Abstract: There is provided a system, installed on a vehicle or trailer, for performing an agricultural task. The system comprises a platform connecting to the vehicle or trailer and comprising a socket for an accessory. A plurality of accessories is provided, wherein one accessory is selected among them for installation in the accessory socket. A vision system is operatively connected to a computer and collects data of the environment about the accessory, the computer using the collected data to determine an instruction for performing the agricultural task and to send the instruction to the accessory installed in the accessory socket to perform the agricultural task. The accessory is interchangeable in the accessory socket depending on the agricultural task. The box handling stage and pallet mounting stage can be robotized for efficient automation.

Abstract: A walking power control system for wolfberry picking, including a frame, a turntable, rotating rods, first gears, second gear, gear racks, supporting rods, hydraulic motors, a front traveling wheel, a left traveling wheel and a right traveling wheel. Hydraulic motors rotate to drives three traveling wheels to rotate, thereby driving the frame to move, when it is necessary to turn, a turntable is rotated, the turntable rotates to drive two first gears to rotate, and the two first gears rotate to drive the supporting rods to rotate, thereby driving the left traveling wheel and the right traveling wheel to rotate, so that the traveling direction of the frame is changed.

Abstract: A system including a picking apparatus including at least two grippers. Each of the at least two grippers is configured to pick a respective individual crop of crops of a plant. The system is configured to move the at least two grippers of the picking apparatus in a rotational path. The system is configured to stop rotation of the picking apparatus when a first gripper of the at least two grippers is moved to a picking position along the rotational path. Other embodiments are described.

Abstract: A device including at least one motorized conveyor for conveying a flow of harvested crop between an upstream end and a downstream end of the conveyor along a longitudinal direction. The device further including at least one sensor that monitors a longitudinal inclination of the device relative to a nominal orientation of the device. The device computes a conveyor speed based on the monitored longitudinal inclination, the conveyor speed being adapted to maintain conveying kinematics of the harvested crop independent from the longitudinal inclination; and the device operates the motorized conveyor at the computed conveyor speed.

Abstract: An example system includes a nozzle having an inlet: an outlet mechanism disposed longitudinally adjacent to the nozzle; a conduit longitudinally adjacent to the outlet mechanism where the conduit includes a distal chamber, a middle chamber, and a proximal chamber, that; are longitudinally disposed along a length of the conduit; a partition block configured to move between (i) a first position at which the partition block: is disposed laterally adjacent to the middle chamber, such that the partition block is offset from a longitudinal axis of the conduit, and (ii) a second position at which the partition block resides in the middle chamber between the distal chamber and the proximal chamber; and a deceleration structure disposed at a proximal, end of the conduit and bounding the proximal chamber, where the deceleration structure is configured to decelerate fruit feat has traversed the conduit.

Abstract: An example system includes a vacuum generating device, a robotic arm, and a harvesting device coupled to the robotic arm. The harvesting device includes an end-effector having an inlet; a vacuum tube coupled to the inlet of the end-effector and to the vacuum generating device, where the vacuum generating device is configured to generate a vacuum environment in the vacuum tube; an outlet mechanism coupled to the vacuum tube; and a deceleration structure configured to decelerate fruit that has traversed at least a portion of the vacuum environment.

Abstract: A system having a frame, an auger operably coupled to the frame, an auger wrapper fixed to the frame and proximal to the auger, the auger wrapper having a curved surface with a first rigidity, and a liner attached to the auger wrapper, the liner comprising a second rigidity that is less rigid than the first rigidity.

Abstract: A self-guided blossom picker uses a vision system to identify and locate blossoms or inflorescence growing on a plant. The device can be towed by a tractor or it can be self-propelled. Image data captured by the vision system is sent to an machine vision module, which interprets the data and identifies a location of blossom. A controller uses the location data to command a picker to the proper location. A cutter on the picker is actuated to remove the blossom.

Abstract: A method for detecting real lateral locations of target plants includes: recording an image of a ground area at a camera; detecting a target plant in the image; accessing a lateral pixel location of the target plant in the image; for each tool module in a set of tool modules arranged behind the camera and in contact with a plant bed: recording an extension distance of the tool module; and recording a lateral position of the tool module relative to the camera; estimating a depth profile of the plant bed proximal the target plant based on the extension distance and the lateral position of each tool module; estimating a lateral location of the target plant based on the lateral pixel location of the target plant and the depth profile of the plant bed surface proximal the target plant; and driving a tool module to a lateral position aligned with the lateral location of the target plant.

