Abstract: A collection tarpaulin is comprised of top and bottom sheets. The top sheet partially overlies the bottom sheet. Contiguous portions of their respective peripheries are joined together to form a pouch and an exposed portion of the bottom sheet. Trimmings from a tree or bush fall onto the exposed portion of the bottom sheet. By lifting the free end of the bottom sheet, the trimmings slide by gravity into the pouch for disposal. The collection tarpaulin may be made from a single sheet or from two separate sheets. The collection tarpaulin may be rectangular or circular in shape. For trimming long hedges, the collection tarpaulin can be much longer than it is wide.

Abstract: A kit and method for removing fallen leaves and other yard waste, composting the leaves, and applying a fertilizer and/or dethatching agent to the ground is disclosed. The kit generally comprises fabric net impregnated with a fertilizer and/or dethatching material, a bag, impregnated with a composting promoting material, which receives the rolled net, and a plurality of special spikes, adapted to hold the net to the ground.

Abstract: A transfer station for collecting and transferring harvested material to large transport vehicles includes a hopper, in which harvested material accumulates, supported on a rigid frame. The hopper may be elevated from a lower "collection" height to an upper "transfer" height that facilitates release of harvested material into the transport vehicle. In one embodiment, the contents of the hopper are poured into a collection vehicle by tilting the entire transfer-station frame. In a second embodiment of the invention, the transfer-station frame does not tilt. Instead, the hopper is equipped with a sloped floor member. When lifted vertically and positioned over a collection vehicle, the hopper discharges by gravity as soon as an opening is established at the base of the slope.

Abstract: A harvester for harvesting grapes or other fruits from plants. The harvester uses a force balanced shaker head, which rotationally oscillates around a vertical axis. A yoke extends down from the force balanced shaker. The arms of the yoke are attached to a plurality of rods, which shake the plant to harvest the fruit. Two rows of enclosures are provided below the shaker head to catch the fruit. A low profile conveyor transports the collected fruit to storage.

Abstract: A tree-shaking apparatus includes a vibration mechanism of conventional design mounted on a movable, tilted frame support that serves to deflect falling harvest onto a conveyor and collection assembly, which is mounted on a separately movable frame support. The shaking and collection units are brought separately to the tree, and unite with one another by means of rods that interlace during operation. In one embodiment, the rods associated with the shaking and deflection unit are selectibly extendible, while those associated with the collection unit flip into place and, upon completion of harvesting, flip back, thereby tipping any remaining harvest onto the conveyor.

Abstract: A device adapted to be secured to the trunk of a tree, the device serving to catch the fruit from the trees and protect the fruit from animals, the device including a mesh dome having a rounded closed top and an open bottom. The open bottom defines a circumference, and a slit defines an opening to the mesh dome. The slit is perpendicular to the circumference of the open bottom. The device further includes a circular mesh dish having an outer circumference and an inner centrally located aperture. The outer circumference of the mesh dish matches the circumference of the open bottom of the mesh dome. Furthermore, means for securing are discretely positioned about the outer circumference of the mesh dish. These means for securing function to secure the outer circumference of the mesh dish to the circumference of the open bottom of the mesh dome. A foam ring is positioned within the centrally located aperture of the circular nylon mesh dish. The foam ring is adapted to be secured about the trunk of a tree.

Abstract: Tree crops such as citrus fruit is harvested by a mechanical picker by advancing a series of rotating disks into the tree where the disks engage the fruit and pull it from the tree. The picker includes a housing having wheels for movement between rows of trees with a drive gearing assembly in the housing powered from a tractor. Two disk assemblies, each comprising a pair of longitudinally spaced elongated support arms having inside ends supported on the housing, have outside ends supporting a shaft extending longitudinally between the support arms. The disks are arranged in pairs at longitudinally spaced intervals along the shaft with adjacent disks of each pair having oppositely facing surfaces. The arms can be raised and lowered to force the disks into the tree canopies from top to bottom of the trees.

Abstract: A net which may be positioned upon a lawn for collecting leaves thereon without harming the lawn. The device includes a netting material which may be left on the lawn for an extended period of time while leaves fall onto the net from surrounding trees. The net may be gathered together to enclose the leaves by a use of a cord disposed along a periphery of the netting material. The net further includes a dispensing assembly for applying insecticide or fertilizer compounds to the lawn and is also provided with an adhesive applicator for applying an adhesive to the netting material prior to its placement upon the lawn.

