Patents by Inventor Robert Brophy

Robert Brophy has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Publication number: 20040154811
    Abstract: An aerator that allows the operator to make a turn with the machine while the tines are still in contact with the turf through the use of a differential shaft and brakes that enhance the maneuverability of the machine. The aerator is fitted with a mechanical gear type differential on an intermediate drive shaft that provides for automatic, separate and variable rotational motion of the individual halves of the tine shaft. This differential apparatus also provides constant and equal torque application to both sides of the tine wheel assembly simultaneously while the machine is operating. This insures that tine penetration into the turf is equal on both sides at all times. The tine shaft halves are designed and mounted in such manner as to allow each half (left and right sides) to be driven by separate chains from the differential shaft. This design results in a desired variation in the speed of rotation of the two halves that facilitates turning the unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 9, 2004
    Publication date: August 12, 2004
    Inventors: John B. Kinkead, Loren F. Hansen, Donavon D. Kotula, Thomas E. Isaman, Robert Brophy
  • Patent number: 6708773
    Abstract: An aerator that allows the operator to make a turn with the machine while the tines are still in contact with the turf through the use of a differential shaft and brakes that enhance the maneuverability of the machine. The aerator is fitted with a mechanical gear type differential on an intermediate drive shaft that provides for automatic, separate and variable rotational motion of the individual halves of the tine shaft. This differential apparatus also provides constant and equal torque application to both sides of the tine wheel assembly simultaneously while the machine is operating. This insures that tine penetration into the turf is equal on both sides at all times. The tine shaft halves are designed and mounted in such manner as to allow each half (left and right sides) to be driven by separate chains from the differential shaft. This design results in a desired variation in the speed of rotation of the two halves that facilitates turning the unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2004
    Assignee: Turfco Manufacturing, Inc.
    Inventors: John B. Kinkead, Loren F. Hansen, Donavon D. Kotula, Thomas E. Isaman, Robert Brophy