Abstract: A nut collector which includes a chassis supported on its lower surface over a crosswise shaft and respective wheels, while, on the front side, it receives a coupling drawbar, below which is a collector set is located having rotating brushes and located close to the ground and leveled by side wheels such that aligned fruits in that region are swept inside as the machine moves ahead and subsequently pass through a vibrating screen assembly and selection screens, wherein the residues and debris are separated and the clean nuts pass through a crosswise transporter and elevator for accumulation in a dump bucket.

Abstract: A harvesting machine comprising a shaking mechanism operable to shake fruit or nuts from a tree or bush; a deflection plate for directing the fruit or nuts to an area away from the base of the tree or bush; and a device for moving fruit or nuts from the base of the tree or bush to the area away from the base of the tree or bush. The deflection plate may be positioned at an angle of between 0° to about 75° relative to the horizontal.

Abstract: A robotic fruit picking system includes an autonomous robot that includes a positioning subsystem that enables autonomous positioning of the robot using a computer vision guidance system. The robot also includes at least one picking arm and at least one picking head, or other type of end effector, mounted on each picking arm to either cut a stem or branch for a specific fruit or bunch of fruits or pluck that fruit or bunch. A computer vision subsystem analyses images of the fruit to be picked or stored and a control subsystem is programmed with or learns picking strategies using machine learning techniques. A quality control (QC) subsystem monitors the quality of fruit and grades that fruit according to size and/or quality. The robot has a storage subsystem for storing fruit in containers for storage or transportation, or in punnets for retail.

Abstract: A plant harvesting system for use with a vertical hydroponic tower, the hydroponic tower containing a plurality of vertically aligned plants. The harvesting system includes a payload transport system and a harvester. The payload transport system, which is configured to be positioned at a location adjacent to the hydroponic tower, includes a base and a lift tower, the lift tower including a motorized lift system configured to move the harvester upward and downward. In addition to cutting plant stalks while moving upwards along the face of the hydroponic tower, the harvester also groups and collects the plant leafs.

Abstract: A shaker device including at least one motorized member that is intended to transmit by contact a shaking force to objects to be shaken. The member includes at least one structural insert that is covered by a wear jacket. The structural insert includes a reinforcement included in a matrix that is covered by the jacket. The matrix is based on a material which is different from that of the jacket in that it is adapted to adhere to the reinforcement and to the material of the jacket.

Abstract: A shaker device including at least one motorized member that is intended to transmit by contact a shaking force to objects to be shaken. The member includes a plurality of structural inserts that are covered by a wear jacket. Each of the structural inserts has respective left lobes and right lobes. The inserts are distributed in the jacket so as to form a respective discrete stack of left lobes and right lobes.

Abstract: An apparatus including a base, a plurality of fingers coupled to the base and arranged to define a containment area, where each finger includes a mechanical assembly defining a belt path, a belt positioned within the belt path, and a drive motor configured to operate the belt, and a controller configured to operate the drive motors to move the belts in a retract direction to move an external object into the containment area is provided. Related methods and systems are also provided.

Abstract: A gripper mounted on an arm of a milking machine includes a first clamping part extending from the arm in a longitudinal direction, and a second claiming part extending from the arm in the longitudinal direction. The second clamping part is positioned substantially parallel to the first clamping part such that the first and second clamping parts are configured to hold a first teat cup. The gripper further includes a first conveying belt running lengthwise along the first clamping part in the longitudinal direction. The gripper further includes a second conveying belt running lengthwise along the second clamping part in the longitudinal direction. The first and second conveying belts transport the first teat cup in the longitudinal direction.

Abstract: Robots for autonomous harvesting of hydroponically grown organic matter with different harvesters are disclosed. The autonomous harvesting involves using one or more robots to (1) navigate a hydroponics arrangement or environment to arrive at locations of harvestable organic matter, (2) identify mature organic matter for harvesting from under-ripe or over-ripe organic matter using the robot's sensors, (3) identify the irregular positions and the irregular extraction points at which the mature organic matter is to be correctly harvested using the robot's sensors, (4) harvest the organic matter at the identified positions using the robot harvester, and (5) place the extracted organic matter into a storage bay for delivery to a packaging or shipment station. The harvester includes one or more of a vacuum, gripper, cutting saw, or clipping shears disposed about a distal end of an extendable or mechanical arm mounted atop a lift.

