Patents Assigned to Murray Equipment, Inc.
  • Patent number: 6056027
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for accurately measuring and dispensing dry material into a portable container. The apparatus includes a frame with a material hopper connected thereto. An arm member with a valve mounted thereto is rotatably connected to the frame and the valve communicates with an outlet in the hopper. A funneling member is positioned proximate to the valve and is also connected to the arm member. Rotation of the arm member opens and closes the valve and also produces substantially vertical movement of the funneling member therewith. The funneling member includes a chute depending downwardly therefrom that inserts into the container opening when a container being filled is placed in the apparatus. The container is placed on a scale which communicates with an attached controller. The controller communicates with an actuator which rotates the arm member and thereby controls movement of the valve and the funneling member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2000
    Assignee: Murray Equipment, Inc.
    Inventor: David R. Patterson
  • Patent number: 6045010
    Abstract: A hand-powered apparatus and method for measuring and dispensing a predetermined volume of liquid. A predetermined volume of liquid is selected using a control knob on the apparatus and a valve is moved to a fill position. The handle on an attached hand pump is then moved alternately up and down causing fluid to be drawn into a measuring vessel. Further upward movement of the handle is prevented upon the fluid level in the vessel reaching the selected volume. Thereupon, the valve is moved to a dispense position whereby continued pumping of the handle is again possible. The handle is alternately pumped up and down causing the fluid to exit the vessel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2000
    Assignee: Murray Equipment, Inc.
    Inventor: David R. Patterson
  • Patent number: 5758799
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for drawing and measuring an amount of liquid agrichemical and dispensing the measured amount of agrichemical for mixture with water and eventual application onto a field. The agrichemical is drawn into a measuring vessel by suction pressure, created in one embodiment by an air compressor and valving system, and in another embodiment by a valve-pump in conjunction with a 3-way valve. The agrichemical is then dispensed from the measuring vessel either by positive pressure created by the same air compressor/valving system, or by suction pressure created by valve-pump/3-way valve. The valve-pump provides both a mixing chamber for the agrichemical and water prior to tank storage for eventual application, and controllable suction pressure for drawing the agrichemical out of the measuring vessel for mixing. The valve-pump is also self-cleaning thereby reducing the possibility of cross-contamination.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 2, 1998
    Assignee: Murray Equipment, Inc.
    Inventor: David R. Patterson
  • Patent number: 5632313
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for drawing and measuring an amount of liquid agrichemical and dispensing the measured amount of agrichemical for mixture with water and eventual application onto a field. The agrichemical is drawn into a measuring vessel by suction pressure, created in one embodiment by an air compressor and valving system, and in another embodiment by a valve-pump in conjunction with a 3-way valve. The agrichemical is then dispensed from the measuring vessel either by positive pressure created by the same air compressor/valving system, or by suction pressure created by valve-pump/3-way valve. The valve-pump provides both a mixing chamber for the agrichemical and water prior to tank storage for eventual application, and controllable suction pressure for drawing the agrichemical out of the measuring vessel for mixing. The valve-pump is also self-cleaning thereby reducing the possibility of cross-contamination.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 1995
    Date of Patent: May 27, 1997
    Assignee: Murray Equipment, Inc.
    Inventor: David R. Patterson
  • Patent number: 5450881
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for drawing and measuring an amount of liquid agrichemical and dispensing the measured amount of agrichemical for mixture with water and eventual application onto a field. The agrichemical is drawn into a measuring vessel by suction pressure, created in one embodiment by an air compressor and valving system, and in another embodiment by a valve-pump in conjunction with a 3-way valve. The agrichemical is then dispensed from the measuring vessel either by positive pressure created by the same air compressor/valving system, or by suction pressure created by valve-pump/3-way valve. The valve-pump provides both a mixing chamber for the agrichemical and water prior to tank storage for eventual application, and controllable suction pressure for drawing the agrichemical out of the measuring vessel for mixing. The valve-pump is also self-cleaning thereby reducing the possibility of cross-contamination.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 1993
    Date of Patent: September 19, 1995
    Assignee: Murray Equipment, Inc.
    Inventor: David R. Patterson
  • Patent number: 5183147
    Abstract: A system for handling agricultural chemicals, such as herbicides, pesticides, and the like which are supplied in dry form. A refillable tank includes an integral, internal auger that horizontally extends through the bottom portion of the tank and is adapted to feed dry chemicals from an outlet in one side of the integer auger, and an internal flow regulating system for apportioning the chemical into the auger. The internal tank auger is driven by a detachable drive motor which is connected to the drive end of the internal tank auger. A feeder hose having a flexible, internal auger detachably connects to the outlet end of the internal tank auger by a cam lock coupling provided on one end of the feeder hose and on the outlet end of the internal tank auger. An auger coupling extending from the cam lock coupling end of the feeder hose mateingly engages the internal tank auger when connected. A drybreak assembly connects the feeder hose with a planter hopper box for later dissemination.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 1991
    Date of Patent: February 2, 1993
    Assignee: Murray Equipment, Inc.
    Inventors: David D. Callahan, Craig Reese, Douglas P. Baxter, Stephen M. Murray