Fruit harvester including pivotable fruit deflector and associated methods

A fruit harvester includes a vehicle, a boom having a proximal end carried by the vehicle, a shaker head connected to a distal end of the boom for vibrating a tree trunk to shake fruit therefrom, and a fruit deflector comprising upper and lower portions connected together and cooperatively defining a fruit collecting surface for catching fruit shaken from the tree. The fruit deflector is pivotable between operating and retracted positions. The fruit deflector, when in the operating position, preferably has the lower portion adjacent the shaker head. Conversely, the fruit deflector, when in the retracted position, may have the lower portion being pivoted upward and away from the shaker head to facilitate access thereto.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to fruit harvesting equipment, and, more particularly, to a fruit harvester including a fruit deflector for deflecting fruit shaken from a tree and associated methods.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Citrus fruit, such as oranges, for example, is commonly harvested from citrus groves using manual picking and collection techniques. Of course, more automated approaches have also been developed in an attempt to lower harvesting costs. For example, U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,469,695 and 5,513,484, both to Zehavi et al., disclose a harvesting system based upon so-called shake and catch technology. A shaker vehicle carries a shaker head to engage and vibrate a tree trunk to dislodge the fruit therefrom. The shaker head is carried by an extensible boom which can retract and extend the shaker head. In the extended position, the jaws of the shaker head engage the tree trunk and a hydraulically driven vibrator shakes the tree trunk. The shaker head can be retracted by the extensible boom for advancing to the next tree.

A fruit deflector is carried by the shaker vehicle and collects a portion of the fruit. A fruit collector vehicle is positioned along an opposite side of the tree. The fruit collector typically includes one or more fruit conveyors to catch the portion of the fruit falling thereon, as well as to receive fruit from the fruit deflector of the shaker vehicle.

The collected fruit is conveyed by the fruit collector vehicle to be temporarily held in a fruit trailer typically towed behind the fruit collector vehicle. The shaker vehicle and fruit collector vehicle are each advanced to a next tree for harvesting. Once filled, the fruit trailer is movable to a raised height and a door opened to thereby empty its contents into a fruit removal vehicle. The fruit removal vehicle is intermittently brought adjacent the fruit trailer to receive the fruit therefrom and transport the fruit to a collection area.

Of significant interest in the automated harvesting technology are efficiency of fruit collection, speed of collection, and, of course, cost and reliability of the various pieces of harvesting and collection equipment. Efficiency of fruit collection relates not only to the percentage of fruit shaken from the tree and collected, but also to how much fruit may be lost by damage in subsequent handling. The speed of collection may be hampered if the fruit is not quickly and safely urged toward the lower end of the fruit deflector where it then falls onto the fruit collector.

A typical fruit deflector, such as that disclosed in the above mentioned patents to Zehavi et al., is a static structure that relies on its incline and the pull of gravity to urge the fruit toward its lower end. It should also be noted that leaves, twigs, etc. are also shaken from the tree and these may present an impediment to the downward roll of the fruit from the fruit collector to the fruit collector. Accordingly, these drawbacks of the fruit deflector may result in lower fruit collection efficiency, and/or increased collection time thereby increasing harvesting costs.

The fruit deflector is typically positioned above the shaker head and therefore may substantially limit access to the shaker head. The shaker head, in turn, generates and is subject to substantial shaking forces. Accordingly, the shaker head may require a relatively high level of maintenance for proper operation. Unfortunately, with the relatively large fruit deflector positioned above the shaker head, access to the shaker head is awkward and limited at best. Accordingly, high maintenance costs, and/or lowered harvesting efficiency as a result of down time may result.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In view of the foregoing background, it is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a fruit harvester that is efficient in harvesting, yet is also readily maintained, particularly as relates to the shaker head.

This and other objects, features and advantages in accordance with the present invention are provided by a fruit harvester comprising a vehicle, a boom having a proximal end carried by the vehicle, a shaker head connected to a distal end of the boom for vibrating a tree to shake fruit therefrom, and a fruit deflector comprising upper and lower portions connected together and cooperatively defining a fruit collecting surface for catching fruit shaken from the tree. The fruit deflector may be pivotable between operating and retracted positions. The fruit deflector, when in the operating position, preferably has the lower portion adjacent the shaker head. Conversely, the fruit deflector, when in the retracted position, may have the lower portion being pivoted upward and away from the shaker head to facilitate access thereto.

The fruit deflector may be pivotally connected to the boom. More particularly, the harvester may include a fruit deflector mounting bracket pivotally connecting the fruit deflector to the boom. Moreover, the boom may comprise a telescoping boom including proximal and distal telescoping boom sections, and the fruit deflector mounting bracket may be connected to the distal telescopic boom section. The harvester may also include at least one boom extension/retraction actuator connected between the proximal boom section and the fruit deflector mounting bracket for effecting boom extension/retraction and also pivoting of the fruit deflector.

The fruit harvester may further comprise a locking mechanism cooperating with the fruit deflector mounting bracket and the boom for locking the fruit deflector in at least one of the operating and retracted positions. The locking mechanism may include aligned passageways in the boom and the fruit deflector mounting bracket, and at least one removable locking pin to be received in the aligned passageways. When the locking pin is removed, the boom extension/retraction actuator may pivotally move the fruit deflector mounting bracket to thereby move the fruit deflector.

