WO2021176206A1

WO2021176206A1 - Organic matter harvester

Info

Publication number: WO2021176206A1
Application number: PCT/GB2021/050519
Authority: WO
Inventors: James Christopher Warrington GEORGE
Original assignee: George James Christopher Warrington
Priority date: 2020-03-03
Filing date: 2021-03-02
Publication date: 2021-09-10
Also published as: EP4110038A1; GB2592613B; GB202003067D0; GB2592613A

Abstract

An organic matter harvester (10) for cutting and harvesting organic matter from a hedge, the harvester comprising a harvester head (16). The harvester head (16) has a cutter mount (44) and a plurality of spaced-apart cutting elements (40) arranged in rows in the cutter mount (44). The cutting elements (40) define a leading cutting portion of the harvester head (16). The organic matter harvester also comprises a collector (18) positioned at or adjacent to the harvester head (16) for collecting cut organic matter (12) from the harvester head (16).

Description

Organic Matter Harvester

The present invention relates to an organic matter harvester for cutting a hedge, and harvesting the organic plant matter cut therefrom. The present invention also relates to a method of cutting organic matter into processable volumes of biomass.

Cutting a plant such as a tree or a hedge, can be done by using a handheld hedge trimmer. However, using a handheld hedge trimmer is not without problems. Due to weight and safety considerations, handheld trimmers tend to be small, meaning the volume removeable in one attempt is small. As a result, the user may need to go back and forth multiple time over the same patch of hedge to remove a large volume. An alternative may to be use a larger, vehicle-mounted hedge cutter, although these may be expensive and/or impractical.

Cutting a plant generates clippings which often litter the ground, rendering the plant vicinity unsightly. Such clippings are often blown away without being put to a further use, for instance using a leaf blower. Alternatively, the clippings may be collected in a second step, requiring additional effort, time and energy expenditure.

When cutting a large volume of vegetation in one go, said large volume may need to be processed in an additional step downstream into smaller, more manageable volumes, such as by a shredder or wood chipper. If the cut vegetation needs to be inserted into the shredder manually by the user, the cutting elements within may pose a not-insignificant health and safety risk.

Additionally, the cut matter may need to be processed. Typically, this means being sent to be incinerated.

The present invention seeks to provide a solution to these problems.

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided an organic matter harvester for cutting and harvesting organic matter from a hedge, the harvester comprising: a harvester head having a cutter mount and a plurality of spaced-apart cutting elements arranged in rows in the cutter mount, the cutting elements defining a leading cutting portion of the harvester head, wherein the plurality of cutting elements are drivable to provide a rotary cutting motion in the same direction as rotation; and a collector positioned at or adjacent to the harvester head for collecting cut organic matter from the harvester head. This harvester allows for cutting of a hedge, tree or shrub on an industrial scale into processable volumes of organic matter, and simultaneous collection of the organic matter. This device reduces the number of back and forth actions required along the hedge to remove a given volume of organic matter. Furthermore, the organic matter is collected for a second use, instead of simply being discarded or incinerated.

Furthermore, the leading cutting portion may be or may substantially be planar. Preferably, the cutting elements are staggered relative to one another. The planar arrangement and staggered nature of the cutting elements allows the cutting elements to be successively presented to the hedge, and reduce the likelihood of clogging.

Optionally, the organic matter harvester may further comprise a spacing adjustment means for adjusting a spacing between one or more pairs of adjacent rows. Beneficially, the spacing between at least one pair of adjacent rows may be different to the spacing of at least one other pair of adjacent rows. Additionally, the rows may be arranged in parallel to one another. This allows the size of the cut organic matter to be selectable, varied and/or to cut specific portions of the plant. Different spacings between the rows may also limit the propensity for the organic matter to become lodged in the harvester head.

Additionally, the cutter mount may be formed as an enclosed housing for the plurality of cutting elements, the leading cutting portion being positioned at or adjacent to an opening of the enclosed housing. By forming an enclosed housing, the cutter mount provides a protective structure, thereby reducing the health and safety risk of having exposed cutting elements.

Additionally, the housing may define an internal cavity which may be directly or indirectly connected to the collector. Furthermore, the internal cavity may comprise a directing surface for directing the cut organic matter towards the collector. This feature allows for the cut organic matter to enter the internal cavity and/or the collector as soon as it is cut. This is turn increases the efficacy of the harvester as the cut organic matter is immediately gathered and cutting elements are unencumbered with previously cut organic matter. The neatness is also improved.

Preferably, at least one of the plurality of cutting elements comprises a movable element having a planar body and at least one cutting tooth extending radially therefrom. Furthermore, the movable element may be a disc saw. Such cutting elements, compared to finger bars, are more effective at cutting organic matter. They are also mechanically simpler, thus more robust. Beneficially, each of the plurality of cutting elements may comprise a blade having at least one cutting tooth. Preferably, at least one of the plurality of cutting elements may be drivable to provide a reciprocating cutting motion. Furthermore, at least one of the plurality of cutting elements may comprise a static element against which the or each reciprocating blade can act. Advantageously, the organic matter harvester may further comprise a drive means for providing a drive force to the or each cutting element. Additionally, at least one of the cutting elements may be a finger cutting bar. These features provide a scissoring action to cut the organic matter.

Furthermore, a first said cutting element may have at least one said movable element, and a second said cutting element may have at least one said movable element, the or each movable element of the first said cutting element being non-coplanar with the or each movable element of the second said cutting element. Beneficially, the said at least one cutting tooth may have an edge which may have curvature. Preferably, the cutting tooth may have a concave edge. Additionally, the cutting tooth may have a tooth-direction which may be curved. Furthermore, the direction of rotation of the movable element may follow the tooth-direction in-use for scooping cut organic matter into the harvester head.

Optionally, at least one of the cutting elements may be releasably engageable with the cutter housing. The advantage is that the harvester is modular and the or each cutting element is easily replaceable.

Preferably, the collector may comprise at least one of a container, a basket, a bag, a trailer, a hopper, and a powered conveyor. The collector may be adaptable to suit varied purposes, and/or different scales of harvesting.

Beneficially, the organic matter harvester may comprise a plurality of harvester heads for cutting the hedge along at least two hedge faces simultaneously. Having a plurality of harvester heads allows for two or more hedge faces to be cut simultaneously. The harvesting efficiency is increased as the amount of cut matter collected in one passage is increased and the number of passages along the hedge reduced.

Optionally, the organic matter harvester may further comprise a matter urging means for blowing or sucking cut organic matter towards the collector. This further increases harvesting efficiency.

Optionally, the organic matter harvester may further comprise a shredder at or adjacent to the collector for shredding the cut organic matter. This allows finer shredding of the organic matter downstream of the cutting elements. The positioning of the shredder allows the cut organic matter to be shredded without needing to be manually fed into the shredder.

