Collecting machine for removing mussels from growing stakes - has members pivoted to enclose stake and moved upwards on horizontally extensible support

摘要

A machine is used for collecting mussels from their growing stakes (5). It comprises two half-shells (2) pivoted about a vertical axis (X-X) so as to enclose a stake (5). The half-shells (2) are carried by a trolley (6) movable vertically along a guide rail (13) of a support (8) which is movable horizontally towards the stake (5). The half-shells (2) are operated by a ram (3) and form an annular trough whose inner lip is flexible. The upper end of the guide rail (13) is curved over so as to empty the half-shells (2) by gravity. The support (8) is carried by resilient member (16) on a telescopic arm (15) which is operated by a ram (25) and mounted on a tractor. The trolley (6) is elevated by a ram acting on a double chain displacement increaser. The half-shells (2) may be guided towards the stake (5) by a fork, but urged together by a spring.