Abstract: A process for extracting lycopene, comprising the following steps: pressing and dehydrating tomato pomace which is the by-products of tomato processing production, then drying it to control the water content in the range from 10% to 20%; crushing the dried tomato pomace, and separating tomato skins and tomato seeds by air blast process, granulating the separated tomato skins and extracting them, then purifying by removing impurity from the extracted lycopene with active carbon.

Abstract: A flail rotor head attachment for use with any type harvesting machine having crop residue processing elements and including an input opening for receiving crop residue. The attachment includes a frame structure for operatively coupling the attachment to the harvesting machine, a flail rotor and an auger each mounted on the frame structure and a drive mechanism for rotating the flail rotor and the auger. The flail rotor includes a plurality of cutting elements for picking up and chopping crop residue from a field. The auger includes at least two flightings positioned in opposite directions for funneling crop residue towards the opening of the harvesting machine. Another embodiment includes a rake positioned between the flail rotor and the auger, the rake and the flail rotor rotating in the same direction and the auger rotating in an opposite direction.

Abstract: There is disclosed a brush harvester including ground-engaging wheels so as to be operable in a walk-behind manner and/or by being pushed or pulled along the ground by a person walking on the ground. There is also disclosed a brush harvester unit mounted to a vehicle such as an ATV, so as to be operable by driving or riding the vehicle. There is additionally disclosed a brush harvester unit configurable for either of these modes of operation.

Abstract: Provided is a harvesting module including twin parallel rotating shafts. The rotating shafts each have impact rods that are configured to rotation in opposite directions. The shafts are sloped so that one end of the shafts is closer to the ground than another end of the shafts. The rods are fixed to the shafts in a spiral formation using a series of self locking rings fitted over the shafts.

Abstract: Provided is a harvesting module including twin parallel rotating shafts. The rotating shafts each have impact rods that are configured to rotation in opposite directions. The shafts are sloped so that one end of the shafts is closer to the ground than another end of the shafts. The rods are fixed to the shafts in a spiral formation using a series of self locking rings fitted over the shafts.

Abstract: A harvesting and topping system includes a substantially horizontal cutting table for receiving a cultivated vegetable, the cutting table being pervious to air, a cutting assembly configured to cut vegetable tops of the cultivated vegetable when on the cutting table, at least one fan configured to blow air under positive pressure upwardly through the cutting table, and a ductwork configured to provide an airway from the fan to beneath the cutting table. According to one embodiment, the ductwork includes at least one airflow divider disposed in an interior portion of the ductwork to maximize uniformity of an air pressure within the ductwork and to distribute airflow within the ductwork.

Abstract: An apparatus for harvesting the seed of native plant species with a cam mechanism that increases the zone of controlled brushing from a point of contact between the rotating brushes and combs to a four-inch span over which the rotating combs remain perpendicular to the surface of the brush while following an arc path nearly concentric to that of the brush shaft. The comb assembly consists of a belt stretched around a plurality of wheels and evenly spaced combs attached to the belt by a plurality of bars. The comb assembly pivots so that the distance between the rotating combs and rotating brushes can be adjusted to achieve maximum yield for a particular species. A method for harvesting native seeds using the harvester with the cam mechanism and adjustable comb assembly.

Abstract: A harvester includes a brush assembly having a plurality of flexible, radial bristles extending from a central axis of the brush assembly. The brush assembly is adapted and constructed for rotation in a first direction. A comb assembly having a plurality of axially extending combs mounted in a position spaced radially from and parallel to a central axis of the comb assembly is also provided. The comb assembly is adapted and constructed for rotation in a direction opposite to the direction of rotation of the brush assembly. A mounting assembly secures the brush assembly and the comb assembly such that the bristles of the brush assembly come into contact with the combs of the comb assembly when the brush assembly and the comb assembly are rotating. A method of harvesting of grass seeds while minimizing damage to the standing grass from which the seed is harvested is also disclosed.

