Abstract: An egg grasp device is provided. Such a device includes a body and a plurality of elongated members extending from the body. The elongated members are interlaced to form a sheath capable of retaining an egg. The sheath has a distal end and a proximal end at which the elongated members are operably engaged with the body. The elongated members cooperate to define an opening at the distal end through which an egg is received when the elongated members engage and deflect about an egg such that the egg is seated within the sheath. Associated systems and methods are also provided.

Abstract: A fruit harvesting system includes a vacuum generating subsystem and an end effector connected to the vacuum generating subsystem. The end effector has a first tube having a first diameter, and a second tube having a second diameter smaller than the first diameter so the second tube fits inside the first tube. A fruit harvesting system includes a vacuum generating subsystem, a tube connected to the vacuum generating subsystem and at least one structure coupled to an inside of the tube. A fruit harvesting system includes a vacuum generating subsystem, a first tube connected to the vacuum generating subsystem, and a second tube coupled to the first tube, the second tube having a tubular portion coupled to the first tube in an orientation other than parallel, the second tube having openings on opposite sides of the first tube.

Abstract: A produce harvester that is operable to utilize a produce collection assembly wherein the produce collection assembly is rotatably moved during the collection of produce from a tree. The produce collection assembly includes a body that is spherical in shape having an upper portion and a lower portion forming an interior volume. The upper portion is rotatably mounted to the lower portion with the lower portion being secured to a conventional mechanical articulating boom that is operable to move the produce collection assembly in three axial directions. The upper portion includes an outer surface that has formed thereon a plurality of longitudinally oriented concave portions. Intermediate the plurality of concave portions are transition ridges. A conical protrusion is integrally formed with the upper portion and extends outward from the upper portion. A plurality of fruit apertures are journaled through the upper portion providing access to the interior volume.

Abstract: The apparatus for picking olives and similar products 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 (5, 6) shaping a crossbar (9) provided with a plurality of teeth (10), carried mobile by the containment box (7), a motor member (204) to actuate the comb sector (5, 6) in a substantially tilting motion, a drive shaft (14) arranged substantially aligned to the longitudinal axis of the support rod (2) and suitable to be actuated in a rotary motion by the motor member (204). The drive shaft (14) is associated with at least one respective driven shaft (18, 19) shaping an inclined end portion (23). Support means (25) for the crossbar (9) of the comb sector (5, 6) are suitable to be engaged rotatably on the inclined portion (23) of the driven shaft (18, 19) by means of the interposition of rolling means (28).

Abstract: A fruit harvester has an extensible pole and a cutting head unit connected to the pole. The cutting head unit includes a pair of opposing cutting blades moveable such that a stem placed between the pair of opposing cutting blades is severed upon movement of the cutting blades from an open position to a closed position. A solenoid is attached to the pair of cutting blades to move the pair of cutting blades between the open position and the closed position. A chute located below the pair of opposing cutting blades has a rigid portion with a first opening and a second. The pair of opposing cutting blades is disposed over the first opening, and a flexible portion is attached over second opening. An electrical switch in communication with the solenoid initiates movement by the solenoid of the cutting blades between the open and closed positions.

Abstract: The apparatus for picking olives and similar products 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 (5, 6) shaping a crossbar (9) provided with a plurality of teeth (10), carried mobile by the containment box (7), a motor member (204) to actuate the comb sector (5, 6) in a substantially tilting motion, a drive shaft (14) arranged substantially aligned to the longitudinal axis of the support rod (2) and suitable to be actuated in a rotary motion by the motor member (204). The drive shaft (14) is associated with at least one respective driven shaft (18, 19) shaping an inclined end portion (23). Support means (25) for the crossbar (9) of the comb sector (5, 6) are suitable to be engaged rotatably on the inclined portion (23) of the driven shaft (18, 19) by means of the interposition of rolling means (28).