The fruit deflector may comprise a rigid frame connected to the boom adjacent the shaker head, and a plurality of flexible elongate members carried by the rigid frame. The flexible elongate members may be arranged in spaced-apart, side-by-side relation defining slotted openings. The flexible elongate members may also be arranged to define a lower portion extending laterally outward from the rigid frame and an upper portion extending vertically outward from the rigid frame. Moreover, each of the lower and upper portions may comprise inner and outer panels, each comprising a plurality of flexible elongate members arranged in spaced-apart, side-by-side relation.

The vehicle may comprise a chassis, an engine carried by the chassis, and a pair of opposing tracks carried by the chassis and driven by the engine. The tracks provide good maneuverability within a grove, for example. In addition, the shaker head may comprise a vibrator unit and jaws connected thereto for grasping and shaking a tree trunk.

A method aspect of the invention is for accessing a shaker head of a fruit harvester comprising a vehicle, a boom having a proximal end carried by the vehicle and having a distal end carrying the shaker head, and a fruit deflector comprising upper and lower portions connected together and cooperatively defining a fruit collecting surface for catching fruit shaken from a tree. The method may include pivotally mounting the fruit deflector to be pivotable between operating and retracted positions. The fruit deflector when in the operating position may have the lower portion adjacent the shaker head, and when in the retracted position may have the lower portion being pivoted upward and away from the shaker head. Accordingly, the method may also include pivoting the fruit deflector from the operating position to the retracted position to thereby access the shaker head.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Referring initially toFIG. 1, a fruit harvesting system30according to the invention is described. The fruit harvesting system30illustratively comprises a fruit harvester31, which, in turn, comprises a shaker vehicle32, a boom assembly33carried by the shaker vehicle, a shaker head36carried by the boom assembly, and a fruit deflector38carried by the boom assembly. The fruit harvester system30also comprises, as shown in the righthand portion ofFIG. 1, a fruit collection apparatus40. The fruit collection apparatus40, in turn, comprises a collector vehicle42and a fruit collector44carried by the collector vehicle.

The fruit harvester31and the fruit collection apparatus40of the fruit harvesting system30operate cooperatively with one another in accordance with the principles of shake and catch technology as will be appreciated by those skilled in the art. With the shaker vehicle32positioned adjacent a particular tree46, the boom assembly33carried by the vehicle readily and accurately positions the boom34and thus shaker head36with respect to the tree. So positioned, the shaker head36is operated to grasp and vibrate the trunk48of the tree46. As the tree46vibrates, fruit falls from the tree and is deflected by the fruit deflector38so that the fruit collection apparatus40is able to collect the fruit. The fruit collection apparatus40includes a movable seal59that is positioned to prevent fruit from falling between the two collection surfaces as will be appreciated by those skilled in the art.

Referring now additionally toFIGS. 2A-5the boom assembly33illustratively includes a boom34and boom positioning assembly64. The boom34is a telescoping boom that includes a proximal boom section56and a distal boom section58. The distal boom section58slidably moves within the proximal boom section56to thereby increase and decrease the length of the boom34accordingly, as will be readily understood by those skilled in the art. The boom assembly33further includes a boom extension/retraction actuator60connected between the proximal and distal boom sections56,58. The extension/retraction actuator60illustratively comprises a hydraulic cylinder62and can be selectively operated from a hydraulic power unit (not shown) of the vehicle32. As will be readily appreciated by those skilled in the art, however, various other arrangements are also contemplated by the present invention to extend and retract the telescoping boom34.

The boom positioning assembly64also comprises a vertical guide66and a hinge joint assembly68carried by the vertical guide. The vertical guide66mounts to the vehicle32, and the hinge joint assembly68moves vertically along the vertical guide. The hinge joint assembly68connects to the proximal end55of the telescoping boom34. As the hinge joint assembly68moves along the vertical guide66, it raises and lowers the connected telescoping boom34.

The boom positioning assembly64also comprises a vertical actuator70for moving the hinge joint assembly68vertically along the vertical guide66. In addition, the boom positioning assembly64illustratively includes an elevational actuator72for pivotally moving the telescoping boom34in an elevational direction. The elevational actuator72, moreover, connects to a boom suspension position74located on the boom34and spaced apart from the distal end54thereof.

The vertical guide66illustratively comprises a pair of spaced-apart vertical guide rails76, and the hinge joint assembly68comprises a mounting base78that slidably engages both vertical guide rails. The hinge joint assembly68also comprises a first hinge bracket80connected to the mounting base, a second hinge bracket82connected to the proximal end of the boom34, and a hinge body84having first and second orthogonal passageways86,88extending through the hinge body. In addition, the hinge joint assembly68illustratively includes first and second hinge pins85,87that extend, respectively, through the first and second orthogonal passageways86,88. As will be readily appreciated by those skilled in the art, a robust hinge is thereby provided that permits both elevational and azimuthal movements of the boom34for accurate positioning to engage the shaker head36to the tree trunk.

