Patents by Inventor Christophe Robert Defurne

Christophe Robert Defurne has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Patent number: 7500342
    Abstract: A harvesting device comprises two shaker assemblies mounted face-to-face on a straddle carrier frame for shaking fruit-bearing trees or bushes. Each shaker assembly comprises a plurality of horizontal flexible material rods having a first end detachably fixed to an oscillatory vertical support, a median portion adapted to act on the fruit-bearing trees or shrubs to shake them, and a second end connected to the frame by a connecting link that is horizontal and perpendicular to a vertical median plane of symmetry of the frame. Hence, in operation, the second end of the rod is maintained at a substantially constant distance from the vertical median plane of symmetry. The connecting link is fixed to the frame by a rigid connection and is flexible in a substantially horizontal plane, so that, in operation, the end of the connecting link adjoining the rod moves to-and-fro substantially horizontally in a direction substantially parallel to the vertical median plane of symmetry.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2009
    Assignee: CHN France, S.A.
    Inventors: Jean-Camille C. R. Mérant, Christophe Robert Defurne
  • Patent number: 7275359
    Abstract: A fruit harvesting machine comprises a harvesting assembly for detaching crop material, comprising fruit and foliage from trees, shrubs and the like standing on said field. A conveyor assembly receives the detached fruit and foliage, together with juice from said fruit, and transports the fruit either directly or indirectly to a container. An extraction fan is installed adjacent a section of said conveyor assembly for separating said foliage from said detached fruit. The conveyor assembly comprises a grate for retaining thereon solid fruit portions and for allowing passage therethrough of said juice and a conveyor for engaging and moving said detached solid fruit portions and foliage along said grate mechanism towards the extraction mechanism. The conveyor assembly further comprises a channel installed below said grate mechanism for receiving said juice.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2007
    Assignee: CNH France S.A.
    Inventors: Jean-Camille Mérant, Christophe Robert Defurne