Abstract: A fruit harvesting apparatus is provided which includes a vehicle, a mechanism for moving the vehicle along the ground; a tray, coupled to the vehicle, for receiving picked fruit; a pivotable hopper, mounted to the vehicle, for temporarily storing the picked fruit; and a transfer system for transferring the picked fruit from the tray to the hopper. The apparatus further includes an elevator for selectively elevating the device and/or a titling device for selectively tilting the device.

Abstract: A harvesting apparatus and method includes a vehicle designed for operation along aisles between rows of low density young citrus trees for collecting, storing and transporting citrus fruit harvested by multiple workers moving along in front of the vehicle. The apparatus and method is more efficient and cost effective for harvesting citrus fruit from low density young citrus trees and eliminates pallet tubs and the vehicle boom required to empty and replace the tubs as used in the "conventional harvesting method". The machine and method includes a large semi-circular tray preferably mounted at a level about two feet above the ground on the front of a self-propelled vehicle carrying a hopper. The tray is selectively removable to allow a tray of different size to be mounted on the vehicle to meet the harvesting conditions involved at given citrus groves.

Abstract: A harvesting apparatus and method includes a vehicle designed for operation along aisles between rows of low density young citrus trees for collecting, storing and transporting citrus fruit harvested by multiple workers moving along in front of the vehicle. The apparatus and method is more efficient and cost effective for harvesting citrus fruit from low density young citrus trees and eliminates pallet tubs and the vehicle boom required to empty and replace the tubs as used in the "conventional harvesting method". The machine and method includes a large semi-circular tray preferably mounted at a level about two feet above the ground on the front of a self-propelled vehicle carrying a hopper. The tray is selectively removable to allow a tray of different size to be mounted on the vehicle to meet the harvesting conditions involved at given citrus groves.

Abstract: Plowing means for dislodging, uplifting and sweeping aside mines are attad to a crossbeam and located on either side of float shoes that slide along the ground and adjust to maintain a chosen depth of plow. The crossbeam is connected to the front of a vehicle by pushbars that attach to a frame mounting on the vehicle. The float shoes are caused to move by powered adjusting means mounted on the crossbeam and controlled by sensing means that monitor the attitude of the vehicle relative to the pushbars and generate a control signal for maintaining the plow depth.

Abstract: A heat pump is disclosed which includes a first packed bed of liquid desint for removing moisture from outside air in the heating mode of operation, and a pump for transferring the moisture laden desiccant to a second packed bed which humidifies condenser heated inside air by adding water vapor to the air. The first packed bed, by removing moisture from the outside air before it passes through the heat pump's evaporator coils, prevents frost from forming on the coils. In the cooling mode of operation the second packed bed of liquid desiccant removes water vapor from the air inside of the building. The moisture laden desiccant is then transferred to the first packed bed by a second pump where condenser heat transfers the moisture from the desiccant to outside air.

Abstract: A fruit harvesting apparatus is provided which includes a vehicle, a mechanism for moving the vehicle along the ground; a tray, coupled to the vehicle, for receiving picked fruit; a pivotable hopper, mounted to the vehicle, for temporarily storing the picked fruit; and a transfer system for transferring the picked fruit from the tray to the hopper. The apparatus further includes an elevator for selectively elevating the device and/or a titling device for selectively tilting the device.