Tree-shaking apparatus with direction and frequency optimization capability

Abstract

A tree-shaking apparatus that includes a pair of vibration units whose eccentric rotators turn at identical speeds but in opposite directions. During operation, rotation of the eccentric members is coordinated by a controller such that their asymmetric portions align at two diametrically opposed points but lie precisely out of phase during the remainder of the rotation cycle. This action causes the tree to shake along a single axis, specified by the chosen alignment of the rotators, with vibratory forces along all other directions canceling out. A controller systematically alters the direction and frequency of shaking and monitors the resulting change in vibration amplitude, selecting, as a final shaking axis and frequency, those which correspond to the largest amplitude.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.