Automatic cutting device

Abstract

The present invention pertains to an automatic cutting device which can be utilized for cutting woody plant material (e.g., stem, stalk). The subject device can comprise a housing having a fixed blade attached thereto. A movable blade, pivotally connected to the fixed blade, can be attached to an activating device for movement. The activating device is preferably a pushrod activated by an electrical solenoid which produces the force necessary to push the movable blade against the fixed blade in a cutting action. A spring can be used to return the movable blade to the open position between cuts. The solenoid can be activated by a switching means which is triggered by a lever device located in close proximity to the cutting portion of the blades. In a specific embodiment, as the stem is lowered, the lever is depressed which triggers the switch to activate the solenoid. The solenoid forces the push rod to push the movable blade against the fixed blade in a single cutting action to cut the stem. The movable blade then returns to the open position via a spring means.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.