Teeth And Scraper, Leveller Or Drag Patents (Class 172/197)
  • Patent number: 11570942
    Abstract: A cultivator function is coupled with a scraper function in a single implement such that the cultivator portion and the scraper portion of the combination farming implement, when attached to a vehicle, can be mechanically and remotely changed out at any time. The cultivator portion and the scraper portion of the combination farming implement are positioned on opposite sides of a rotating framework, such that the combination farming implement can be mechanically and remotely rotated during use in the field, thus enabling the performance of both the cultivator function and the scraper function without a vehicle operator ever leaving the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2023
    Assignee: Buffindustries LLC
    Inventor: Rhett D. Buffi
  • Patent number: 10011105
    Abstract: A removable scraper device is described herein. The removable scraper device includes an attachment element and a socket defined by the attachment element, wherein the socket is configured to receive a post of a scraper element therein. The removable scraper device further includes a slot defined by the attachment element, wherein the slot is configured to receive a portion of a bucket of a wheeled-machine therein. The removable scraper device further includes an aperture defined by the attachment element and a bolt sized to be received within the aperture. In some embodiments of the removable scraper device, the bolt and aperture are configured to selectively press the attachment element against the bucket to removably secure the removable scraper device thereto.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2018
    Assignee: C M 2000 LLC
    Inventor: Wesley May
  • Patent number: 9845582
    Abstract: A convertible snow plow system attachable to frame of a light duty truck, SUV or other suitable vehicle. The blade portion of the plow system is movable between deployed and retracted positions. In the retracted position the blade is positioned in front of the radiator and headlights of the vehicle functioning as a brush guard. To permit air to pass through the plow blade to the radiator, the blade comprises a plurality of movable louvers that can be opened when the plow is in the retracted position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2017
    Inventor: Cory Jackson
  • Patent number: 9777395
    Abstract: An apparatus for growing a silicon single crystal according to embodiments includes a chamber including a crucible accommodating silicon melt; a support shaft rotating and lifting the crucible while supporting the crucible; a main heater part for applying heat to the crucible side, the heater disposed beside the crucible; an upper heat insulation member located over the crucible; and upper heater parts located at a lower end portion of the upper heat insulation member, wherein the upper heater parts have diameters different from each other with respect to a center of the crucible, and include a plurality of ring-shaped heaters which are spaced apart from each other. Due to the individually controllable upper heater parts, a uniform thermal environment can be provided for silicon melt accommodated in a crucible, and localized solidification of the silicon melt can be prevented so that the quality of a silicon single crystal and the ingot pulling speed can be readily controlled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2017
    Assignee: LG Siltron, Inc.
    Inventor: Su-In Jeon
  • Patent number: 9689142
    Abstract: A vehicle blade assembly apparatus including a push beam; a blade having a working side and a connection side; an anchoring bracket disposed on the connection side of the blade and having a plurality of mounting bores arranged along an arc around a retention hole; and a pitch link connected to the push beam and to the anchoring bracket using a retention pin configured to be removably placed through co-linear mounting bores on the pitch link and the anchoring bracket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2017
    Assignee: CNH Industrial America LLC
    Inventors: Nathan J. Bradley, Ryan Ogg
  • Patent number: 9297132
    Abstract: A sea turtle friendly beach cleaning assembly designed for removal of seaweed and other debris from a sand beach. The device includes a beach raking assembly including a plurality of tines, in conjunction with a drag bar and a wire basket. When pulled across a sand surface, the device functions by pulling a plurality of ā€œSā€ shaped tines across the sand surface in a substantially non-invasive manner, thereby eliminating any possible damage to turtle nests. The cooperation of the tine assembly and drag bar function to leave behind a smooth and clean surface free of ruts that would otherwise impede the movements of turtles and hatchlings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2016
    Assignee: WD THOMPSON INC.
    Inventor: Raymond Thompson
  • Publication number: 20140076593
    Abstract: The present invention is a ground preparation apparatus for use in maintaining substantially uniformly soft and smooth soil while providing a movable roping target. The apparatus is usefully in avoiding the need to separately maintain ground to be used in roping practice while at the same time providing a moving roping target.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 2, 2013
    Publication date: March 20, 2014
    Inventor: Korey K. Whitaker
  • Patent number: 7992649
    Abstract: A turf leveling device including a metering blade together with first and second horizontal and parallel main blades separated by first and second open distances. The blades are supported by a frame with spaced frame arms adapted to provide three point hitch attachment points. Skid plates mounted on left and right sides of the frame prevent the metering blade from scrapping or cutting elevated areas of the turf surface. The metering blade and the first and second main blades with deflectors effectively redistribute and level the gathered material. A vertically adjustable verticutting knife roller having keyed knife discs extending through slots in a grating insert is preferably disposed in the first open distance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2011
    Assignee: g2 turftools, inc.
