US 12,484,480 B2
Robotic gripper harvesting system, and methods of harvesting produce
Robert J. Rossi, Carmel, CA (US); and David B. Rossi, Aptos, CA (US)
Assigned to Fresh BioSystems, LLC, Aptos, CA (US)
Appl. No. 17/790,439
Filed by Fresh BioSystems, LLC, Aptos, CA (US)
PCT Filed Jan. 6, 2021, PCT No. PCT/US2021/012263
§ 371(c)(1), (2) Date Jun. 30, 2022,
PCT Pub. No. WO2021/141954, PCT Pub. Date Jul. 15, 2021.
Claims priority of provisional application 62/957,697, filed on Jan. 6, 2020.
Prior Publication US 2023/0037608 A1, Feb. 9, 2023
Int. Cl. A01D 45/26 (2006.01); A01D 46/30 (2006.01)
CPC A01D 45/263 (2013.01) [A01D 46/30 (2013.01)] 17 Claims
OG exemplary drawing
 
1. A harvester for harvesting a produce planted in a field, comprising:
a cutting and gripping unit, comprising:
a top plate;
a base ring structure;
at least three supports arranged in a circular configuration to form a cage-like structure, wherein proximal ends of the plurality of supports are directly affixed to the top plate and distal ends of the plurality of supports are directly affixed to the base ring structure;
a set of grippers connected to the top plate, the set of grippers configured to come into contact with the produce after the cage-like structure encloses at least a portion of the produce;
a blade mounted to the base ring structure and rotatably connected to the base ring structure, wherein the blade is configured to cut the produce while at least a part of the produce is enclosed within the plurality of supports and secured by the set of grippers; and
a shaft extending through the top plate comprising:
a distal end connected to the set of grippers and
a proximal end comprising a stopper, wherein the stopper is enclosed in a bracket affixed to the top plate.