To reduce potentially undesirable swinging of the boom34as the vehicle is moved, one or more elastomeric bumpers, not shown, may be used to restrain movement of the boom beyond a predetermined range. For example, a U-shaped bracket or channel could be positioned to surround the boom34and an inner surface of the bracket could carry the bumpers. Of course, many other restraint configurations are also contemplated by the present invention.

The vertical actuator70, more specifically, may be provided as shown in the illustrated embodiment by a hydraulic cylinder98that is selectively operated from the hydraulic power unit of the shaker vehicle32. Operation of the vertical actuator70causes the hinge joint assembly68to move vertically along the vertical guide66so that the entire telescoping boom34may be readily raised and lowered. The elevational actuator72that connects to the boom suspension position74, more particularly, comprises an arm92having a proximal end94rotatably carried by the hinge joint assembly68. The elevational actuator72also includes a chain96, defining an elongate suspension member, that extends from the distal end of the arm to connect to the boom suspension position74. The elevational actuator72further includes a drive comprising a hydraulic cylinder98for selectively rotating the arm92, the hydraulic cylinder being selectively operated from the hydraulic unit of the shaker vehicle32in some preferred embodiments. The elongate suspension member74, moreover, cooperates with the hinge joint assembly68to permit dampened azimuthal movement of the boom.

Referring now additionally toFIGS. 6A and 6Banother aspect of orienting or positioning the boom positioning assembly64′ relative to the vehicle32′ is now described. The boom positioning assembly64′ may be tilted to permit more maneuverability of the shaker head, provide better clearance, etc. to thereby facilitate harvesting of the first and/or last tree or trees of a row whereat the elevation of the ground is likely to change. In the illustrated embodiment, the vertical guide66′ is pivotally mounted to the vehicle32′, and the boom positioning assembly further comprises a tilt actuator for tilting the vertical guide relative to the vehicle. The tilt actuator illustratively comprises a pair of hydraulically operable actuators254on opposite sides of the vehicle.

A mounting bracket249, one ear250of which is shown in the schematic side elevational view of FIG.6B, pivotally mounts the vertical guide at its corresponding pairs of ears251a,251busing the pins252. The mounting bracket249illustratively mounts the vertical guide66′ to the front of vehicle32′. Indeed, this bracket249can be readily optionally substituted or otherwise adjusted in some embodiments to set an initial height of the vertical guide.

Upper ends of the vertical guide66′ are attached to respective ends of the hydraulic tilt actuators254by respective brackets255and locking pins256. Those of skill in the art will appreciate that there are many other equivalent tilt actuating arrangements as contemplated by the present invention.

In some embodiments, this tilting feature may not be needed. In addition, in other embodiments, the tilting feature may be used with the vertical positioning and/or elevational positioning, for example.

The shaker head36is illustratively connected to the distal end54of the boom34. With additional reference toFIG. 7, the shaker head36illustratively comprises a vibration unit50and jaws52connected thereto to grasp and hold a tree trunk while the vibration unit shakes the tree so that fruit is dislodged from the branches of the tree. The vibration unit50illustratively comprises an eccentrically-weighted wheel49driven by a hydraulic motor51. In addition, a hydraulic cylinder53illustratively opens and closes the jaws52. The vibration unit50of the shaker head36, accordingly, can also be selectively driven by the hydraulic unit of the vehicle32.

Referring now additionally toFIGS. 8 and 9, the fruit deflector38is further described. The fruit deflector38includes a frame100that is illustratively connected to the boom34adjacent the shaker head36. The fruit deflector also includes a plurality of flexible elongate members102carried by the frame100. The frame100vibrates as the vibration unit50of the shaker head36shakes a tree. Accordingly, the flexible elongate members102of the fruit deflector38vibrate with the frame100. The flexible elongate members102of the fruit deflector38jointly define a vibrating fruit collecting surface104for catching fruit dislodged from the tree. This vibrating collecting surface104can speed downward movement of the fruit, as well as help clear the surface of debris which also assists downward movement of the fruit as will be appreciated by those skilled in the art.

The frame100of the fruit deflector38is elongate, extends in a horizontal direction and is provided by an elongate truss in the illustrated embodiment. The frame100rigidly connects to the boom34and the frame itself is generally rigid, yet relatively lightweight to aid in coupling vibrational energy to the collecting surface104. The flexible elongate members102are arranged relative to one another in a spaced-apart, side-by-side relation on the frame100. In this spaced-apart, side-by-side relation, the flexible elongate members also define slotted openings106through which trash, tree limbs, and other debris pass when dislodged from a tree as it is shaken. The flexible elongate members102, however, are nevertheless close enough to one another to catch fruit, particularly citrus fruit, as it falls from the tree. The elongate flexible members102may comprise fiberglass, for example. However, it may be advantageous in some embodiments to form lower end portions of a more rugged material, such as Hytrel® thermoplastic polyester elastomers available from DuPont, although other materials may be used as will be appreciated by those skilled in the art. In particular, a larger panel portion adjacent the leading lower edge may be formed of such a more rugged material, and/or this panel may be made readily replaceable for maintenance by attachment with removable fasteners. This leading lower edge is likely to contact trees and thereby be subject to damage.

The plurality of flexible elongate members102, moreover, are arranged so as to define both a lower portion108that extends laterally outwardly from the frame100and an upper portion110that extends vertically outwardly from the frame100. The lower portion108comprises inner and outer lower panels107,109as well as a plurality of spaced-apart lower supports112that connect the inner and outer lower panels together.

