching frame vehicle or a nut sweeping vehicle.

Abstract: An automatically operated agricultural tree harvesting machine having systems for automatically steering, propelling and stopping the harvester machine to shake each tree, eliminating the need for the operator to steer or manually engage the shaker head. The system comprises a series of sensors to determine the location of each tree and a system for controlling the steering of the harvester and to determine the distance moved.

Abstract: A tree harvester including an automated tree sensing and shaking control system. The control system includes a tree sensing device, such as an ultrasonic sensor that is mounted upon the harvester. Predetermined tree distance values and other shaker head control parameters are input into a programmable logic control (PLC) device of the control system. When the harvester is located next to a tree, the operator initiates an automated tree shaking cycle in which the tree sensor provides distance values to the tree as input signals to the controller. The shaker head automatically moves outward towards the tree until the inputted distance values to the tree are equal to or less than the predetermined tree distance values. The control system then causes the shaker head to clamp the tree, to shake the tree, to unclamp the tree and to move the shaker head back to the harvester.

Abstract: An apparatus for cooling shaker heads including an air cooling system wherein coolant air is blown upon the drive belts, sling surfaces and through the interior of the pillow pads. Also includes is a water cooling system in which coolant water is sprayed upon the outer surfaces of the slings. The coolant water may contain a fungicide which inhibits the spread of fungus diseases from tree to tree through contact with the slings.

Abstract: A lubricated, abrasion-resistant filler for the bark-protective deformable pads of tree shaker clamping jaws comprises small, jagged-edged chips of a high impact strength, low heat-transfer polymer, such as nylon 66, impregnated with a dry, high-melting temperature lubricant, such as molybdenum disulfide. The chips provide increased wear resistance due to less heat buildup from friction. By interlocking, the chips maintain a direct transfer of pressure to the tree from the vibrating jaws without slippage.