The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Apr. 18, 1995
Filed:
Dec. 09, 1993
Matti Laserson, Golden Beach, FL (US);
Eitan Zehavi, Kiriat Tivon, IL;
Other;
Abstract
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.