    Inventor: Eric Merkt
  • Patent number: 7942209
    Abstract: An apparatus for earth working or material moving includes a first and a second blade oriented substantially parallel to one another. The two blades each have non-working blade faces positioned adjacent one another and working blade faces opposite one another. The two blades are moveable with respect to one another in the vertical direction, but fixed to one another in the horizontal direction. In this way, the working face of a first blade may be used in a first direction, and the working face of a second blade may be used in a second direction. The dual blade unit may be pivotally connected to an extending arm so that the angle of the first and second blades with respect to the direction of travel may be adjusted to the specifications of the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2011
    Inventors: Gary Volz, Shane Volz
  • Publication number: 20110017480
    Abstract: A folding frame for an agricultural implement such as a wheel rake. The frame includes ground engaging wheels and two toolbars foldable for operation and for transport. The folding frame is provided flexibility to conform to uneven surfaces, yet stability against the torques and forces of operation. A slidable tongue provides folding action between the transport position and the operating position. A spacing between rear ends of the two toolbars may be altered hydraulically for wider or narrower windrows. A novel caster wheel provides support for the toolbars and is located so that the implement's transport position is narrower than the prior art's.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 3, 2010
    Publication date: January 27, 2011
    Inventors: Kent L. Thompson, Michael R. Vaske, Rustin V. Bentzinger, Michael Kindley
  • Publication number: 20090078436
    Abstract: A box scraper for use with a pulling or a pushing vehicle, having a continuous box-form main frame above, with a lower portion of the rear wall, the moldboard, hinged to the side wall at one end and held to the opposite side wall by a lock mechanism such that one end of the moldboard can be released backwards from that sidewall; when thus released allowing for a smooth and continuous lateral release of scraped materials outside the confines of the scraper box.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 24, 2007
    Publication date: March 26, 2009
    Inventor: David W. Skaggs
  • Patent number: 7134262
    Abstract: Drying of wet ground surfaces provided with stalks includes removing droplets from stalks with comb-shaped slitted, cubical or squared projections provided on an underside of a broad plank, and guiding the removed droplets along the slitted, cubical or squared projections toward lower edges of the slitted, cubical or squared projections and from there onto the ground surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2006
    Inventor: Wilhelm Erwig
  • Patent number: 7063166
    Abstract: An earth grooming device for attachment to a vehicle includes a rectangular frame having a plurality of teeth secured to the front thereof to form a rake and a scraper blade secured to the rear of the frame. A side rail is attached to each side of the frame with each side rail having a bottom edge tapered forwardly and upwardly beginning from a point intermediate both ends of the side rail where a bottom edge of the scraper blade is positioned and tapered rearwardly and upwardly from the point to form a fulcrum about which the side rail pivots. A pair of rear wheels are mounted adjacent the ends of the side rail and a pair of adjustable wheels are mounted intermediate of the frame. Actuator means are also provided for adjusting a height of the pair of adjustable wheels relative to the frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2006
    Assignee: Country Home Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael T. Grosberg
  • Patent number: 6994632
    Abstract: An installation that is useful in learning to play golf, in training, or in evaluating the level of a golf player, the installation being characterized in that it comprises: a zone (1) marked on the ground and preferably comprising a mat, for monitoring the positioning of the player, and equipment representing an obstacle (3) over which the player must cause the ball to pass, the equipment being at a height of at least 2 m, and preferably of at least 5 m, and being at a distance of 5 m to 200 m, and preferably of at least 10 m.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2006
    Inventor: Laurent Morin
  • Patent number: 6612378
    Abstract: A one-pass field tillage implement and method which maintains a uniform soil density throughout the crop root zone for greater root development, improved plant health and greater yields by eliminating tillage of the soil at seed planting depths. The implement includes a wheeled frame operably supporting at least three longitudinally spaced tillage tool assemblies which first chops crop surface residue, then aggressively lifts and redistributes the chopped surface crop residue and breaks up the soil surface crust, and then levels the soil so that the soil surface is substantially smooth and ready for planting, all in a single-pass without tilling the soil at seed planting depths.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2003