Abstract: A decelerator apparatus for mounting at the end of a pneumatic fruit harvesting or delivery tube. The decelerator comprises a housing with a moving decelerator body aligned with a fruit-receiving inlet connected to the pneumatic delivery tube. The decelerator body, for example a padded rotating wheel, moves at a speed slower than the speed at which the fruit is pneumatically delivered into the housing, 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 fruit picket apparatus with a motor operated cutter which can be mounted on a pole consists of a basket unit and a cutter assembly; the cutter assembly having a knife which is mounted on a motor which connects with a wire/conductor loop; which includes a switch which can be closed by the stem of a fruit to be picked; the basket unit having a basket which can hold and protect fruits; the basket unit having a compartment which can house the motor of the cutter assembly; the basket unit having a device to be clamped on a pole or a rod; the basket unit having a compartment which can house at least a battery and a portion of the wire/conductor loop of the cutter assembly.

Abstract: An illuminable picker comprises a cylindrical member including cells provided therein, a control member disposed at the rear end of the cylindrical member and including a bolt for fitting a spring thereon, as the bolt is pressed to move, it may contact with the electrode output end of the cells, a sleeve mounted at the front end of the cylindrical member for confining the cells and including a spring fitted thereon and a string fixed at the front end thereof, the string including an expandable claw attached at the front end thereof, a tube secured at the front end of the sleeve for inserting the string and positioning the claw, a bulb affixed on the tube and including anode and cathode output wires, the anode output wire fixed on the tube, while the cathode output wire passing through the sleeve and contacting with the cathode output end of the cells, thereby simultaneously obtaining the picking and illumining purpose.

Abstract: A fruit picker apparatus with a motor operated cutter which can be mounted on a pole consists of a basket unit and a cutter assembly; the cutter assembly having a knife which is mounted on a motor which connects with a wire/conductor loop which includes a switch which can be closed by the stem of a fruit to be picked; the basket unit having a basket which can hold and protect fruits; the basket unit having a compartment which can house the motor of the cutter assembly; the basket unit having a mean to be clamped on a pole or a rod; the basket unit having a compartment which can house at least a battery and a portion of the wire/conductor loop of the cutter assembly.

Abstract: A hand-operated gatherer for gathering pecans, nuts, or other objects such as golf balls. The gatherer includes a basket assembly connect to a first end of a shaft and a handle and trigger connected to a second end of the shaft. A pair of pivotally hinged doors biased to a closed position by a spring device attach to a frame member in the basket assembly via depending tabs, and a gatherer head comprised of wire bails separate the doors. A control linkage attaches to at least one of the doors and runs lengthwise along the shaft to the trigger, whereby the trigger is finger actuated to pull the control linkage and open the door or doors that are attached to the control linkage to release the items held within the storage component of the basket assembly.

Abstract: This is a device for screwing in and out light bulbs located at elevated positions from floor level comprising a pole or telescoping tubes which interconnect, having at one end a suction attachment or clamping attachment to affix to the electrical lamp and thereby screw it in or out, with a canopy set on the pole or telescoping tube which can catch the light bulb in the event the suction or clamping attachment releases the light bulb.

Abstract: An article retrieving device for gathering and storing nuts that allows the user to maintain an erect posture during use, comprises a retaining element and a housing. The retaining element is adapted to retrieve nuts from the ground and includes a plurality of resilient pieces arranged in rows on a sleeve. The retrieved nuts are stored in the housing and dispensed from the housing via a dispensing opening.

Abstract: A tool having a rotatable handle grip is disclosed. The tool includes an elongated handle having a first end and second end, wherein a handle grip is rotatably coupled with the first end, and a working end is coupled with the second end. The working end may include a plurality of spaced tines with the prongs having points, wherein at least one cutting blade is coupled to the device between adjacent tines allowing a user to slide the tines of the fork along the ground surface, thereby using the blade to harvest vegetation. Additionally, the working end has an attached harvesting means that allows a stack of cut vegetation to accumulate on the device to be carried and placed in a preferred location or container.

