Abstract: A system for multi-axis self-climbing tree trimmer including a self-climbing platform, a motorized carrier, and a trimming portion. The trimming portion includes a base, an actuator with an extendable piston, one or more articulating arms having a curved configuration to receive a tree trunk or to form a central opening to substantially encircle a tree trunk. Each articulating arm includes one or more interchangeable cutting tools for tree trimming and one or more cut depth control elements for controlling the depth of engagement of the cutting tools. The base may include a wheel element to indicate pressure exerted by the actuator. The extendable piston is coupled to the articulating arms, wherein when the extendable piston extends, the articulating arms move to an open configuration, and when the extendable piston retracts, the articulating arms move to a closed configuration, and the articulating arms may move independently of each other.

Abstract: A multi-axis controlled self-climbing tree trimmer used for shaping and severing peripheral growth from a tree is provided herein. The trimmer typically includes a structural segment hinged together to form a rigid chassis that surrounds a tree trunk climbing segment and a trimming portion. The climbing portion is retained within the structural segment in the form of a number of inward-extending carriages containing one or more rollers for gripping the tree trunk during climbing, and the trimming portion may include a rotatable split ring gear containing centrifugally rotating trimming blade members and/or a cutting tool on a positionable arm. When rotated, the blade members unlatch and pivot, into the trunk of the tree to effect controlled trimming. The system may utilize a multi-axis control system that uses linear interpolation, circular interpolation and coordination of all axes to enable the trimmer to follow an XYZ contour selected by a user.

Abstract: A multi-axis controlled self-climbing tree trimmer used for shaping and severing peripheral growth from a tree is provided herein. The trimmer typically includes a structural segment hinged together to form a rigid chassis that surrounds a tree trunk climbing segment and a trimming portion. The climbing portion is retained within the structural segment in the form of a number of inward-extending carriages containing one or more rollers for gripping the tree trunk during climbing, and the trimming portion may include a rotatable split ring gear containing centrifugally rotating trimming blade members and/or a cutting tool on a positionable arm. When rotated, the blade members unlatch and pivot, into the trunk of the tree to effect controlled trimming. The system may utilize a multi-axis control system that uses linear interpolation, circular interpolation and coordination of all axes to enable the trimmer to follow an XYZ contour selected by a user.

Abstract: A multi-axis controlled self-climbing tree trimmer used for shaping and severing peripheral growth from a tree is provided herein. The trimmer typically includes a structural segment hinged together to form a rigid chassis that surrounds a tree trunk climbing segment and a trimming portion. The climbing portion is retained within the structural segment in the form of a number of inward-extending carriages containing one or more rollers for gripping the tree trunk during climbing, and the trimming portion may include a rotatable split ring gear containing centrifugally rotating trimming blade members and/or a cutting tool on a positionable arm. When rotated, the blade members unlatch and pivot, into the trunk of the tree to effect controlled trimming. The system may utilize a multi-axis control system that uses linear interpolation, circular interpolation and coordination of all axes to enable the trimmer to follow an XYZ contour selected by a user.

Abstract: A self-propelled, climbing tree trimmer for severing branches from a tree (68) consisting of a support ring (12) divided into two equal parts, with a hinge (18) connecting the ring parts together, thus permitting it to be axially rotated apart to surround a tree. A channel ring (30) in two equal halves are joined onto the support ring, and a similar two piece rotatable ring gear (40) is juxtaposed on top of the channel ring in a revolvable manner. A number of pivoting knife blades (46) are attached to the ring gear so as to tilt inward when rotated, and a ring gear drive motor (62) interfaces with the ring gear rotating the ring gear at a speed which tilts the blades sufficiently to engage and cut fronds or branches from the tree upon which the trimmer surrounds.