Preferably, the organic matter harvester may further comprise an adaptor mount for connecting the organic matter harvester to a vehicle. The adaptor mount allows the harvester to be mounted onto a vehicle for industrial-scale harvesting. This feature also allows the harvester to be sold separately from the vehicle, for customisability or ease of replacement.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided an agricultural vehicle comprising an organic matter harvester. Additionally, the harvester head may be attached to a boom arm of the agricultural vehicle. These features enable harvesting on a large-scale and facilitate cutting of high hedges or trees.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of harvesting organic matter from a hedge, the method comprising the steps of: a] providing an organic matter harvester preferably in accordance with the first aspect; b] introducing the leading cutting portion to the hedge to be cut; c] moving the leading cutting portion of the organic matter harvester along the hedge; and d] collecting the cut organic matter via the collector. Optionally, in step d] of the method, the cut organic matter may be collected into the collector via gravity. Preferably, the method may further comprise the step of: e] processing the cut organic matter for biomass for at least one of combustion, gas-producing fermentation, compost, food production, and a pharmaceutical use. This method enables large-scale cutting of a tree, shrub or hedge, whilst collecting the cut organic matter which is subsequently used.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided an organic matter harvester for cutting and harvesting organic matter, the harvester comprising: a harvester head having a cutter housing and a plurality of spaced-apart cutting elements arranged in rows in the cutter housing, the cutting elements defining a leading cutting portion of the head unit at or adjacent to an opening of the cutter housing, wherein the plurality of cutting elements is drivable to provide a rotary cutting motion in the same direction of rotation. This harvester allows for cutting of a large volume of organic matter into smaller amounts, and provides a redundancy of cutting elements.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, there is provided an organic matter harvester for cutting and harvesting organic matter from a hedge, the harvester comprising: a harvester head having a cutter mount and a plurality of spaced-apart cutting elements arranged in rows in the cutter mount, the cutting elements defining a leading cutting portion of the harvester head; and a collector positioned at or adjacent to the harvester head for collecting cut organic matter from the harvester head.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, there is provided an organic matter harvester for cutting and harvesting organic matter, the harvester comprising: a harvester head having a cutter housing and a plurality of spaced-apart cutting elements arranged in rows in the cutter housing, the cutting elements defining a leading cutting portion of the head unit at or adjacent to an opening of the cutter housing.

The invention will now be more particularly described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure 1 shows a plan view of a first embodiment of an organic matter harvester in accordance with the first aspect of the invention, mounted on a vehicle in accordance with the second aspect of the invention;

Figure 2 shows a plan view of the organic matter harvester mounted on the vehicle from Figure 1, viewed from above;

Figure 3 shows a perspective representation of the harvester head of the organic matter harvester of Figure 1;

Figure 4 shows a plan view of the harvester head of Figure 3 including a drive means and an adaptor mount of Figure 1;

Figure 5 shows a plan view of the harvester head of Figure 1, from above;

Figure 6 shows an enlarged view of the rectangle in Figure 4;

Figure 7 shows a representation of a method of harvesting organic matter from a hedge and subsequent processing of the organic matter in accordance with the third aspect of the invention;

Figure 8 shows a plan view of a second embodiment of an organic matter harvester in accordance with the first aspect of the invention, mounted on a vehicle in accordance with the second aspect of the invention;

Figure 9 shows a perspective representation of the harvester head shown in Figure 8;

Figure 10 shows an enlarged view of the rectangle in Figure 9; Figure 11 shows a cut-away side view of a third embodiment of a harvester head in accordance with the first aspect of the invention; and

Figure 12 shows a front view of the harvester head of Figure 11.

Referring firstly to Figure 1, there is provided an organic matter harvester indicated generally as 10 for cutting and harvesting organic matter 12 from a hedge 14. The harvester 10 comprises a harvester head 16 and a collector 18 for collecting cut organic matter 12 from the harvester head 16. The organic matter harvester 10 further comprises a shredder 20 at or adjacent to the collector 18 for shredding the cut organic matter 12, as shown in Figure 1, although this feature is optional. The harvester head 16, or at least the harvester 10 also preferably, but not necessarily, comprises an adaptor mount or attachment means 22 for enabling direct or indirect attachment to an agricultural vehicle 24.

The agricultural vehicle 24 is a tractor or any other suitable vehicle. The vehicle 24 preferably but not necessarily, comprises a boom arm 26. The harvester head 16 is attachable or attached to the boom arm or extension 26 of the agricultural vehicle 24 such that it is possible to provide an agricultural vehicle 24 comprising the organic matter harvester 10. In other words, the head harvester 16 may be fixedly or demountably engageable with the boom arm 26.

The collector 18 collects and stores the cut organic matter 12. The collector 18 has a collecting portion 28a and a storage portion 28b which may or may not be the same. The collector 18 or an opening 30 thereof is positioned at or adjacent to the harvester head 16 for collecting cut organic matter 12 from the harvester head 16. In the shown embodiment, the collecting portion 28a comprises a powered conveyor, and the storage portion 28b comprises a trailer. The powered conveyor comprises a conveyor belt 32 and a conduit 34, said conduit 34 having the said opening 30 and an exit 36. The conveyor belt 32 and/or conduit 34 moves the cut organic matter 12 received through the opening 30 to the storage portion 28b. In order to move the cut organic matter 12, the conveyor belt 32 may extend along at least part of the longitudinal extent of the conduit 34.

The harvester head or head unit or cutter head 16 comprises a cutter housing 38 and at least one, and preferably a plurality of cutting elements 40.

The cutter housing or outer casing 38 is a structural element in or on which the at least one cutting element 40 is receivable. The cutter housing 38 may be formed of plastics, metal or a combination thereof. The cutter housing 38 preferably comprises a front housing-surface 42a, at least one rear housing-surface 42b, and a cutter mount 44. The cutter housing 38 also comprises at least one lateral surface 46, as shown, although this feature is optional. In other words, the cutter housing 38 is in lateral cross-section a triangle; or a square or rectangle having a truncated, or chamfered comer as shown in Figure 2.

The front housing-surface 42a is rectangular, and is or is substantially planar in a first plane 48, also referred to as a housing-surface plane. As shown in Figure 2, the front housing-surface plane 48 forms an acute angle A, preferably in a range of 30° to 60°, and preferably but not necessarily, 45° with a surface of the hedge 14 being cut and/or preferably, a direction of motion 52 of the harvester 28b. The angle A is also referred to as the angle of attack. The direction of motion 52 is represented here as an arrow. The front housing-surface 42a and the rear housing-surfaces 42b meet the at least one, and here, four lateral surfaces 46, to form edges 54 which are or are substantially linear. Additionally, rear housing-surfaces 42b meets the lateral surfaces 46 perpendicularly or substantially perpendicularly.

The cutter mount 44 provides a means to mount or connect the at least one cutting element 40 to the harvester head 16. In this case, the cutter mount 44 is integrally formed with, fastened or detachably fastenable to the harvester head 16, and in particular, to the cutter housing 38. In the shown embodiment in Figure 3, the cutter mount 44 is fastened to the front housing-surface 42a. The cutter mount 44 allows a plurality of cutting elements 40 to be detachably connectable or connected with the harvester head 16. The cutter mount 44 is formed of plastics, metal or a combination thereof. The cutter mount 44 in this embodiment does not form an enclosing or enclosed housing around the cutting elements 40, said enclosed housing having an opening to allow the cutting elements 40 to project outwards therethrough and/or organic matter into the harvester head 16, but these features could easily be provided for safety. The cutter mount 44 has at least one slot, slit or groove (not shown) in which cutting elements 40 are receivable. Alternatively, the cutter mount may comprise a protrusion or projection to which the cutting elements are connectable. Said protrusion or protrusions may even comprise said at least one slot, slit or groove in which the cutting elements are receivable. The cutter mount 44 has at least one row, and preferably a plurality of rows.

