Other

Matti Laserson

Eitan Zehavi

Steven J Frank

A compliant engagement member for use with tree-shaking apparatus that resists deformation along the axis of vibration, thereby avoiding dissipation of vibrational energy, yet allows sufficient off-axis deformation to prevent slippage and consequent abrasion of the tree. The engagement member includes a pouch for containing a variable amount of a liquid lubricant; means for conducting a liquid lubricant to and from the pouch; and means for flexibly coupling the pouch to the tree-shaking apparatus. The invention preferably also includes a blanket surrounding at least part of the pouch and frictionally engaging both the pouch and the tree, adding further resistance to slippage against (and consequent injury to) the tree. Lateral inward movement of the shaking device compresses the lubricant pouch against the interior of the contact blanket. The pouch either releases lubricant or is packed sufficiently tightly with lubricant to resist deformation as a result of this compression. However, the pouch and the flexible connections accommodate deformation in the direction transverse to the axis of vibration, thereby absorbing transverse movement and preventing its transmission to the tree. The contact blanket frictionally engages both the pouch and the tree, adding further resistance to slippage against (and consequent injury to) the tree.

Compliant engagement member with flexible coupling for use with

A transfer station for collecting and transferring harvested material to large transport vehicles includes a hopper, in which harvested material accumulates, supported on a rigid frame. The hopper may be elevated from a lower 'collection' height to an upper 'transfer' height that facilitates release of harvested material into the transport vehicle. In one embodiment, the contents of the hopper are poured into a collection vehicle by tilting the entire transfer-station frame. In a second embodiment of the invention, the transfer-station frame does not tilt. Instead, the hopper is equipped with a sloped floor member. When lifted vertically and positioned over a collection vehicle, the hopper discharges by gravity as soon as an opening is established at the base of the slope.

Harvesting, collection and transfer apparatus

A compliant engagement member for use with tree-shaking apparatus that resists deformation along the axis of vibration, thereby avoiding dissipation of vibrational energy, yet allows sufficient off-axis deformation to prevent slippage and consequent abrasion of the tree. The engagement member of the present invention preferably includes a rigid shaker pad; a sling that retains the shaker pad against the arm of a shaking device; a sealed, lubricant-filled pouch, extending from the sling; and a contact blanket, which is draped over the pouch and makes contact with the tree. In operation, lateral inward movement of the shaking device compresses the lubricant pouch against the interior of the contact blanket. The pouch is packed sufficiently tightly with lubricant to resist deformation as a result of this compression. However, the pouch accommodates deformation in the direction transverse to the axis of vibration, thereby absorbing transverse movement and preventing its transmission to the tree. The contact blanket frictionally engages both the pouch and the tree, adding further resistance to slippage against (and consequent injury to) the tree.

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Golden Beach, FL, United States of America

Matti Laserson