Pepper harvesting apparatus
US4395867A · kind A · utility
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | May 19, 1981 |
| Grant date | Aug 2, 1983 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | May 19, 2001 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA01D45/00
- WIPO fieldOther special machines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A device is described suitable for harvesting peppers and other vegetables which grow on short bushes or vines close to the ground. Thus, a pepper picker sits on the seat in close proximity to the plants, while the device is in straddle position relative to the row. The pickers then are able to select the ripe fruits from the bush leaving the half-ripe or green fruit to mature further. A pair of belt conveyors are diagonally disposed with the inlet portion directly in front of the seat to a discharge portion near the top for discharge into a receptacle. Due to the extremely low profile of the device, the center of gravity is low so that the device can be used in rocky and hilly terrain. Further, through the means of the lift on the tractor, the device can be raised or lowered, depending upon the height of the plants, fulcruming around the axle of the wheel in the extreme rear of the device. Thus, the device can be lowered or raised so as to compensate for lower or taller plants. Because of the small size, the low profile and the extreme maneuverability of the device, the peppers or other fruits can be harvested with essentially no damage to the crop.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.