Rail assembly 302 may comprise rail 322 mechanically coupled to oscillating members 305 and 307. In operation, oscillating members 305 and 307 may reciprocate about vertical axes 352 and 353 of vertical shafts 309 and 311, respectively. Reciprocation of the oscillating members may cause rail 322 to travel in arcuate paths 802 and 804. Arcuate paths 802 and 804 may be located in a two-dimensional plane that is perpendicular to vertical shafts 309 and 311. Rail 322 may impart a force on the trunk of a vine so as to dislodge the fruit from the vine.

Rail assembly 302 may comprise rail 322 mechanically coupled to oscillating members 305 and 307. In operation, oscillating members 305 and 307 may reciprocate about vertical axes 352 and 353 of vertical shafts 309 and 311, respectively. Reciprocation of the oscillating members may cause rail 322 to travel in arcuate paths 802 and 804. Arcuate paths 802 and 804 may be located in a two-dimensional plane that is perpendicular to vertical shafts 309 and 311. Rail 322 may impart a force on the trunk of a vine so as to dislodge the fruit from the vine.

A scale for a collecting pass-through table used in a small fruit harvesting machine has a plate and a stop rim affixed to the plate and extending upwardly above an upper face of the plate. The stop rim has a flexible lip that is elastically deformable. The stop rim extends in a direction outwardly of a free distal end of the plate. The stop rim has height that prevents the small fruit from moving beyond the free distal end of the plate. The stop rim has a forward end portion that is stiff. The stop rim is removably fastened to the plate at the free distal end thereof.

A scale for a collecting pass-through table used in a small fruit harvesting machine has a plate and a stop rim affixed to the plate and extending upwardly above an upper face of the plate. The stop rim has a flexible lip that is elastically deformable. The stop rim extends in a direction outwardly of a free distal end of the plate. The stop rim has height that prevents the small fruit from moving beyond the free distal end of the plate. The stop rim has a forward end portion that is stiff. The stop rim is removably fastened to the plate at the free distal end thereof.

A conveyor system includes a conveyor with openings, a conveyor motor coupled with the conveyor, and an agitator that is configured to impart an agitating motion to the conveyor motor to aid in the separation of materials.

An over the row berry harvester provides flexible cushioned elements and surfaces to limit bruising of the fruit harvested. A chassis defines a picking tunnel that passes over rows of plants. A picking system removes fruit from the plants as the harvester moves along the rows. A catching system configured to receive fruit removed from the plants. The catching system includes groups of catch assemblies with soft surfaces on each side of the picking tunnel, each of the catch assemblies at least partially overlapping adjacent catch assemblies. Each of the catch assemblies has a lightweight frame with an aperture and a membrane over molded to bond to the frame and extend across the aperture. The harvest also includes soft surfaces assemblies with membranes stretched between edge frame elements.

An over the row berry harvester provides flexible cushioned elements and surfaces to limit bruising of the fruit harvested. A chassis defines a picking tunnel that passes over rows of plants. A picking system removes fruit from the plants as the harvester moves along the rows. A catching system configured to receive fruit removed from the plants. The catching system includes groups of catch assemblies with soft surfaces on each side of the picking tunnel, each of the catch assemblies at least partially overlapping adjacent catch assemblies. Each of the catch assemblies has a lightweight frame with an aperture and a membrane over molded to bond to the frame and extend across the aperture. The harvest also includes soft surfaces assemblies with membranes stretched between edge frame elements.

A harvesting device for harvesting fruit hanging from a plant, includes a frame displaceable in a transport direction, at least one container displaceable relative to the frame in a direction of extension substantially transversely of the transport direction; and at least one catcher mounted on the at least one container. The at least one brush includes an arm extending substantially in the direction of extension from the container, and a number of bristles which are attached to the arm and extend substantially parallel to the transport direction. A method for harvesting such fruit, wherein use is made of the harvesting device.

A device which is suitable for harvesting fruit hanging from a plant at least having a mobile frame, which frame at least comprises two opposite, longitudinal sides for guiding fruit. The frame further comprises fruit collecting devices adjoining the first longitudinal side. At least one longitudinal side is provided with wirelike, flexible elements extending from the first longitudinal side, over which elements the fruit can be guided.

A device which is suitable for harvesting fruit hanging from a plant at least having a mobile frame, which frame at least comprises two opposite, longitudinal sides for guiding fruit. The frame further comprises fruit collecting devices adjoining the first longitudinal side. At least one longitudinal side is provided with wirelike, flexible elements extending from the first longitudinal side, over which elements the fruit can be guided.