Each row receives a cutting element 40 such that at least two of the cutting elements 40 are arranged in rows in the cutter mount 44. Preferably but not necessarily, said rows correspond to the slots of the cutter mount 44. The rows are arranged in parallel or substantially parallel to one another along the front housing-surface 42a. Additionally, the rows are or are substantially parallel to the long edges 54 of the rectangular front housing-surface 42a, as shown in Figure 3. One or more pairs of cutting elements 40 and/or adjacent rows are spaced apart by a spacing or distance D, such that two adjacent cutting elements 40 are staggered and spaced-apart from each other by one said distance D.

The or each spacing or gap D is or is substantially the same between all pairs of adjacent rows and/or cutting elements 40. Each distance D is preferably between 100 and 150mm, although other values, such as 50mm to 400mm or any range in between may be envisaged.

In the current embodiment, each cutting element 40 permits cutting of the hedge 14. Each cutting element 40 may be referred to as a cutting bar or cutter bar in the present embodiment. Each cutting element 40 is formed of plastics, metal, or a combination thereof. In this case, each cutting element 40 comprises steel and preferably, but not necessarily, Hardox (RTM) steel. At least one cutting element 40 is releasably engagable with the cutter mount 44 and/or cutter housing 38 for ease of replacement and/or to alter the distance D between the rows and/or cutting elements 40. At least one or each of the plurality of cutting elements 40 comprises a movable element 58. Each cutting element 40 and/or movable element 58 may be serrated and/or has at least one scythe, finger, or cutting tooth 60.

Figure 4 shows the harvester head 16 with a drive means 62 attached. The or each movable element 58 is drivable by the drive means 62 to provide the reciprocating cutting motion. In the first embodiment, each movable element 58 comprises a bar or blade. Each row is positioned in a second plane 64. Each movable element 58 extends in each said second plane 64, such that each second plane 64 is also referred to as a bar-plane. As there are a plurality of cutting elements 40, there are a plurality of bar-planes 64. As shown in Figure 5, at least two, and preferably all, bar-planes 64 are parallel and non-coplanar with each other, although in an alternative embodiment, there may be no bar-planes parallel to each other. At least one, and preferably all bar-planes 64 are or are substantially parallel to the surface of the hedge 14 being cut and/or the direction of motion 52. As such, the bar-planes 64 are at an angle A’ relative to the front-housing surface plane 48, said angle A’ which in this case is similar to the angle of attack A.

Figure 6 shows the cutting teeth 60 in more detail. Each movable element 58 has a body 59 and a plurality of cutting teeth 60. The body 59 is preferably elongate and/or planar. More preferably, the body 59 is or is substantially a plate or the said bar. The cutting teeth 60 are staggered or spaced- apart from each other along at least part, and preferably all of a longitudinal extent of the body 59 of the movable element 58. Adjacent pairs of cutting teeth 60 are spaced-apart by a teeth-spacing D’, which is the same for all adjacent pairs of cutting teeth 60, although this need not be necessarily the case. Preferably, one or more cutting teeth 60 of at least two cutting elements 40 form one or more teeth rows which may be parallel with each other and/or with the short edges 54.

At least one, and preferably, each of the plurality of cutting elements 40 further comprises a static element 70 against which the or each movable element 58 can act. In this case, each cutting element 40 comprises a said movable element 58 reciprocating against a said static element 70. This provides a scissoring cutting motion. Here, the reciprocating cutting motion is linearly along or substantially along a longitudinal axis 72 of the movable element 58. Each or at least one cutting element 40 is a scythe cutting bar or a finger cutting bar. In the embodiment illustrated in Figures 1 to 6, there are five finger cutting bars, although any number of cutting bars may be envisaged.

Each or the at least one cutting tooth, scythe or finger 60 is connectable with, connected to or, here, integrally formed with the movable element 58, in particular the body 59 thereof as shown in Figure 6. Each tooth 60 is formed of plastics, metal or a combination thereof. Each cutting tooth 60 is or is substantially triangular such that each tooth 60 has a base 74, two edges 76, and an opposing end, tip or vertex 78, where the edges 76 meet. One or both edges or sides 76 is at least in part sharpened such that they may be referred to as cutting edges 76. The opposing tip 78 may be rounded and/or, preferably, chamfered, as shown in Figure 6, but this need not necessarily be the case. Each cutting tooth 60 extends from a peripheral edge of the body 59 of the corresponding movable element 58. Furthermore, each cutting tooth 60 extends outwards relative to the front housing-surface 42a. Each cutting element 40 and/or movable element 58 is a single-sided finger cutting bar. Each cutting tooth 60 extends in or substantially in the bar-plane of the corresponding movable element 58 as shown in Figure 6. Each cutting tooth 60 also extends along a tooth-direction 80. As the tooth- direction 80 is or is substantially linear in this embodiment, the tooth-direction 80 may also be referred to as a tooth-axis. The tooth-direction 80 extends from the movable element 58 at an angle, also referred to as a tooth-angle A”, as shown in Figure 6. In this embodiment, said tooth-angle A” is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 72 of the movable element 58, and thus each cutting tooth 60 extends parallel to the direction of motion 52. The opposing tips 60 of at least some, and preferably all cutting teeth 60 of all cutting elements 40 are or are substantially in a plane and the cutting edges of all cutting teeth 60 define a leading cutting portion, such that the cutting elements 40 define a planar or substantially planar leading cutting portion of the harvester head 16. The leading cutting portion may also be referred to as a leading cutting face or plane.

The drive means or driving mechanism 62, referring back to Figure 4, comprises a motor-element 84 and a force-transmission means 86, for transmitting the force from the motor-element 84 to at least one of, and here, all movable elements 58 and/or reciprocating cutting elements 40. The motor-element 84 is shown here associated with the harvester head 16, but it may equally be housed within the harvester head and/or the boom arm or, for weight and fuel considerations, the motor- element may be positioned at, adjacent to, on or in the vehicle. Here, the drive means 62 is a power- driven cam arrangement, which may be hydraulically powered and/or the force may be transmitted by belt or chain drive. The motor-element may alternatively be the motor of the vehicle such that the belt or chain drive transmits force from the tractor shaft via a power take-off. There may even be a plurality of independent drive means, each for driving one or a subset of cutting-elements.

In-use, a user would procure the organic matter harvester 10. Although the organic matter harvester may be handheld, it is preferably a vehicle-mountable or vehicle-mounted, whether directly to a vehicle 24 or, indirectly, via a boom arm 26 of the vehicle 24.

If not already mounted to the vehicle 24, the user may need to mount the organic matter harvester 10 to the agricultural vehicle 24 or a boom arm 26 extending therefrom.

If the harvester head 16 is provided with detachably engageable cutting elements 40 and/or a spacing adjustment means, the user may want to engage the desired or appropriate number of cutting elements 40 and/or adjust the distance D between the rows and/or cutting elements 40 to obtain the desired size of cut organic matter 12.

The user then drives the vehicle 24 towards the hedge 14 and positions the organic matter harvester 10 in a suitable position relative to the hedge 14 to be cut. The harvester head 16 may be positioned to cut a top surface of the hedge 14. Alternatively, the harvester head 16 may be positioned to cut a side surface 88 of the hedge 14 as shown in Figures 1 and 2. In either case, the harvester head 16 needs to be positioned sufficiently close to the hedge 14 such that the leading cutting portion is introduced to the hedge 14 to be cut. If using the collector 18, the collector 18 also needs to be appropriately positioned relative to the cutting elements 40 and/or harvester head 16 to enable the collector 18 to capture the cut organic matter 12.