Abstract: In a self-propelling agricultural machine with a two-part cutting mechanism trough, the position of a cutter bar relative to a stationary part of the cutting mechanism trough is continuously determined, and a predetermined position of the reel is associated with each position of the cutter bar to prevent collision between the cutter bar and the reel.

Abstract: A pickup reel is provided with an anti-wrap extension that can be easily mounted to one of the elongated tubes. The anti-wrap extension increases the size of the bat to prevent wrapping. The tine is provided with an upstanding projection having a mounting screw for securing the anti-wrap extension to the tine. In addition, the extension is provided with a downwardly projecting flange having mounting apertures into which the tines are inserted.

Abstract: The stripper header attachment (10) has a stripping rotor (64) and an auger (116). A formed cut-off feed plate (82) feeds heads, grain and other plant residue stripped from stalks to the auger (116). To improve feeding, a smooth roller (102) extends up through a slot (100) in the feed plate (82). A front seal (104) and a rear seal (106) prevent grain loss between the smooth roller and the sides of the slot (104). A three speed gear box (170) drives the stripping rotor (64) and smooth roller (102). A front hood (144) is pivoted about the axis of the stripping rotor by the hood adjustment cylinder (150) to adjust the height of the nose portion (146). Auger housing covers (162) with screens (168) are pivotally attached to the rear hood (158) and enclose the auger housing.

Abstract: Crop stripping apparatus is provided comprising a toothed crop-stripping drum and an auger for collecting crop stripped by the drum. Between the drum and the auger is a roller rotatable in the same direction as the drum. Behind and close to the outer peripheral surface of the roller a chute slopes downwards towards the auger at a progressively reducing angle. The spacing between the drum and the auger is greater than the expected length of deteched plant stalks but is otherwise kept as small as possible for compactness. The roller serves to draw the plant stalks from the drum and urge them into the zone of action of the auger.

Abstract: A crop stripper has at least one drum (6a, 6b) with several axially extending series of stripping teeth (8). The drum is rotatably in end supports. The tooth roots (26) at the ends of the drum have an edge profile inclined radially away from the adjacent supports to deflect plant stems which contact these profiles during the operation of the stripper away from the supports, so reducing the tendency for the stems to become trapped between rotor and support. A capping (32) on the support overlaps the adjacent tooth roots to assist this effect. A pair of drums can be arranged end to end with an intermediate support (14) between them and be similarly arranged to deflect plant stems away from the intermediate support. This allows increase of the operating width of the crop stripper while minimizing the risk of blockage from stems trapped between the intermediate support and the drums.

Abstract: Crop stripping apparatus is provided comprising a toothed crop-stripping drum and an auger for collecting crop stripped by the drum. Between the drum and the auger is a roller rotatable in the same direction as the drum. The spacing between the drum and the auger is greater than the expected length of deteched plant stalks but is otherwise kept as small as possible for compactness. The roller serves to draw the plant stalks from the drum and urge them into the zone of action of the auger.

Abstract: An apparatus for harvesting a crop, such as cranberries, includes a frame movable through a field of plants, a revolvable surface carried by the movable structure and supported to revolve about a horizontal axis, and resilient, rubbery fingers mounted rigidly on the revolvable surface and projecting outwardly therefrom. The revolvable surface and fingers are arranged to bring the fingers into contact with the crop plants. In addition, a method for harvesting berries includes the steps of moving a frame through a field, revolving a drum on the frame in a forward direction about a horizontal axis, with the drum having a plurality of semi-rigid, rubbery fingers rigidly mounted thereon and projecting outwardly therefrom, such that as the revolving drum moves through the field, the fingers dislodge and sweep berries from plants onto an apron that leads to a conveyor or auger and to a container for further shipment.

Abstract: A hand-held apparatus is disclosed for collecting seeds from plants. The apparatus has an elongated handle with a rotary brush-like unit rotatably attached to one end of the handle. The rotary unit has a plurality of seed stripper elements extending radially outwardly from and operatively spaced around the unit. Drive means are provided for rotating the unit and seed containment means are attached to the handle and extend adjacent the unit for catching seed which is stripped off the plants by the seed stripper elements. A conventional string trimmer may be converted into a seed stripper of the invention by removing the string trimmer head and replacing it with the rotary unit of the invention.