Abstract: A harvest sweeper attachment system (10) is provided for attaching to a harvester machine (12) having a collection aperture (14), for use in propelling desired objects (11), such as nuts, toward the collection aperture (14). The system (10) preferably has two sweep units (20) mounted on each side of the harvester machine (12) at a forward angle, each including a rotating rake subassembly assembly (34). The rake subassembly (34) is characterized by having three axially spaced freely rotating tine bars (88), each having a depending array of tines (90), mounted between a proximal rake plate (74) and a distal rake plate (76). The proximal and distal rake plates (74, 76) are mounted at about a forty-five degree angle such that the rake subassembly (34) has an offset parallelogram aspect.

Abstract: A system including a picking apparatus including a plurality of grippers each spaced apart and extending radially from a central axis of the picking apparatus, and each configured to pick a different individual crop of crops of plants. The picking apparatus can be configured to use a first one of the plurality of grippers to pick a first individual crop of the crops at a first time. During a second time period that starts with a second one of the plurality of grippers picking a second individual crop of the crops and ends with a third one of the plurality of grippers picking a third individual crop of the crops, the picking apparatus can be configured to offload the first individual crop from the first one of the plurality of grippers. The second time period can start after the first time. The second and third ones of the plurality of grippers can be configured to hold the second and third individual crops, respectively, at the end of the second time period. Other embodiments are provided.

Abstract: Example embodiments provide for robotic apparatuses that facilitate moving objects within an environment, such as to load or unload boxes or to construct or deconstruct pallets (e.g., from a container or truck bed). One example apparatus includes a horizontal conveyor and a robotic manipulator that are both provided on a moveable cart. A first end of the robotic manipulator is mounted to the moveable cart and a second end of the robotic manipulator has an end effector, such as a grasper. The apparatus also includes a control system configured to receive sensor data indicative of an environment containing a plurality of objects, and then cause the robotic manipulator to place an object from the plurality of objects on the horizontal conveyor.

Abstract: A system for sensing the location of a tree trunk relative to an orchard harvester, which includes a body, including a distance sensor mounted on the body, a boom movably connected to the body, a tree shaker head having two opposed jaws and rotatably connected to the boom and a programmable controller in communication with the distance sensor, the controller programmed to manipulate the angle at which the distance sensor measures distance as determined by a measured height at which the shaker head jaws will clamp a proximate tree.

Abstract: The apparatus for harvesting olives and similar products comprises a support body (2) suitable to be grasped; a shaker unit (3) comprising a containment box (7) suitable to be mounted at the top of the support body (2); at least one comb sector (6) shaping a support structure (9, 90, 99) provided with a plurality of teeth (10), carried mobile by the containment box (7); a motor member to actuate the comb sector (6) in a substantially swinging motion, a motor shaft (12) arranged substantially aligned to the longitudinal axis of the support body (2) and suitable to be actuated in a rotary motion by the motor member. The apparatus also comprises a first kinematic chain (14) actuated by the motor shaft (12), suitable to transmit a first rotary motion, and a second kinematic chain (15) also actuated by the motor shaft (12) and suitable to transmit a second motion of the substantially alternated type.

Abstract: The apparatus for picking olives and the like comprises a support rod (2) suitable to be grasped; a shaker unit (3) comprising a containment box (7) suitable to be mounted at the top of the support rod (2); at least one comb sector (6, 60) shaping a support structure (9, 99) for a plurality of teeth (10), carried mobile by the containment box (7); a motor member for actuating the comb sector (6, 60) in a substantially swinging motion. The support structure (9, 99) is constrained rotatably in a sleeve (12, 120, 121) hinged to the containment box (7) at a transverse axis (13), so as to produce a first swinging motion of the support structure (9, 99) about the transverse axis (13). The support structure (9, 99) of the teeth (10) is further constrained to the containment box (7) at a portion distal to the sleeve (12, 120, 121) by means of an articulated joint (18), in such a way as to produce a second swinging motion of the support structure (9, 99) about its longitudinal axis.

Abstract: Example embodiments provide for robotic apparatuses that facilitate moving objects within an environment, such as to load or unload boxes or to construct or deconstruct pallets (e.g., from a container or truck bed). One example apparatus includes a horizontal conveyor and a robotic manipulator that are both provided on a moveable cart. A first end of the robotic manipulator is mounted to the moveable cart and a second end of the robotic manipulator has an end effector, such as a grasper. The apparatus also includes a control system configured to receive sensor data indicative of an environment containing a plurality of objects, and then cause the robotic manipulator to place an object from the plurality of objects on the horizontal conveyor.