The organic matter harvester 10 is turned on whether before or, preferably, after positioning the harvester head 16 in proximity with the hedge 14, for health and safety considerations. In particular, the drive means 62 is made to drive the or each reciprocating movable element 58.

The agricultural vehicle 24 is driven along the hedge 14 such that the organic matter harvester 10 and therefore the leading cutting portion, is moved continuously in the direction of motion 52, represented as an arrow in Figures 1 and 2, along the hedge 14.

The harvester head 16 is angled such that the planar leading cutting portion and the planar or substantially planar face 88 of the hedge 14 meet at an angle, the angle of attack A. Said angle of attack A is acute when the harvester 10 is moving in the direction of motion 52, such that the in- use leading cutting portion has a leading cutting edge 90a and a trailing cutting edge 90b. At any given position along the longitudinal extent of the hedge 14, the cutting element 40 at said leading cutting edge 90a encounters the hedge 14 first relative to the subsequent cutting elements 40 staggered along the front housing-surface 42a, for providing temporally staggered cutting at a given position along the hedge 14. The cutting element 40 at or adjacent to the leading cutting edge 90a also cuts the distalmost or most superficial portions of hedge 14 whilst the cutting element 40 closest to the trailing cutting edge 90b cuts the proximal, least superficial and/or deepest hedge portions 14, for providing spatially staggered cutting of the hedge 14.

The harvester head 16 is also angled such that all the cutting teeth 60 of one said cutting element 40 cut the hedge 14 at said given position simultaneously. For instance, when cutting a side surface 88 of the hedge 14, this means that the long edges 54 of the front housing-surface 42a are or are substantially vertical.

The organic matter 12, once cut, is collected by the collector 18. Although the cut organic matter may be collected in a further passage of the harvester, it is preferable that the collector 18 moves simultaneously or substantially simultaneously along the hedge 14 with the harvester head 16, as shown. This enables the collector 18 to collect, and in this case, store the cut organic matter 12 substantially simultaneously with the cutting or shortly thereafter. The advantage is that the agricultural vehicle 24 and/or the harvester 10 does not need to backtrack, change direction of motion or move along the same section of hedge 14 an additional time, saving time, energy such as manpower and/or fuel, and ultimately, costs.

Thus, the collector 18 may be positioned onboard, behind, ahead of, or as shown here, is positioned simultaneously ahead of, onboard and behind the moving vehicle 24, relative to the direction of motion 52. As shown, the collecting portion 28a and/or the collector opening 30 is appropriately positioned at, adjacent to and/or below the harvester head 16, to enable cut organic matter 12 to be collected by the collector 18, preferably but not necessarily by falling through the collector opening 30 under the effect of gravity.

The cut organic matter 12 is moved, whether by gravity, or as shown, by a powered means, from the collector opening 30 in front of the vehicle 24 to the storage portion 28b or a portion of the collector 18 suitable for storage. Said powered means may be a blowing mechanism and/or the conveyor belt 32. The storage portion 28b, which is the trailer here, then stores the harvested cut matter 12.

Processing of the organic matter 12 is indicated as a sequence in Figure 7. The organic matter 12 harvested and stored in the collector 18 is then employed in a second use. In particular, the cut organic matter 12 is to be used as biomass for at least one of combustion, gas-producing fermentation, compost, food and/or drink production, and a pharmaceutical use. Combustion may be simply burning the cut material 12 and using the energy thereby provided, for example for heating. Gas-producing fermentation in a boiler 92 may include the production of methane or any other gas.

The cut organic matter 12 may need to be further processed prior to being usable as biomass or fuel. For instance, the organic matter may need to be dried such as in a drying bam 94, although this need not necessarily be the case. Alternatively, or additionally, processing may comprise chopping or shredding the volume of cut plant matter 12 more finely e.g., via the shredder 20 or a wood chipper to make wood chips. This optional additional step may occur between the cut organic matter 12 entering the collector 18 opening, and being received in the storage portion 28b of the collector 18. Thus, the organic matter harvester 10 enables cutting and harvesting of organic matter 12 from a hedge 14.

Referring now to Figures 8 to 10, there is provided a second embodiment of an organic matter harvester 110 for cutting and harvesting organic matter 112 from a hedge 114, the harvester 110 comprising a harvester head 116 and a collector 118 for collecting and storing cut organic matter 112 from the harvester head 116.

Features of the second embodiment which are similar to those of the first embodiment, have similar reference numerals with the prefix “1” added.

The harvester head 116 of the second embodiment is similar to the harvester head 16 of the first embodiment, having similar cutter housing 138, cutter mount 144, surfaces, rows and cutting elements 140. Detailed description of the common features is omitted for brevity.

Unlike the harvester head 16 of the first embodiment, at least some of the rear housing-surface or surfaces 142b of the second embodiment meet the lateral surfaces 146 at a preferably non perpendicular angle.

Each cutting element 140 of the second embodiment is similar to a cutting element 40 of the first embodiment, having similar movable element 158, static element and cutting teeth 160. Detailed description of the common features is omitted for brevity.

The differences between the cutting element 140 of the second embodiment and that of the first embodiment are as follows. Each cutting tooth 160 of the second embodiment extends along a tooth-direction 180 at a tooth-angle A’” in the bar-plane, as best illustrated in Figure 10, which is not perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 172 of the movable element 158, unlike the first embodiment. However, each cutting tooth 160 also preferably extends substantially parallel to the direction of motion 152. See Figures 10 and 11.

The differences are in the harvester head 116. Further detailed description of the features of the collector 118, the shredder 120 and the vehicle 124 is omitted for brevity.

The uses of the second embodiment are similar to the uses of the first embodiment. Detailed description of the common features is omitted for brevity.

The uses of the second embodiment differ as follows. When cutting the hedge 114, the harvester head 116 is angled or tilted such that all the cutting teeth 160 of one said cutting element 140 cut the hedge 114 at said given position in a temporally staggered fashion, rather than simultaneously. For instance, when cutting a side surface of the hedge 114, this means that the long edges 154 of the front housing-surface 142a are or are substantially non-vertical. In this case, the long edges 154 are at an angle off from being vertical, said angle being in a range of 10° to 60°, and preferably 30° off from being vertical, as shown in Figures 9 and 10, such that the harvester head 116 has a leading comer which first contacts the hedge 114. The leading comer may be a bottom leading comer but, preferably, the leading comer is a top leading comer which allows cut organic matter 112 to be removed more easily, and reduces the risk of the cut organic matter 112 preventing or inhibiting subsequent cutting elements 140 from cutting uncut hedge 114.

Referring now to Figures 11 and 12, there is provided a third embodiment of an organic matter harvester 210 for cutting and harvesting organic matter 212 from a hedge, not shown.

Features of the third embodiment which are similar to those of the first embodiment, have similar reference numerals with the prefix “2” added. The harvester 210 of the third embodiment is similar to the harvester 10 of the first embodiment, having similar harvester head 216, collector 218, optional shredder and optional adaptor mount. Detailed description of the common features is omitted for brevity.

Preferably, the collector 218 or an opening 230 thereof is positioned at or adjacent to the harvester head 216. In the third embodiment, the cut organic matter 212 preferable enters the harvester head 216 and subsequently, enters the entrance of the conduit 234 via the opening 230. The collector 218 preferably has a suction mechanism or matter urging means, such as a vacuum or suction pump, a fan, and/or blowing mechanism, instead of or in addition to the conveyor belts of the first embodiment, although this feature may be omitted. The cutting elements 240 will, however, naturally urge cut matter towards the collector 218.

