Patent ID: 6173559
Filing Date: 2001-01-16
Classification: A01D

Abstract:
A method of harvesting and cleaning leafy vegetables comprising the steps of:driving a self-propelled harvesting machine along a bed of leafy vegetables to be harvested;cutting the leafy vegetables;transporting the cut harvested leafy vegetables up a conveyer apparatus;discharging the harvested leafy vegetables into individual receiving baskets;transporting the baskets to a cleaner/shaker apparatus;depositing the contents of each basket onto an input conveyer belt;transporting the harvested leafy vegetables along the input conveyer belt;discharging the harvested leafy vegetables onto a mesh conveyer belt;oscillating the mesh conveyer belt so as to cause debris and other unwanted materials associated with the harvested leafy vegetables to fall through the mesh; anddischarging the leafy vegetables into empty receiving baskets.