Stone Gathering And/or Unearthing By Impelling Above-ground Plant Or Object Portion Patents (Class 171/63)
  • Patent number: 10751580
    Abstract: A ball collection device, including a handle; a first tube segment and a second tube segment coupled substantially perpendicularly to the handle; a multi-directional roller ball coupled to the first and second tube segments; a crossbar coupled to the handle adjacent and substantially parallel to the first and second tube segments; a first arm coupled to and extending substantially perpendicular from the first tube segment; a first wing extending from the first arm that is configured to deflect objects downward; a second arm coupled to and extending substantially perpendicular from the second tube segment; a second wing extending from the second arm that is configured to deflect objects downward; and at least one roller rotatably mounted on each of the first and second tube segments and the crossbar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 25, 2020
    Inventor: James Douglas Jennings
  • Patent number: 10674653
    Abstract: Hydraulic solutions on a to a tractor or equivalent connected work machine, where the work machine shows several hydraulic driven work units and hydraulic motors, and where the hydraulic motors are so mounted and connected that the pressure drop over the hydraulic motor of the most congested work unit also in static conditions can increase markedly over the system pressure of the hydraulic power source that drives the work machine and where the rotors of the hydraulic driven working units can be reversed to free a possible blockage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2020
    Assignee: OY EL-HO AB
    Inventors: Johan Löfbacka, Filip West, Joakim Löfvik
  • Patent number: 10492362
    Abstract: An apparatus for surface treatment and collection of undesirable debris from lawns. During a cutting operation, rotating blades ripe surface material from soil up onto a filtering screen and along this further to a collecting box so that only stones and debris of e.g. at least 1 cm enter the box whereas smaller particles/soil escape through the filter screen and are thereby returned to the lawn surface, which significantly increases the nutrient level in the upper layers of the lawn.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2019
    Assignee: ENGBAKKEN HOLDING 2012 APS
    Inventor: Michael Albaek
  • Patent number: 10232229
    Abstract: A ball collection device, including a handle; a first tube segment and a second tube segment coupled substantially perpendicularly to the handle; a multi-directional roller ball coupled to the first and second tube segments; a crossbar coupled to the handle adjacent and substantially parallel to the first and second tube segments; a first arm coupled to and extending substantially perpendicular from the first tube segment; a first wing extending from the first arm that is configured to deflect objects downward; a second arm coupled to and extending substantially perpendicular from the second tube segment; a second wing extending from the second arm that is configured to deflect objects downward; and at least one roller rotatably mounted on each of the first and second tube segments and the crossbar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2019
    Inventor: James Douglas Jennings
  • Patent number: 9937386
    Abstract: A ball collection device, including a handle; a first tube segment and a second tube segment coupled substantially perpendicularly to the handle; a multi-directional roller ball coupled to the first and second tube segments; a crossbar coupled to the handle adjacent and substantially parallel to the first and second tube segments; a first arm coupled to and extending substantially perpendicular from the first tube segment; a first wing extending from the first arm that is configured to deflect objects downward; a second arm coupled to and extending substantially perpendicular from the second tube segment; a second wing extending from the second arm that is configured to deflect objects downward; and at least one roller rotatably mounted on each of the first and second tube segments and the crossbar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2018
    Inventor: James Douglas Jennings
  • Patent number: 9764202
    Abstract: A ball collecting device with ball collecting module having a collecting component and at least one ball collecting module is disclosed. The collecting component has an accommodation space for accommodating at least one ball such that the ball can be collected into the accommodation space by rotating the collecting component. The ball collecting module is pivoted on the collecting component such that an angle is formed between the ball collecting module and a rotation axle of the collecting component, and the angle is smaller than 90 degrees or equal to 90 degrees. A constant distance between the ball collecting module and a plane is maintained when the ball is collected by the ball collecting device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2017
    Inventor: Yu-Gang Chen
  • Patent number: 8662193
    Abstract: A method to collect soil cores from a green comprises the steps of providing a soil core collector, extracting soil cores from a green, allowing the cores to dry for at least fifteen minutes, and utilizing the core collector to gather the cores from the green.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Inventor: James E Hill
  • Patent number: 8646541
    Abstract: A beach cleaner having a frame constructed by longitudinal members and lateral members, a ski member that is attached to the front portion of the frame and comes into contact with the sand surface, a towed portion to be towed by a towing vehicle, a separating machine that is provided on a lower front portion of the frame to separate and scrape up trash from the sand, a trash withdrawing member for capturing on a mesh member trash which was scraped up upon the frame at the rear side of the separating machine and a wheel on the rear portion of the frame. Further, a driving force conversion/transmission mechanism is provide for supporting the trash withdrawing member so that he trash withdrawing member is swingable and converting rotational driving force of the wheel to vibrating force to vibrate the trash withdrawing member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2014
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kosuke Asao, Jun Nakajima, Tatsuo Masuda, Yasuji Hashimoto