    Inventor: Gregg A. Sauder
  • Publication number: 20030037935
    Abstract: A one-pass field tillage implement and method which maintains a uniform soil density throughout the crop root zone for greater root development, improved plant health and greater yields by eliminating tillage of the soil at seed planting depths. The implement includes a wheeled frame operably supporting at least three longitudinally spaced tillage tool assemblies which first chops crop surface residue, then aggressively lifts and redistributes the chopped surface crop residue and breaks up the soil surface crust, and then levels the soil so that the soil surface is substantially smooth and ready for planting, all in a single-pass without tilling the soil at seed planting depths.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 22, 2001
    Publication date: February 27, 2003
    Inventor: Gregg A. Sauder
  • Publication number: 20020144828
    Abstract: An implement for preparing seed beds and lawns, and for grading tracks and show rings, includes a main frame upon which scarifying teeth are mounted to penetrate and scarify the soil, tines which work the soil and prepare the final grade, and a blade for grading soil. The frame is supported on wheels, and attached to a tractor by a three-point hitch. Accordingly, the depth of penetration of the scarifying teeth and the angle at which the tines work the soil, may be adjusted by pivoting the implement about the axis defined by the axles of the wheels by using the tractor hydraulic system. Since this degree of adjustment is limited, the wheels are mounted to the frame by an adaptor plate including multiple openings, any of which the axle of a wheel to thereby adjust the height of the frame relative to the ground to accommodate both loose or hard soil.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 10, 2001
    Publication date: October 10, 2002
    Inventor: Kevin V. Keigley
  • Publication number: 20020084084
    Abstract: A reversible road scraper has two-edged blades that allow the scraper to be pulled in two different directions. The blades can be mounted on springs so that the scraper will not hang up on any objects that could potentially damage the scraper. Also, the scraper may include an edger blade to trim and define the edge of a road.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 2, 2001
    Publication date: July 4, 2002
    Inventor: William H. Turner
  • Patent number: 6328115
    Abstract: A wheeled dirt scraper having a pair of stabilizer rails pivotally mounted onto each of the side wings of the box, the rails being provided with damping devices to reduce, absorb and eliminate shock effects. The rails have a relatively large surface contact area and extend substantially the length of the wings. The rails are mounted such that the lower surfaces can pivot below or even with the bottom edges of the wings, so that the rails can remain in contact with the ground even when the wings are suspended above the ground.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2001
    Inventor: Jimmy Carter, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6182385
    Abstract: A rock and material loading system that is removably attachable to a loader bucket for loading material such as rocks into the loader bucket. The inventive device includes a pair of brackets attached to the upper rear portion of a loader bucket, a pair of lower jaws attached to the brackets, a pair of upper jaws pivotally attached to the lower jaws, an upper shaft securable within the jaws, a pair of side arms pivotally extending from the upper shaft, a lower shaft rotatably attached to the distal ends of the side arms, a plurality of teeth attached to the lower shaft, a pair of leverage arms attached to the lower shaft, and a pair of hydraulic cylinders attached to the upper shaft and to the leverage arms for manipulating the teeth. The user manipulates the hydraulics after engaging an object such as a rock for loading the rock into the conventional loader bucket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2001
    Assignee: Ken's Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventor: Kenneth O. Knutson
  • Patent number: 6161626
    Abstract: A sand trap rake arranged particularly for use on a golf course and with fingers which penetrate the sand for plowing the sand. There is an adjustment relative to the plowing fingers which permits the fingers to be angulated so that they can be dragged through the sand with the tips of the fingers being in trailing position. The entire machine includes the plowing fingers arranged on one planar piece and being disposed in a plurality thereof in end-to-end relationship to each other and with dresser plates trailing the plowing fingers for smoothing the top of the sand.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2000
    Assignee: Textron Inc.
