Patent ID: 8312701

Claim:
A mechanical harvester for harvesting and decoring a produce planted in a field, the produce having a core, a stem, and roots extending from the stem when the produce is growing in the ground, the mechanical harvester comprising: a chassis; a positioning apparatus configured to position the produce in the ground for harvesting and decoring, wherein the positioning apparatus comprises: a first positioning arm; and a second positioning arm, wherein each of the first and second positioning arms has a straight section and a bent section, and wherein the bent sections of the first and second positioning arms are bent away from each other; a decoring device configured to sever the core of the produce while the produce is in the ground, wherein the decoring device comprises: a first blade connected to the first positioning arm; and a second blade connected to the second positioning arm, wherein the first blade and the second blade are configured in an inverted V-shape to sever the core of the produce; and a transport assembly comprising one or more moveable belts, configured to lift the cut produce from the ground, and transport the cut produce to a processing unit or a storage container, wherein the positioning apparatus, the decoring device, and the transport assembly are connected to the chassis.