Today in 1895, US Patent 544156 A was issued, an invention of Warren H. Clark, for his “Hop Picker and Cleaner.” There’s no Abstract, although in the description it includes this summary:
This invention has relation to machines for picking and cleaning hops, the object being to provide a machine into which the hops and vines can be fed as they come from the field, and which will not only thoroughly pick the hops from the vines and stems, but Will also effect the complete separation therefrom of the vines, leaves, and stems, the Work being performed in a rapid and reliable manner.