Abstract: The fruit picker separates a fruit, positioned within an intake end opening of a hollow tube, from its stem by extending a blade across the opening. With the stem forced against the wall of the opening, the tube is moved to separate the stem from the fruit. The movement causes the fruit to fall by gravity inside the tube through a discharge end to which a collection bottle is connected.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a new system for collecting fruit from trees. The fruit is thrown down by compression and decompression of the branches. Because the branches are flexible, the compression induces a uniform and homogenous contracting thereof. The decompression makes the branches return to their original positions and the fruit is released by inertia. The compression is obtained by beating strongly on consecutive sections of the peripheral branches, using soft surfaces fixed on rigid sections framing them. The above-mentioned fixed sections operate manually with the help of springs and ropes or mechanically with appropriate means. In this new system no part of the tree--fruit included--is submitted to strains causing serious damage.

Abstract: A harvester for nut-bearing trees comprising a self-propelled chassis having a forwardly projecting, vertically shiftable frame carrying a tree-shaking mechanism and a flexible fabric canopy foldable from a generally transverse, transport position relative to the chassis to an inverted cone-shaped configuration surrounding the trunk and lower limbs of a tree. A portion of the cone-shaped configuration is defined by a rigid vertically inclined wall having windows for the operator to view the tree being approached and the interior of the canopy during the tree-shaking operation. Nuts, hulls and trash shaken from the tree into the canopy are carried by conveyors through a trash-separating zone and then through a dehuller. The separated nuts are then sized and bagged according to size by mechanisms mounted on the self-propelled chassis.

Abstract: A netting system for orchard trees for fruit or nut collection, the system having netting units constructed with a number of uniformly spaced struts angularly disposed around each tree with one end lodged in an anchoring device next to the tree trunk and the distal end aerially disposed, and a brace structure secured to the trunk of each tree with horizontal support members connected to the ends of the struts to stabilize the struts with a perimeter line interconnecting the distal ends of the struts and with net panels between struts connected to the perimeter line and to the struts to form a funnel-like, trapezoidal structure directing fruit or nuts to the base of the tree trunk where a basket gathers nuts for periodic collection and where in an orchard setting the perimeter line of the net panels at the top corners of the trapezoidal structure for one tree are interconnected with the perimeter line of diagonally adjacent net panels of another tree.

Abstract: A harvesting apparatus and method includes a vehicle designed for operation along aisles between rows of low density young citrus trees for collecting, storing and transporting citrus fruit harvested by multiple workers moving along in front of the vehicle. The apparatus and method is more efficient and cost effective for harvesting citrus fruit from low density young citrus trees and eliminates pallet tubs and the vehicle boom required to empty and replace the tubs as used in the "conventional harvesting method". The machine and method includes a large semi-circular tray preferably mounted at a level about two feet above the ground on the front of a self-propelled vehicle carrying a hopper. The tray is selectively removable to allow a tray of different size to be mounted on the vehicle to meet the harvesting conditions involved at given citrus groves.

Abstract: A fruit harvesting apparatus is provided which includes a vehicle having a front end and a back end; a mechanism for moving the vehicle along the ground; a tray, located at the back end of the vehicle, for receiving picked fruit; a pivotable hopper, mounted to the back end of the vehicle, for temporarily storing the picked fruit; and a transfer system for transferring the picked fruit from the tray to the hopper. The tray includes a bottom wall and a set of substantially vertical walls surrounding the bottom wall. The set of substantially vertical walls includes a back wall which is attached to the front end of the vehicle and a pair of side walls extending from opposite ends of the back wall. The tray further includes a channel formed at least partially by channel-forming sections of the bottom wall. The channel includes a rear edge defining a tray opening and a substantially planar lower wall sloping towards the tray opening.

Abstract: A fruit harvester with first and second rows of catcher plates disposed opposite each other. Inclined reciprocating guide plates bridge the distance between lower sets of ends of the rows of plates and the upper runs of associated collector belts.

Abstract: A harvesting apparatus and method includes a vehicle designed for operation along aisles between rows of low density young citrus trees for collecting, storing and transporting citrus fruit harvested by multiple workers moving along in front of the vehicle. The apparatus and method is more efficient and cost effective for harvesting citrus fruit from low density young citrus trees and eliminates pallet tubs and the vehicle boom required to empty and replace the tubs as used in the "conventional harvesting method". The machine and method includes a large semi-circular tray preferably mounted at a level about two feet above the ground on the front of a self-propelled vehicle carrying a hopper. The tray is selectively removable to allow a tray of different size to be mounted on the vehicle to meet the harvesting conditions involved at given citrus groves.