  • Patent number: 8534371
    Abstract: A front end loader attachment for picking and sorting objects, including picking rocks and sorting them from soil. An embodiment of the attachment is a device comprising a rotatable drum having a longitudinal axis, a mount for reversibly mounting the attachment to the front end loader, and a rotator assembly, with the drum comprising a base and an opposing opening defined by sidewalls connected to the base, wherein the sidewalls comprises a plurality of openings and the rotator assembly is operable to rotate the drum about the longitudinal axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2013
    Inventor: Kent Roessler
  • Patent number: 8113294
    Abstract: A beach cleaner having a grate-like frame is formed with multiple longitudinal members. Each of the longitudinal members is provided with a plurality of sand pins projecting downward therefrom, and the frame is provided at its front end with the tow portion. The beach cleaner can be towed by a towing vehicle to generate on a sand area, while the sand pins scrape and collect waste scattered on the sand. The sand pins are detachably attached to the longitudinal members. The beach cleaner also includes a weight mount member, enabling the amount of burying the sand pins in a sand area to be optimized to enhance waste collection performance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2012
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Shokichi Arai, Hidekazu Sakai, Tadashi Oshima, Tetsuro Hosoda, Akito Hiramatsu
  • Patent number: 7997349
    Abstract: To make it easier to collect litter which is captured and deposited in a mesh member of a beach cleaner which scrapes up the litter along with sand and captures and deposits the churned up litter and sand in the mesh member. In a second beach cleaner which captures and deposits in a mesh member litter scattered around in the sand by churning up the litter along with sand while traveling by being towed by a towing vehicle, the mesh member has an encircling member open on at least one side and is attached to the frame such that the mesh member is pivotable with respect to the frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2011
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Shokichi Arai, Hidekazu Sakai, Tadashi Oshima, Tetsuro Hosoda, Akito Hiramatsu
  • Patent number: 7896094
    Abstract: A beach cleaner which scrapes up the litter along with sand and captures and deposits the churned up litter and sand in the mesh member. The beach cleaner 50 includes a frame; keel members, a scraper, and a tow portion that are disposed in a front portion of the frame; a mesh member disposed in a rear portion of the frame. The keel members and the scraper churn up litter scattered on sand ground, along with sand, while the beach cleaner travels on a surface of the sand ground by being towed by a towing vehicle. The churned up litter is deposited in the mesh member. Mesh of the mesh member is relatively rough at a front portion thereof in the traveling direction and finer at a rear portion thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2011
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Shokichi Arai, Hidekazu Sakai, Akito Hiramatsu
  • Patent number: 7841422
    Abstract: A towable apparatus adapted for the separation of rock, stones, or debris from topsoil, having a stationary, non-vibrating sifting screen. A hydraulically powered conveyor belt with paddles pushes the soil across the sifting screen. The system provides features to assist prevention of machine jamming by large debris. A method of use is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 30, 2010
    Inventors: Joseph J. Chavez, Cecil C. Farnsworth
  • Publication number: 20100051296
    Abstract: An improved rock picker system includes a prime mover, with an operator's cab and towing means; windrow means detachably and foldingly mounted to the prime mover front; collector means; separator means; transfer means; dump trailer means detachably connectable to the prime mover towing means; an hydraulic power supply in fluid communication with the hydraulic loads; and, control means for controlling the hydraulic power supply and hydraulic loads individually. Control means includes a plurality of remotely operated hydraulic control valves corresponding to the hydraulic loads and a control panel in electrical communication with the remotely operated hydraulic control valves, and speed control means for controlling the speed of the hydraulic loads.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 3, 2008
    Publication date: March 4, 2010
    Inventors: Melvin S. Aho, Perry J. Gilmour
  • Patent number: 7658233
    Abstract: An improved rock picker system includes a prime mover, with an operator's cab and towing apparatus; windrows detachably and foldingly mounted to the prime mover front; a collector; a separator; a transfer apparatus; a dump trailer detachably connectable to the prime mover towing apparatus; an hydraulic power supply in fluid communication with the hydraulic loads; and, controls for controlling the hydraulic power supply and hydraulic loads individually. Controls include a plurality of remotely operated hydraulic control valves corresponding to the hydraulic loads and a control panel in electrical communication with the remotely operated hydraulic control valves, and speed controllers for controlling the speed of the hydraulic loads.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2010
    Inventors: Melvin S. Aho, Perry J. Gilmour
  • Patent number: 7156236
    Abstract: A machine for removing articles such as debris and the like deposited on a tract of ground, comprising a wheel unit; a support frame mounted on said wheel unit, having means for advancing said machine along said tract of ground; a endless conveyor mounted on said support frame, having a plurality of tines projecting from an outer side thereof and a flight extending from a front end adjacent ground level, upwardly and inwardly to an elevated rear end; a receptacle mounted on said support frame, positioned to receive articles removed by said tines and carried upwardly and rearwardly on said conveyor and discharged into said receptacle, and having a set of tines cooperable with said conveyor tines to dislodge articles carried by said conveyor tines; and means mounted on said support frame for driving said conveyor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2007
    Assignee: Rockland, Inc.