The upper portion110of flexible elongate members102also comprises inner and outer upper panels111,113, and being arranged in spaced-apart relation. The members of the outer upper panel113terminate about halfway up the corresponding members of the inner panel111, and the members are connected together at this location in the illustrated embodiment.

In other embodiments, the upper portion110may also be pivotally connected to the frame100. This may advantageously permit height adjustment so as to enable better positioning within groves having different canopy heights as will be appreciated by those skilled in the art. For example, predetermined canopy heights could be selected based upon a series of aligned openings and associated locking pins for pivotally connecting the upper portion, although other configurations are also contemplated by the present invention.

The inner lower and the inner upper panels illustratively have arcuate adjacent portions that define an arcuate bight portion of the vibrating fruit collecting surface. The fruit collecting104surface may thus advantageously vibrate in a wave motion when a tree trunk is being shaken. This wave motion may be seen as formation a standing wave during operation with nodes at the ends and middle, and with a respective antinode between the middle and each end. Of course, harmonics are also generated as will be appreciated by those skilled in the art.

The fruit deflector38is also pivotally connected to the boom34so that the fruit deflector can be positioned either in an operating position or in a retracted position. In the operating position, the fruit deflector38is pivoted so that the lower portion108of the fruit deflector is adjacent the shaker head36. The fruit deflector38, in the retracted position, is pivoted upward so that the lower portion108extends upward and away from the shaker head. With the fruit deflector38in the retracted position, one may gain ready access to the shaker head36to thereby service or replace portions thereof.

More particularly, the fruit harvester30illustratively includes a fruit deflector mounting bracket116positioned on the distal section58of the boom34to pivotally connect the fruit deflector38to the boom. Additionally, the fruit harvester30comprises a locking mechanism that cooperates with the fruit deflector mounting bracket116and the boom34. The locking mechanism serves to lock the fruit deflector38in at least one of the operating and retracted positions. The locking mechanism, more specifically, includes respective aligned passageways118extending into the boom34and the fruit deflector mounting bracket116along with a removable lock pin (not shown) to be received in the aligned passageways. With the locking pin removed, the boom extension/retraction actuator60may pivotally move the fruit deflector mounting bracket116thereby moving the fruit deflector38. A second passageway119in the mounting bracket may receive the locking pin when the retracted position to hold the fruit deflector38in the retracted position. Of course, other locking arrangements are also contemplated by the present invention as will be appreciated by those skilled in the art.

Referring additionally now toFIG. 10, transportation of the fruit harvester31in dissembled relation via a harvester transport trailer35is described in greater detail. The harvester transport trailer35comprises respective areas for mounting the shaker vehicle32, the modular boom assembly33, and the modular fruit deflector38when all are in disassembled relation. More particularly, the fruit harvester transport trailer35comprises a rectangular upper surface156having first and second opposing ends158,160.

The shaker vehicle32illustratively comprises a chassis162, an engine164carried by the chassis, and a pair of tracks166carried by the chassis and driven by the engine. The shaker vehicle32may be based upon an ASV 4810 Posi-Track all-purpose crawler, for example, although those of skill in the art will recognize that other similar vehicles may also be used. For better balance the track opposite the shaker head36may be extended outwardly from the vehicle chassis. In addition, or in the alternative, counterweights may also be carried by this opposite side of the vehicle32.

With each of these vehicle components intact, but with the modular boom assembly33and the modular fruit deflector38disconnected from the shaker vehicle32, the vehicle is mounted on the harvester transport trailer35. For example, the shaker vehicle32may be driven up a ramp onto the transport trailer35. When mounted on the harvester transport trailer35, the vehicle may have its longitudinal axis parallel to the rectangular upper surface156.

The modular fruit deflector38, when disconnected from the boom assembly33, is illustratively mounted so that its lower portion108extends along a side of the rectangular upper surface156between the first and second ends158,160, with the upper portion110of the fruit deflector38extending over the shaker vehicle32also mounted thereon. Additionally, the shaker vehicle32can be mounted adjacent the first end158of the rectangular upper surface156with the modular boom assembly33having been disconnected from the shaker vehicle32and mounted adjacent the second end of the rectangular upper surface156.

The modular shaker head36may also be removably connected to the distal end54of the boom34. When disconnected from the boom34, therefore, the modular shaker head36likewise can be mounted on the harvester transport trailer35. Moreover, the vibration unit50of the shaker head36is illustratively pivotally connected to the distal end54of the boom34. Accordingly, the vibration unit50is movable between an extended operating position for shaking a tree and an angled storing position, in which it also can be mounted compactly on the fruit harvester transport trailer35.

The modularity of each of the shaker vehicle32, the modular boom assembly33, and the modular fruit deflector38permits the fruit harvester to be compactly mounted on the fruit harvester transport trailer35when in disassembled relation. Indeed, the width of the fruit harvester transport trailer35may be less than about eight feet. Accordingly, there is less likelihood that special permits will be needed for transporting the fruit harvester31from one grove to another. Moreover, modularity permits more efficient maintenance of the fruit harvester31since whole assemblies may be individually replaced or removed separately for repair.