The harvester head 216 of the third embodiment has the same or similar cutter housing 238 and at least one, and preferably a plurality of cutting elements 240.

The cutter housing 238 of the third embodiment is similar to the cutter housing 38 of the first embodiment, having similar material properties. The cutter housing 238 also has at least one rear housing-surface 242b, and at least one lateral surface 246. Detailed description of the common features is omitted for brevity.

Preferably, the cutter housing 238 comprises in this embodiment one rear housing-surface 242b, and four lateral surfaces 246. The front housing-surface plane 248, indicated as dashed lines in Figure 11, may be formed or defined by a front housing-surface, similarly to the first embodiment, although the front housing-surface may be omitted in the third embodiment. Alternatively, the front housing-surface may be of such dimensions that it may be or be substantially a rim or ledge. In the present embodiment, the front housing-surface is the thickness of the lateral surfaces 246. Pairs of opposing lateral surfaces 246 may be or be substantially parallel to each other. The front housing surface and the rear housing-surface 242b are also preferably parallel or substantially parallel to each other, although this feature may be omitted. In other words, the housing 238 may be or be substantially rectangular or square in lateral cross-section or in top plan view, not shown.

Unlike the first embodiment, the cutter housing 238 preferably has an internal cavity, opening or recess 298. Any number of the surfaces, and preferably all surfaces 242b, 246 define said internal cavity 298. The internal cavity 298 is connectable, connected or integrally formed with the collector 218. The internal cavity 298 is configured or configurable to receive cut organic matter 212 from the cutting elements 240. Furthermore, in-use, front housing-surface plane 248 forms an angle with the hedge, similarly to angle A in the first embodiment. Preferably however, said angle may be or be substantially 90°.

Each or at least one said cutting element 240 of the third embodiment is similar to a cutting element 40 of the first embodiment; having similar purpose, material properties and at least one movable element 258. Detailed description of the common features is omitted for brevity.

The or each movable element 258 of the third embodiment is similar to the movable element 58 of the first embodiment, having similar body 259 and, optionally, at least one tooth or teeth 260. Detailed description of the common features is omitted for brevity. Most preferably, each movable element 258 is a disc saw, also known as a disc blade, a disc cutter or a circular saw, preferably with one or more teeth 260. In other words, each movable element 258 may be or be substantially shaped as a star. As shown in Figure 12, each cutting element 240 has preferably nine disc saws. All movable elements 258 have the same or similar dimensions, although this feature may be omitted. Unlike the first embodiment, the movable element or elements 258 of the third embodiment are rotatable relative to at least the cutter housing 238, being formed as rotary shafts. In other words, the cutting motion is rotary or rotational, rather than linearly reciprocating. The direction of motion or rotation may be clockwise or anti-clockwise, as illustrated in Figure 11. The direction of motion of a first said cutting element and/or a movable element may optionally differ from the direction of motion of a second said cutting element and/or movable element, but preferably all cutting elements 240 in-use rotate in the same direction. Each movable element 258 is or is substantially planar or extending in a plane as illustrated in Figure 12. A first said movable element 258 is preferably parallel or substantially parallel to a second said movable element 258 of the same or a different cutting element 240. The movable elements 258 of two cutting elements 240 are preferably non coplanar. Furthermore, each movable element 258 may overlap with at least one movable element 258 of another cutting element 240. The planes of movable elements 258 of adjacent cutting elements 240 may be staggered whether continuously or sequentially, in an alternating fashion as illustrated in Figure 12, or a combination of both. The planes of the movable elements 258 are preferably in-use parallel or substantially parallel to the surface of the hedge to be cut. In other words, the plane of each movable element 258 forms an angle, preferably a right or substantially right angle, relative to the front-housing surface plane 48, similar to angle A’ in the first embodiment.

In the third embodiment, the body 259 is preferably round or curved or substantially round or curved in cross-section or in plan view. In other words, the body 259 may be a circle or disc. As such, the body 259 has a periphery, also known as a curved edge or a circumferential edge.

The or each tooth 260 of the third embodiment is similar to a tooth 60 of the first embodiment, having similar material properties, base 274, two edges 276, an opposing end 278, and tooth- direction 280, indicated as a dotted curve in Figure 11. Detailed description of the common features is omitted for brevity. Preferably, each movable element 258 has ten teeth but fewer or more teeth may be envisioned.

In the third embodiment, the tooth or teeth 260 of a movable element 258 extends from the body 259, preferably from the periphery thereof. Furthermore, the tooth or teeth 260 extend in at least a radial direction relative to the body 259. As the tooth or teeth 260 extend radially relative to the circular body 259 and the movable element 258 is rotatable, there will necessarily be a period of each rotation during which each tooth extends inwardly into the harvester head and/or towards the rear housing-surface 242b. Conversely, there is a period during which each tooth 260 extends outwardly. A leading cutting portion, similar to the leading cutting portion of the first embodiment, is formed by at least some, and preferably all outwardly-extending cutting teeth 260 of some or all cutting elements 240. Preferably, the cutting elements 240 are at least partly contained within the cutter housing 238. Thus, the leading cutting portion may be positioned at or adjacent to the front housing-surface or the plane 248 thereof and/or an opening of the said housing 238. Optionally, at least one, and preferably all teeth 260 have at least one of, and preferably both edges 276 having some curvature, in addition to or instead of a linear edge or a linear section. Each tooth 276 preferable has one convex edge 276 and one concave edge 276, although two concave edges or two concave edges per tooth may be envisioned. The tooth-direction 280 may be linear or, preferably as shown, is curved. The tooth-direction 280 may be curved upwards and/or preferably as shown, curved downwards when extending out of the cutter housing and/or upon cutting the organic matter 212. In other words, at least one, and preferably all teeth 260 point downwards during and/or after cutting the organic matter 212. The direction of rotation of the movable elements 258 preferably follows the tooth-direction 280. The shape and direction of the curvature of the teeth 260 means that the teeth 260 have a second function of drawing in, pulling, pushing or scooping the cut organic matter 212 into the harvester head 216.

Preferably both edges 276 of each tooth 260 are sharp or able to cut, although a single edge being sharp may improve safety when the harvester is not in-use. Safety is particularly improved if the convex edge is blunt. The opposing end 278 is preferably rounded, as shown, and/or may or may not be sharpened.

Preferably, each cutting element 240 also comprises at least one axle, shaft, driveshaft, bar or bar element 282. The shaft 282 is elongate and preferably formed of the same or similar material or materials as the movable elements 258. The shaft 282 is preferably integrally formed with the movable elements 258 in the third embodiment and may extend along a rotational axis of each movable element 258. In other words, the shaft 282 is preferably at a right angle relative to the plane of each movable element 258. By virtue of this, rotation of the shaft 282 is sufficient to rotate or entrain the movable elements 258. Whilst a circle is the preferred latitudinal cross-section of the shaft 282, any other cross-section may be envisioned, such as curved or non-curved, linear, or any polygonal shape such as square, rectangular, hexagonal, or octagonal.

The or each shaft 282 is receivable, connected or connectable to the cutter mount. The shaft may be at least partly hollow for weight considerations, although this may reduce the strength of the shaft. As there is a plurality of cutting elements 240, in particular five in the illustrated embodiment, there is a plurality of shafts 282. All or at least two shafts 282 are contained or substantially contained within a plane 296, illustrated in Figure 11 as a dotted line.

