Frank W Garner Deceased425 E 400 N, Rupert, ID 83350

RE34855, Feb 14, 1995

Sep 1, 1992

7/938601

Frank D. Garner - Rupert ID

A01D 2304
A01D 3466
A01D 4530

56 139

A device and method for automated, mechanical harvesting of plants having differing heights and stem lengths, wherein a stem portion of the plant must be severed at a uniform, predetermined length from the top of the plant. The inventive method comprises the steps of (i) guiding the stems of the plants into a first severing blade (ii) severing a lower portion of the stems at an excess length to the free the plant from its root and form a precut stem length greater than the predetermined length required for the harvested plant, (iii) guiding the precut stem along a guide track toward a second severing blade which is positioned at a separation distance below the guide track which will cause severance of the stem at the predetermined length, (iv) vertically positioning the precut stem within the guide track such that the top of the plant is at a predetermined elevation with respect to the second severing blade, and (v) severing an additional portion of the stem from the plant by advancing the vertically positioned precut stem to the second severing blade to yield a harvested plant having a uniform, predetermined stem length. Structural components for implementing these steps are disclosed as well as the features of a conveyor belt useful for controlling stem movement, orientation and position displacement through the process.

5058369, Oct 22, 1991

Oct 3, 1990

7/592361

Frank D. Garner - Rupert ID

A01D 2304
A01D 3466
A01D 4530

56 139

A device and method for automated, mechanical harvesting of plants having differing heights and stem lengths, wherein a stem portion of the plant must be severed at a uniform, predetermined length from the top of the plant. The inventive method comprises the steps of (i) guiding the stems of the plants into a first severing blade (ii) severing a lower portion of the stems at an excess length to the free the plant from its root and form a precut stem length greater than the predetermined length required for the harvested plant, (iii) guiding the precut stem along a guide track toward a second severing blade which is positioned at a separation distance below the guide track which will cause severance of the stem at the predetermined length, (iv) vertically positioning the precut stem within the guide track such that the top of the plant is at a predetermined elevation with respect to the second severing blade, and (v) severing an additional portion of the stem from the plant by advancing the vertically positioned precut stem to the second severing blade to yield a harvested plant having a uniform, predetermined stem length. Structural components for implementing these steps are disclosed as well as the features of a conveyor belt useful for controlling stem movement, orientation and position displacement through the process.

5154281, Oct 13, 1992

Jul 22, 1991

7/733648

Frank D. Garner - Rupert ID

B65G 1302

1986991

A device and method for automated, mechanical harvesting of plants having differing heights and stem lengths, wherein a stem portion of the plant must be severed at a uniform, predetermined length from the top of the plant. The inventive method comprises the steps of (i) guiding the stems of the plants into a first severing blade (ii) severing a lower portion of the stems at an excess length to free the plant from its root and form a precut stem length greater than the predetermined length required for the harvested plant, (iii) guiding the precut stem along a guide track toward a second severing blade which is positioned at a separation distance below the guide track which will cause severance of the stem at the predetermined length, (iv) vertically positioning the precut stem within the guide track such that the top of the plant is at a predetermined elevation with respect to the second severing blade, and (v) severing an additional portion of the stem from the plant by advancing the vertically positioned precut stem to the second severing blade to yield a harvested plant having a uniform, predetermined stem length. Structural components for implementing these steps are disclosed as well as the features of a conveyor belt useful for controlling stem movement, orientation and position displacement through the process.