    Inventor: William F. Geraghty
  • Patent number: 7066275
    Abstract: An implement for removing rocks and preparing soil for landscaping or seeding includes a bucket attached to the lift arm of a skidsteer loader by an appropriate hitch mechanism. The bucket includes a frame mounted on the outer end thereof which supports removable and replaceable grates having spacing therebetween for allowing rocks to be collected on the grate and dirt collected with the rocks to fall through the grates. Tines extend from the outer transverse edge the frame supporting the grates and are adapted to collect and dig under rocks which are forced up the tines and onto the grate by the normal forward movement of the skidsteer. Periodically, when the grates become full of rock, the operator pivots the implement, thereby dumping the rocks into the bucket. The bucket includes a perforated grated floor through which additional dirt may be removed from the rocks and dropped back onto the soil while the rocks remain in the bucket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2006
    Inventor: Kevin V. Keigley
  • Patent number: 7028460
    Abstract: A rock windrower has a pair of side blade members that are elongated at fore and aft directions and are positioned to be widely spaced at one end and tapering to a narrow spacing at an opposite end. Movement along the ground with the side blade members engaging or adjacent to the ground surface causes rocks that are engaged to be moved along the tapered V-shaped frame to form a windrow. The side members include cutting blades along the lower edges. A plurality of gauge wheels on the side blade members engage the ground and support the cutting blades at a desired orientation and level relative to the ground surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2006
    Inventor: Harley D. Fahrenholz
  • Patent number: 6899185
    Abstract: A beach cleaner that is simple in configuration and light in weight and can be manufactured at a low cost. The beach cleaner is easy with regard to maintenance and inspection and can efficiently reclaim various kinds of refuse scattered on a beach. A beach cleaner includes a traveling body with ski members disposed at four corner portions of a frame having a substantially quadrangular shape. The beach cleaner is towed along a surface F of sandy soil by a traction vehicle R. A bar-like scraper is provided at a lower portion of a front portion of the traveling body and extends in a widthwise direction of the traveling body through a scraper supporting member for scraping up refuse on the sandy soil while the traveling body is operating. A refuse reclamation section is provided on the traveling body rearwardly of the bar-like scraper for collecting pieces of refuse scraped up and thrown rearwardly by the bar-like scraper onto a net member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2005
    Assignee: Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Katsuichi Yagisawa, Takashi Ohzeki, Yoshinobu Itani, Yasuji Hashimoto, Hidekazu Sakai, Takashi Shinozaki
  • Patent number: 6718662
    Abstract: An apparatus for attachment to the bucket of a front end loader, skip loader or any other power-operated bucket. The apparatus comprises a plurality of teeth supported in a frame that attaches to the bucket of a front end loader. The apparatus may be used to sort unwanted material, e.g., small and large pieces of wood, rocks and waste products such as manure, from dirt and then to transfer the unwanted material into the bucket of the loader.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2004
    Inventor: Timothy Schaff
  • Patent number: 6634434
    Abstract: A beach cleaner for traveling on sandy soil while being towed by a traction vehicle for recovering waste such as empty cans scattered on the sandy soil. The beach cleaner is provided with a travel body. The travel body includes a plurality of longitudinal members arranged in a hurdle shape spacedly and extending in a travel direction and also having in a front portion thereof a portion to be pulled by the traction vehicle. A flat plate-like scraper for scraping up waste together with sand during travel of the beach cleaner is provided in the front portion of the travel body. A net for separating waste from a mixture of sand and waste scraped up by the scraper and for storing the thus-separated waste thereon is stretched on an upper surface of the travel body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2003
    Assignee: Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Takashi Ohzeki, Yoshihiro Kimura, Yasuji Hashimoto, Yoshinobu Itani, Takashi Shinozaki
  • Publication number: 20030141084
