Abstract: An apparatus for harvesting the seed of native plant species with a cam mechanism that increases the zone of controlled brushing from a point of contact between the rotating brushes and combs to a four-inch span over which the rotating combs remain perpendicular to the surface of the brush while following an arc path nearly concentric to that of the brush shaft. The comb assembly consists of a belt stretched around a plurality of wheels and evenly spaced combs attached to the belt by a plurality of bars. The comb assembly pivots so that the distance between the rotating combs and rotating brushes can be adjusted to achieve maximum yield for a particular species. A method for harvesting native seeds using the harvester with the cam mechanism and adjustable comb assembly.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
June 12, 2003
Date of Patent:
March 22, 2005
Assignee:
Arbuckle Ranch, Inc.
Inventors:
Lee Arbuckle, William E. Larsen, Brian W. Sindelar, Brad W. Wright, Stephen M. Sanford