Abstract: A harvester operable to shake a plant to jar produce therefrom is formed as a unit which may be carried on a tractor which also serves as a power source therefor. At one end, the unit may be connected to a tractor to extend longitudinally thereof. At its opposite end, the unit has a shaking mechanism having jaws for gripping the plant. The unit also includes a foldable catching portion which is movable from a closed position to a catching position surrounding the trunk of the plant held between its jaws.

Abstract: A fruit decelerator having a plurality of adjacent resilient rollers able to receive substantial quantities of fruit free-falling a distance of at least four feet without harming the fruit; wherein there are gaps between some of the adjacent rollers; wherein there is a single tier of several side-by-side gaps; wherein the rollers in each gapped pair are counter rotating in the direction of the gap's entrance; wherein the rollers' rotational movement conveys fruit through a fap at a velocity below the impact velocity on the resilient rollers, and places the fruit gently on a conveyor.

Abstract: An improved double section, self-propelled harvester for harvesting nuts and fruits from trees. Each separate harvester section has an engine and sterring mechanics for operation by a single driver per section. Each section is structured to be simultaneously disposed one section on each side of a tree to form a V-shaped produce catch platform sloping toward a centrally positioned off-load system of conveyors. The off-load conveyors carry the produce for deposit into either hauling trailers attached one to each section or fruit boxes riding on the harvester. One harvester section is equipped with a self-centering trunk style shaker adapted to reach out and vibrate the tree to remove the produce therefrom.

Abstract: A system carried in a harvesting machine and adapted to align crops in a row so as to enhance harvesting, comprises a crop aggregating means which aggregates the crops by bringing first and second crop engaging means into engagement with right and left sides of the crops as the crops pass rearwardly. The system further comprises a locomotion means, which provides the main locomotion for the harvesting machine, an aggregating drive means to drive the crop engaging means rearwardly and a control means, connected together in a fluid circuit. The control means comprises a pressure differential valve, and first and second sensors. The pressure sensors are adapted to sense first and second fluid pressures, respectively, at first and second sides of the aggregating drive means and to actuate the pressure differential valve. The pressure differential valve relieves pressure in the fluid circuit when there is a pre-determined pressure difference between the first and second fluid pressures.

Abstract: A netting system for fruit and nut trees in an orchard where the trees are uniformly spaced, the system having an elongated pole for each tree with a top end having a plurality of suspension lines, and a net arranged under each tree with a center opening wrapped around the pole and the trunk of the tree the net having a perimeter arranged under the outer branches of the tree with the suspension lines connecting the perimeter of the net to the top of the pole the net having lines connecting one net in to the neighboring nets to spread open the nets in the orchard without interfering with cultivation equipment or access to the trunk of the trees.

Abstract: An apparatus for harvesting fruit from trees has an arch-shaped structure includes a plurality of interconnecting tubes. The structure surrounds two sides and the top of the tree from which fruit is to be harvested. Cables are attached to the structure and are connected together at handles on either side of the structure. Alternate pulling of the handles by operators make the cables and the structure come in contact with the tree, and through this contact and subsequent vibration the fruit falls from the tree. The fruit is prevented from flying out of the immediate area of the structure by protection panels mounted on the outside of the structure. Drop panels surround the tree trunk for catching the fallen fruit. At least one cable is attached to the drop panel via the structure to one of the handles so that the manipulation of the handles lifts the drop panels and directs the fallen fruit toward discharge areas in the drop panels.

Abstract: A bush timming catcher is designed to be positioned around a bush and to catch trimmings cut from the limbs of the bush. The catcher eliminates the difficulty of picking trimmings out of volcanic rock, wood chips, stone and other ground covers. The catcher is formed from nylon or light canvas material which is supported by plastic or light metal tubing. It is expandable in an accordion-like manner to accommodate the size of the bush being trimmed.

