Variable force shaker
First Claim
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1. A variable force shaking head comprising:
- means for rotating an eccentrically weighted member about a shaft having an axis;
means for supporting a movable weight on said eccentrically weighted member, andmeans for moving said movable weight about said axis between a position in balance with said eccentrically weighted member for precluding shaking about said axis, and a plurality of selected unbalanced positions about said axis to impart a shaking action of different insensities to said shaft.
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Abstract
A variable force tree shaker is disclosed including a rotatable housing supporting a weight fixed to the housing and a movable weight, with the movable weight being capable of being moved between a balanced position and a plurality of unbalanced positions while the housing is rotating at a shaking speed. Hydraulic fluid is controllably directed into the housing between the fixed and movable weights to move the movable weight while the housing is rotating.
31 Citations
15 Claims
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1. A variable force shaking head comprising:
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means for rotating an eccentrically weighted member about a shaft having an axis; means for supporting a movable weight on said eccentrically weighted member, and means for moving said movable weight about said axis between a position in balance with said eccentrically weighted member for precluding shaking about said axis, and a plurality of selected unbalanced positions about said axis to impart a shaking action of different insensities to said shaft. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5)
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6. A variable force shaking head comprising:
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means for rotating an eccentrically weighted member about a shaft having an axis; means for supporting a movable weight on said eccentrically weighted member, means for moving said movable weight about said axis between a position in balance with said eccentrically weighted member for precluding shaking about said axis, and a plurality of selected unbalanced positions about said axis to impart a shaking action of different intensities to said shaft;
wherein said eccentrically weighted member is a rotatable housing secured to said shaft and having a fixed weight rigidly secured thereto, said fixed weight and said movable weight being of the same magnitude, and power means for controllably moving said movable weight between said in balanced position and said plurality of selected unbalanced positions. - View Dependent Claims (7, 8, 9)
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10. A variable force shaking head comprising:
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means defining a rotatable shaft having fluid flow passages therein; means defining a rotatable housing secured in fluid sealed engagement to said shaft for rotation therewith; means defining a fixed weight secured to and in fluid sealed engagement relative to said rotatable housing and said shaft; means defining a movable weight in fluid sealed engagement with said rotatable housing and said shaft; and means for directing hydraulic fluid into said rotatable housing between said fixed weight and said movable weight for selectively moving said movable weight between a balanced position for providing shake free rotation of the shaking head, and a plurality of unbalanced positions for providing a plurality of shaking forces of different magnitude when the shaft is driven. - View Dependent Claims (11, 12)
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13. An apparatus for shaking product from plants such as trees having a clamping and shaking assembly adapted to be clamped to a tree;
- the improvement which comprises;
means defining an upper and lower stationary housing rigidly secured to said clamping and shaking assembly; a shaft journaled in said stationary housing for rotation therein about an axis; operator controlled first power means for driving said shaft and stopping the rotation of said shaft, means defining upper and lower rotatable housings rigidly secured to said shaft for rotation within said associated upper and lower stationary housings; means defining upper and lower fixed weights rigidly secured to said upper and lower rotatable housing and in fluid sealed relationship thereto; means defining upper and lower movable weights of the same size and weight as said fixed weights being movably received and sealed to said associated upper and lower rotatable housings, said upper and lower movable weights being movable between a balanced position diametrically opposed to the associated upper and lower fixed weights and a plurality of unbalanced positions; abutment means in said upper and lower rotatable housings for engaging and maintaining said movable weights in said balanced position when urged in one direction; and second operator control power means for maintaining said movable weights against said abutment means when clamping and unclamping said shaking assembly to the plants, and for moving said movable weights to desired ones of said unbalanced positions when shaking produce from the plants.
- the improvement which comprises;
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14. A variable force shaking method which comprises the steps of:
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rotating an eccentrically weighted member about a shaft having an axis; supporting a movable weight on said eccentrically weighted member; and moving said movable weight about said axis while said shaft is being rotated between a position in balance with said eccentrically weighted member for precluding shaking about said axis, and a plurality of selected unbalanced positions about said axis for imparting shaking forces of different intensities to the shaft. - View Dependent Claims (15)
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Specification