With reference now toFIGS. 11A and 11B, the fruit collection apparatus40for collecting fruit comprises a collector vehicle120and a fruit collector122carried by the vehicle. The fruit collector122illustratively includes three cooperating conveyors, namely, a first conveyor124, a second conveyor126, and a third conveyor128. The first conveyor124may also be considered and is also referred to herein as a collection conveyor. The second conveyor126may be considered an intermediate conveyor, and the third conveyor126may be considered a lifting conveyor.

The first conveyor124has opposing first130and second132ends as well as an exterior conveyor surface134extending therebetween. The first conveyor124collects fruit as the fruit is shaken from the tree. Specifically, the fruit deflector38deflects fruit to the first conveyor and the first conveyor directly collects a portion of the dislodged fruit. The exterior conveyor surface of the first conveyor124is inclined such that the first end is lower than the second end, the ends thus defining respectively lower and upper ends of the first conveyor. Fruit is conveyed by the exterior conveyor surface134to the second conveyor126.

This first or collection conveyor124may also be connected to the vehicle120via an extensible actuator, not shown, to permit more accurate positioning. In addition, the collection conveyor124may also be angularly positionable in yet other embodiments with suitable positioners and mounting arrangements. Yet further, the entire fruit collector122may be pivotally connected at one end of the vehicle120and releasably connected at the other end to permit the fruit collector to be swung away from the vehicle, such as to permit track maintenance, for example.

The second conveyor126of the fruit collector122has opposing first and second ends136,138and an exterior conveyor surface140extending therebetween for receiving fruit from the first conveyor. The fruit is advanced to the second end138of the second conveyor126.

The third conveyor128has lower and upper ends142,144and an interior conveyor surface146extending therebetween. Fruit is picked up from the second end138of the second conveyor126by the interior conveyor surface146of the third conveyor128, which lifts the fruit upward to the upper end144of the third conveyor128. Thus, the third conveyor128provides, in combination with the first and second conveyors124,126, a very compact, yet efficient arrangement of conveyors for collecting fruit after it has been shaken from a tree.

In other embodiments, the third or lifting conveyor128may be used directly with the first or collection conveyor124without the intermediate conveyor126. In this embodiment, the lifting conveyor128is relatively large and extends along the full length of the first or collection conveyor124as will be appreciated by those skilled in the art.

The fruit collector122is illustratively positioned so that the first conveyor124extends outwardly from a side of the collector vehicle120. In addition, the second conveyor126extends in a horizontal direction parallel to the same side of the collector vehicle120between the vehicle and the first conveyor124. The third conveyor128is positioned adjacent an end of the collector vehicle120, such as the back end, for example.

More particularly, the lower end142of the third conveyor128surrounds the second end138of the second conveyor126. The fruit collector122also includes a pair of rotating trash removal brushes148a,148badjacent the lower end142of the third conveyor128to direct fruit downward onto the lower end of the third conveyor while directing trash outwardly therefrom as perhaps best appreciated with reference to FIG.11B. The brushes148a,148bmay each rotate in the same direction. The fruit collector122also comprises a discharge chute150within the upper end144of the third conveyor128. A guide roll or drum152is provided adjacent the upper end144of the third conveyor128for directing fruit from the interior conveyor surface146into the discharge chute150. The third conveyor128may be formed as an open slat conveyor to thereby also permit trash to pass therethrough as will be appreciated by those skilled in the art.

The third or lifting conveyor128raises fruit from the intermediate conveyor126to the chute150that transfers the fruit to the trailer154. Mounted tangentially to the second conveyor126, the third conveyor128reduces the distance which would otherwise be required between the trailer154and the collector vehicle120while enabling the fruit to be raised sufficiently high to gravity discharge into the trailer. The third or lifting conveyor128is able to elevate the fruit at a much greater angle than other approaches and while significantly reducing the needed length.

The lifting conveyor128in some embodiments may include a positive drive turning two or more cogged belts with tangentially mounted cleats and flat bars, one drive, and three or more driven drums, not shown. The conveyor128may also include two side plates of sufficient size to be greater than the height to of the cleats. Unlike typical cleated belts, the lifting conveyor128may incorporate cleats with their upper extensions positioned toward the drive and/or driven shafts rather than away from the shafts, making the cleats on the inside portion of the belt. Mounted in parallel with the cleats, flat bars provide support for the fruit and contain the fruit within the conveyor128. Equally and sufficiently spaced, the cleats and flat bars, allow denser unwanted material such as stones or immature fruit to fall free and clear of the conveyor as will be appreciated by those skilled in the art. In other words, this arrangement allows unwanted material to fall freely from the conveyor128without being trapped as would otherwise occur with conventional conveyors.

With a shaft smaller than the drive wheels mounted onto the shaft, the belt146is positioned sufficiently far enough away from the outer surface of the drum152to allow passage of the cleat over the drum with sufficient distance to clear, while not allowing fruit held within the cleat and flat bars to be smashed against the drum. Fruit is carried by forward motion of the belt and cleat around and over and around the drive drum152at which point gravity overcomes this motion and allows the fruit to drop onto the chute150positioned adjacent the drive drum152and under the belt146at a sufficient angle to discharge the fruit. Fruit contacting the discharge chute150is removed by both gravity and the inertia of the moving fruit. While the chute150in this embodiment is constructed to discharge the fruit in the same direction of movement as the fruit entering the lift conveyor128, the arrangement is also capable of diverting fruit in the opposite direction.