Abstract: A robotic system and apparatus is provided. The apparatus may include a housing having a flexible manipulating mechanism operatively connected with the housing. The flexible manipulating mechanism may include an end effector configured to manipulate an object. The apparatus may further include a first imaging device associated with the housing, the first imaging device configured to indicate a position of an object. The apparatus may also include a computing device configured to receive an imaging signal from the first imaging device and to direct the flexible manipulating mechanism towards the object based upon, at least in part, the imaging signal. Numerous other embodiments are also within the scope of the present disclosure.

Abstract: A terrain disruption device includes an air or gas flow generation device mounted on a remote operated vehicle having an extendible arm, wherein the air or gas flow generation device includes an elongate (optionally detachable) ducting arrangement to direct the air or gas flow and an optional nozzle. The air or gas flow generation device and/or the elongate ducting arrangement may be mounted on the extendible arm. Preferably, the air or gas flow generation device is powered by a fan, more preferably an electric ducted fan.

Abstract: A nut tree pickup and debris separator comprising three separate but serially interconnected stages, each including optimized structural and functional features for nut harvesting. The first stage includes a rotary pickup brush and an endless conveyor. The conveyor is constructed from a plurality of parallel bars with flights therebetween, the rods being arranged in spaced relation to retain nuts and pass debris. The second stage comprises an inclined rotating drum whose sidewall includes a plurality of elongated apertures passing therethrough, sized to retain nuts and pass debris. An inner side of the sidewall has a helical flight, sized, configured, and arranged to convey and tumble nuts and debris through the drum, with debris falling through the apertures. The third stage includes vertically offset, tandem conveyors and a cleaning fan to remove any remaining debris from the nuts as the stream falls from the end of one conveyor onto the other.

Abstract: A decelerator apparatus for mounting at the end of a pneumatic or gravity-fed fruit harvesting or delivery tube. The decelerator comprises a housing with a moving decelerator body aligned with a fruit-receiving inlet connected to the delivery tube. The decelerator body, for example a padded rotating wheel, moves at a speed slower than the speed at which the fruit is delivered into the housing, includes multiple depressions or indentations for receiving and separating fruit, and further defines a compressive deceleration path that moves the fruit in a compressive but protective fit toward a housing exit, releasing the fruit after the fruit has been decelerated to the speed of the moving body.

Abstract: A harvesting machine for picking up fruit on the ground has a structural frame for supporting elements of the harvesting machine including a first rotating brush adapted to be held at ground level, having an axis of rotation perpendicular to the ground level, and adapted to push fruit towards a main sweeping brush. A main sweeping brush having an axis of rotation parallel to the ground level, and adapted to push fruit upwards and onto a first conveyer. A first conveyer adapted to transport the fruit in a horizontal direction to a second conveyer. A second conveyer adapted to transport the fruit in an upward direction to thereby be dropped within a collector bin and transported to a desired location.

Abstract: Apparatuses for and methods of moving the ends of windrows inward are disclosed. The apparatuses of the present invention include a front end, a rear end and two opposing sides, the front end configured to be wider than the rear end, two skids attached to the two opposing sides, a gate rotatably attached to the rear end and configured to cover an opening in the rear end, a gate cylinder operably attached to the gate and configured to close the gate to collect fruit and/or nuts within the apparatus, and open the gate to distribute the fruit and/or nuts outside of the apparatus, thus eliminating the need to hand rake the ends of the windrows inward or to blow the ends of the windrow inward with a hand blower.

Abstract: A fruit harvesting machine that includes a bin storage compartment into which multiple produce bins can be received and collected for transport out of an orchard or field. Bins may be moved about the storage compartment via rollers and lifted via a bin lift system. Filled bins may be replaced by new bins with minimal interruption to the harvesting operation. The machine may also include drive components, hydraulics, an operating console, and other systems.

Abstract: Automated rotary brush harvesters that reduce or prevent damage to fruit or other crops (“produce”) when they are removed from trees or bushes, and methods of using such harvesters are disclosed. The harvesters may include a brush having flexible radiating members (e.g., filaments or bristles) for removing crops from trees or bushes and a conveyor paired therewith for receiving the produce from the brush. The brush and conveyor may be angled to aid in collecting the produce and preventing damage to the produce. The conveyor may be configured to deliver the produce to one or more bins, which may be mounted on a bin elevator system.

