Patent ID: 7810305
Filing Date: 2010-10-12
Classification: A01D

Abstract:
1. A harvesting apparatus for harvesting generally spherical fruit, the harvesting apparatus comprising: an elongated tubular body having a harvesting end and a discharge end, the elongated tubular body being configured so as to allow a piece of fruit to pass therethrough; a clamshell cutting device located within the harvesting end, the clamshell cutting device including a single pair of opposing blades, the opposing blades being substantially shaped as partial spheres, with cutting edges that can be brought together by a pivotal motion of the blades, thereby severing the piece of fruit from an attached stem and allowing the piece of fruit to travel through the elongated tubular body and emerge from the discharge end; a clamshell drive mechanism that can be actuated so as to cause the pair of opposing blades to pivot, thereby bringing their cutting edges together and then separating them; and a vacuum pump that drives air flow in the elongated tubular body.