Referring more specifically toFIG. 11B, prior to entering the lifting conveyor128, fruit from the second conveyor surface or belt140enters the combination of two or more brushes148a,148bas described above. Bristles on the brushes148a,148ballow denser material to fall between the brush shaft and the discharge of the discharge end138of the second conveyor126. Limbs, leaves and other undesirable material either too light to penetrate the bristles or too long to drop between the first brush148aand the discharge end138of the conveyor126are passed to an additional adjacent brush148b. This brush148b, also rotating in the direction of the fruit and unwanted material, enables fruit, which might have been carried over from the first brush148adue to excessive feeding, to fall into the third conveyor lower end142beneath the brushes.

Designed to interact with the first brush148a, the bristles of the second brush148bare of sufficient strength to keep lighter material from falling between the first and second brushes thus keeping the unwanted material out of the third conveyor lower end142below and continuing in a direction that takes the unwanted material out of the conveying system. A third brush, now shown, may be used where the width of the third conveyor lower end142is such that two brushes148a,148bare not fully capable of preventing the waste from dropping back into the third conveyor. This brush is also added where the amount of fruit entering the third conveyor128is of such capacity as to carry over both the first and second brushes148, thus increasing the area in which the fruit may be dropped into the lifting conveyor lower end142.

After passing through the area of the brushes148a,148b, fruit is deposited onto the lower end142beneath the brushes moving tangentially to the flow of fruit entering the brush area. Traveling at a speed sufficient to remove the fruit prior to overloading this conveyor128, the belt146is transferred from a horizontal plane to a vertical angle intended to raise the fruit in a vertical manner. Using a driven shaft whose drums are designed to maintain a distance sufficient to allow the fruit to pass around the shaft, the belt motion lifts the fruit using the cleats mounted to the belt as a support. When the slope of the belt is such that fruit may roll back, a panel is used to contain the fruit. The panel, typically belting material, can be supported by the side plates thus providing a gap sufficient to contain fruit, but not applying continuous pressure to the fruit as it is raised up the third conveyor128.

Design of the side plates is such that the fruit is prevented from moving to the portion of the belt146which is in contact with the drums of both the drive and driven shafts. This enables the drums to make contact with the belt146in such a manner as to provide either rotary motion or spacing depending if the drum is mounted to the drive or driven shaft.

The drive shaft of the lifting or third conveyor128is powered typically by a hydraulic motor sized to provide sufficient torque and speed to move the fruit. The brushes148a,148bmay either be driven independently, be driven by the lifting conveyor128, or be driven by the second feeding conveyor126by either a chain and sprocket or other means of transferring motion between conveyors shafts. In some embodiments, the brushes148a,148bare linked by chain so as to rotate at the same speed, and are driven by another chain and set of sprockets powered by the second conveyor's driven shaft.

Referring now additionally toFIGS. 12-16, the harvesting system30also includes a fruit trailer154. The fruit trailer154is movable with the collector vehicle120and can be positioned at the end of the collector vehicle120adjacent the third conveyor128to receive fruit from the discharge chute150of the third conveyor. Having collected the fruit, the fruit collection trailer154, as explained in greater detail below, periodically loads the fruit to a removal vehicle174that can carry the fruit to a harvest collection site. As also explained in greater detail below, the fruit collection trailer154is configured to collect a relatively large quantity of fruit. The fruit collection trailer154comprises an inclined conveyor168that loads the fruit into the removal vehicle without significant risk of bruising or damage to the skin of the fruit.

Were the harvested fruit to be loaded via conventional methods and devices, such as a bucket conveyor, the fruit could be easily damaged by the mechanical digging of the bucket into the heap of fruit. However, when use is made of an inclined conveyor168, it is possible to take advantage of gravity to load the inclined conveyor, making the use of buckets superfluous. The inclined conveyor168comprises rims or ridges170on an endless belt172, as will be readily understood by those skilled in the art. Thus, ridges170satisfactorily replace conventional buckets in the loading process.

Conveyors previously have not been practical for such use because they ordinarily require a large amount of space in which to operate. The fruit collection trailer154, however, overcomes the problem by stowing the conveyor vertically when it is not in use. When the conveyer168is in use, it is inclined by tilting the fruit collection trailer154, which in turn causes the fruit to move onto to the inclined conveyor to thereby unload fruit from the fruit collection trailer to a removal vehicle174.

The fruit collection trailer154further comprises a fruit container182and a hitch176is provided on a front end for connection to the collector vehicle120. A pivoting spout178is provided at the rear of the fruit container182. The fruit container182is illustratively provided by a four-sided, bottomed box. The four side portions comprise a front wall184, a back wall186, and opposing side walls188,190therebetween. The back wall186is about two and a half times as high as the opposite front wall184and the two opposite side walls188,190. The side walls188,190have a trapezoidal shape with a lower side as low as and coupled to the front wall184, and a higher side as high as and coupled to the back wall186. Each, however, is substantially perpendicular to the bottom portion192. The fruit container182is configured for minimal external dimensions and maximal internal fruit containment volume. Two wheels194are provided and restricted outside measurements prevent impediment of the trailer as it is maneuvered between rows of trees. In other embodiments, tracks may be substituted for the wheels194as will be appreciated by those skilled in the art.