Abstract: An apparatus for harvesting berries on low plants, such as wild blueberries, is adapted for mounting on the 3-point hitch of a farm tractor. The apparatus has a drum which rotates in a direction such that the lower segments thereof move in a direction against a direction of travel. A plurality of combs having a plurality of fingers generally pointing in a direction of rotation, are mounted at regular angular intervals on this drum. As the apparatus moves over a crop, plants are raked in an ascending movement, retaining thereby the fruits to be harvested. The berries are carried by respective combs atop the drum where emptying of each comb is done by gravity. The rotation of the drum and the corresponding advance of the combs being slower than the free rolling of the berries on the backward face of the drum, the fruits gain speed rapidly to rebound on the back surface of a preceding comb, to thereby jump from the surface of the drum and leap over a gap, reaching into an accept chute.

Abstract: A mower conditioner header has a reel which includes a plurality of rotatably mounted toothbars each carrying teeth. The toothbars are controlled during rotation of the reel so that they rock to maintain the teeth at the desired attitude relative to the crop as it is swept across a cutterbar of the harvester to be cut and then on the nip of conditioner rolls. This control of the toothbars is done by toothbar guide arms fixed to an end of each toothbar, the arms each carrying a roller which is received in an upright D-shaped cam track carried by an adjacent one of opposite side structures of the frame of the header.

Abstract: In apparatus comprising a rotor (30) and co-operating crop guide means (21), for selectively harvesting from uncut crops wanted plant parts by combing through the crop with resilient crop engaging elements (1) projecting outwardly from a rotor core structure (32), the inner and outer regions of elements (1) are particularly prone to wear, damage and distortion. By adapting mounting members (11) and/or clamping means (14), made of stiffer and/or more durable material than is provided in the intermediate yielding region of crop engaging elements (1), stronger and more convenient mounting of crop engaging elements may be provided and the shape of the important inner crop engaging profile protected. Alternatively or additionally protection of the susceptible regions, including the distal region of elements (1), may be provided by durable inserts embedded partly or wholly in the material from which resilient crop engaging elements are made.

Abstract: A mechanical harvester is specifically designed for mechanically picking "gourmet-type" leguminous crops with hand-picked quality. The picking tools are a plurality of elongate resilient fingers which are disposed on an endless moving belt for gently combing the crop from the plants. The harvester is adapted to be placed behind a towing vechicle such as a tractor, with the crop pick-up point in vertical alignment with the main tractor axis for assuring proper positioning of the pick-up point relative to the surface and for assuring good operator visibility. A universal crop transfer system is adapted to receive a removable collection chamber and a removable and readily replaceable harvesting implement, whereby the harvester may be quickly modified for harvesting any one of a predetermined variety of leguminous crops. The harvester implement, collection chamber and transfer conveyor mechanism are all adapted to be mounted on a standard three-point hitch.

Abstract: Apparatus for harvesting required crop parts from standing crop, leaving stripped stems in the field, comprises a crop stripping rotor under a hood. A plurality of outwardly projecting crop stripping elements are mounted on the rotor and move upwardly and rearwardly as the apparatus moves forwardly into the crop. The distal tips of the elements enter the crop and move upwardly through the crop, gathering one or more crop stems. Between adjacent crop stripping elements two succeeding relief regions are provided. Gathered crop enters the first relief region and required parts are stripped by edges of the relief region. Stripped stems pass to the second relief region for easy release and in order to avoid rejecting unstripped stems from the first relief region.

Abstract: A crop pickup device including a rotatable drum or cylinder with pickup teeth thereon associated with a rake plate or notched stripping panel associated with the pickup teeth to effectively strip the plants from the pickup and collect and guide the seeds which may fall from the plants into the conveyor of the harvesting machine. A transverse manifold with a rearwardly facing slot-like opening is located forwardly of the pickup drum and teeth to prevent the plants from rolling forwardly when they are engaged by the pickup teeth and a pair of side blowers discharge air laterally inwardly and rearwardly which also prevent the plants from rolling forwardly and keep the windrow from fanning out or rolling outside of the pickup drum and teeth.

