Abstract: A multipurpose reducer vacuum for vacuuming leaf, garden and lawn debris which uses circular grate bars and free swinging hammers to comminute the debris. The reducer vacuum mounts to the rear bumper of a pickup truck. An adjustable discharge chute is used to direct the comminuted debris into the bed of the pickup truck. A wood chipper is provided on the back side of the apparatus for chipping small limb and branches. An alternate configuration adds an intake hopper which uses a baffle plate in cooperation with cutting bars to pull small limbs, branches and saplings into the reducer vacuum. Feed rates up to one foot per second can be achieved.

Abstract: A multipurpose reducer vacuum for vacuuming leaf, garden and lawn debris which uses circular grate bars and free swinging hammers to comminute the debris. The reducer vacuum mounts to the rear bumper of a pickup truck. An adjustable discharge chute is used to direct the comminuted debris into the bed of the pickup truck. A wood chipper is provided on the back side of the apparatus for chipping small limb and branches. An alternate configuration adds an intake hopper which uses a baffle plate in cooperation with cutting bars to pull small limbs, branches and saplings into the reducer vacuum. Feed rates up to one foot per second can be achieved.

Abstract: A portable log splitting apparatus is provided with a power source and a controllable drive system for selectively drivingly coupling the power source to a rotatable, screw-shaped wedge. The wedge has a complexly tapered, substantially conically shaped outer surface which extends from a pointed forward end to an enlarged diameter base. Threads are formed on the outer surface. A log or log portion to be split is positioned adjacent the pointed end of the wedge and, as the wedge rotates, its threads draw the log or log portion onto progressively larger diameter portions of the wedge, causing the log or log portion to split apart. One feature of the invention lies in the complexly tapered character of the outer surface of the wedge which, in comparison with prior uniformly tapered log splitting wedges, provides an improved splitting action, prevents logs from becoming "hung-up" on base portions of the wedge, and provides a reduction in friction forces encountered between the wedge and a log being split.