Abstract: A manual fruit harvesting tool having a handle which carries a head. The head has a U-shaped member which is generally perpendicular to the handle. The U-shaped member has a long arm and a shorter arm connected by a bight. The user manipulates the head directing the fruit stem into the bight where the fruit may be severed by applying a sharp downward jerk motion to the pole.

Abstract: A universal fruit-picking tool including a cage of a generally elliptical spheroid shape having a three-dimensional triangular opening in its upper half fitted with four cutters. Each cutter has a V-shaped gathering and cutting slot of unique design. The cage is supported by a tele-handle. The complex structure of the cage and cutters allows the new device to easily pick and, at the same time, safely catch the fruits, whatever the position of the tele-handle and the opening, which turn arbitrarily in three-dimensional coordination as the user desires. The general structure of the device is rigid, it does not dangle, it is aerodynamically shaped and agile and therefore it is possible to direct and push the device into the crown of fruit trees among close twigs, small branches and leaves in order to pick fruits easily.

Abstract: An apparatus for picking fruit comprises an elongate tube in which fruit is collected, a handle attached to the tube for enabling fruit to be picked from trees, a first plate at a top end of the tube for engaging a branch, the plate having a slot arranged to receive a stem of the fruit, a slidable member with an aligned slotted plate arranged to slide within the tube so that the plates move in opposite directions to break the fruit from its stem. The tube collects the fruit which can be seen through an opening. The slide is operated against a spring by a string extending along the handle.

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

Abstract: A universal hand held tool for harvesting fruit and nuts. Harvesting is accomplished by a plurality of specially shaped spring wire tines. Tines are covered with plastic to minimize fruit and tree damage. Passing through a guide bracket secured to a handle, tines are held by a retainer that slides along the handle. Moving the retainer along the handle adjusts the tine spacing to accommodate different sizes and shapes of fruit. Retainer can be locked in any of a number of selected positions. Extension handles of various or adjustable length can be attached to harvest the crop safely from the ground. Fruit, such as olives that will be used to make olive oil, can be stripped from the branches using a raking motion into a tarp or container on the ground. To harvest for edible fruit without allowing it to fall to the ground a removable container is easily attached under the tines to capture the fruit. The container is made from a pliable material with a resilient aperture to reduce bruising or damage to the fruit.

Abstract: The invention provides a picker attachment and apparatus having the attachment for picking olives. The picker attachment includes a base and a plurality of longitudinally-extending spindles carried by and extending forwardly therefrom. Each spindle is rotatable about a longitudinal axis. The spindles are caused to rotate in unison by a spindle coupler. Each of the spindles has at least one longitudinally-extending elongate flat portion, each elongate flat portion having a longitudinally-extending edge being a radially peripheral edge of the spindle, the edge defining a longitudinally-extending flange disposed generally perpendicularly to the plane of the planar flat portion, whereby the spindles can receive a transversely-extending olive-bearing branch therebetween and engage and remove olives from the branch while rotating.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a manual stem cutting and fruit removal apparatus. The device comprises a receptacle member and a handle attached thereto. A mouth and a blade are located adjacent at the top of the receptacle member. The blade is adjustably removable for case in replacement. A collection chamber is positioned beneath the mouth and the blade and includes a sloping surface for supporting the precut fruit and a cushioned surface for catching the fruit after the stem is severed. In use, the mouth receives the fruit while it is hanging on the tree. By manipulating the device, the blade engages and cuts the stem, and the fruit falls into the collection chamber.

Abstract: A fruit picker includes a rigid, hollow sleeve having an opening at the top end thereof, and a fruit engaging mechanism connected to the sleeve at the top end for engaging a piece of fruit. The fruit engaging mechanism includes a string attached at one end thereof to a first point on the sleeve, the string passing through a hole provided in the sleeve at a second point which is separated from the first point by a predetermined arcuate distance along a side of the sleeve. The opposite end of the string extends down the outside of the sleeve so that it can be grasped by a user of the fruit picker. The string defines, in conjunction with the side of the sleeve, a variable size opening in which the piece of fruit to be picked is received. The fruit engaging mechanism further includes a biasing mechanism which is slidably attached to the string for biasing the string away from the first and second point so as to increase the size of the variable size opening.