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 engaging elements 32 comprising loosening beaters and/or combing teeth. 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. The coarse crop material is directed for further processing to recover remaining seeds.

Abstract: A mobile hop picking machine is provided with independently elevatable wheels. The picker straddles a trellis to position opposing picking cats on either side of the vines. Front and rear banks of picking hooks move upwardly to pick the hops. A bank of resilient raking tines comb the vines upwardly between the picking banks. The picking cats are pivoted about their front edges and are supported for transverse movement on their rear edges. Cylinders urge the rear of the cats toward the vines. A contact member connected to the cat moves the cat transversely, to avoid cat contact with poles, against a biased mounting provided for the hydraulic cylinder. Longitudinal conveyors transport the hops rearwardly and upwardly. A squeeze conveyor floats on a top support over the elevating end of the longitudinal conveyors. An alternate arrangement intersperses the raking tines and picking hooks.

Abstract: A mobile machine for harvesting growing flowers comprises a shroud at the forward end of the machine in which is mounted a substantially horizontally disposed, cylindrical, fluted picking rotor operable to engage the stems of plants and sweep their flower heads rearwardly into the shroud in response to movement of the machine through a field of such flowers. A rotary drum interacts with the fluted rotor to effect separation of a flower head from its stem. The drum is driven in the same direction as the picking rotor and has a peripheral speed greater than the ground speed of the machine to induce tension in the stem of an engaged plant near the flower head and relieve tension in the stem near its roots.

Abstract: A harvester includes a mobile vehicle with a forward vertically adjustable header that includes a mechanism for stripping grain from a standing crop as the machine advances while leaving the stem of the crop attached to the soil. The stripping mechanism including a pair of axially transverse vertically offset brush-type rotors having randomly spaced radial bristles, the upper rotor being disposed slightly forwardly of the lower and being driven so that its lower surface moves rearwardly in close proximity to the rearwardly moving upper surface of the lower roller that is driven in the opposite direction from the first rotor. The grain heads on most of the standing crop is disposed between the axes of the rotors, and the grain is stripped as the heads move into the bite between the rotors.

Abstract: Apparatus for harvesting mature pyrethrum flowers comprises a mobile chassis movable through a field of growing flowers and having a pair of drums rotatable in opposite directions about vertically spaced axes. Each of the drums has a plurality of longitudinally extending, radially projecting, circumferentially spaced flutes which confront one another momentarily during rotation of the drums. The vertical spacing between the axes of the drum is such that there exists a space between confronting flutes that is too great to sever an immature flower from its stem, but is sufficiently small to sever a mature flower from its stem. An air duct communicating with a fan receives severed flowers and conducts them to a storage bin.

Abstract: Apparatus for harvesting pyrethrum flowers comprises a rotary picking head within which are mounted picking fingers reciprocable between retracted and projected positions. The fingers are spaced apart a distance to enable mature blooms to be severed from their stems. The picking head is partially enclosed by a shroud that communicates via ducting with a bin. An air stream is created within the shroud and ducting to cause picked blooms to be conveyed from the picking head to the bin.

Abstract: A stripper type harvesting machine has a forward harvesting header that carries a plurality of modular independently vertically shiftable stripping units at the front end of the header for engaging the upper seed bearing portions of a standing crop as the machine advances over the field. Each stripping unit comprises an axially transverse rotor having a plurality of disk-like stripping elements mounted side-by-side on the rotor, each stripping element including a hub and a relatively thin annular web portion coaxially mounted on the hub. A plurality of ribs project laterally from the opposite sides of the web portion and extend outwardly from the hub to the periphery of the stripping element.