Abstract: A rolling collection tool allows for retrieval of ground objects including pine cones by a user while standing erect. A method for construction of the device is provided in which a plurality of wires are formed into a generally oval shaped chamber and covered in a flexible covering in sets of two or more wires. The chamber is connected to a bail and handle and rolls to pick up and store objects in the chamber until emptied. The objects enter the chamber as the device rolls by temporary separation of the covered wires for the object, and the device retains the objects by resilient return movement of the covered wires to their original position. The flexible covering on the wires rotates around sets of the wires as the device retrieves objects.

Abstract: A motorized conveyor for moving a flow of harvest coming from a fruit harvesting machine, said conveyor comprising a plurality of rollers spaced longitudinally, said rollers being driven in rotation to move the flow of harvest on said rollers in a longitudinal direction between upstream and downstream transverse axes, each roller having a surface of revolution comprising grooves that extend transversely and continuously over its entire length, so as to enable transverse routing of said flow of harvest while it is being conveyed.

Abstract: Automated rotary brush harvesters that reduce or prevent damage to fruit or other crops (“produce”) when they are removed from trees or bushes, and methods of using such harvesters are disclosed. The harvesters may include a brush having flexible radiating members (e.g., filaments or bristles) for removing crops from trees or bushes and a conveyor paired therewith for receiving the produce from the brush. The brush and conveyor may be angled to aid in collecting the produce and preventing damage to the produce. The conveyor may be configured to deliver the produce to one or more bins, which may be mounted on a bin elevator system.

Abstract: The invention includes the steps of disposing at least a portion of the stream containing leafstalks (P) and berries (G) on a continuous conveyor belt (5) in a longitudinal direction (L2), disposing the portion on a discontinuous conveyor belt (6) longitudinally aligned with the continuous belt. The discontinuous belt has vertical (7) openings with a geometry that is configured for enabling berries (G) to pass through them and to retain leafstalks (P) on the discontinuous belt, thereby eliminating leafstalks (P) remaining on the discontinuous belt.

Abstract: A draper assembly for a crop pick-up has an endless draper belt assembly wrapped around a smaller front roller and a larger rear drive roller where the endless draper belt assembly is formed by four endless belts connected side by side at spaced positions along their length for common movement around the rollers. A tracking guide device is defined by a plurality of plastic guide elements mounted in a row on an inside surface of one belt at longitudinally spaced positions along the belt length which cooperates with a groove in the drive roller so that there are least two guide elements in the groove at any point in time. The guide elements are wider than their length and can be fastened through the belt so as to connect to the mounting of some of the fingers on the exterior of the belt.

Abstract: A vehicle for harvesting espalier fruit, such as berries or grapes, and for further processing to a must on the vehicle. The vehicle comprises a frame configured to reach over a row of plants to be harvested in an area of a u-shaped recess of the vehicle. Also included are wheels on both sides of the u-shaped recess and arranged on the frame. Further included is a picking device to separate the fruit from a remainder of the plants. A solid-bowl screw-type centrifuge is arranged directly on the vehicle, which solid-bowl screw-type centrifuge separates and clarifies a fruit mash into at least a solids phase and a liquid phase.

Abstract: A system for removing particles from an air stream includes a housing having an air stream inlet at a first end thereof and an air steam exhaust at a second end thereof. The housing defines a flow path between the air stream inlet and the air stream exhaust. At least one liquid introduction jet disposed between the air stream inlet and the air stream exhaust injects liquid droplets into the air stream. A scrubber disposed between the at least one liquid introduction jets and the air stream exhaust for removes smaller particles from the air stream.

Abstract: A nut gatherer includes a hollow drum formed by a plurality of wires. Each of the wires has a bowed middle segment and two end portions. The end portions are preferably hooked. A pair of hubs secures the hooked ends of the wires to form the drum there between. A handle is rotatably mounted to the hubs and a handle extension is removably coupled with the handle. In use, the handle or handle extension is used to rotate the drum into contact with an object, such as a nut, where the object then forces the wires to separate and permit the object to move from outside the drum to inside said drum. Once contact between the object and the wires is terminated, the wires return to their original position thereby trapping the object within the drum.

Abstract: The invention relates to a huller device for hulling bunches of grapes after the harvest, or other fruits harvested in bunches, in other words, for separating the fruit from the stalks. The invention includes two shaking units, arranged side by side, defining a vertical space into which the harvest is intended to be directed by gravity. The invention also includes a means for collecting the fruits and the stalks arranged under said shaking units.

