Patent ID: 7096654
Filing Date: 2006-08-29
Classification: A01G

Abstract:
1. An apparatus for selective leaf stripping of a vine, the apparatus comprising: at least one stripping head having a drum, said drum having a cylindrical side wall; a means for rotating said drum about a generally vertical axis, said means for rotating cooperative with the stripping head; an aspirating means positioned on the stripping head for flowing air through said cylindrical side wall of said drum; a channeling means cooperative with said drum for channeling the air flow through a varying portion of said side wall of said drum; and a cutting means positioned adjacent to said side wall of said drum, said cutting means for stripping leaves, said cutting means extending in generally parallel relation to said vertical axis about which said drum rotates, said cylindrical side wall being formed of a flexible and deformable material that is permeable so as to allow the air flow to pass therethrough.