    Abstract: A rock picker for use with all terrain vehicles and lawn and garden tractors that has a generally horizontal movable frame with one or more operative wheels secured to the frame. The frame holds a rock holding receptacle that is tiltable for rock dumping. A towing tongue is mounted to the forward end of the frame. Also mounted to the frame in a position such that it can be moved from a rock pick up position to a rock unload position dumping the rocks into the rock holding receptacle is tiltable rock scoop. As the picker is towed forward, the scoop scoops up the rocks and it can be hydraulically activated to dump the rocks into the rock holding receptacle or basket. In turn, the rocks can be dumped from there once carried away from the area from which the rocks are cleared.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 30, 2002
    Publication date: July 31, 2003
    Inventor: Thomas W. Clary
  • Patent number: 6223828
    Abstract: An improved landscape rake including a rotatably operable rake mechanism for performing a raking function, a bucket for receiving material raked by the rake mechanism, and a fluid actuator connected to the rake mechanism operable for moving the rake mechanism relative to the bucket, the fluid actuator having a first port adapted for connection to a source of pressurized fluid for receiving the pressurized fluid therefrom for moving the rake mechanism to a position proximal to the bucket and a second port adapted for connection via a fluid path to a fluid receiver for discharging fluid thereto, the improvement including a fluid control system for the fluid actuator including a second fluid path connecting the first port of the fluid actuator with the first named fluid path and a valve disposed in the second fluid path operable for allowing fluid flow therethrough from the first port to the first named fluid path while preventing fluid flow from the first named fluid path to the first port to allow the rake mec
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2001
    Assignee: Caterpillar S.A.R.L.
    Inventors: Clint W. Paulson, William C. Swick
  • Patent number: 6092606
    Abstract: A stone gathering apparatus adaptable for use with a front end loader or the like, useful for picking or gathering stones, rocks, and the like, from the ground surface, comprises (a) a receptacle having a generally horizontally disposed bottom or flooring, (b) spaced, vertical end walls, (c) a forwardly inclined back wall extending between the end walls and connected thereto, (d) a vertically disposed retaining bar extending between the end walls and connected thereto and disposed forward of the back wall and spaced therefrom, and (e) a plurality of horizontally disposed, spaced, parallel tines extending outwardly or forwardly from the retaining bar and adaptable for engaging the ground. The rear surface of the back wall is equipped with a suitable mount for attaching the apparatus to a front end loader.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 25, 2000
    Inventor: Jeffrey L. Basler
  • Patent number: 6092607
    Abstract: A ground-cleaning apparatus for separating debris from soil according to the invention includes a paddle assembly, a separation bin, and a hydraulic assembly, each mounted on a chassis having a front frame and a rear frame. The paddle assembly is rotatably supported on the front frame and includes paddles for agitating the ground surface and carrying soil and debris to the separation bin. The separation bin is supported on the rear frame and includes a sifting screen partially surrounded by sidewalls and a rear wall. The hydraulic assembly includes a selectively actuated piston and cylinder assembly for reciprocating the separation bin. Paddles agitate the ground surface and deposits the soil and debris on the separation bin, where the debris is trapped by the sifting screen and the soil passes through the sifting screen as the separation bin is reciprocated by the piston and cylinder assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 25, 2000
    Inventors: Anthony R. Bercheny, Michael J. Thompson
  • Patent number: 6041866
    Abstract: A rock picker having a frame supported by rear support wheels and a tongue that is adapted to be attached to a tractor draw bar. A basket assembly having gathering tines and separation bars is carried by the frame. The gathering tines gather rocks and hold the rocks while allowing soil to pass between adjacent tines. The basket assembly is pivotally attached to short links. The short links are pivotally attached to the frame. Hydraulic cylinders are attached to the frame and to the basket assembly. When the basket assembly is filled with rocks, the hydraulic cylinders are extended. Initially, the short links pivot forward, lowering and extending the forward ends of the gathering tines and placing a downward force on the gathering tines. Continuing extension of the hydraulic cylinder raises the gathering tines and causes rocks to slide down the separation bars and into a rock hopper. Dirt passes between the separation bars and to the ground.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2000