Abstract: Selective harvesting of a parcel of land by a harvesting machine including a motorised support structure on which are mounted a harvesting assembly adapted to deliver a harvested stream, at least two receptacles (1) for storage of the stream and a system for respectively feeding a receptacle (1) with the stream as a function of the location of the machine in the parcel. The parcel is divided into distinct geographical areas and each receptacle is dedicated to an area. The machine comprises upper conveyor means (3) for feeding the receptables (1) along respective feed paths, a lower conveyor (6) and a device for guiding the harvested stream by opening and closing the feed paths and varying the conveying direction of the lower conveyor, as a function of the receptable to be fed with the harvested stream.

Abstract: A mobile harvesting unit which utilizes a high volume fan to separate crops from foreign matter, has a dust suppression system which substantially reduces particulates which are discharged with the fan exhaust. The dust suppression system has two stages. The first stage separates larger particles of foreign matter by deploying an air stream cleaning chain upstream of the fan. The second stage is contained within a air stream discharge duct. Within the air stream discharge duct, a liquid, such as water, is sprayed into the dust entrained air stream. The moistened air stream flows through a plurality of collection members which extend radially from a brush drum, where the moistened dust particles are accumulated on the collection members, such that the volume of dust particles contained within the air discharged from the harvesting unit is substantially reduced.

Abstract: A sorting table with grading rolls supported by end supports and positioned to form a sorting plane. The rolls are rotated in the same direction and configured to create at least one opening between adjacent rolls to permit the pass-through of only the products to be sorted or calibrated. Larger products remain at the surface and are evacuated downstream. The gap between rolls can be modified. Elastic elements are interposed between said end supports and means of actuation for are provided bringing said end supports and the rolls supported by the latter closer together or moving them farther apart, in opposition to the antagonistic action exerted by said elastic elements to decrease or increase the cross section of the openings, displacements in the opposite direction of said end supports and of the grading rolls being achieved by the action of extension or compression of said elastic elements.

Abstract: An agricultural machine for the selection of fruits from loose material collected from the ground comprises a frame and a rotating roller screen selection device mounted on the frame and configured to impart to the loose material a component of sussultatory movement and a component of translational movement.

Abstract: Harvesting head for picking fruit-bearing hedges, including a chassis in the form of a portal structure supporting, on the one hand, a shaking system including two fruit-detaching assemblies, mounted opposite each other and separated by a vertical space, and, on the other hand, two conveyor systems for receiving and transporting the harvested fruit to a receiving container, the lower horizontal portions of these two conveyor systems also providing tightness, below the shaking units. This harvesting head being supported by a mounting frame which is meant to be rigidly fastened, preferably in a removable manner, at the rear of a self-propelled straddling vehicle, including a height-adjustable chassis. The position of said harvesting head is height-adjustable in relation to said mounting frame, so that when said harvesting head is fastened to the chassis of the self-propelled straddling vehicle, it is mounted in a height-adjustable fashion in relation to said self-propelled straddling vehicle.

Abstract: A mobile harvesting unit which utilizes a high volume fan to separate crops from foreign matter, has a dust suppression system which substantially reduces particulates which are discharged with the fan exhaust. The dust suppression system has two stages. The first stage separates larger particles of foreign matter by deploying an air stream cleaning chain upstream of the fan. The second stage is contained within a air stream discharge duct. Within the air stream discharge duct, a liquid, such as water, is sprayed into the dust entrained air stream. The moistened air stream flows through a plurality of collection members which extend radially from a brush drum, where the moistened dust particles are accumulated on the collection members, such that the volume of dust particles contained within the air discharged from the harvesting unit is substantially reduced.

Abstract: A shaking system for a harvesting head used in picking fruit from orchards has a fruit separating assembly with a lower subassembly and an upper subassembly. The upper subassembly is positioned rearwardly of said lower subassembly at a higher level than the lower subassembly. First and second oscillating drive shafts are independently and drivingly connected to the respective first and second subassemblies.

Abstract: A mobile harvesting unit which utilizes a high volume fan to separate crops from foreign matter, has a dust suppression system which substantially reduces particulates which are discharged with the fan exhaust. The dust suppression system has two stages. The first stage separates larger particles of foreign matter by deploying an air stream cleaning chain upstream of the fan. The second stage is contained within a air stream discharge duct. Within the air stream discharge duct, a liquid, such as water, is sprayed into the dust entrained air stream. The moistened air stream flows through a plurality of collection members which extend radially from a brush drum, where the moistened dust particles are accumulated on the collection members, such that the volume of dust particles contained within the air discharged from the harvesting unit is substantially reduced.