Abstract: A harvesting machine has a mobile main frame with a forwarding harvesting header that includes an axially transverse stripping rotor that is rotated with the front side moving upwardly to engage the grain bearing heads of a standing crop and separate the grain from the crop by impact while leaving the stem attached to the field. The impact with the stripping elements projects the grain rearwardly on the header to a crop collecting mechanism, which conveys it to a grain cleaning means in the body of the harvesting machine. An upper drum-type rotor is mounted on the header above and parallel to the stripping rotor and is provided with vanes and an arcuate hood, the upper rotor being rotated in the opposite direction from the lower rotor and generating an air flow between the drum and the hood that exits from the hood in a downward and rearward direction to assist in directing the grain heads into the stripping rotor and to convey the stripped grain rearwardly to the crop collecting mechanism.

Abstract: An apparatus for harvesting seed cones from a tree has a lower guide portion with an opening for freely embracing the trunk of the tree while permitting vertical movement of the apparatus with respect to the tree. There is an upper cone receiving portion having a rotatable cone remover with a plurality of outwardly extending members for separating cones from the tree. Preferably, the cone remover has a roll portion. The outwardly extending members extend generally radially from the roll portion and are resilient and wire-like.

Abstract: A seed harvester is provided for harvesting seeds from a standing crop without cutting the crop. The harvester is particularly designed for harvesting grass seed. The harvester includes a header assembly for stripping from the crop, and a seed separator for drawing the seeds from the header assembly in an air stream and for separating the seeds from the air stream. The header assembly includes a frame assembly having a transverse inlet which communicates with the seed separator. An endless revolving stripping surface is mounted across this transverse opening to contact the seed heads of the crop and strip the mature seeds from the crop. A rotating reel is mounted to rotate parallel to, and above and forwardly of, the seed stripping surface. On rotation, the reel guides the crop into contact with the seed stripping surface and holds it there for a time to permit the seed stripping surface to remove mature seeds from the crop. The seed separator includes a duct, curved between its ends.

Abstract: An apparatus for increasing the efficiency of sunflower harvesting by combine consists of a sunflower header attachment secured over a reciprocating sickle bar assembly at the front end of the combine. A plurality of spaced apart pans are secured over the sickle bar assembly to extend forwardly from the combine. Pivotally mounted at the forward end of each pan is an elongated snout tapered to a rounded tip at its front end. The snouts have smooth sides and rounded edges to allow the combine to gently engage sunflower stalks during the harvesting operation. A reel is rotatably mounted transversely over the pans and is driven to rotate on a generally horizontal axis for urging sunflowers into the combine. Preferably, the reel has only two wings, the axes of which are substantially coplanar, so that in operation the reel does not prevent a combine operator from observing a significant degree of the sunflower gathering and cutting operations.

Abstract: A machine for field harvesting of peppers or pepper fruit comprising a mobile frame movable over a field having spaced rows of pepper plants. A picking assembly is carried by the frame, comprising a structure formed to straddle a row of the plants. Means is carried adjacent the advancing end of the structure for upwardly straightening the plants. Dual means extends rearwardly of the straightening means for repeatedly impacting both sides of the plant as the structure advances over the same. Conveyor means receives the fruit that is removed from the plant and serves to convey the same to the rear of the structure. Additional means disposed between the plant straightening means and the advancing end of the conveyor means for picking up fruit located at or near the ground surface and for delivering the same to the conveying means.

Abstract: An elongated hollow housing is provided including front and rear sides and opposite ends. The housing defines an air passage extending therethrough including an inlet end opening through and extending longitudinally of the front side of the housing. The housing also defines an outlet for the passage opening outwardly of the housing remote from the inlet. Seed separating structure is provided within the air passage intermediate the inlet and outlet and is operative to separate seeds from the air flow moving through the passage. The inlet is defined between opposing generally parallel longitudinal marginal portions of the housing and one marginal portion is disposed forward and above the other marginal portion, whereby the inlet opens outwardly of the housing in a foward and downward direction. An elongated seed stripping rotary brush is journaled in the housing for rotation about an axis extending longitudinally thereof with between 30.degree. and 90.degree.

