Abstract: An apparatus and method for separating plant flowers from stalks by means of a lateral rotating tube having a plurality of flexible, elongated members affixed to and extending radially outward from the tube. The apparatus may include a platform and a frame supporting the tube above the platform to accommodate plants held between the platform and the tube so that when the tube is rotating, the elongated members affixed thereto brush against the plants and cause the flowers to brush off at and separate from the stalks. The frame further supports a housing to form a contained space, with a hood to direct the flow of flowers after separation from the stalks. The back wall is positioned a distance away from the platform to allow separated flower and stalk to be eliminated from the apparatus.

Abstract: A leaf removal apparatus for removing one or more wrapper leaves of a harvested produce is provided. The leaf removal apparatus includes a framework, a conveyor, a stripping roller, and a plurality of flexible members. The conveyor is configured to transport the harvested produce in a forward direction to the stripping roller. The stripping roller is connected to the framework and rotates in a direction opposite to the moving direction of the conveyor. The stripping roller applies a friction force on the harvested produce. The plurality of flexible members are connected to the framework and are configured to loosen or remove one or more wrapper leaves of the harvested produce and prolong the duration of contact between the harvested produce and the stripping roller. The flexible members may also cause the harvested produce to rotate, helping to remove one or more wrapper leaves. The friction force applied by the stripping roller removes one or more wrapper leaves of the harvested produce.

Abstract: An apparatus for stripping and sorting leaves from stalks of agricultural crops. The apparatus includes a base frame having a first longitudinal member, said first longitudinal member having a first end and a second end, and a second longitudinal member in a parallel spaced-relationship with said first longitudinal member, a plurality of cross members arranged perpendicularly along at least said first longitudinal member, each of said plurality of cross members having a lower stripping member for receiving the stalk of an agricultural crop, a plurality of upper stripping members, each upper stripping member positionable to cooperate with a corresponding lower stripping member to substantially encircle the stalk and means for engaging and conveying the stalk along the apparatus in a direction from said first end to said second end of said first longitudinal member.

Abstract: A tobacco stripper includes coplanar first and second stripper plates having confronting semi-cylindrical recesses coaxial relative to one another. The first stripper plate is arranged in a spring-biased relationship for contiguous communication with the second stripper plate to receive a tobacco leaf therethrough to effect stripping of tobacco relative to the tobacco leaf stalk as the stalk is drawn through the first and second semi-cylindrical recess by cooperative first and second rollers mounted in a biased relationship towards one another to receive, engage, and draw a tobacco stalk therebetween.

Abstract: The apparatus for harvesting crops, particularly seed crops, comprises a mobile support structure (20) and a crop stripping device in the form of a rotor (30), which may be attached to height adjustable arms and is driven by drive means (22). The rotor (30) carries transverse rows of crop stripping elements (1) which may be combined with transverse ribs. The crop stripping elements have prominent leading edges, for example each formed at the junction between two faces which are acutely inclined with respect to each other. The drive to the rotor is so arranged that during forward movement of the apparatus the crop engaging elements (32) are propelled progressively through the crop, moving upwards at the front region. Seeds and other plant parts detached by the action of the rotor are impelled into a crop flow passage (27) under a crop guide cover (21). A transverse auger (83) transfers the detached material into a duct (84) where an elevator (85) moves it over a screen (86) for separation of the seeds.