Abstract: A system and a method for orientation of a ring by rotation, including a cable engaging the ring which rotates about a ring axis, a motor assembly providing a first rotation reduction, and a stretcher for stretching the cable. The system has at least one proximal pulley and at least one distal pulley rotating about a pulley axis each pulley having grooves configured for receiving the cable therein. The ring is rotated by the motor assembly and the pulley assembly is configured to provide a second reduction of rotation to the ring relative to motor rotation, whereby the ring is driven via at least a double reduction of rotation relative to rotation of the motor, and the cable, the plurality of pulleys, and the ring provide a one-way mechanism.

Abstract: A system and a method for orientation of a ring by rotation, including a cable engaging the ring which rotates about a ring axis, a motor assembly providing a first rotation reduction, and a stretcher for stretching the cable. The system has at least one proximal pulley and at least one distal pulley rotating about a pulley axis each pulley having grooves configured for receiving the cable therein. The ring is rotated by the motor assembly and the pulley assembly is configured to provide a second reduction of rotation to the ring relative to motor rotation, whereby the ring is driven via at least a double reduction of rotation relative to rotation of the motor, and the cable, the plurality of pulleys, and the ring provide a one-way mechanism.

Abstract: A method and a system for collection of harvested tree-fruit having a collection device mounted on a hauled cart. For fruit collection, two arms are extended under the foliage of a tree to spread an apron hung between them, in a fruit receiving position. After harvesting is completed, and the apron contains the harvested fruit, the arms draw the apron away from under the tree, and swing through an arc of a circle to stop in a fruit discharge position, where fruit is discharged by gravity into the open top opening of the cart. Then, the arms are returned back from the discharge position to the fruit receiving position.

Abstract: A vehicle-carried Tree-Trunk Shaker (TTS) for harvesting tree fruit is configured to prevent the transmission of vibrations from a vibration generator (4) to the TTS and to the vehicle, and for optimal shaking efficiently. Currently, TTSs are allowed to shake multi-directionally and chaotically, convey destructive vibrations to the TTS and to the vehicle, and have low harvesting efficiency. The remedy consists of shaking the trunk only in perpendicular to a pair of jaws (6, 8) clamping the trunk (T), with a unidirectional linear vibration generator vibrating transversally to the trunk. A beam (16) is configured to support the clamping jaws and the vibration generator to form a rigid structure restricted to swivel about a vertical pivot shaft (42) coupled to the vehicle. Thereby there is allowed but a single lateral degree of freedom of motion. Possibly, two vertical pivot shafts (42, 48) are used to that end.

Abstract: A deflector (10) for collecting and guiding harvested tree-fruit is implemented for resilient recovery from collisions with obstacles in the field. The deflector is coupled in cantilever to boom harvester (4) mounted on a vehicle (2). The harvester has a telescopic boom (8) with a mobile portion (14) terminated by a clamp (6) able to move in horizontal and in vertical translation towards and along a tree trunk (T). The deflector is coupled to the mobile portion for slaved translation with the clamp. Implemented as an array of separate ribs (32) flexibly coupled together and made of flexible elastic plastic material such as fiberglass, the deflector is lightweight and flexes upon collision to resiliently recover shape after the collision. Being lightweight, the cantilever does not destabilize the vehicle. The structure and the materials of construction of the deflector prevent transmission of vibrations generated by the vibrator (12) used to shake the trunk when harvesting.

Abstract: A fruit harvester includes a vehicle, a boom having a proximal end carried by the vehicle, a shaker head connected to a distal end of the boom for vibrating a tree trunk to shake fruit therefrom, and a fruit deflector comprising upper and lower portions connected together and cooperatively defining a fruit collecting surface for catching fruit shaken from the tree. The fruit deflector is pivotable between operating and retracted positions. The fruit deflector, when in the operating position, preferably has the lower portion adjacent the shaker head. Conversely, the fruit deflector, when in the retracted position, may have the lower portion being pivoted upward and away from the shaker head to facilitate access thereto.

Abstract: A fruit harvester may include a vehicle, a telescoping boom, a shaker head connected to the distal end of the telescoping boom for vibrating a tree to shake fruit from the tree. A boom positioning assembly is provided for connecting the boom to the vehicle. The boom positioning assembly may include a vertical guide mounted to the vehicle, a hinge joint assembly movable vertically along the vertical guide and connected to the proximal end of the telescoping boom to permit pivotal movement of the telescoping boom in both elevational and azimuthal directions. The boom positioning assembly may also include a vertical actuator for moving the hinge joint assembly vertically along the at least one vertical guide, and an elevational actuator for pivotally moving the telescoping boom in the elevational direction. The vertical guide may be pivotally mounted to the vehicle, and a tilt actuator may be provided for tilting the vertical guide relative to the vehicle.