    Inventors: Richard M. Lange, Stephen R. Voss, Kellen J. Chicoine
  • Patent number: 6085848
    Abstract: The invention relates to a dresser for dressing particulate material, such as sand, in a slow sand filter of a water treatment works. The dresser includes a frame having transverse mixing members which are adapted to mix the material at or adjacent the surface of the particulate material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2000
    Assignee: Thames Water Utilities Limited
    Inventor: Trevor George Sanders
  • Patent number: 6085847
    Abstract: A sand trap rake arranged particularly for use on a golf course and with fingers which penetrate the sand for plowing the sand. There is an adjustment relative to the plowing fingers which permits the fingers to be angulated so that they can be dragged through the sand with the tips of the fingers being in trailing position. The entire machine includes the plowing fingers arranged on one planar piece and being disposed in a plurality thereof in end-to-end relationship to each other and with dresser plates trailing the plowing fingers for smoothing the top of the sand.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2000
    Assignee: Textron Inc.
    Inventors: Richard M. Lange, Stephen R. Voss, Kellen J. Chicoine
  • Patent number: 5833011
    Abstract: A multi-purpose landscaping device is provided including a horizontal rake assembly with a plurality of tines coupled thereto and depending therefrom. A bracket assembly is coupled to the horizontal rake assembly such that a three point hitch of a tractor may be coupled thereto for selectively elevating the rake assembly. An adjustable blade mechanism is provided with a blade having a length equal to that of the rake assembly. The adjustable blade mechanism further includes a blade hydraulic cylinder adapted to raise and lower the blade with respect to the rake assembly. An adjustable roller mechanism with a similar associated hydraulic cylinder is further provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 10, 1998
    Inventor: Robert Boertlein
  • Patent number: 5806605
    Abstract: An implement for preparing seedbeds and lawns includes a main frame member upon which are mounted scarifying teeth to penetrate the soil and tines which work the soil and prepare the final grade after the soil has been scarified. A subframe is pivotally mounted on the main frame and carries a grading blade ahead of the scarifying teeth when the implement is move in the forward direction. The blade is allowed to float relative to the main frame on the subframe to thereby knock down vegetation, remove rocks and lightly grade the soil. The subframe can be moved relative the main frame to a position lifting the scarifying teeth and the tines off of the ground and allowing the blade to provide a deeper grading of the soil or the subframe may be moved to a position lifting the blade off of the soil so that the soil is contacted only by the scarifying teeth and the tines.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 15, 1998
    Assignee: Hydroseed Manufacturing, Incorporated
    Inventor: Kevin V. Keigley
  • Patent number: 5794714
    Abstract: This invention relates to a dirt leveling device adapted for towing by a tractor which is characterized by one or more chisels attached to a transverse shaft on the front of the dirt leveling device having a rotatable relationship thereto, and a dirt leveling blade rotatably attached to the frame and controlled by a second hydraulically actuated ylinder. The hydraulically actuated cylinder for the chisels and the hydraulically actuated cylinder for the blade may be controlled by extensions to the vicinity of the driver of the towing vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 18, 1998
    Inventor: Dennis Brown
  • Patent number: 5699863
    Abstract: The invention discloses apparatus for grooming, leveling and conditioning athletic fields comprised of a leveling trowel having beveled ends. Soil is worked using elastomeric flails disposed into contact with the surface by a rigid weight bar pivotally mounted on the upper surface of the independently pivotable flails. The grooming apparatus may be mounted with a two or three-point hitch assembly or towed by a drawbar from any utility tractor or other landscape vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 1994
    Date of Patent: December 23, 1997
    Assignee: Applied Design Technology, Ltd.