    Inventor: Earl R. Smith
  • Patent number: 5816334
    Abstract: An apparatus for simultaneously separating debris from topsoil and re-spreading the debris-free soil on the ground. The apparatus consists of a conventional, earth moving tractor to which a chassis is mounted and which carries a plurality of soil treating devices in series. The chassis includes a soil carrying and conveying paddle assembly mounted across the width of its front end which scoops up the debris laden soil off the ground. A conventional, vibrating table for separating the debris from the soil is mounted across the width of the chassis, adjacent to the paddle assembly, and the debris-laden soil is deposited onto the vibrating table from the paddle assembly. Once the vibrating table has separated the debris from the soil, the soil falls through the chassis' open bottom back to the ground, and the debris is ultimately moved to a conveyor assembly. The conveyor assembly carries the debris from the vibrating table and deposits it in a collection bin mounted across the back width of the chassis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 6, 1998
    Inventor: Barry Haggerty
  • Patent number: 5706899
    Abstract: A mine extractor for removing buried mines having a plurality of leaf springs disposed in parallel side by side relationship and mounted on a common support. The extractor further comprises adjacent auxiliary springs and thereby forming additional batteries, a slide attached to the springs and adapted to slide on its bottom on the ground and/or an apparatus for swinging a beam and the slide with respect to a base to lift the slide from the ground.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 1995
    Date of Patent: January 13, 1998
    Assignee: Israel Aircraft Industries, Ltd.
    Inventors: Boris Klebanov, Abraham Hyams
  • Patent number: 5697451
    Abstract: A crop cleaner comprising a generally parallel array of first and second rollers each first roller being scrolled and each second roller generally unscrolled, the first rollers alternating with second rollers with pairs of adjacent rollers being carried on frames with each frame being displaceable relative to an adjacent frame and a drive for independently rotating each pair of rollers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 16, 1997
    Assignee: Nicholson Farm Machinery Co. Ltd.
    Inventor: Alan Nicholson
  • Patent number: 5682953
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a device that is mounted on the front of loaders or tractors for picking and separating rocks and other debris from soil admixtures. The device includes a forward dumping bucket which includes a grate at the bottom thereof for separating larger rocks/debris from smaller rocks/debris and soil. Rocks or debris are swept into the bucket by a reel which is either directly mounted on the side plates of the bucket, or is attached to a carriage which is pivotally attached to the bucket. A motor is provided which rotates the reel in a circle to sweep rocks or debris into the bucket. The reel is either rotated by the motor to a position allowing forward dumping of the contents of the bucket, or when the carriage is used, a hydraulic lift is utilized to pivot the carriage away from the bucket so as to permit forward dumping of the bucket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 1995
    Date of Patent: November 4, 1997
    Inventor: Dale Buysse
  • Patent number: 5630476
    Abstract: A rock raking apparatus which is adapted to be attached to a self-propelled vehicle and includes a rock raking unit with a toothed rotor and a rock collector bucket pivotably connected to the raking unit. The rotor is driven to propel rocks into the bucket. The raking unit includes a power-rotated brush positioned to deflect the propelled rocks into the rear of the bucket, to clean the surface of the rotor to prevent carryover and to prevent the formation of rock barricades at the entrance of the bucket to assure that the bucket is filled. The rotor is based on a cylindrical drum having a pattern of symmetrical radially extending teeth affixed to the peripheral surface thereof, with the pattern also being symmetrical so that the drum is reversible end for end when the leading edges of the teeth are worn. Double pivot mounts allow limited floating of the raking unit with respect to the bucket to accommodate uneven ground.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 1996
    Date of Patent: May 20, 1997
    Assignee: Farmers' Factory Co.
