Lettuce harvesting method
OwnerFrank J. Maconachy, David Offerdahl +1inventors
InventorsFrank J. Maconachy, David Offerdahl, Chris Garnett
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Abstract
A mobile harvesting method, which permits the automated harvesting of produce, preferably lettuce. The apparatus consists in its most basic form of a vehicle having a bandsaw positioned at a front portion thereof, the blade of which is positioned to slice the lettuce head at the desired location. The apparatus further includes a conveyor that transports the harvested produce from the cutting site and onto the apparatus. Preferably, the apparatus additionally features a washing conveyor, washing station, inspection station, and elevator conveyor, to assist in the further processing of harvested produce.
Claims1
A method of harvesting produce comprising:
- providing a mobile harvesting apparatus travelling on a plurality of wheels and powered by an engine;
- wherein a bandsaw is positioned at a front portion of a feed conveyor located on said mobile harvesting apparatus;
- wherein said bandsaw has an exposed cutting blade located at an appropriate height for harvesting produce;
- wherein a lift conveyor is positioned on said mobile harvesting apparatus so as to receive harvested produce exiting said feed conveyor;
- wherein said lift conveyor is slidably retained on said mobile harvesting apparatus;
- wherein said lift conveyor and said feed conveyor are rotatably coupled to each other, so that sliding of said lift conveyor adjusts a vertical position of said bandsaw;
- harvesting produce with said bandsaw;
- receiving said harvested produce on said feed conveyor;
- and
- receiving said harvested produce, after it exists said feed conveyor, on said lift conveyor.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.