Abstract: A fruit picking apparatus for easily penetrating foliage to access fruit, and for removing fruit from a stem, including a generally cylindrical receptacle formed as a one piece construction and having a closed upper end, a closed lower end and a side wall extending therebetween, the upper end and the lower end being sloped to facilitate penetration of foliage, an opening for receiving fruit formed in the side wall intermediate the upper end and the lower end and terminating proximate the upper end with a convergent slot extending in the direction of the upper end, a shaft, and a threaded socket extending from the lower end of the receptacle along a longitudinal axis, for removably receiving a threaded end of the shaft.

Abstract: A fruit picking device for removing a fruit from a tree or bush. The device includes a conical receptacle having an open base end and a compressible, resilient interior. The interior of the receptacle is compressible under the weight of the fruit and frictionally engages with the fruit. An elongated pole is in axial alignment with the conical receptacle wherein rotation of the receptacle rotates the fruit in order to separate the fruit from the tree or bush.

Abstract: An apparatus for harvesting olives and like fruit, including the use of opposing rake members on extended supports. The rake members, which include extending tines, are arranged and powered to oscillate during the harvesting process. The opposing and oscillating rake members engage a group of small tree branches and maintain the fruit bearing branches properly placed as the tines of the rakes oscillate up and down to strip the fruit from the branches. The rake members are drawn through the branches in order to access all of the fruit. The rake members may be attached to a single hand-held extension pole, or may be attached on the end of a pivotally mounted extended support connected to a harvesting vehicle having capabilities for catching and boxing the fruit as it falls from the tree.

Abstract: A telescopic extensible rod, suited to be used as extension in agricultural pneumatic tools for picking fruit from trees or of cutting off branches of trees, is formed by two coaxial tubular elements, i.e. a first tubular element and a second tubular element that slides inside the first tubular element. A pneumatic actuator can be connected to the free end of the second tubular element. A coupling is mounted between the tubular elements to removably lock their reciprocal sliding. Two coaxial pipes, a first pipe and a second pipe, are located inside the tubular elements, the second pipe being designed to slide inside the first one while keeping the seal because of the presence of a sleeve mounted between the pipes and inside the first pipe. The free ends of the pipes are in fluid-dynamic connection respectively with a compressed fluid delivery and with the pneumatic actuator.

Abstract: A support shaft mounts a cutter frame having a curer cooperative with a stationary cutter to receive a tree limb therethrough to effect its severing. Basket structure is arranged for mounting below the cutter frame to receive the severed tree or fruit component.

Abstract: In a preferred embodiment, an apparatus for harvesting produce, pruning, trimming, or the like, the apparatus including: an elongate tubular member; a cutting assembly disposed at the distal end of the elongate tubular member, the cutting assembly being selectively positionable such that the plane of cutting thereof can form an acute angle with the major axis of the elongate tubular member either above or below the major axis; and a first actuating members spaced apart from the distal end of the tubular member such as to remotely actuate the cutting assembly.

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 apparatus comprises a carcass which includes a plurality of flexible rods arranged substantially as a corolla, and which are integral at one of their ends with a tubular hollow sleeve and at their opposite free ends with a crosslinked structure made of flexible material extending insider the corolla and of which the bottom is made integral with an appropriate traction member. The apparatus is designed for difficult deliveries of babies.

Abstract: A tool for olive-picking, includes a rod bearing, at one of its ends, a handle with which a lever is associated, for controlling a pneumatic actuator located at an opposite end of the rod. The actuator swings a comb provided with tines, each of them being made up of two sections having a thicker and a thinner diameter respectively. Each tine is coated with a sheath of elastic and yielding material, which prevents olives from being damaged during the picking, that is carried out by inserting the comb among the branches first, and then by the subsequent swinging, controlled by the actuator.