The walls184,186,188,190of the container182are straight and keep the added length of the harvester and of the trailer154within a practical length limit (e.g., 2.8 m), while providing enough containment for the collected fruit. As desired, one or more of the walls of the container182may be inclined relative to the bottom192. Usually, the container182is filled with fruit to a level below or up to the height of the front wall184. The width of the fruit collector trailer154may be, for example, about 1.8 m.

After collecting fruit, the fruit trailer154is tilted backwards from the direction in which it is towed, thus pivoting about the two wheels194. The translation and tilting mechanisms are explained in detail below.

With the fruit collection trailer154tilted backwards, the fruit in the box182tends to establish a new fruit level. To prevent loss of collected fruit the back wall186is made higher than the opposite front wall184. This is the reason why it is advantageous for the two opposite side walls188,190to have a height ranging from the height of the front wall to the height of the back wall. The new fruit level, after tilting, now reaches to just below or up to the height of the back wall186.

The whole width of the back wall186spanning between the two opposite sidewalls188,190, is configured as a trailer-conveyor. In the collection configuration, when the fruit is conveyed into the fruit collection trailer154, the trailer, and, hence its conveyor168, are in a vertical position with respect to the surface on which the trailer is positioned. When the fruit collection trailer154is in the tilted position, however, the now inclined bottom portion192of the box182automatically loads the inclined conveyor168of the fruit collection trailer154by gravity.

When the fruit collection trailer154and its conveyor168are in the tilted position, a removal vehicle174, such as a flatbed truck, is positioned under the tilted fruit collection trailer154and its conveyor168to load fruit into the removal vehicle to be transported to a harvest collection site. When loading is completed, the tilted fruit collection trailer154is redressed to level position, with the difference that the box182of the fruit collection trailer is now empty.

Fruit collection beginning with the collection of fruit from the fruit harvester31through the loading of the removal vehicle174is cost-efficient for many reasons. For one thing, the fruit collection trailer154is highly maneuverable. For another, the volume of the fruit container182is large and does not impose frequent stops in the harvesting process for unloading. Moreover, the loading of a removal vehicle174such as a flatbed truck via a trailer-wide trailer having a conveyor is efficient so that the vehicle and the driver are not immobilized for long periods of time.

In symmetry about the width of the fruit container182, but below the frame196, a bi-directional, telescopic trailer boom198is retained to protrude ahead of the front wall184in parallel to the bottom192of the container.

The trailer boom198illustratively includes of two portions capable of relative longitudinally aligned translation. A first portion, extendable out and retractable into the boom198, is a freely suspended portion200, or piston, engaged with the second portion of the boom204, which is the outer portion, or cylinder. The boom198may have a circular, rectangular, or any practical cross-section, as will be readily understood by one skilled in the art.

At the free end extremity208of the piston200, a female hitch coupling210is fixedly retained to couple with a male hitch coupling. The cylinder back extremity206which is the closed end of the cylinder204is below the bottom192of the container182, and is pivotally coupled to the bottom by a boom pivot212, located about a fourth of the length of the fruit collection trailer154behind the front wall184. The boom pivot212is restrained to motion in a vertical plane. The trailer boom198forms a bi-directional power jack that, as will be readily appreciated by those skilled in the art, can be driven hydraulically or powered by an alternate source. The power source may be situated in and controlled from the collector vehicle42as it drives the fruit trailer154within a fruit grove.

By command, the piston200may be extended out of the cylinder204to distance the fruit collection trailer154away from the fruit collector44, which is used to load the fruit collection trailer154as both are driven by the collector vehicle42. The distance can be about 30 to 40 cm, for example. This means that the distance between the fruit collector44and the front wall184of the fruit collection trailer154is augmented without disconnecting the hitch210. Likewise, retraction of the piston200into the cylinder204returns the container182to the collection configuration.

By translational action of the trailer boom198, the open top portion of the container182can be positioned, for example, beneath the discharge chute150to readily receive fruit therefrom and then in a reverse operation be cleared from beneath the discharge chute (FIGS.14and15).

For the sake of lateral rigidity, the cylinder204, which protrudes ahead of the front wall184, is stiffened by two arms214, with each arm being fixedly attached on each side of the cylinder204and in a plane parallel to the bottom192. While retained at a first end to the cylinder204, each arm214is pivotally coupled to pivot in the vertical plane at arm ears218(only one of which is shown) that are solidly affixed below the frame196along the respective sidewalls188,190. The trailer boom198, pivotally coupled by the boom pivot212, and in alignment with both arm ears218relative to the bottom192, is thus capable of pivoting relative to the plane of that floor, when the container182is tilted.

