Patent ID: 6033305
Filing Date: 2000-03-07
Classification: A01D

Abstract:
Apparatus for harvesting produce, which comprises:an enclosed vehicle;a first conveyor belt extending forward of said enclosed vehicle for moving the produce and associated vines into said enclosed vehicle; said apparatus further including a ventilation system for drawing air from within said enclosed vehicle and expelling the air through an outlet, said outlet being disposed in alignment with said first conveyer belt to direct exhaust air from said enclosed vehicle toward the produce on said first conveyor belt whereby some dirt is dislodged from the produce and vines disposed on said first conveyor belt, said outlet being disposed to direct a stream of air from said enclosed vehicle in a direction that is aligned with an axis of said first conveyor belt, said apparatus further includes a second conveyor belt disposed within said enclosed vehicle, said second conveyor belt being aligned and disposed with respect to said first conveyor belt for receiving the produce and vines from said first conveyor belt; said apparatus further includes a third conveyor belt disposed within said enclosed vehicle, said third conveyor belt being substantially aligned with respect to said second conveyor belt; said second conveyor belt having an upper flight and said upper flight is crowned whereby workers standing on sides of said second conveyor belt are better able to see the produce and vines being carried on said second conveyor belt.