Abstract: A disposable apparatus for the collection of refuse includes a sheetlike member for placement upon a surface. The member is devoid of apertures, defines a regular geometric shape, and in some embodiments includes a plurality of disposable securing stakes or adhesive pads attached at corners thereof for affixing the member to the surface during the collection of refuse. The corners are securable to one another by tying for disposal of the member, the securing stakes or adhesive pads, and the refuse collected thereon. Several preferred embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a portable multi-use receptacle. The device is particularly useful as a receptacle for collecting and holding tree and shrub trimmings or leaves. The device consists of a basin-like structure having a flat rigid base. The base has an outer wall attached to the periphery thereof. The outer base has an opening therein between about 1/8 and about 1/3 of the periphery. The base has a second substantially shorter wall bridging the opening of the first wall along the periphery of the base. The base has a third wall corresponding approximately in height to the second wall. The third wall extends inward from one juncture of the first and second walls to the center portion of the base and then outward to the other juncture of the first and second walls. In this manner a walled, wedge-shaped section is defined in the base.

Abstract: The collector apparatus of the instant invention is intended for use on a harvester vehicle for collecting a crop harvested from plants arranged in rows. The apparatus includes a pair of elongate continuous conveyor belts formed of pliable are resilient material, each conveyor belt having elongate inner and outer runs, the inner runs being disposed adjacent and opposite each other. The conveyor belts have faces delineated between the lateral margins of the belt that face upwardly. An elongate conveyor frame is associated with each belt for supporting the conveyor belt and includes training means for training the conveyor belts thereabout. Means ar provided for driving the conveyor belts in counter rotating paths. Attachment means are provided for attaching the conveyor frames to the vehicle.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided that retracts the shaking mechanism of a shake-catch harvester without damaging a tree. The apparatus also provides a mechanism for preventing the shaker from sliding backwards when the harvester is going uphill, a sealing mechanism for the catching surface of the harvester, and an energy absorbing catching surface to minimize fruit damage.

Abstract: A horticultural aid, particularly for topiary work, has a pair of frame members, each having an open side, with the open sides facing one another, mounted on a support bar for limited movement toward and away from one another. The frames have elastic netting mounted in the frames and arranged to embrace the small trunk or limb of the plant to be trimmed to catch the trimmings. The device is provided with a handle, and the frame members are biased toward one another.

Abstract: Apparatus for harvesting fruit or nuts which may be used with a conventional farm tractor or a self-propelled shaker unit and includes a forward frame member from which a first and second conveyor are independently attached in a parallel relationship. A cross member is attached between the rear portions of the first and second conveyors and includes a location for attaching the cross member to the drawbar of the tractor. The forward frame member attaches to the front of the tractor similar to a front-end loader. A frame is positioned between the first and second conveyors and supports a resilient top sheet which extends outwardly past the first and second conveyors. A first support device is attached to the rear portion of the first conveyor and includes an offset axle and wheel. A second support device is attached to the rear portion of the second conveyor and includes an offset axle and wheel.

Abstract: A part circle metal frame having a mat secured thereto which is centrally foldable about a skid bar for catching shrub trimmings in an unfolded position beneath a shrub, for removing the shrub trimmings from beneath the shrub on the skid bar and for transporting the shrub trimmings to a refuge container with the frame and mat folded to form a pouch having a rigid frame.

Abstract: A conveying tool comprises a funnel-shaped hopper and a tubular conveying part connected to the bottom of and hanging downward from the hopper, the conveying part comprising one unit section or a plurality of unit sections detachably connected end-to-end, each unit section comprising a pair of opposed and spaced-apart, rectangular main sheets and a pair of opposed rectangular side sheets with vertical edges secured to respective vertical edges of the main sheets thereby to form a tubular structure. The main sheets possess elasticity and flexibility and have, on the inner surfaces thereof, a large number of elastic projecting members, and the side sheets possess flexibility and are more pliable than the main sheets. Picked fruit dropped into the hopper are braked in their descent by the elastic projecting members and the inner wall surface of the conveying part and are thereby slowly lowered without damage to a container on the ground or on a vehicle.

Abstract: An apparatus for shaking a work object, the apparatus having an arm adapted to be mounted on a vehicle for earth traversing movement in a predetermined direction of travel substantially parallel and in spaced relation to a work zone; a pair of jaws mounted on the arm and movable relative to each other between opened positions in which the jaws are separated from each other and spaced from the zone and closed positions in which the jaws are disposed in juxtaposition relative to each other and extended into the zone; a suspension system supporting the arm while permitting the arm to shift laterally and about its longitudinal axis when the jaws are moved into the closed positions in grasping relation to a work object; and a sealing assembly engagable with the work object above the jaws operable to maintain a seal therewith while accommodating movement of the work object during shaking.

