Abstract: The present application relates to selective harvesting of agricultural objects, such as asparagus spears. One described example relates to a harvester that includes at least one set of independently controllable cutter arm assemblies that rotate about a common axis to harvest individual asparagus spears.

Abstract: The present application relates to selective harvesting of agricultural objects, such as asparagus spears. One described example relates to a harvester that includes at least one set of independently controllable cutter arm assemblies that rotate about a common axis to harvest individual asparagus spears.

Abstract: The present application relates to selective harvesting of agricultural objects, such as asparagus spears. One described example relates to a harvester that includes at least one set of independently controllable cutter arm assemblies that rotate about a common axis to harvest individual asparagus spears.

Abstract: A traction device for wheels focusing on irrigation system wheels and the manufacturing process for making the traction device. Multiple traction device segments are joined to encompass a tire/wheel unit of an irrigation system tire/wheel drive system generally about the circumferential perimeter. The traction device segments are engaged by the tire/wheel unit at its circumferential perimeter causing the traction device segments to rotate as the tire/wheel unit rotates. The traction device segments have a surface which is interposed between the tire/wheel unit, at its circumferential perimeter, and the muddy ground of the irrigated field increasing the surface area of contact and decreasing the likelihood of the tire/wheel unit becoming stuck or mired in mud. A square of sheet metal is sheared at the corners along one diagonal with the two shear line forming the skirt edges of skirts. A pad is intermediate the skirts which is press formed with tread forms matching tread patterns of the tire/wheel unit.

Abstract: A machine for harvesting crops which grow as stalks or spears such as asparagus includes a frame supported by wheels to enable moving the frame along the ground, a stalk sensing mechanism for sensing stalks of a predetermined height, and a cutting and stalk grasping mechanism which is rotated into a cutting position adjacent each stalk sensed by the sensing mechanism. When the cutting and grasping mechanism reaches the cutting position, holding plates or pads move to secure the stalk therebetween and then a cutting element cuts the stalk below ground level. The operation of securing the stalk between the holding pads also serves to align the cutting element for cutting the stalk. The holding pads then elevate the stalk and ultimately spread apart above a stalk conveyor mechanism to allow the stalk to drop onto the conveyor. The stalk is then carried by the conveyor mechanism to a holding bin where it is deposited along with other stalks in a uniform orientation.

Abstract: A machine for harvesting crops which grow as stalks or spears such as asparagus. The machine includes a frame having wheels to carry the frame along the ground, a stalk sensing mechanism for sensing stalks of a predetermined height in a certain pathway, and a cutting mechanism which is rotated into a cutting position beside each stalk sensed by the sensing mechanism. When it reaches the cutting position, a portion of the cutting mechanism is moved transversely of the pathway to cut the stalk below ground level. Substantially simultaneously with the cutting of a stalk, a grasping mechanism seizes the stalk and, coincident with the rotation of the cutting mechanism, carries the stalk to a holding bin.