Abstract: A hand held device is disclosed which may be manipulated with a single hand of the user to engage, transport and release a piece of sod. Curved sod penetration members are pivotally displaced to enter and to leave the piece of sod from opposing directions. This pivotal displacement of the curved penetration portions of the sod penetration members act to minimize any disturbance to the piece of sod which might damage the piece of sod. A dual handle arrangement provides of easy use of the device. An upper handle is utilized to place the device and for the device to engage the piece of sod while a lower handle is then utilized to transport the device with the piece of sod attached thereto with a shifting of hand position from the lower handle to the upper handle causing release of the piece of sod from the device.

Abstract: A versatile fruit harvesting machine having the ability to be transformed between an extremely transportable configuration having a reasonable elevational height and an extremely high operational configuration capable of harvesting fruit from the highest regions of fruit trees. The harvesting machine also has the ability to provide for an exceptional range of penetration of the fruit tree during a harvesting cycle to ensure optimum removal of fruit from the tree. Separate regions of picking arms are utilized wherein an upper region of arms is folded down amongst the lower region of arms to provide for the elevation change between a transport configuration and an operational configuration. At least two distinct displacement systems cooperate to provide for the exceptional extension of the array of arms with a first displacement transferring both the array of arms as will as a second displacement system while a further displacement of the array of arms by the second displacement system occurs.

Abstract: A conveyer device is provided which has a large two dimensionally disposed collection zone upon which workpieces may fall for subsequent conveyance thereacross to a discharge area. The conveyer device may be fixedly positioned or may be moveable during operation. Construction of the conveyer device provides for an extremely low profile which enables insertion under objects where the workpieces to be collected and conveyed may reside. Such conveyers are particularly suited for use during a harvesting of crops and particularly when a mechanical harvesting is employed. Optionally, the collection zone may have a series of passageways distributed thereacross to provide for debris separation from the workpieces for removal of the debris during the collection and conveyance process. The workpiece engagement members operate in an endless loop pattern relative to the collection zone.

Abstract: A picking finger assembly is insertable into and withdrawable from a canopy of a fruit tree during a mechanical harvesting. The picking finger assembly provides for, during the withdrawal, a gathering of fruit growing upon the fruit tree where a picking pressure may be applied during to sever the fruit from the tree. A finger extending from an arm producing this gathering and application of the picking pressure to the fruit. The finger is displaceable relative to the arm in response to engagement of an obstruction, such as a large branch. This displacement provides for an initial relatively strong resistance to displacement, then a significantly lesser resistance. In one embodiment a transfer shaft moves within a transfer channel to provide for this dual resistance pressure feature. An angular change in the transfer channel provides for immediate transfer of transfer shaft within transfer channel once such transfer commences.

Abstract: A fruit harvesting machine is provided which may mechanically harvest fruit from fruit trees. Means are provided for a transport assembly to carry an arm housing member which has installed thereon a plurality of arms. The arm housing member provides for repetitive displacement of the arms into and out of a canopy of the fruit trees. Means are provided for arms to deflect during insertion and withdrawal relative to the arm housing member in the event that the respective arm encounters a deflecting obstruction. Means are provided for arms to yield during insertion relative to the arm housing member in the event that the respective arm encounters an impacting obstruction. These actions, both the deflecting and the yielding, act to prevent damage to either the fruit tree or the machine. A plurality of picking fingers, each having unique engaging qualities, extend from each arm.

Abstract: A mechanical citrus and other fruit picking apparatus is defined with an improved method of picking fruit, using finger assemblies with tension producing and tension reducing abilities, with finger members protruding at intervals from sides of tubular arms. Arms are mounted on metal base frame that can be attached to various types of tractors or other propelling equipment. As arms of apparatus enter through limbs and foliage into tree, said fingers depress, then reposition to correct angle for picking fruit. Any said arm retracts upon any impact with larger limb. As apparatus is withdrawn from tree, said fingers engage stems of fruit, bringing fruit up into intersection of said arm and said finger, whereby pressure of said finger against stem causes separation of fruit from stem. During the backward motion, smaller limbs and leaves are pulled up and over the special shaping and slippery surface of said finger. The tension reduction device allows said finger to slip over larger limbs.