The shafts plane 296 is or is substantially parallel with the front housing-surface plane 248 and/or the rear housing-surface 242b, although this need not necessarily be the case. In other words, the rows of cutting elements 240 are staggered in preferably only one direction, which is here the longitudinal extent of the cutter housing 238, although the rows may be staggered in either direction and/or in more than one direction. Preferably, the shafts plane 296 is spaced-apart from the front housing-surface plane 248. In other words, the planes 248, 296 are preferably non-coplanar. Furthermore, the shafts plane 296 is optionally recessed inwards into the cutter housing 238. This reduces the cutting efficiency of the cutting elements 240 compared to embodiments where the shafts plane is at least one of: overlapping with, coplanar with, or beyond the front housing-surface plane 248 in an outwards direction relative to the cutting housing 238. In such embodiments, at least half or substantially half of each movable element is positioned outside the cutter housing 238. The cut organic matter is less likely to clog up the movable elements, falling to the ground instead. In the present embodiment, although reducing the cutting efficiency, the shafts plane 296 being recessed inwards enhances or improves the scooping action or collecting efficiency of the in- use teeth 260. In other words, there is a synergistic interaction between the harvester head 216 and the collector 218.

The harvester 210 of the third embodiment preferably also has a drive means 262, shown in Figure 12. The drive means 262 of the third embodiment is similar to the drive means 62 of the first embodiment, having similar motor-element 284 and force-transmission means 286. Detailed description of the common features is omitted for brevity. The drive means 262 of the third embodiment is configured or configurable to rotate the cutting elements 240. In particular, the force-transmission means 286 may comprise a mechanism to rotate the shaft or shafts 282. The or each shaft 282 preferably comprises a complementary portion in order to be driven by the drive means 262. The mechanism may include one or more of: a crank, belt, cam arrangement, an endless screw system or a worm drive, or any other suitable mechanism.

Preferably, the drive means 262 drives all the shafts 282 simultaneously, however, it could be envisioned that the harvester has a plurality of drive means, each driving one shaft or a sub-set of the shafts. It may even be envisioned that there is an independent drive means for each shaft. It may even be envisioned that the force-transmission means may harness and/or transmit an output force from the agricultural vehicle in addition to or instead of the motor-element, such as via a power take-off. The motor element may even be omitted altogether in such cases or the vehicle’s motor may be considered to correspond to the motor element.

Optionally, the cutter housing 238 may further comprise a collection lip or ledge, not shown, although this feature may be omitted. The primary purpose of the lip is to catch and/or collect falling cuttings. Said lip or ledge may extend from the harvester head 216, preferably at, adjacent, or from an in-use lower lateral surface 246 of harvester head 216. The lip or ledge may be curved and/or may be planar. If planar, the lip may be non-parallel and non-coplanar with the lateral surface 246, i.e. tilted. The lip is preferably tilted in such a way to enable cut organic matter 212 which has fallen into or onto the lip to slide, move or be moved towards the movable elements 258. The scooping action of the teeth 260 enables this cut organic matter 212 to be collected, thereby further increasing the harvesting efficiency of the harvester 210.

The uses of the third embodiment are similar to the uses of the first embodiment. Detailed description of the common steps is omitted for brevity.

As the cutting elements 240 form a right angle with the hedge and/or with the front housing-surface 242a, there is no staggering of the cutting of the hedge due to the arrangement of the cutting elements 240, unlike the first embodiment. In other words, all cutting elements 240 which engage with the hedge, do so simultaneously and the leading cutting portion is or is substantially perpendicular to the hedge surface.

The drive means causes the cutting elements 240 to cut by rotating the movable elements 258. This is achieved by rotating the shafts 282.

As indicated by the motion arrows in Figure 11, the cut organic matter preferably enters the harvester head 216, in particular the internal cavity 298 thereof, then enters the conduit 234, rather than falling into a basket under the effect of gravity. The interaction of the direction of rotation of the movable elements 258 and the curved aspect of the teeth 260 provides an in-use scooping action, facilitating the entry of cut organic matter 212 into the harvester head 216.

If provided with a lip, any cut organic matter 212 that falls within the lip slides towards, or is moved or shepherded towards the movable elements 258. Said movable elements 258 subsequently bring into the internal cavity 298 any cut organic matter 212 collected by the lip inwards, by moving, drawing in, sweeping, scooping, pushing or pulling the organic matter 212. This movement may be further aided by the action of the suction mechanism. In the internal cavity 298, the cut organic matter 212 enters the conduit 234. Although the effect of gravity may be sufficient to achieve this, preferably the cut organic matter 212 is sucked into the conduit 234. The organic matter 212 may undergo similar downstream processing as in the first embodiment.

In summary, the cutters of the present arrangement are formed as a plurality of star cutters or similar disc saws, having cutting edges following the direction of rotation. A plurality of said star cutters are mounted to a rotary axle, and a plurality of said axles is provided. This forms a series of cutting rows, each having several cutting elements spaced therealong. With the star-shaped cutters operating in both series and rows, the only limit to the hedge area which can be cut in on pass is determined by the area of the open face of the cutter housing.

The star-shaped cutters actively grasp the branches of the hedge, drawing the organic matter thereof into the housing. Once cut, the star-shaped cutters automatically direct the cut matter towards the collector.

The shape of the leading cutting portion of the harvester head advantageously allows for the top or horizontal faces of the hedge to be cut, rather than just the sides.

Star-shaped cutters, or similar disc saws, have a typical thickness of between 4 and 9 mm, and the front-facing profde of each cutter is therefore almost flat. This provides sufficient space between adjacent cutters to allow cut organic mater to be received into the cutter housing.

As shown in Figure 12, vertically spaced-apart cutters overlap one another, typically over a portion of the cutting teeth themselves, and touch or almost touch one another in the horizontal direction. This creates a continuous cutting face from top to bottom within the cutter housing, and the proximity to one another leads to a significantly improved. Since the rotation of the cutters occurs in the same rotational direction, where two adjacent cutters meet, there will be an improved cutting efficiency, as an effective scissor action is created between the adjacent cutters.

Throughout, the organic matter is harvested from a hedge 14; 114; 214. It could easily be envisaged however, that the organic matter harvester may be used with a single tree, or shrub, or even a crop, whether edible or non-edible.

The adaptor mount or attachment means may, in an alternative embodiment, be associated at least in part with the agricultural vehicle instead of or in addition to the harvester. In these embodiments, the front housing-surface 42a; 142a; 242a is or is substantially planar and rectangular. However, it could be envisaged that the front housing-surface may be non-planar, partly curved, stepped, crenelated and/or toothed. The front housing-surface may also be of an alternative shape, such as non-rectangular, curved or non-curved, a circle, an ellipse, a square, a hexagon, an octagon, a trapezium or a trapezoid or any other polygon, or any combination thereof.

The lateral surfaces may be partly or fully curved such that no edge is formed when meeting the front housing-surface and/or the back or rear housing-surface.