Abstract: A leaf catching and collecting device and method for use are provided including post members to be driven into the ground and extend above the ground with hooks on the post to receive one edge of a flexible netting which is laid over the ground and held to the ground by hooks along the leading edge toward the source of the leaves and after the leaves collect on the netting, it is unhooked and the leaves gathered in the netting for discard.

Abstract: An improved fruit harvester, including a self-propelled main frame with means for grasping a fruit tree and inducing vibration in the fruit tree so that fruit will be caused to fall and a retractable collection surface which extends beneath the tree to gather the fruit as it falls. The gathered fruit is directed to either of two longitudinal conveyors disposed on each side of the main frame which transport the fruit to the rear of the harvester. A transversely mounted conveyor is disposed between the respective termination points of each of the longitudinal conveyors and is capable of selectively receiving fruit from either of the two longitudinal conveyors and depositing said fruit in either of two receptacles elevatably supported at the corners of the main frame of the harvester.

Abstract: A catching frame for a fruit and nut harvesting apparatus comprising a pair of sheets which can be rolled up on rolls and which can be unrolled and simultaneously moved angularly into encircling relationship to a tree trunk underlying the branches of the tree for catching fruit dislodged from the tree.

Abstract: A pair of floor panels extend inwardly from the opposite sides of a harvesting machine in an inclined relation and have an overlapping relation centrally of the machine. Each panel has a resilient membrane supported on a plurality of longitudinally spaced, spring-pressed, inclined pivotal arms. The membrane portions are arranged to move past trunk portions of vines in close association and catch crop articles falling by gravity as a result of shaker apparatus or the like on an upper portion of the machine. The flexible membrane has upwardly arched portions in the area between the support arms, the arched portions on opposite sides being laterally aligned and in partially overlapping relation. The support arms have lateral adjustment as well as adjustment of their inclination. Adjustment apparatus is also provided to vary the tension of the membrane portions.

Abstract: A multiple purpose machine for cultivating and harvesting fruit bearing trees having a construction suitable for straddling a row of trees and performing various operations on the trees enclosed therein while continuously moving along a tree row. The agriculture machine is so designed to perform the operations of insecticide and fertilizer spraying, trimming, abscission spraying and harvesting. The fruit harvesting machine comprises an enclosure having two side portions disposed in surrounding relationship to the tree. In the interior of the enclosure, two oppositely disposed rows of fans are offset relative to the tree on either side of the tree so that the air blasts coming from the fan creates a whipping effect around the tree. Interrupting the air blast are vanes which are disposed in a varying angle relative to the air blast to create an oscillating effect on the tree. Hydraulic extenders are connected to the wheels allowing the machine to level its base.

Abstract: This machine adapted to move on the ground and designed for harvesting in-line crops comprises a frame mounted on wheels and a pair of endless conveyors disposed on either side of the in-line plants to be harvested; the conveyors are movable at a linear velocity substantially equal to that of the machine in operation, and consist each of substantially vertical front and rear runs, of a substantially horizontal bottom run and of a top run; each conveyor consists of a series of transverse buckets and the buckets of the two conveyors have matching end walls for clamping the plants therebetween, the upper run of each conveyor diverging from each other to permit the passage of said plants through the machine.

Abstract: A crop harvesting apparatus particularly suited for harvesting of tree-borne crops. Each of a plurality of crop-severing rods has its first end rotatably connected to a support plate so that the rods extend substantially perpendicular to the plate. Each crop-severing rod includes a shaft member and a cover member. Each cover member has a substantially circular cross-section of undulant diameter. Preferably, the maximum undulant diameter of each rod is adjacent the minimum undulant diameter of adjacent rods. The rods are thrust among crop-bearing foliage and rotated to remove the crops from the foliage. In one embodiment a crop catcher is provided, including a flexible body member, capable of assuming a rolled position, adjacent the apparatus, and an extended position overlying an area of ground to catch crops severed from crop-bearing foliage by the crop-severing rods.

Abstract: Leaf collecting equipment and a method for its use comprises a blanket having a central hole through it and an attachment means around the hole to which the blanket is secured, the attachment means having provisions for removably attaching a trash bag to it to receive leaves dropped through the blanket hole and the attachment means directly into the bag.