    Inventors: Phillip W. Foster, Gerald T. Foster, Paul Burton, John J. Broz
  • Patent number: 5564506
    Abstract: The apparatus is adapted to be attached to a self-propelled vehicle and includes a rock raking unit with a toothed rotor and a rock collector bucket connected to one end of the raking unit by double articulated pivot bars to swing between open and closed positions relative to the raking unit. Rocks are raked into the bucket during rotation of the rotor in one direction and, by reversing the rotor when the apparatus is raised to a dump position, the raking unit may be pivoted to an open position relative to the bucket. The apparatus includes an easy-to-fabricate rotor, a power-rotated brush for clearing rocks from the rotor, and a bucket with a perforated bottom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 15, 1996
    Assignee: Farmers' Factory Company
    Inventors: Phillip W. Foster, Gerald T. Foster, Paul Burton, John J. Broz
  • Patent number: 5437333
    Abstract: A rock rake fiber gathering into a row or a gathering area objectional rocks and debris from the ground where a first roller engages such rocks and debris and a deflector forms a gap therebetween through which only un-objectionable rocks and debris may pass. The adjustable rock rake having an actuator for adjusting the angle of the roller and deflector. The adjustable rock rake having guards about the end of the roller such that a gathering area is formed for the accumulation of rocks and debris. The guards being removable and storable upon the frame of the adjustable rock rake.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 1993
    Date of Patent: August 1, 1995
    Assignee: Glenmac Inc.
    Inventors: Mac E. McPherson, Michael G. McPherson, Kenneth L. Innocent, Gary A. Parkos, Roger D. Noskas
  • Patent number: 5329661
    Abstract: An apparatus for collecting litter from the ground includes a frame adapted for movement along the ground, a hopper mounted at one end of the frame; and a collector assembly supported on the frame. The collector assembly includes a pair of rollers having a plurality of flexible fingers disposed radially on the periphery thereof, the rollers being substantially parallel to each other and disposed in a plane that is substantially parallel to the ground. The rollers are arranged so that the fingers on one of the pair of rollers intermesh with the fingers of the other of the pair of rollers so as to be able to lift litter between them. The apparatus further includes a device for conveying litter lifted by the pair of rollers to the hopper.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 1992
    Date of Patent: July 19, 1994
    Inventor: Owen Smith
  • Patent number: 5310008
    Abstract: A rock picker includes a picker grate having a plurality of picker bars extending in a curved path forwardly and downwardly to a forwardmost end for engaging the rocks and lifting them onto the picker grate. A conventional sweeping reel sweeps the rocks to a hopper. The forward end of each of the grate bars includes a portion consisting of a vertical plate parallel to the direction of movement together with a rotating rod which extends across the full width of the picker and is supported by the cup-shaped forward ends of the grate bars. The rod improves the rock picking action and also allows the clearing of trash between the rod and the vertical plate portions exposed at the front of the grate bars. A second embodiment includes a further roe positioned with a trip mechanism forwardly and downwardly of the first rod.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 1992
    Date of Patent: May 10, 1994
    Inventor: George A. Dauvin
  • Patent number: 5305834
    Abstract: A rock gathering tool (10) for collecting rocks and stones lying on or loosely embedded in the surface of the ground, comprising a rock collection basket having an opening (19) at its front side, a handle (27) fixedly mounted to the basket and extending forwardly of the basket for pulling the basket along the surface of the ground, a plurality of tines (29) mounted to the basket along the bottom edge at the front side of the basket, the plurality of tines extending forwardly of and downwardly from the basket, and a one-way gate (36) for closing the opening at the front side of the basket and which is pivotable inwardly of the basket to allow rocks and stones to enter the basket as the basket is pulled along the ground.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 1993
    Date of Patent: April 26, 1994
    Inventor: Steve White
  • Patent number: 5247717
    Abstract: An apparatus for collecting litter from the ground includes a frame adapted for movement along the ground, a hopper mounted at one end of the frame; and a collector assembly supported on the frame. The collector assembly includes a pair of rollers having a plurality of flexible fingers disposed radially on the periphery thereof, the rollers being substantially parallel to each other and disposed in a plane that is substantially parallel to the ground. The rollers are arranged so that the fingers on one of the pair of rollers intermesh with the fingers of the other of the pair of rollers so as to be able to lift litter between them. The apparatus further includes a device for conveying litter lifted by the pair of rollers to the hopper.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 1991
    Date of Patent: September 28, 1993
    Inventor: Owen Smith
  • Patent number: 5169276
    Abstract: A rectilinear framework includes a plurality of rear wheels mounted to respective right and left axles, with the right axle including a rear axle pulley cooperative with a front pulley and drive belt to effect rotation of paddle wheels to traverse an underlying ground surface and project golf balls rearwardly along a chute structure onto associated fabric webs to contain the golf balls therewithin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 1991
