Automated fruit harvesting apparatus

A harvesting apparatus for harvesting generally spherical fruit, the harvesting apparatus comprising:

• an elongated tubular body having a harvesting end and a discharge end, the harvesting end having a funnel-shaped orifice configured to guide pieces of fruit into the harvesting end and through the tubular body to the discharge end;
• a vacuum pump configured to draw air through the elongated tubular body from the harvesting end to the discharge end;
• a retractable throat, located within the harvesting end;
• a clamshell cutting device located within the harvesting end, the clamshell cutting device including a single pair of opposing blades, the opposing blades being substantially shaped as partial spheres, with cutting edges that can be brought together by a pivotal motion of the blades;
• a clamshell drive mechanism that can be actuated so as to cause the pair of opposing blades to pivot, thereby bringing their cutting edges together and then separating them;
• and
• a control unit including:
• an air pressure sensor configured to sense a reduction of air pressure within the elongated tubular body;
• a first actuator configured to actuate the clamshell drive mechanism;
• and
• a second actuator configured to cause the retractable throat to retract sufficient to allow a piece of fruit to pass through the tubular body to the discharge end.