Analysis of a Reciprocating Panel Fruit Lowering Device

Abstract

ABSTRACT FREQUENTLY it is necessary to lower objects from an upper level to a lower level at a rapid rate without damage to the objects at the discharge end. Many materials, objects and products are lowered purely by free fall. This is satisfactory for objects that can survive large impact forces without damage. With biological products, (apples, cherries, eggs, peaches, pears, etc.), impacts can result in significant damage which causes loss of quality, loss of product and an economic loss. In the development of a fresh market apple harvester it was necessary to produce a compact high capacity lowering conveyor for trans-port of fruit into a container and onto a horizontal conveyor. A further need in the harvester development was to accomplish this fruit transport with a minimum of fruit damage. Although the motivation for developing the lowering conveyor stemmed from the apple harvester development, the resulting device has application in other materials handling situations. The focus of application is now on handling apples, but obviously could be extended to other similarly shaped fruit.