h a l f b a k e r yBirth of a Notion.
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Coconut trees are a featured landscape element in many
tropical regions. They tower over smaller buildings, but
wherever they are, they provide that tropical feeling to
any landscape. What most people don't see though, is
how
they are cared for. In most instances, a crane-truck is
called
in, with the usual bucket an boom setup used in
working on overhead utilities. In many instances, these
trucks do more damage than maintenance, as for taller
trees, larger trucks have to be called in. These large
trucks have to drive onto landscaped grass, sometimes
leaving large indentations that need to be filled in and
grassed over. With this undesired result, A new
invention
came to mind. It's a robot that climbs a coconut tree,
secures itself to the top, and when it feels secure
enough,
it pulls the operator up using a rope pulley system. The
robot looks like a very thick blanket, albeit thick and
hard,
that wraps around the trunk of the tree. It has treaded
tracks on the underside, and with the help of internal
pneumatics, grabs onto the tree, allowing for a quick but
harmless (to the tree) ascent. The operator, still on the
ground, hooks himself up to a harness, which is attached
to
the device by a rope on a pulley. Once the operator is
pulled up to the top, he works on the tree. He cuts
leaves
that otherwise would clutter the tree, eliminating living
conditions for pests such as centipedes, rats and mice.
He
also cuts off bunches of coconuts which are a hazard to
anyone walking under the trees. Once he is done with
the
tree, he is lowered back down by rope to the ground.
Only
when he is safely disconnected from the robot, the robot
unsecures itself, and makes a quick descent from the
tree.
The operator then guides it to the next tree that needs
trimming.
Tree climbing robot
http://singularityh...-a-real-tree-video/ This one could do the job [ixnaum, Sep 21 2010]
[link]
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Um...can I get back to you on this, [twitch]? |
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I like the idea - and it's bakeable. See link. The title
is good
too. Matches up exactly with intended
functionality. |
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Title aside, it's fair enough. |
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However, I've seen people climb trees easily and swiftly using
a rope loop, and either their bare feet or spikey shoes.
Coconut trees shoud be a complete doddle to climb in this
way. So just eliminate whatever law it is that forbids
coconut-tree-trimmers to climb trees. |
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Tree climbing is hazardous and requires training.
This would reduce these factors, which means saving
money. |
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//Tree climbing is hazardous and requires training.// |
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Exactly. And what is wrong with an occupation that requires
training? Just pay the guy. If he uses one of these robotic
tree climbers, you're paying for the machine instead of for a
skill.
[-] |
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Isn't this more of a 'Cuckoo Climber'? |
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I envision this scheme as the opening of the movie. It all seems well and good. Until you feel that blanket, thick and hard, wrapping around your legs and the automated coconut cutter getting up to speed... |
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[twitch], rats, mice and centipedes are not pests, insofar as recognised coconut pests are concerned. There are, however, a large number of insects that are regarded as pests that affect coconut crops and production. |
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Of particular concern is a mite that sucks the sap out of immature fruit, stopping its development. Spraying trees to control the Coconut Mite is not terribly effective as the mites reside under the perianth (the little cap on top of the fruit) out of harm's way. |
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However, rats and mice are persistent little critters, so it's conceivable they might hitch a lift up the trees on one of your robot thingies. |
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[infidel], these are NOT production trees, they are
LANDSCAPE, ornamental trees, used around all types
of buildings both commercial and residential. They
nest and breed up there, so this is a solution for a
complete eradication. |
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If this was a coconut farm, I wouldn't suggest cutting
all the coconuts down, but they remain hazards to
all passerbys. |
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Bollocks. You might get hit with one if you sleep every night under a coconut palm but I doubt it. |
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Rats and mice don't climb coconut palms unless there is a frond bridging to somewhere they can easily reach. Climbing up the trunk of most palms is beyond them. It is not beyond the skills of men, however. Even Keith Richards managed it while sozzled. |
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