    Date of Patent: December 8, 1992
    Inventor: Robert J. Henderickson
  • Patent number: 5141058
    Abstract: An improvement in a rock picking machine having a frame with ground wheels supporting the frame, a table with a grate over which rocks are moved and discharged into a bucket rearwardly pivotally mounted on the frame, and a conveyer forwardly pivotally mounted on the table for moving rocks up the grate. The improvement consists of at least one forwardly and upwardly extending member positioned at a rearward end of the conveyer frame. The member forms a wedge shaped cavity. As large rocks are moved up the grate by the conveyer through the wedge shaped cavity, the rocks engage the member thereby lifting the rearward end of the conveyer frame to provide clearance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 1990
    Date of Patent: August 25, 1992
    Inventor: Alden Heppner
  • Patent number: 5133413
    Abstract: An apparatus for picking litter off sandy beaches with minimal sifting of sand. A rotary drum, with unique rigid protrusions and non-rigid projections, is independently powered to roll in the opposite direction as the moving apparatus. The protrusions on the drum dig into the subsurface of sandy beaches and bring up debris that may be lodged in the sand, while the projections toss debris on the surface into the apparatus for collection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 1990
    Date of Patent: July 28, 1992
    Inventor: Randall K. Baxter
  • Patent number: 5060732
    Abstract: A ground raking attachment for bucket-equipped tractor includes a toothed, cylindrical rotor which works the soil and at the same time rakes the ground free of rocks, refuse, roots, sticks and other debris which is transferred to the tractor bucket by the action of the rotor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 1990
    Date of Patent: October 29, 1991
    Inventor: Theodore N. Baskett
  • Patent number: 4905767
    Abstract: A device for picking rocks from a field includes a frame which is mounted on a pair of wheels. A hitch is pivotally attached to the frame and is adapted for engagement with a conventional tractor. The offset of the hitch is adjusted by a hydraulic cylinder to adjust the tracking of the frame behind the tractor. A reel is mounted for rotation on the frame and is powered by a chain and sprocket drive from a rotary hydraulic motor. The reel has a plurality of radially extending spokes, each terminating in a stone picking rake formed by a plurality of spaced teeth. The elevation of the reel with respect to ground level is adjusted by a pair of hydraulic cylinders connected to a pivotal reel mounting frame. A depth stop mechanism is provided to lock the reel in an adjusted elevational position. In a first embodiment, a semi-cylindrical stone collecting box is mounted within the reel frame. As each of the reel spokes rotates to a top position, collected stones fall by gravity into the open stone box.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 1988
    Date of Patent: March 6, 1990
    Inventor: Gary G. Schneider
  • Patent number: 4609049
    Abstract: A wheel mounted pull type chassis includes a side hitch bar for securement to a tractor or the like. A reel assembly is journalled for rotation and is situated transversely at the front of the chassis and picks up rocks, stones, dirt, etc. and deposits same on an upwardly and rearwardly inclining slotted apron with the teeth of the pick up bars at the reel passing through the apron teeth and depositing the picked up material into a screening wheel journalled for rotation about a generally horizontal but inclined longitudinal axis so that the wheel is tipped rearwardly from the vertical. The periphery of the wheel is slotted. It is supported upon a pair of spaced apart support wheels one wheel of which is driven and which engage a track around the outer periphery of the wheel. Three equidistantly spaced rear support wheels engage the rear of the periphery of the wheel for added support.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 1984
    Date of Patent: September 2, 1986
    Inventor: Thomas Migdal
  • Patent number: 4593766
    Abstract: A crawler tractor with a dozer blade and fitted with accessories to loosen the ground in the strafing pit area of an Air Force gunnery range and simultaneously remove from the ground rocks the size of a man's fist and larger and spent projectiles. The tractor is provided with an electromagnet positioned ahead of the dozer blade. Positioned to the rear of the tractor, and pivotally attached to its frame by drawbars, is a chisel bar with a plurality of chisel blades. Just ahead of the chisel bar is a rock rake having a spine from which extend a plurality of forwardly projecting tines. The rake is supported with its tines at such an angle that their tips barely scrape the surface of the earth. Ahead of the rock rake, there is a drag consisting of a section of railroad rail suspended from the drawbars of the chisel assembly at a height sufficient to just scrape the surface of the ground during operation of the tractor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 1984
    Date of Patent: June 10, 1986
    Inventor: Gordon G. Gossard
  • Patent number: 4593426
