Abstract: The invention relates to a harvesting machine. A harvesting machine is disclosed in which a tunnel defining member is supported on a mobile structure such that when the mobile structure is moved through the vineyard, the tunnel defining member passes over a row of vine stocks. Mounted within each tunnel defining member are a plurality of thresher members, or beaters, which have extending vertically spaced flexible bush engaging rods. These rods selectively engage the vines in a directed motion to harvest the fruit from the fruit bearing stocks. Means, in the form of a transversely oscillating flexible lateral deflecting lining, are used to direct the harvested fruit in a predetermined direction. Selective placement of the thresher members results in separation of said harvested crop according to the aging of the crop.

Abstract: A beating device for a grape harvesting machine for the harvesting of grapes from a row of grapevines. The beating device comprises a pair of beaters mounted on the harvesting machine in opposing relationship to define thereinbetween a longitudinal space for the passage of a row of grapevines. Each of the beaters comprises a plurality of vertically spaced, horizontally disposed whips, the ends of which are mounted to a lever which, in turn, is pivotally carried by a first eccentric so as to impose a transverse beating action to the whips. A first shaft, rotatable about a vertical axis, carries the eccentric while the eccentric carries an arm member attached to an adjustable resilient return means which functions to automatically return the whip toward the longitudinal space with the resilient force increasing in response to the resistance of the whip when the same engages a grapevine offset from the normal plane of the row of grapes.

Abstract: The invention relates to a beating mechanism for grape-gathering operations.Two beaters (5) and (6), disposed opposite each other, and constituded by whips (8), are imparted transverse motions defined by the throws of two cam members (10) and (17) of a beating mechanism. The motions, which have identical periods, differ in phase on two opposite beaters. The mean spacing between the points (9) is at a maximum; said spacing varies according to a law, in order to avoid breaking the branches, while ensuring that the grapes are duly taken down.