Abstract: There is described an implement for the harvesting of seed-producing plants which is suitable for use with mechanical harvesters and is formed of a chassis which comprises basically a hollow front transverse beam and a structure defined by lateral, base and rear parts and a structure which includes a mesh-covered portion; at least two quill-defining trays arranged at an angle with respect to the horizontal, one alongside the other and with their quills pointing in the direction of advance, they being directly connected in front of the front beam; defining between said trays at least one access passage to a cutting station; a cutting station at the end of each passage and arranged slightly to the rear of the trays on the front beam; on which there is provided a high-speed cutting disk which partially overlaps the respective passage; there being provided, in the vicinity of each cutting station and also borne by the front beam a stalk-impelling mechanism adapted to bring, by impeller elements arranged to move o

Abstract: Our transfer mechanism is attached to the front of a conventional combine. The transfer mechanism includes a number of longitudinally spaced rows of laterally spaced curved teeth or tines that move rearwardly and upwardly so that the tines of each row successively engage a growing or standing crop, such as pinto beans or field peas, lifting the crop sufficiently so that the cutter bar of the combine effectively severs the crop adjacent the surface of the ground. Continued rearward and upward movement of the tines, while still engaging the severed crop, transfers the crop to a more elevated location adjacent the auger. When the tines reach the auger, the shaft on which those particular tines are mounted is angularly rotated so as to release or dump the severed crop onto a curved floor beneath the auger. The auger moves the cut crop laterally and then rearwardly into the threshing portion of the combine.

Abstract: The present invention is characterized in that in a vegetable harvesting machine, primarily a sweet pepper harvesting machine, comprising a frame which mounts lifters designed to align the plants being harvested and guide them onto a fruit remover provided with an eccentric drive, and further comprising a system of conveyers for delivering the removed fruits outside the machine, said fruit remover is constructed as two walkers installed some distance apart and arranged to oscillate in antiphase, said walkers being attached to the lifters at one end and to the eccentric drive at the other. Each of said walkers is constructed as a rigid plate tapering toward the lifters. The throat between the walkers is adjustable.

Abstract: Cotton bolls, along the fingers of a cotton stripper, are brushed upward to the conveyor by brushes mounted upon chains which run on sprockets on either side of the fingers. The speed of the brushes along the finger is slower than the speed of the stripper along the ground and also slower than 300 feet per minute to prevent throwing the light fluffy cotton from the stripper.

Abstract: A harvester for beans and like crop includes a pick-up reel having a width equal to the overall width of the harvester and leading to a first, cleaning, conveyor which terminates at an air passage incorporating a fan for generating a generally vertical air flow. Where the vertical air passage meets the cleaning conveyor, a rotary valve is provided which permits the passage of the beans and other parts of the crop but prevents or at least restricts the passage of the air flow into the space above the upper run of the conveyor.The rotary valve may take the form of a rotary vaned assembly having six vanes each of which is secured to one face of a hexagonal shaft and various forms of rotary valve are also described.

Abstract: A picking machine is described for harvesting hops from vines that have been trained over a low profile trellis. The machine includes two sets of vertical picking conveyors that straddle the vines. The conveyor sets are transversely adjustable toward or away from the vine. A forward picking conveyor set includes picking fingers that move continuously downwardly, stripping hops down from opposite sides of the vine downwardly onto horizontal receiving conveyors. A rearward set of picking conveyors follow the forward set with picking fingers moving upwardly. The upwardly moving picking fingers lift the vine, "stringing" the vine vertically and stripping the remaining hops so they will fall downwardly onto receiving conveyors below.

Abstract: A plurality of divider pans are secured to the front of the header just above the reciprocating knife thereof, to collect the heads as they are severed. The pans are adjustable angularly relative to the ground and are supported by bracing means underneath the pans. Pan tail portions are adjustably secured to the underside braces and extend underneath and to the rear of the header where they are secured to the header. A reel and shield are secured over the auger and brushes extend across the gaps between the adjacent pans to catch sunflower seeds which separate from the heads as they are deposited onto the pans. Dividers are secured one to each end of the header and to the conventional reel arms which are disconnected when this attachment is secured to the header.