Abstract: In a down-the-row type of tree shaking apparatus, a support frame is pivotally mounted to a carrier vehicle for rotation about an axis which is parallel to the longitudinal axis of the vehicle, and a suspension frame, from which a tree shaking and clamping assembly depends, is pivotally mounted to the support frame for rotation about an axis which is transverse to the longitudinal axis of the vehicle. The shaking and clamping assembly includes a housing and a pair of clamping arms which are pivotally mounted to the housing for rotation about parallel axes which are perpendicular to the transverse axis of rotation of the suspension frame. Each clamping arm is retractable from the position it assumes during shaking through an arc of approximately 90.degree., and each arm is operated by a separately controllable hydraulic cylinder.

Abstract: A continuous tree crop harvester is fitted with right and left catching surfaces. The right half catching surface is designed to move back and forth over the left half catching surface. At the same time and without interrupting the forward motion of the harvester, a rotating trunk seal is provided to enclose and seal the trunk of the tree to be harvested. Thus sealing of the catching surface and tree trunk is reversed after harvesting and the harvester is moved to the next crop harvesting position.

Abstract: The device of the present invention comprises a fruit catch frame for pivotal attachment to a conveyor trailer which conveys fruit from the catch frame into a large receptacle to be deposited in the load carrying body of a truck. Fruit, particularly of the citrus variety such as oranges, is often automatically dislodged from orchard trees in large quantities. The catch frame is horizontally positioned under a fruit tree to catch the falling fruit and includes a central conveyor portion, an outer portion, hydraulically operable, between extended and retracted positions and a pair of pivotal, opposed side wing portions. The outer and side wing portions are operable to upwardly, outwardly angled positions to funnel fruit falling thereon onto the central conveyor portion for movement onto the conveyor trailer. The surfaces of the outer and side wing portions are cushioned to absorb the shock of the falling fruit to prevent injury thereto.

Abstract: A collector leaf construction for a harvester consisting of a primary leaf portion, a pivot for mounting the inboard end of the primary leaf portion on the frame of a harvester, a secondary leaf portion, a pivot for mounting the secondary leaf portion on the outboard end of the primary leaf portion, a first spring between the primary leaf portion and the frame, a second spring between the primary leaf portion and the secondary leaf portion to permit the secondary leaf portion to deflect relative to the primary leaf portion when it encounters an obstruction, the first spring being stronger than the second spring, with the secondary leaf portion extending forwardly of the leading edge of the primary leaf portion so that when the primary leaf portion is deflected, the secondary leaf portion will occupy a part of the position previously occupied by the primary leaf portion to thereby cover any opening left by the primary leaf portion when it is deflected during harvesting, and any deflection of the secondary leaf

Abstract: An improved high capacity harvesting apparatus is disclosed which includes means for rotating an article collecting bin about its central vertical axis as articles are continuously supplied adjacent the central bottom portion of the bin, and for automatically incrementally lowering the bin relative to the article supply means in accordance with the formation of successive layers of articles in the bottom of the bin. Preferably grabber discharge means of the parallel spaced reciprocatory jaw type are provided for gently supplying the articles to the bin. Improved padded roller elevator means are provided for supplying the articles to the grabber discharge means at a relatively high rate from one or more article sources.

Abstract: Apparatus and method are disclosed for efficient harvesting of fruits or nuts from trees. Picking tines extend radially from a vertically disposed drive shaft and move horizontally through the foliage of a fruit or nut bearing tree by rotation of the shaft. During rotation, the drive shaft is also reciprocated vertically for upward and downward movement of the tines in the foliage while they also move horizontally therein. Also, the rotational velocity of the shafts is varied rhythmically so that horizontal travel of the tines on upward movement becomes zero or else is much slower than during downward movement. By upward and downward movement of the tines, while also varying their horizontal travel rhythmically, the harvesting rate can be increased and the damage to tree foliage can be reduced.

Abstract: A vegetation clipping catcher for receiving clippings is herein disclosed. Which vegetation clipping catcher includes a support rail and a plurality of rings slideably mounted on the support rail. A rib is respectively connected to each of the slideable rings of the plurality. An apron is connected to the ribs. The apron has a central aperture formed therein. The central aperture is adapted for receipt of a stem of a shrub which is to be trimmed. A portion of the apron is formed into a flap immediately adjacent the central aperture. The flap is releasably connected to a closure portion of the apron.

Abstract: A combined tree shaker and fruit and nut harvester of such width as to be movable longitudinally in the spaces between trees having the trunks arranged in rows. The harvester includes a transversely movable carriage that supports power-driven shaker means, a pair of conveyors, and expandible deflector means, with the deflector means being expandible under trees having low-hanging branches, and the power-driven shaker means capable of removably engaging either straight or angularly positioned trunks.