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: A compliant engagement member for use with tree-shaking apparatus that resists deformation along the axis of vibration, thereby avoiding dissipation of vibrational energy, yet allows sufficient off-axis deformation to prevent slippage and consequent abrasion of the tree. The engagement member of the present invention preferably includes a rigid shaker pad; a sling that retains the shaker pad against the arm of a shaking device; a sealed, lubricant-filled pouch, extending from the sling; and a contact blanket, which is draped over the pouch and makes contact with the tree. In operation, lateral inward movement of the shaking device compresses the lubricant pouch against the interior of the contact blanket. The pouch is packed sufficiently tightly with lubricant to resist deformation as a result of this compression. However, the pouch accommodates deformation in the direction transverse to the axis of vibration, thereby absorbing transverse movement and preventing its transmission to the tree.

Abstract: A rapid deployment stationary bridge. The bridge comprises a central girder lanked by two side girders, each of the central and side girders consisting of a plurality of aligned and connected sections.For deployment the central girder is first assembled on one bank of an obstacle by aligning and interconnecting the constituent sections thereof. As the assembly progresses the central girder is launched by gradual advancing it towards the opposite bank. Some time after the commencement of the assembly and launching of the central girder the side girders are assembled by slidably mounting the constituent sections of each side girder in alignment on one side of the central girder and interconnecting them. In the course of their being assembled, the side girders are launched in such a way that the advancement of the side girders lags behind the advancement of the central girder.