In a further alternative embodiment, the cutter mount and/or harvester head may further comprise a spacing adjustment means or a spacing adjusting means for adjusting one or more of the spacings or distances between rows and/or cutting elements. The spacing adjustment means may be simply be the ability to detachably engage a cutting element with a row, such that purposefully leaving a row empty alters the distance between two adjacent cutting elements. Alternatively, the spacing adjustment means may comprise a physical device or attachment which may move the rows and/or the cutting elements. The spacing adjustment means may additionally or alternatively adjust the angle and/or position of the bar-plane and/or the angle of the cutting elements and/or the movable elements relative to the front housing-surface and/or the hedge.

Although the distance D is the same between all pairs of adjacent rows and/or cutting elements 40; 140 in the first and second embodiments, in an alternative embodiment, the spacing between at least one pair of adjacent rows and/or cutting elements may be different to the spacing of at least one other pair of adjacent rows and/or cutting elements.

Although in this case, the organic matter harvester 10; 110; 210 comprises one harvester head 16; 116; 216 and one collector 18; 118; 218, in an alternative embodiment, the harvester may comprise any number of harvester heads and/or collectors. For example, it may be envisaged that the organic matter harvester may have two or three harvester heads. The plurality of heads may be orientable, angled and/or positionable independently of each other. The plurality of harvester heads may be provided on the same boom arm, or as part of a head manifold or multi-head assembly, or at least one head may be mounted on a separate boom arm. The said two or at least two of the three harvester heads may be used to cut the same face or preferably two or three hedge faces simultaneously. The hedge faces may belong to the same hedge or to different hedges adjacent to one another. If belonging to the same hedge, the harvester heads may be angled and/or positioned to form substantially an L-shape or a U-shape. There may be a plurality of collectors at or adjacent to each harvester head and/or the collector may be configured to collect cut organic matter from at least two harvester heads.

Each harvester head may further lack teeth along a substantial extent of at least one cutting element. Additionally, or alternatively, the cutting elements may be partly curved. Each row and/or harvester head may comprise a plurality cutting elements which may additionally be non-colinear and/or coplanar cutting elements. All these optional features allow cutting of non-planar and/or curved surfaces and/or a plurality of surfaces simultaneously, which may be further useful e.g. for topiary or for cutting multiple faces of the hedge simultaneously.

Whilst in this embodiment, the leading cutting portion is or is substantially planar, alternative configurations could be envisaged. For instance, some opposing tips of a subset of cutting elements may be contained within a further plane, non-parallel and non-co-planar relative to the plane, such that the leading cutting portion may cut a hedge along a plurality of planes. Additionally, or alternatively, the opposing tips may be or substantially be non-planar. For instance, they may be contained within a surface which is at least partly curved. All these different alternative geometries of the leading cutting portion allow for cutting a tree, shrub or hedge in a non-planar fashion, in which case the organic matter harvester is suitable for topiary purposes.

The cutting elements need not necessarily be detachably connectable with the cutter mount. Instead, they may be permanently connected to the harvester head for additional strength.

In any of the embodiments, if the cutting elements are at least partly contained within the enclosed cutter housing, the leading cutting portion may be positioned at or adjacent to an opening of the said enclosed housing. The cutter housing may optionally define an internal cavity such that the cutter housing is hollow for lightness.

One or more said movable elements may additionally comprise a sharp edge in the teeth-spacing for enhancing the cutting ability of the movable element, although this feature is optional. One or more said movable elements may even have no cutting tooth, for instance if an edge of the movable element is sufficiently sharp. The movable elements of at least two cutting elements may be linearly reciprocatingly movable in phase with each other or they may be moveable out of phase with each other. Although in this case, each cutting element 40; 140 comprises a movable element 58; 158 and a static element 70, it could be envisaged that at least two adjacent cutting elements comprise no static elements. If moving relative to each other out of phase and particularly in antiphase, two adjacent cutting elements having no static element may still provide a scissoring cutting motion.

Each cutting tooth 60; 160 is here substantially triangular, however, alternative geometries may be envisaged such as square, rectangular, trapezoidal, linear or non-linear, at least partly circular or curved, scythe-shaped, or any combination of the above. The teeth may form teeth rows which may not be parallel to the short edges, for instance the teeth rows may be diagonal. Alternatively, the cutting teeth may not even form rows, by being staggered and/or random.

Although here, the harvester head 16; 116 has preferably one cutter mount 44; 144 to connect all the cutting elements 40; 140, it may be envisaged there the harvester head may have a plurality of cutter mounts, each cutter mount receiving any number of the cutting elements, including one. The cutter mount may also be integrally formed with the cutter housing.

Although in this case, the front housing-surface 42a prevents or inhibits entry of cut organic matter 12; 112 into the harvester head 16; 116, it could be envisaged that the cutter housing defines an internal cavity which is directly or indirectly connected to the collector. Said cutter housing may have an opening through which cut organic matter may be receivable therethrough. The internal cavity may further comprise a directing surface for directing the cut organic matter towards the collector. In this alternative embodiment, the cut organic matter enters the harvester head through the opening, is received in the internal cavity and is directed towards the collector by the directing surface. The harvester head may have a second opening to enable the cut matter to exit the internal cavity.

Although in the drive means in this case drives all cutting elements 40; 140, in an alternative embodiment, each reciprocating cutting element or a pair of reciprocating cutting elements and/or blades may be independently driven from a further said cutting element or blade, such that there may be a plurality of motor-elements and/or force-transmission means.

In this embodiment, the harvester head 16; 116 is angled such that the leading cutting portion forms an angle of attack with the hedge 14; 114 and said angle is acute. In an alternative embodiment, the angle may be 90° such that the direction of motion is or is substantially normal to the planar leading cutting portion, as is the case in the third embodiment. In such an alternative embodiment, the cutting elements are spatially but not temporally staggered. Although here, the harvester 10; 110 is mountable on the vehicle, it could be envisaged that the organic matter harvester or at least the harvester head may be handheld and/or provided as a separate part which may or may not be attachable to a vehicle and which may or may not be provided with a collector.

The collector may comprise at least one of a container, a basket, a bag, a trailer, a hopper, and a powered conveyor. Alternatively, or additionally, the organic matter harvester may comprise a matter urging means for urging cut organic matter. Said matter urging means may be a suction and/or a blower element or blowing means such as a fan or a fan driven vacuum collection arrangement, to suck and/or blow the cut organic matter towards the collector and/or along the conduit into the trailer. The matter urging means may be positioned at, on, in or adjacent to the or each harvester head and/or the conduit. This arrangement increases the harvesting efficiency by preventing or limiting the cut organic matter from reducing the cutting efficiency of subsequent cutting elements and/or harvester heads. Additionally, if the hedge face being cut is non-vertical, a suction and/or blower element enables cut organic matter to be collected, said cut organic matter which may otherwise have remained on the hedge, e.g., due to friction.

In the third embodiment, the shaft, which is integrally formed with the movable elements 258, may alternatively be connectable or connected in a rotation-locked fashion with each movable element 258. For example, the shaft may be fused to the movable elements 258. The body of each movable element may optionally comprise a hole, located preferentially at or around the centre of the body. The shaft may be receivable, or received through the hole in the body such that the movable elements may be mountable onto the shaft.

In the third embodiment, the cutting elements 240 are preferably within a plane parallel to the front and/or rear housing-surfaces 242b. Alternatively, the cutting elements 240 may be staggered inwardly or along the depth of the cutter housing. There may even be a plurality of cutting elements along the depth direction of the cutter housing.

It may even be envisioned that a harvester may comprise at least one cutting element, one of which has a linearly reciprocating cutting motion, as or substantially as in the first and/or second embodiments, and at least another cutting element having a rotary cutting motion as or substantially as in the third embodiment.

