PNEUMATIC COLLECTION AND/OR CONVEYING METHOD AND APPARATUS

摘要

Pneumatic harvesting apparatus (11) includes a means such as a venturi for creating a vacuum or partial vacuum that communicates with one or more collection ducts (12). Ducts (12) are mounted so that their open outer ends (13) can be positioned adjacent to a tree, bush or shrub (14) from which fruit or other produce is to be harvested under the influence of the vacuum. Outer end (13) of duct (12) may be flared or of any other form that will facilitate harvesting, and may also be cushioned to prevent damage to the harvested fruit. Ducts (12) may be rigid, semi-rigid or flexible and include a support means to selectively move ducts (12) towards or away from tree (14). The inner ends of ducts (12) communicate with collection bin (15) which collects the harvested fruit.