Abstract: A cap gripper is described herein with a groove for receiving a projecting portion of a cap. A positively biased member may create a narrowing in the groove to secure the projecting portion of the cap within the groove. The positively biased member may be positively biased by a spring-loaded screw that is inserted into a screw hole of the cap gripper. When the cap is inserted into the cap gripper, the positively biased member may be partially depressed within the screw hole to allow the projecting portion of the cap to be inserted into the groove. Likewise, when the cap is removed from the cap gripper, the positively biased member may be partially depressed within the screw hole to allow the projecting portion of the cap to be removed from the groove.

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 method is provided for converting a bow rod harvester into a trunk shaker harvester. In the bow rod harvester, a plurality of bow rods are attached to an oscillating member that is configured to reciprocate about a first vertical axis of a first vertical shaft of the bow rod harvester. In the conversion, the plurality of bow rods are removed from the oscillating member and a shaker rail is coupled to the oscillating member.

Abstract: A liquid filled bag loading device stabilizes the bag in a loading position and then releases the bag gently into a open top tray type box which can be easily closed. The loading device provides a powered roller at the entrance to a loading position to assist the bag in entering the loading position. In the loading position the bag floats on an air cushion over a set of trap doors as the bag is stabilized between side and back walls. A gentle tamper device is used to assist in accelerating the bag's stabilization prior to the trap doors opening to drop the bag vertically through a chute into a waiting box.