Each cutting element 240 preferably has no static element in the third embodiment but a static element may be envisioned. A static element may be non-toothed blade, for example a circular saw. Alternatively or additionally, a static element may be a static teeth or a static toothed circular saw. The toothed circular saw may be similar or identical to the movable element of the third embodiment whilst remaining static relative to the movable element. The static toothed circular saw may be parallel to and/or at or adjacent to, abutted or abuttable against the rotatable disc saw such that the interaction of the static toothed circular saw and the rotated toothed disc saw provide a scissoring motion. A scissoring motion may also be provided by a pair of adjacent movable elements rotating in opposite directions. Preferably in this alternative embodiment, the teeth- directions of each paired movable element may be in opposite directions for increased cutting efficiency.

It is therefore possible to provide an organic matter harvester for cutting a substantial volume of organic matter from a hedge. Whilst the harvester may be handheld, it is preferably mountable onto a vehicle for an industrial-scale application. The harvester harvests the organic matter by substantially simultaneously cutting the large volume of organic matter into smaller, processable volumes and collecting the smaller volumes. By cutting and collecting simultaneously, the number of multiple back and forth actions required along the hedge is reduced, saving effort, time and money, as well as maintaining the hedge and its vicinity neat. The harvested organic matter is used as biomass for a further use.

The words ‘comprises/comprising’ and the words ‘having/including’ when used herein with reference to the present invention are used to specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, components or groups thereof. It is appreciated that certain features of the invention, which are, for clarity, described in the context of separate embodiments, may also be provided in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, various features of the invention which are, for brevity, described in the context of a single embodiment, may also be provided separately or in any suitable sub-combination. The embodiments described above are provided by way of examples only, and various other modifications will be apparent to persons skilled in the field without departing from the scope of the invention as defined herein.

Claims

1. An organic matter harvester (10; 110; 210) for cutting and harvesting organic matter from a hedge, the harvester (10; 110; 210) comprising: a harvester head (16; 116; 216) having a cutter mount (44; 144) and a plurality of spaced-apart cutting elements (40; 140; 240) arranged in rows in the cutter mount (44; 144), the cutting elements (40; 140; 240) defining a leading cutting portion of the harvester head (16; 116; 216), wherein the plurality of cutting elements (40; 140; 240) are drivable to provide a rotary cutting motion in the same direction of rotation; and a collector (18; 218) positioned at or adjacent to the harvester head (16; 116; 216) for collecting cut organic matter (12; 212) from the harvester head (16; 116; 216).

2. An organic matter harvester (10; 110; 210) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the leading cutting portion is or is substantially planar.

3. An organic matter harvester (10; 110; 210) as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the cutting elements (40; 140; 240) are staggered relative to one another.

4. An organic matter harvester (10; 110; 210) as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the cutter mount (44; 144) is formed as an enclosed housing (38; 138; 238) for the plurality of cutting elements (40; 140; 240), the leading cutting portion being positioned at or adjacent to an opening of the enclosed housing (38; 138; 238).

5. An organic matter harvester (10; 110; 210) as claimed in claim 4, wherein the housing defines an internal cavity which is directly or indirectly connected to the collector (18; 218).

6. An organic matter harvester (10; 110; 210) as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one of the plurality of cutting elements (40; 140; 240) comprises a movable element (58; 158; 258) having a planar body and at least one cutting tooth (60) extending radially therefrom.

7. An organic matter harvester (10; 110; 210) as claimed in 6, wherein the movable element

(58; 158; 258) is a disc saw.

8. An organic matter harvester (10; 110; 210) as claimed in claim 6 or claim 7, wherein a first said cutting element (40; 140; 240) has at least one said movable element (58; 158; 258), the or each movable element (58; 158; 258) of the first said cutting element (40; 140; 240) being non-coplanar with the or each movable element (58; 158; 258) of the second said cutting element (40; 140; 240).

9. An organic matter harvester (10; 110; 210) as claimed in any of claims 6 to 8, wherein the said at least one cutting tooth (60; 160; 260) has an edge which has curvature.

10. An organic matter harvester (10; 110; 210) as claimed in claim 9, wherein the cutting tooth (60; 160; 260) has a concave edge.

11. An organic matter harvester (10; 110; 210) as claimed in claim 9 or claim 10, wherein the cutting tooth (60; 160; 260) has a tooth-direction which is curved.

12. An organic matter harvester (10; 110; 210) as claimed in claim 11, wherein the direction of rotation of the movable element (58; 158; 258) follows the tooth-direction in-use for scooping cut organic matter (12; 212) into the harvester head (16; 116; 216).

13. An organic matter harvester (10; 110; 210) as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a drive means (62; 262) for providing a drive force to the or each cutting element (40; 140; 240).

14. An organic matter harvester (10; 110; 210) as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein at least one of the cutting elements (40; 140; 240) is releasably engageable with the cutter housing (38; 138; 238).

15. An organic matter harvester (10; 110; 210) as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein the collector (18; 218) comprises at least one of a container, a basket, a bag, a trailer, a hopper, and a powered conveyor.

16. An organic matter harvester (10; 110; 210) as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein the organic matter harvester (10; 110; 210) comprises a plurality of harvester heads (16; 116; 216) for cutting the hedge along at least two hedge faces simultaneously.

17. An organic matter harvester (10; 110; 210) as claimed in any of the preceding claims, further comprising a matter urging means for blowing or sucking cut organic matter towards the collector (18; 218).

18. An organic matter harvester (10; 110; 210) as claimed in any of the preceding claims, further comprising a shredder (20) at or adjacent to the collector (18; 218) for shredding the cut organic matter.

19. An organic matter harvester (10; 110; 210) as claimed in any of the preceding claims, further comprising an adaptor mount (22) for connecting the organic matter harvester (10; 110; 210) to a vehicle.

20. An agricultural vehicle (24) comprising an organic matter harvester (10; 110; 210) as claimed in any of the preceding claims.

21. An agricultural vehicle (24) as claimed in claim 20, wherein the harvester head (16; 116; 216) is attached to a boom arm of the agricultural vehicle (24).

22. A method of harvesting organic matter from a hedge, the method comprising the steps of: a] providing an organic matter harvester (10; 110; 210) as claimed in any of claims 1 to 20; b] introducing the leading cutting portion to the hedge to be cut; c] moving the leading cutting portion of the organic matter harvester (10; 110; 210) along the hedge; and d] collecting the cut organic matter (12; 212) via the collector (18; 218).

23. A method as claimed in claim 22, wherein in step d] the cut organic matter (12; 212) is collected into the collector (18; 218) via gravity.

24. A method as claimed in claim 22 or claim 23, further comprising the step of: e] processing the cut organic matter (12; 212) for biomass for at least one of combustion, gas-producing fermentation, compost, food production, and a pharmaceutical use.

25. An organic matter harvester (10; 110; 210) for cutting and harvesting organic matter, the harvester comprising: a harvester head (16; 116; 216) having a cutter housing (38; 138; 238) and a plurality of spaced-apart cutting elements (40; 140; 240) arranged in rows in the cutter housing (38; 138; 238), the cutting elements (40; 140; 240) defining a leading cutting portion of the head unit at or adjacent to an opening of the cutter housing

(38; 138; 238), wherein the plurality of cutting elements (40; 140; 240) is drivable to provide a rotary cutting motion in the same direction of rotation.