Abstract: A fruit picking device includes a head for receiving the fruit, a first pair of bails pivotally mounted to the head in spaced relation to each other across the housing opening, a second pair of bails pivotally mounted to the head in spaced relation to each other across the housing opening substantially perpendicularly to the first pair of bails, and cutter blades carried by the latter bails and effective, when the bails are pivoted to their closed positions, to engage and cut the stem of the fruit within the head.

Abstract: A plant trimming apparatus comprises a cutting device operated in conjunction with a support apparatus. The cutting device includes an elongated handle member attached to a cutter, the cutter being preferably an electrical chain saw or tree trimmer. A power cord for the electric cutter is carried through a hollow portion of the handle to an electrical outlet or generator which provides power. The handle is preferably a hollow PVC tube. The handle is supported by a fulcrum apparatus which provides leverage for manipulating the cutter. The fulcrum apparatus comprises a pair of hollow tubes hingedly connected together to provide a V-shaped fulcrum point in which the handle rests. A third leg of pipe is hingedly connected to one of the legs, further down from the fulcrum point, to act as a third leg of a tripod. The third leg can be raised and held in the operator's hand for moving the fulcrum point fore and aft during the cutting operation.

Abstract: A portable hand-held collector for retrieving irregularly shaped nuts or objects from the ground while the user maintains a substantially erect posture. The body of the collector comprises a pair of tubes of substantially equivalent inner and outer diameter axially coupled by a rigid sleeve. The input tube is axially coupled to a tubular insert comprising an input orifice normally blocked by a plurality of flexible, spaced apart springs. When the collector is pressed down on target nuts, the springs resiliently yield to admit the nuts interiorly of the insert. After the nuts are captured within the input tube, the springs assume their original orientation preventing captured nuts from escaping. The inner diameter of the tabular insert is smaller than the inner diameter of the input tube, so an annular shoulder is formed. Incoming nuts pass the annular shoulder on their way into the input tube.

Abstract: A picking head and/or support frame for a fruit or like produce containing bag designed to be attached to the distal end of an elongated pole or shaft and including a cutting blade mounted thereon such that a worker may extend the bag and picking head to an elevated position so as to reach oranges or like fruit within a tree and easily sever the stem of such fruit so that it will be captured within the bag after being cut from the tree and wherein the picking head includes a support frame produced from a preferably one piece, high strength, light weight, moldable material.

Abstract: A hand-operated fruit picker having a cage defining a fruit gathering chamber with a fruit receiving frontal opening, an upper concavity and a top central forwardly directed stem slit, and a gate hinged to the cage for movement from a fruit receiving to a fruit clamping position, is provided with an outwardly diverging scoop-like extension formed at the top forward margin of the opening to envelop the lateral members of a fruit cluster, and is further provided with removable chamber and gate linings of resilient tufted material contoured to extend the concavity of the chamber and serving to protect more sensitive and fragile fruits against bruising.

Abstract: This invention involves a fruit harvesting apparatus (10) comprising an extensible handle unit (11) a body attached support unit (12), a fruit picking unit (13) a chute unit (14) wherein improvement comprise an adjustable brake unit (15) which is operatively associated with the chute unit (14) relative to the gravity feed of the fruit (102) therethrough.

Abstract: A harvesting apparatus for automatically removing fruit from its growth source comprising a harvesting hand mounted at a distal end of an articulated arm assembly, a video camera for picking up a fruit image, and a control unit for guiding the harvesting hand to the fruit in response to information provided by the video camera. The harvesting hand includes a vacuum pad for drawing and catching the fruit, and a calyx cutting device. The vacuum pad and cutting device are movable relative to each other between a first position in which the vacuum pad is disposed forwardly of the cutting device for approaching and drawing the fruit and a second position in which the cutting device is disposed forwardly of the vacuum pad for removing the fruit from its tree.