Abstract: A fruit collection apparatus is for collecting fruit as the fruit is shaken from a tree, and may include a vehicle, and a fruit collector carried by the vehicle. The fruit collector may include a collection conveyor with opposing first and second ends and an exterior conveyor surface extending therebetween for collecting fruit as the fruit is harvested from the tree and advancing the fruit to the second end of this conveyor. The fruit collector may also include an intermediate conveyor having opposing first and second ends and an exterior conveyor surface extending therebetween for receiving fruit from the second or upper end of the collection conveyor. The fruit is advanced to the second end of the second conveyor. In addition, the fruit collector may also include a lifting conveyor which may have lower and upper ends and an interior conveyor surface extending therebetween.

Abstract: A split-level flexible deflector, or SLFD, supported above a telescopic boom carrying a tree-trunk shaker, and having an upper portion (103, 203) and a lower portion, which is divided in a mid-section residing above the telescopic boom, with on both sides thereof, two side portions positioned lower below the mid-section and proximate to the ground (G). The proximity of each one of the two side portions to the ground is independently adjustable. The SLFD is configured for assembly and disassembly in situ, into man-portable divisions. The mid-division is foldable. The SLFD is carried by a towed vehicle, which is pulled with a towing boom behind an automotive vehicle. Optionally, the SLFD is supported on the automotive vehicle.

Abstract: A method and a system for collection of harvested tree-fruit having a collection device mounted on a hauled cart. For fruit collection, two arms are extended under the foliage of a tree to spread an apron hung between them, in a fruit receiving position. After harvesting is completed, and the apron contains the harvested fruit, the arms draw the apron away from under the tree, and swing through an arc of a circle to stop in a fruit discharge position, where fruit is discharged by gravity into the open top opening of the cart. Then, the arms are returned back from the discharge position to the fruit receiving position.

Abstract: A deflector (10) for collecting and guiding harvested tree-fruit is implemented for resilient recovery from collisions with obstacles in the field. The deflector is coupled in cantilever to a boom harvester (4) mounted on a vehicle (2). The harvester has a telescopic boom (8) with a mobile portion (14) terminated by a clamp (6) able to move in horizontal and in vertical translation towards and along a tree trunk (T). The deflector is coupled to the mobile portion for slaved translation with the clamp. Implemented as an array of separate ribs (32) flexibly coupled together and made of flexible elastic plastic material such as fiberglass, the deflector is lightweight and flexes upon collision to resiliently recover shape after the collision. Being lightweight, the cantilever does not destabilize the vehicle. The structure and the materials of construction of the deflector prevent transmission of vibrations generated by the vibrator (12) used to shake the trunk when harvesting.

Abstract: A fruit harvester may include a vehicle, a telescoping boom, a shaker head connected to the distal end of the telescoping boom for vibrating a tree to shake fruit from the tree. A boom positioning assembly is provided for connecting the boom to the vehicle. The boom positioning assembly may include a vertical guide mounted to the vehicle, a hinge joint assembly movable vertically along the vertical guide and connected to the proximal end of the telescoping boom to permit pivotal movement of the telescoping boom in both elevational and azimuthal directions. The boom positioning assembly may also include a vertical actuator for moving the hinge joint assembly vertically along the at least one vertical guide, and an elevational actuator for pivotally moving the telescoping boom in the elevational direction. The vertical guide may be pivotally mounted to the vehicle, and a tilt actuator may be provided for tilting the vertical guide relative to the vehicle.

Abstract: A fruit harvester includes a vehicle, a boom having a proximal end carried by the vehicle, a shaker head connected to a distal end of the boom for vibrating a tree trunk to shake fruit therefrom, and a fruit deflector comprising upper and lower portions connected together and cooperatively defining a fruit collecting surface for catching fruit shaken from the tree. The fruit deflector is pivotable between operating and retracted positions. The fruit deflector, when in the operating position, preferably has the lower portion adjacent the shaker head. Conversely, the fruit deflector, when in the retracted position, may have the lower portion being pivoted upward and away from the shaker head to facilitate access thereto.