Abstract: Apparatus is described which is adapted to be mounted to a farm implement for harvesting beans or other similar crops. The apparatus has a pair of flexible belts positioned in a side-by-side fashion with each belt mounted on a pair of drive pulleys which in turn are mounted to axles supported by a frame. The pair of flexible belts each carry about their perimeter a plurality of flexible protruding members for gentle engagement with the stalk of the bean plant or similar crop. Stripper discs are coaxially mounted to the axles carrying the flexible belts for separating the bean pods and tops from the stalks. Cutter discs are placed below the stripper discs for cutting the bean pods and tops from the stalks without injury to the bean pods.

Abstract: A harvester for beans and like crop includes a pick-up reel having a width equal to the overall width of the harvester and leading to a first, cleaning, conveyor which terminates at an air passage incorporating a fan for generating a generally vertical air flow. Where the vertical air passage meets the cleaning conveyor, a rotary valve is provided which permits the passage of the beans and other parts of the crop but prevents or at least restricts the passage of the air flow into the space above the upper run of the conveyor. The rotary valve may take the form of a rotary vaned assembly having six vanes each of which is secured to one face of a hexagonal shaft and various forms of rotary valve are also described.

Abstract: Immediately rearwardly of the peanut combine pickup head, a plowshare supported by gage wheels delivers fallen loose peanuts to an inclined conveyor having rearwardly moving paddle bars which sweep the loose peanuts rearwardly and upwardly over a rod grate through which small debris is sifted. At the rear of the conveyor and grate, the loose peanuts are delivered into a cross auger having a trough formed by additional grate bars and from this auger trough the loose peanuts and remaining lightweight debris are blown pneumatically into the combine for final cleaning and separation. Heavier debris in the auger trough is forced through a spring loaded trap door at one end of the trough by the action of the auger.

Abstract: A rotary picker drum for use in a machine for harvesting fruit on a relatively low plants, such as low bush blueberries. The drum contains a series of circumferentially spaced rows of tines which can be retracted during the descending movement thereof as the drum rotates, and extended during the passage of the respective row through the bush and over substantial portion of the upward movement as the drum is rotated. The oscillatory extension/retraction movement is effected within a cylindric plane generally coaxial with the axis of rotation of the drum, the tines of the rows being curved such as to be generally coincident with such cylindric plane. The tines are guided in guiding plates forming one wall of a food collecting trough in the surface of the drum. The guiding plates reinforce the tines and clean same during the retracting movement thereof.

Abstract: The pod combine includes a harvester and thresher mounted in tandem on a self-propelled mobile frame. The harvester removes the unopened pods and a portion of the foliage and vines from the plants. A twin screw feed device feeds the harvested material to the thresher. The thresher includes a foraminous reel arranged to be driven in preselected opposite directions and an axially positioned impeller. The impeller includes a plurality of beaters with open portions to minimize convective currents within the thresher. A product collecting device is positioned below the foraminous reel and includes side boards over a housing that oscillate linearly to deposit the shelled product on an endless conveyor and a separator device is arranged to separate the foliage from the shelled product. The separator includes a material distributing device which permits the foliage to be separated from the shelled product by an air blast.

Abstract: A pod combine includes a harvester and a thresher mounted in tandem on a self-propelled mobile frame. The harvester removes the unopened pods and a portion of the foliage from the plants. An inclined endless belt conveyor transports the harvested material through a cluster breaker assembly that picks up clusters of the foliage and product, individualizes the crop and returns it in even distribution to the endless conveyor. A suction fan is positioned rearwardly of the cluster breaker assembly and separates a portion of the foliage from the crop before the crop is conveyed to a product feed apparatus that conveys the harvested material to the thresher. The thresher includes a foraminous reel arranged to be driven in preselected, opposite direction and an axially positioned impeller having a plurality of beaters secured thereto. A product collecting device is positioned below the foraminous reel.