Abstract: A vacuum operated fruit harvesting machine is disclosed for harvesting fruit from fruit trees. The fruit harvesting machine of the invention comprises a picker head connected to an air flow control valve. A discharge valve is connected to the air flow control valve by means of a plurality of rigid or flexible conduits. The picker head comprises a conduit having an internal wall portion. A gripper is angularly positioned relative to the internal wall of the curved conduit for gripping the stem of the fruit. As the fruit is conducted into the picker head, the fruit pivots against the internal wall which functions as a fulcrum causing the stem to be peeled away from the fruit at the calex thereof.

Abstract: An apparatus for picking fruit having an elongated pole attached to upper and lower portions that are removably coupled to each other. Each portion of the apparatus has a metal mounting sheet with a wire container attached to it. The upper mounting sheet of the upper portion has a guide channel groove used for guiding the stem of a piece of fruit to be picked to a position near a first cutting blade located at the bottom of the groove. A guide arm slidably engages two positioning guides attached to the upper mounting sheet. When a cord attached to the end of the guide arm is pulled, a second cutting blade attached near the top of the guide arm moves from an upper position to a lower position proximate the first cutting blade at the bottom of the guide channel groove. As the blades come together, they sever the stem of each piece of fruit to be picked. A spring is used to return the guide arm to its upper position. The guide arm and spring are coupled by a protective shield.

Abstract: A harvesting apparatus and method which are preferably employed for harvesting coffee berries are disclosed. The apparatus includes rotating spindles with helicoidal threads. In one embodiment, the spindles are driven by a motor, and in a second embodiment, the spindles rotate for engaging the berries or the branch as the operator moves the apparatus along a branch. The embodiment without a motor drive is ultra-light and may be operated without fatigue. The threads are designed to pull the fruit to be harvested off a branch and throw it free of the apparatus. The fruit may be collected by placing a net on the ground so that the fruit falls into it. In a preferred embodiment a small basket surrounds the rotating spindles to catch harvested berries.

Abstract: A tool for servicing an overhead limb is comprised of an elongated tube with a hook element on one end and a foot engaging chain on the other.

Abstract: A vacuum operated fruit harvesting machine is disclosed for harvesting fruit from fruit trees. The fruit harvesting machine of the invention comprises a picker head connected to an airflow control valve. A discharge valve is connected to the airflow control valve by means of a plurality of rigid or flexible conduits. The picker head comprises a conduit having the internal wall portion. A gripper is angularly positioned relative to the internal wall of the curved conduit for gripping the stem of the fruit. As the fruit is conducted into the picker head, the fruit pivots against the internal wall which functions as a fulcrum causing the stem to be peeled away from the fruit at the calex thereof.

Abstract: A gatherer device for fruits, nuts, etc., which is made of wire shaped to form a basket which includes tines that are shaped to guide the fruit into the basket as the device is pushed along the ground in the direction of the fruit. The wires are connected together side-by-side on their upper length and the wires are shaped and spaced such that the fruit does not fall from the basket as the fruit is gathered.

Abstract: An apparatus for harvesting okra or other fruit or vegetable comprises an elongated frame having a handle at one end thereof and a cutter member at the other end. In order to prevent any contact between the user and irritating pods of the okra, a trigger is provided at the handle for remotely operating the cutter. Also, a shroud partially surrounds the handle to protect the hand of the user during cutting. In one embodiment, the cutter comprises a razor blade located beneath a cylindrical guide member that retains the okra pod in position for cutting of the stem while a pair of stabilizing ears steadies the guide member on a branch of the okra plant. In a second embodiment, a rectangular guide member contains a stem holding bracket that maintains the stem of the okra pod in proper position for cutting by a blade. A set of prongs carried by the blade pierces the pod during a cutting stroke. The pod is automatically released during retraction for disposal into a collection receptacle.