Patent ID: 8631635

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 a substantial portion of 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 angled towards each other to sever a substantial portion of the core of the produce while the produce is in the ground, and wherein a portion of the first positioning arm and a portion of the second positioning arm are in contact with the produce in the ground when the first blade and the second blade come in contact with the produce in the ground; 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.