Tree harvester trunk seal

Abstract

A device for maintaining a seal between a first object and a second object is disclosed. The device comprises a retractable arm mounted to and extending from the first object towards the second object. The device also comprises a sealing arrangement mounted at a distal end of the retractable arm. The sealing arrangement includes a sealing member and a sensor configured to engage the second object and provide input to the retractable arm so as to maintain a predetermined distance between the distal end of the retractable arm and the second object. As a result, a seal is formed and maintained between the first object and the second object. In one particular embodiment, the disclosure relates to a harvester for gathering product from one or more plants. The harvester comprises a drive mechanism, a retractable conveyor mounted to and extending from the drive mechanism towards the plant, and a sealing arrangement mounted at a distal end of the retractable arm. The sealing arrangement includes a sealing member and sensor configured to engage the plants and provide input to the retractable conveyor so as to maintain a predetermined distance between the distal end of the retractable arm and the second object. As a result, a seal is formed and maintained between the first object and the second object.

We claim:  
     
         1 . A harvester for gathering produce from one or more plants, the harvester comprising: 
 (a) a drive mechanism for automatically advancing the harvester along a first direction relative to the plants;    (b) a retractable conveyor mounted to and extending from the drive mechanism towards the plant, the retractable conveyor being selectively positionable between a first position and a second position; and    (c) a sealing arrangement mounted at a distal end of the retractable conveyor; the sealing arrangement including an integral sensor input and sealing assembly arranged between the harvester and at least one of the plants configured to engage at least one of the plants and provide input to the retractable conveyor so as to maintain a predetermined distance between the distal end of the retractable conveyor and at least one corresponding plant, thereby forming a seal between the harvester and each corresponding plant.    
     
     
         2 . The harvester according to  claim 1 , wherein the retractable conveyor is constructed and arranged to extend between and engage at least two plants positioned along a row in a direction parallel to the first direction.  
     
     
         3 . The harvester according to  claim 1 , wherein each integral sensor input and sealing assembly is spring biased to engage the lower portion of the plants as the harvester travels along the first direction.  
     
     
         4 . The harvester according to  claim 1 , wherein at least one of the integral sensor input and sealing assemblies is coupled to a rotary switch capable of extending the retractable conveyor when each of the pivot plates coupled to the rotary switch are fully extended.  
     
     
         5 . The harvester according to  claim 1 , wherein at least one of the integral sensor input and sealing assemblies is coupled to a rotary switch capable of retracting the retractable conveyor when at least one of the pivot plates coupled to the rotary switch is at least partially rotated.  
     
     
         6 . A fruit harvester for maintaining a seal between the harvester and a second object, the harvester being configured to move relative to the second object, the harvester comprising: 
 (a) a retractable arm mounted to and extending from the harvester towards the second object; the retractable arm being selectively positionable between a first position and a second position; and    (b) a sealing arrangement mounted at a distal end of the retractable arm; the sealing arrangement including: 
 a plurality of overlapping pivot assemblies pivotably mounted along the distal end of the retractable arm, the plurality of overlapping pivot assemblies being constructed and arranged to accommodate the second object as the harvester travels along a first direction;  
 wherein each of the pivot assemblies is biased to engage the second object as the harvester travels along the first direction and wherein at least one of the pivot assemblies is coupled to a switch configured to provide input to the retractable arm to maintain a predetermined distance between the distal end of the retractable arm and the second object, thereby maintaining the seal between the harvester and the second object.  
   
     
     
         7 . A harvester for maintaining a seal between the harvester and a second object, the harvester being configured to move relative to the second object, the harvester comprising: 
 (a) a retractable arm mounted to and extending from the harvester towards the second object; the retractable arm being selectively positionable between a first position and a second position; and    (b) a sealing and sensing arrangement mounted at a distal end of the retractable arm; the sealing and sensing arrangement including: 
 a plurality of engagement assemblies mounted along the distal end of the retractable arm to accommodate the second object as the harvester travels along a first direction, wherein at least one of the engagement assemblies is coupled to a control providing input to the retractable arm to maintain a predetermined distance between the distal end of the retractable arm and the second object, thereby maintaining the seal between the harvester and the second object.  
   
     
     
         8 . The harvester according to  claim 7 , wherein the control comprises a rotatable switch.  
     
     
         9 . The harvester according to  claim 7 , wherein the engagement assemblies are overlapping.  
     
     
         10 . A method for maintaining a seal between a harvester and a second object, the harvester having a retractable arm mounted to and extending from the harvester; the retractable arm being selectively positionable between a first position and a second position; a sealing and sensing arrangement mounted at a distal end of the retractable arm; the sealing and sensing arrangement including a plurality of engagement assemblies mounted along the distal end of the retractable arm; the method comprising the steps of: 
 advancing the harvester along a first direction so that the engagement assemblies accommodate the second object;    providing a control coupled to at least one of the engagement assemblies providing input to the retractable arm; wherein the control automatically moves the retractable arm in response to a position of the at least one engagement assembly and maintains a predetermined distance between the distal end of the retractable arm and the second object, thereby maintaining the seal between the harvester and the second object.    
     
     
         11 . A method according to  claim 10 , wherein the control comprises a rotatable switch.  
     
     
         12 . A method according to  claim 10 , wherein the engagement assemblies are overlapping.