Mechanical Produce Harvester

Abstract

A mechanical harvester for harvesting a produce with a stem / core planted in a field is provided. The mechanical harvester includes a chassis, and a cutting device and a transport assembly connected to the chassis. The cutting device is configured to cut the stem / core of the produce. The transport assembly is configured to transport the cut product using a movable first belt with a first set of produce grippers and a movable second belt with a second set of produce grippers. When the produce is held between the first set and second set of produce grippers, a portion of the first set of produce grippers opposes a portion of the second set of produce grippers. The opposing produce grippers are configured to compress and exert a force on the produce to hold the produce between the movable first and second belts.

Description

BACKGROUND[0001]1. Field[0002]The present application relates to an apparatus and method for mechanically harvesting agricultural products and, more particularly, to a mechanical harvester for harvesting produce having a stem / core, which is planted in a field, such as iceberg lettuce, romaine lettuce, celery, and cabbage.[0003]2. Description of the Related Art[0004]Typically, harvesting of produce having a stem or core, such as romaine lettuce, iceberg lettuce, celery, and cabbage, in the field is predominately done by hand. The harvesting procedure involves several steps. These steps include a person cutting the stem / core of the produce while the produce is planted in the ground, and placing the cut produce on a moving platform for subsequent processing and packing. Further, in some instances, the core of the produce is removed or extracted from the leaves by hand. This step is often performed by packers that sell prepared lettuce or prepackaged salad mixes.[0005]Previously, harves...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0006]In one exemplary embodiment, a mechanical harvester for harvesting produce with a stem or core planted in a field is provided. The mechanical harvester includes a chassis, and a cutting device and a transport assembly connected to the chassis. The cutting device is configured to cut the stem or core of the produce. The transport assembly is configured to transport the produce cut by the cutting device. The transport assembly includes a movable first belt and a movable second belt. The

Problems solved by technology

These gripping mechanisms may pierce and damage the produce as it is transported by the conveyor belt.

Produce, particularly headed lettuces such as iceberg and romaine lettuces, are susceptible to damage by teeth or pins as gripping mechanisms for transport.

Images