Patents Assigned to Westside Equipment Co.
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Patent number: 10349579Abstract: The present invention provides methods and apparatus for inducing (harmonic) vibration of objects having a large mass(es), such as the trunk of a fruit or nut tree, the crop of which may be harvested by shaking the tree through the induced vibration. Linear and radial embodiments utilize and include an actuator using Terfenol-D, a magnetostrictive actuator. Different versions utilize a piston rod actuator.Type: GrantFiled: July 11, 2017Date of Patent: July 16, 2019Assignee: Westside Equipment Co.Inventor: Lloyd Snell
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Publication number: 20180020618Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide methods and apparatus for inducing (harmonic) vibration of objects having a large mass(es), such as the trunk of a fruit or nut tree, the crop of which may be harvested by shaking the tree through the induced vibration. Linear and radial embodiments utilize and include an actuator using Terfenol-D, a magnetostrictive actuator. Alternative embodiments utilize a piston rod actuator.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 11, 2017Publication date: January 25, 2018Applicant: Westside Equipment Co.Inventor: Lloyd Snell
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Patent number: 7694502Abstract: Machines and methods designed for use in harvesting vine-borne crops that is particularly suited for use in wet fields with narrow rows. The machines are relatively compact, and provide for vine borne crops to be severed, separated, cleaned and sorted along a straight path of a single vertical plane. The machines and methods incorporate a blower and adjustable conveyor system for efficient removal of unwanted dirt, trash, vegetation and debris from the crop without re-depositing such removed refuse on the cleaned crop. The machines and methods also provide an upward airstream that blows through the mesh/openings of the conveyors to provide agitation for recovery of additional crop from previously-shaken vines.Type: GrantFiled: August 24, 2009Date of Patent: April 13, 2010Assignee: Westside Equipment Co.Inventor: David Meester
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Publication number: 20100031621Abstract: The present invention is a compact fruit-vine harvester and separation system in which the harvested fruit travels along a vertical plane inside the harvester during processing, followed by a single turn for output. The system includes a machine and related methods for harvesting vine-borne crops. The machine is relatively compact, and provides for vine borne crops to be severed, separated, cleaned and machine-sorted along a longitudinal axis before making a single turn prior to exit. Harvested fruit passing through the machine drops by as much as 18 inches less than in other harvesters, thereby reducing the potential for fruit damage. The machine incorporates a combination blower and suction system for efficient removal of unwanted dirt, vegetation and debris, and an optional roller to prevent clogging of the suction system.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 21, 2009Publication date: February 11, 2010Applicant: WESTSIDE EQUIPMENT CO.Inventor: David Meester
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Publication number: 20100000194Abstract: The present invention includes machines and methods designed for use in harvesting vine-borne crops that is particularly suited for use in wet fields with narrow rows. The machines are relatively compact, and provide for vine borne crops to be severed, separated, cleaned and sorted along a straight path of a single vertical plane. The machines and methods incorporate a blower and adjustable conveyor system for efficient removal of unwanted dirt, trash, vegetation and debris from the crop without re-depositing such removed refuse on the cleaned crop. The machines and methods also provide an upward airstream that blows through the mesh/openings of the conveyors to provide agitation for recovery of additional crop from previously-shaken vines.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 24, 2009Publication date: January 7, 2010Applicant: WESTSIDE EQUIPMENT CO.Inventor: David Meester
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Patent number: 7581375Abstract: The present invention is a compact fruit-vine harvester and separation system in which the harvested fruit travels along a vertical plane inside the harvester during processing, followed by a single turn for output. The system includes a machine and related methods for harvesting vine-borne crops. The machine is relatively compact, and provides for vine borne crops to be severed, separated, cleaned and machine-sorted along a longitudinal axis before making a single turn prior to exit. Harvested fruit passing through the machine drops by as much as 18 inches less than in other harvesters, thereby reducing the potential for fruit damage. The machine incorporates a combination blower and suction system for efficient removal of unwanted dirt, vegetation and debris, and an optional roller to prevent clogging of the suction system.Type: GrantFiled: September 14, 2004Date of Patent: September 1, 2009Assignee: Westside Equipment Co.Inventor: David Meester