Harvesters – Fruit gatherer
Patent
1982-09-29
1985-02-26
Hirsch, Paul J.
Harvesters
Fruit gatherer
56 31, A01D 4600, A01D 4610
Patent
active
045011133
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 then connected to the airflow control valve by means of a plurality of rigid or flexible conduits. The picker head comprises a curved conduit having a lower lip portion. A gripper means is positioned relative to the upper edge of the curved conduit for gripping the stem of the fruit to be picked. As the fruit is conducted into the picker head, the fruit pivots against the upper edge of the curved conduit causing the stem to be peeled away from the fruit at the calex thereof. The airflow control valve comprises a pair of gates which open in response to a pressure differential between the atmospheric air and the air contained within the picker head. When the fruit is positioned in the picker head, the air contained within the picker head is evacuated through bleed ports to create such a pressure differential, at which time the gates fully open to allow the fruit to pass therethrough. The gates of the airflow control valve then immediately close to block the flow of air therethrough thereby preventing unwanted debris such as leaves from being drawn into the system. The discharge valve of the invention comprises a similar pair of gates which are forced open by means of a pair of gate operating levers. The discharge valve operates to reduce the velocity of the fruit as it exits from the system and to prevent flow back air from entering the system after the fruit is discharged. A transport is provided for supporting the fruit harvesting machine of the invention enabling operators to conveniently manipulate the picker head for harvesting the fruit from the trees.
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