The present invention relates to a harvesting machine comprising a shaking mechanism operable to shake fruit or nuts from a tree or bush; a deflection plate for directing the fruit or nuts to an area away from the base of the tree or bush; and a device for moving fruit or nuts from the base of the tree or bush to the area away from the base of the tree or bush. The deflection plate may be positioned at an angle of between 0 to about 75 relative to the horizontal.

A harvesting device for harvesting fruit hanging from a plant, includes a frame which is displaceable in a transport direction and carries a loop-like conveyor track which can be driven in circular manner, and at least one harvesting bin connected to the conveyor track. The conveyor track lies in a plane which is substantially parallel to the transport direction and which lies at a first acute angle to the horizon in a direction transversely of the transport direction during normal use of the harvesting device. A method for harvesting fruit hanging from a plant, wherein the harvesting device is used.

An apparatus for harvesting small fruit detached from fruit trees or bushes has a tarpaulin, a winding shaft fastened to a proximal end of the tarpaulin, a first bearing structure supporting the winding shaft, a rotary drive motor coupled to the winding shaft, at least one band having bending and shape memory, a winding drum connected to one end of the band, and a second bearing structure supporting the winding drum. The band has an end connected to the distal end of the tarpaulin. A distal end of the band pushes the distal end of the tarpaulin so as to move the tarpaulin away from the winding shaft so as to deploy the tarpaulin above the ground.

The berry catcher system has an elastic catcher sheet that is sandwiched between upper and lower endless hollow rims. A protector sheet is deployed below the catcher sheet. The system is structured so that as berries are dislodged from their respective vines, the catcher sheet catches the berries as the protector sheet simultaneously protects (at least) the underside of the catcher sheet.

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.

The invention concerns a harvesting unit including two shaker devices, and two collecting mats disposed under respectively one shaker device, each being formed by a longitudinal alignment of collecting modules that longitudinally overlap on one another, and transversely overlapping on one another at their inward edges to form therebetween a path for the passage of the trunks of the plants, each collecting module comprising a collecting member that presents an upper wall forming a part of the corresponding mat and is arranged to move away from the path upon bearing contact with a trunk, each collecting module further comprising a reinforcing member of the upper wall against deformations thereof along a direction normal to the upper wall, the reinforcing member being arranged to move away from the path upon bearing contact with a trunk.

A harvesting machine comprising a shaking mechanism operable to shake fruit or nuts from a tree or bush; a deflection plate for directing the fruit or nuts to an area away from the base of the tree or bush; and a device for moving fruit or nuts from the base of the tree or bush to the area away from the base of the tree or bush is disclosed. The deflection plate may be positioned at an angle of between 0 to about 75 relative to the horizontal.

A tomato catcher device having an outer rectangular plastic frame and an inner ultra-violet resistant netting with a rectangular cut-out in the center to allow a tomato or cucumber plant to grow up and through. The center rectangle cut-out is surrounded by flanges that rest against the plant to help shield the plant's produce from falling through the center net hole and onto the ground, thereby preventing the produce from rotting.

The berry catcher system has an elastic catcher sheet that is sandwiched between upper and lower endless hollow rims. A protector sheet is deployed below the catcher sheet. The system is structured so that as berries are dislodged from their respective vines, the catcher sheet catches the berries as the protector sheet simultaneously protects (at least) the underside of the catcher sheet.

Systems, device, and methods for harvesting fruits or nuts are disclosed. A two-piece harvester is disclosed that mitigates dust associated with harvesting fruits and nuts. The two-piece harvester may include a shaker configured to shake a tree and cause the fruits or nuts to fall and a receiver configured to collect the fallen fruits or nuts and deposit the fruits or nuts on the ground. The shaker may be configured to couple with trees having a low crotch height, and may include a blower to direct material off of the shaker and onto the receiver. The receiver may include a hopper configured to receive fruits or nuts from a conveyor and control a rate of deposition of the fruits or nuts onto the ground. The receiver may include a windrowing device configured to prepare the ground prior to creation of a windrow and control a size of a windrow.