Another bi-directional power jack, defining an incline jack220, is mounted in parallel with the cylinder204, adjacent and above the cylinder. The incline jack220comprises a jack piston222and jack cylinder224, the jack piston engaging the jack cylinder (shown in an extended position inFIG. 15) in relative longitudinally aligned translation. The incline jack220can be powered, for example, by an energy source (not shown) located on and controlled from the collection vehicle42. The front end of the jack piston222is pivotally coupled to a pair of parallel front ears226fixedly retained just above the cylinder front extremity to pivot in the vertical plane. Likewise, the rear extremity of the jack cylinder224is pivotally coupled to jack ears228attached in the middle of the bottom portion of the front wall184, for pivoting in the vertical plane (FIG.13).

When extended, the incline jack220exerts a rearward moment about the wheel pivots230or axle, of both wheels194, forcing the front wall184to lift while the back wall186descends. At the same time, as described above, the trailer boom198pivots relatively to the bottom192that slopes rearwards. The incline jack220is thus able to both tilt the fruit collection trailer154backwards and redress it to level condition. The angle of tilt is about 35° relative to the horizon. This means that the trailer conveyor168forming the back wall186, passes from a vertical position in the collection configuration, to an inclination of 35° in the loading position, and so tilts the floor192. Fruit collected inside the box182, tends to level and, thus, when the fruit collection trailer154is tilted to the loading configuration, fruit descends along the floor192to the conveyor168. The net result is that fruit is loaded by gravity onto the now inclined trailer conveyor168.

The trailer conveyor168, as noted above, comprises an endless conveyor belt170running about two rollers (not shown) that are located respectively at the bottom and at the top of the trailer conveyor. Power for motion of the conveyor belt can be provided by and controlled from the collection vehicle42.

The conveyor belt170spans the inside width of the box182and, as also noted above, is provided with ribs172, that are semi-rigid, flexible, and protruding in perpendicular to the surface of the conveyor belt. The conveyor belt170is thus able to prevent harm to the skin of the fruit by imparting an inclination for gently loading the fruit by gravity, as opposed to forced loading, such as with conveyor belts using solid ribs or buckets.

When the fruit collection trailer154is filled with fruit and resides in the titled loading configuration at an angle of 35°, the force exerted by the weight of the fruit on the trailer conveyor168equals the sine of the angle times the weight of the fruit load. As the sine of 35° equals 0.57, a weight of about 60% of the fruit weight may load the trailer conveyor168, demanding a relatively large conveyor power. To relieve that otherwise large load on the trailer conveyor168, a pair of baffles232are illustratively installed inside the container182in front of the trailer conveyor and rising from the bottom192up to a horizontal strut234crossing the width of the container182. The vertical baffles232are illustratively V-shaped, with the bottom of the V facing the front, to allow fruit to pass from either side therefrom and thereby reach the trailer conveyor168.

Alternatively, as will be readily appreciated by one skilled in the art, the vertical baffles may be curved or otherwise shaped so long as fruit is able to reach the trailer conveyor168. The horizontal strut234, which is anchored between both side walls188,190, is merely a strengthening element supporting the vertical baffles232. In the tilted loading configuration, the vertical baffles232carry a large portion of the load of the fruit, and allow some of the fruit to pass aside those vertical baffles and to cover the surface of the conveyor belt168with a diminished weight of fruit.

It becomes now possible to operate the conveyor168with much reduced power requirements since only the fruit behind the vertical baffles232reaches the conveyor belt to load the trailer conveyor168. Experience has shown, however, that for at least certain fruit, the baffles232may not be necessary. The explanation may reside in the shape and consistency of the fruit involved in the loading of the trailer conveyor168. Although a large normal loading force is exerted on the conveyor168, the fruit features perhaps a coefficient of rolling, in contrast with a coefficient of friction. It is probable that a difference of at least one order of magnitude being a multiplicand of the normal load coefficient explains why the baffles232may be deleted.

The elongated spout178is added to ensure a better distribution of the fruit being loaded in the flatbed removal truck174. The spout178is pivotally connected adjacent the top of the trailer conveyor168, for erection and folding by a mechanical, electrical, hydraulic, or other powering source readily known to those skilled in the art.

For loading fruit then, the fruit container182is first tilted before a flatbed truck174approaches and maneuvers under the spout178, which spreads the fruit about evenly in the flatbed. However, if so desired, the spout178may be omitted, for the removal vehicle174may be loaded directly from the trailer conveyor168without the use of the spout. Deletion of the spout178saves the need for erecting the spout before the removal vehicle174approaches, and folding it after the removal vehicle departs and before the fruit collection trailer154is redressed.

It is understood that the control of the various configurations and operation of the fruit trailer154are well known to those skilled in the art and, therefore, need not be described in more detail here.

It will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art, that the translation and the tilting mechanisms may be implemented in various ways known to the art, which may include the use of a single power jack to both translate and tilt the fruit trailer. Additional features and advantages are described in a copending application filed concurrently herewith and assigned to the assignee of the present invention: “FRUIT HARVESTER INCLUDING TELESCOPING BOOM AND RELATED METHODS”, having attorney work docket no. 12614/56056, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. Accordingly, many modifications and other embodiments of the invention will come to the mind of one skilled in the art having the benefit of the teachings presented in the foregoing descriptions and the associated drawings. Therefore, it is to be understood that the invention is not to be limited to the specific embodiments disclosed, and that modifications and other embodiments are intended to be included within the scope of the appended claims.