| 摘要 |
Method for the automated harvesting of headed row crops, including lettuce, optionally leaving at least the crop root in the ground, and an apparatus to practice the method. The present invention provides a methodology to locate crop stems, separate the outer leaves from the head, grip the stem and harvest the head. Gripping the stem is accomplished with at least one pneumatic gripping bladder. Substantially simultaneous to gripping the head, the head is separated from the core and stem. One method to accomplish this separation is by means of a pair of differential pneumatic bladders which frees the head from the core at the center of the head, leaving the core and the outer leaves attached to the stem and root. Alternatively, a second separation method taught herein is the application of a downward force applied to the top of the head by a pneumatic bladder. The two separation schemes may be used conjointly or in the alternative. As a further alternative, the present invention teaches a harvesting method which cuts the stem at the core, leaving the core within the head and the outer leaves attached to the stem and root. Any combination of these harvesting methods may be implemented on a produce harvester constructed according to the principles of the present invention. The operator can switch at will to either harvesting method. After harvesting, a conveyor means removes the produce to a bin or other receptacle.
|