Abstract: A fruit collection apparatus is for collecting fruit as the fruit is shaken from a tree, and may include a vehicle, and a fruit collector carried by the vehicle. The fruit collector may include a collection conveyor with opposing first and second ends and an exterior conveyor surface extending therebetween for collecting fruit as the fruit is harvested from the tree and advancing the fruit to the second end of this conveyor. The fruit collector may also include an intermediate conveyor having opposing first and second ends and an exterior conveyor surface extending therebetween for receiving fruit from the second or upper end of the collection conveyor. The fruit is advanced to the second end of the second conveyor. In addition, the fruit collector may also include a lifting conveyor which may have lower and upper ends and an interior conveyor surface extending therebetween.

Abstract: A vehicle-carried Tree-Trunk Shaker (TTS) for harvesting tree fruit is configured to prevent the transmission of vibrations from a vibration generator (4) to the TTS and to the vehicle, and for optimal shaking efficiently. Currently, TTSs are allowed to shake multi-directionally and chaotically, convey destructive vibrations to the TTS and to the vehicle, and have low harvesting efficiency. The remedy consists of shaking the trunk only in perpendicular to a pair of jaws (6, 8) clamping the trunk (T), with a unidirectional linear vibration generator vibrating transversally to the trunk. A beam (16) is configured to support the clamping jaws and the vibration generator to form a rigid structure restricted to swivel about a vertical pivot shaft (42) coupled to the vehicle. Thereby there is allowed but a single lateral degree of freedom of motion. Possibly, two vertical pivot hafts (42, 48) are used to that end.

Abstract: A vibration mechanism (300) for shaking a tree trunk held between two clamps, for an efficient harvest of the tree-fruits and for preventing damage to the tree-roots and to the tree trunk. The vibration unit comprises two counter-rotating rotors (R) weighted by displaceable weights (18, 19) and powered, preferably, by at least one hydraulic motor (M). A transmission (T) coupled to the motor and to the rotors, counter-rotates the rotors.

Abstract: A tree-shaking apparatus includes a vibration mechanism of conventional design mounted on a movable, tilted frame support that serves to deflect falling harvest onto a conveyor and collection assembly, which is mounted on a separately movable frame support. The shaker assembly has a peaked configuration with grooves extending away from the peak and toward the shaker. A pair of upwardly inclined walls flank the peaked walls at their outer edges, preventing harvested material from rolling or bouncing off the sides of the frame. Uniting the two units are a series of cooperative, pivotable guides extending from each of the units. When extended during collection, the guides from the shaker assembly overlay the guides from the collection assembly, forming a substantially continuous downward path from the shaker assembly to the conveyor.

Abstract: A tree-shaking apparatus that includes a pair of vibration units whose eccentric rotators turn at identical speeds but in opposite directions. During operation, rotation of the eccentric members is coordinated by a controller such that their asymmetric portions align at two diametrically opposed points but lie precisely out of phase during the remainder of the rotation cycle. This action causes the tree to shake along a single axis, specified by the chosen alignment of the rotators, with vibratory forces along all other directions canceling out. A controller systematically alters the direction and frequency of shaking and monitors the resulting change in vibration amplitude, selecting, as a final shaking axis and frequency, those which correspond to the largest amplitude.

Abstract: A tree-shaking apparatus includes a vibration mechanism of conventional design mounted on a movable, tilted frame support that serves to deflect falling harvest onto a conveyor and collection assembly, which is mounted on a separately movable frame support. The shaking and collection units are brought separately to the tree, and unite with one another by means of rods that interlace during operation. In one embodiment, the rods associated with the shaking and deflection unit are selectibly extendible, while those associated with the collection unit flip into place and, upon completion of harvesting, flip back, thereby tipping any remaining harvest onto the conveyor.

Abstract: Self-propelled irrigation equipment for large planted areas comprises a three-wheeled vehicle carrying a water distribution pipe supported by a telescopic girder, both girder and pipe extending across the vehicle to both sides. The pipe has evenly-spaced outlet openings which deliver water direct to the ground through flexible hoses open at their ends. Water is supplied to the equipment through a large, flexible hose stretched out on the ground between a fixed supply point and a large drum mounted on the vehicle. The vehicle is moved towards the supply point by means of a hydraulic actuator at a velocity proportional to the water quantity passing through the equipment to the ground, while the drum is rotated by a second hydraulic actuator at a rotational speed sufficient to wind up the hose on the drum at the rate of the vehicle's progress.