    Abstract: A litter collection apparatus includes a novel arrangement for mounting litter retrieving projections on a retrieving belt of the apparatus, an improved receptacle and mechanism for emptying the receptacle, a novel arrangement for adjustably positioning the apparatus with respect to a surface over which it passes and an improved drive arrangement for the respective components of the apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 1983
    Date of Patent: June 10, 1986
    Assignee: Caravelle Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Barney D. Chrisley
  • Patent number: 4550465
    Abstract: An apparatus for picking up surface litter on the ground includes a movable main frame towed by a lightweight vehicle. A roller carriage pivotally attached to the main frame supports identical front and rear oppositely rotating tandem rollers each having ground engaging rows of resilient fingers. The rollers are driven by a ground engaging drive wheel and sprocket gear arrangement. The resilient fingers spread apart to entrap litter and mesh between the rollers to transfer litter downstream, to a main frame conveyor for containment within a trash drum. A pair of wiper blades completely dislodge litter entrapped between the roller fingers and cooperate with upper portions of each roller to define a transfer path towards the conveyor. In a second embodiment, the trash drum is pivotally secured to the main frame to control the height of the drum discharge opening. In a third embodiment, a rectangular, box-like main frame is supported by a rear panel door of a dump truck.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 1983
    Date of Patent: November 5, 1985
    Inventor: Barney D. Chrisley
  • Patent number: 4548275
    Abstract: A device for separating clods and stones from the soil includes a frame adapted to be drawn or carried across the land and one or more elements carried by the frame for raising the surface layer of material from the land and passing it to a first conveyor having apertures therethrough to permit material on the conveyor to pass through the conveyor and to be returned to the land, there being disposed above the conveyor a surface adapted to bear against material on the conveyor so as to crush and/or abrade material on the conveyor and thereby reduce its particle size to permit it to pass through the apertures. The first conveyor is adapted to discharge particles of material retained thereon to a device for returning those particles to the land on either or both sides of the device. The surface and/or the first conveyor are adapted to move apart from one another to permit the passage therebetween of resistent material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 1983
    Date of Patent: October 22, 1985
    Assignee: A W Squier Limited
    Inventor: William H. R. Squier
  • Patent number: 4496003
    Abstract: Rock gathering apparatus including a frame portion, a rock advancing portion and a drive portion; the frame portion including a wheeled carriage section, a hitch member extending from the wheeled carriage section; the rock advancing portion including a pair of pivotable wing sections extending outwardly from the frame portion in opposite directions, a wheeled carriage disposed adjacent the outer end of each wing section, the wing sections being normally disposed with the outer ends thereof forward of the adjacent inner ends thereof, each of the wing sections including a rake section, each of the rake sections including a central horizontal axle, a plurality of spaced finger members extending radially from the central axle, the finger members being arranged in a continuous spiral pattern; mechanism for adjusting the position of the rake sections with respect to the ground; the drive portion including mechanism for rotating the central axles, the drive mechanism including an arrangement of gears disposed adjace
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 1983
    Date of Patent: January 29, 1985
    Inventor: Colonel N. Bynum
  • Patent number: 4482019
    Abstract: The earth surface cleaning machine is utilized for cleaning on or just beneath the earth surface on land or in water. The machine is connected to, operated from, and pulled by a vehicle, such as a tractor. The elements of the machine include a rotatable tine assembly for skimming material from the earth surface, a transfer conveyor for transferring debris and small earth particulate matter to a screening conveyor where the debris is screened from the particulate matter and a collection hopper mounted on a trailer carriage and to which the screening conveyor delivers the debris.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 1982
    Date of Patent: November 13, 1984
    Inventor: Donald G. Murphy
  • Patent number: 4440235
    Abstract: A windrower drum is journalled for rotation on the lower ends of and between a pair of arms each of which forms part of a transverse support member supported by the chassis. An arm extends upwardly from the transverse support and forms a crank arm with the aforementioned arms supporting the windrower drum. A floating cylinder lug is pivoted intermediate the ends thereof to said chassis and a piston and cylinder assembly extends between the distal ends of said crank arm and said floating cylinder lug. The weight of the drum and arms engages the drum with the ground with the depth of penetration being controlled by the effective length of the piston and cylinder assembly which acts as a rigid link when set. The drum, support arms, floating cylinder lug and crank arm all act as one unit so that the drum can elevate if an obstruction is encountered and returned by gravity to the preset position after passing the obstruction thereby eliminating any counterbalance springs and the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 1982
    Date of Patent: April 3, 1984
    Assignee: Schulte Industries Ltd.
    Inventor: Vincent Colistro