    Inventor: William L. Figura
  • Patent number: 5535832
    Abstract: A towed cultivator/land leveler apparatus includes a two part frame that includes tongue at the front end portion and wheels at the rear. A two part frame pivots about a transverse axis to raise/lower a leveler blade and tines that are carried at the front section of the frame. The rear of the frame extends transversely and carries a wide wheel base with multiple wheels that define the rear part of the aft frame section. Hydraulic pistons are provided to raise and lower the tines independently of the front part of the frame. An additional adjustment to the level of the tines and to the load leveling blade are provided by hydraulic pistons that pivot the aft frame section relative to the front frame section as the transverse axis and pivot of the machine is elevated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 1994
    Date of Patent: July 16, 1996
    Inventor: Terry Benoit
  • Patent number: 5427185
    Abstract: Earth working apparatuses and more specifically a ditcher or slope cutting device adapted to be connected with a conventional three point hitch mounted at the rear of a conventional tractor. The earth working apparatus includes a rigid square or rectangular frame having pairs of pivot lugs spaced laterally on a front member thereof for pivotal connection to the lower links or arms of a three point hitch and a pair of centrally located upwardly disposed pivot lugs pivotally supporting an upright member having its upper end connected to the upper link or arm of the three point hitch. A hydraulic ram or mechanical structure interconnects the frame at a point spaced rearwardly from the front and an upper end portion of the upwardly extending member in order to adjust the angular relation between the frame and the upwardly extending member and angularly adjust the frame in relation to the three point hitch and in relation to the ground surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 1993
    Date of Patent: June 27, 1995
    Inventor: James C. Seal
  • Patent number: 5407014
    Abstract: A scarifier/grader apparatus comprises, in combination, a tractor connected through a 3-point hitch to a scarifier/grader attachment wherein:the tractor is adapted to be operably connected through a three point hitch to a scarifier/grader attachment comprising a scarifier including hydraulics for raising and lowering a plurality of scarifying teeth borne thereon in laterally pivotable relation on a bracket that is angled in a forward direction to improve the angle of attack;a grading blade having a mold board and a cutting edge;a second frame interconnecting the scarifier frame and the blade in mutually spaced apart relation with the scarifier in operably leading relation and the blade in operably trailing relation,wherein the scarifier includes height-adjusting hydraulics for selectively raising and lowering the plurality of scarifying teeth borne thereon relative to the cutting edge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 1993
    Date of Patent: April 18, 1995
    Inventor: Graham Tranmer
  • Patent number: 5289879
    Abstract: An improved rake assembly for a sandtrap maintenance machine comprises a rake frame having a transverse row or rows of scarifying teeth. A trowel plate is fixed to the rake frame and trails behind the scarifying teeth and includes a substantially planar lower edge comprising a horizontal flange that bears against the sand to smooth out the sand disturbed by the scarifying teeth. In addition, a finishing rake is moveably attached to the rake frame to trail behind both the scarifying teeth and the trowel plate to allow the finishing rake to further groom and smooth the surface of the sand. The trowel plate is adjustably carried on the rake frame to be capable of vertical adjustment up and down relative to the rake frame. This vertical adjustment allows the height of the scarifying teeth of the rake frame to be quickly adjusted without having to individually adjust the scarifying teeth one by one.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 1992
    Date of Patent: March 1, 1994
    Assignee: The Toro Company
    Inventors: Malachy Fay, Helmut J. Ullrich
  • Patent number: 5284211
    Abstract: A mat for sweeping a surface is provided with an elongated slot therethrough which extends transverse to the intended direction of movement of the mat over a surface whereby debris on the surface will pass upwardly through the slot for collection on the upper surface of the mat. The slot may be perpendicular or angled relative to the direction of travel and the trailing edge of the slot may be provided with a chamfered surface to assist in guiding debris upwardly onto the upper surface of the mat. The mat may be either a one piece flat flexible mat or may be comprised of a plurality of mat elements each of which has a slot therethrough and which may be connected to other mat elements to make a larger mat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 1992
    Date of Patent: February 8, 1994
    Assignee: Slevin Pty. Ltd.
    Inventor: Warwick Tozer
  • Patent number: 5265681
    Abstract: A landscape leveling and raking apparatus has a frame, a handle protruding upwardly from the frame, a rake pivotally coupled to the frame to protrude downwardly and rearwardly therefrom, a screed fixed to the frame forwardly of the rake, a plurality of tiller blades rotatably mounted along a forward, open end of the frame, a motor which rotatably drives the tiller blades, and a mechanism for raising or lowering the tiler ,blades relative to the frame. As the blades rotate, they till the soil and propel the apparatus forward. The frame is open along its front edge. This allows soil to accumulate within the frame as the apparatus moves forward. The soil gradually escapes from the frame by passing beneath a screed fixed along the lower rear edge of the frame. The screed levels the soil before it is raked by the tines of the rake.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 1992
    Date of Patent: November 30, 1993
    Inventor: Frank Kincses
  • Patent number: 5265975
    Abstract: A scarifier comprises a plurality of supported, downwardly depending, axially secured scarifying teeth supported on a scarifying-tooth supporting frame connected in loose fitting relation to a tractor to thereby operatively impart a first component of lateral play at respective scarifying tip ends. The frame also includes a bracket engaging respective shank portions of the scarifying teeth en axially secured relation with sufficient degrees of lateral freedom to provide a second component of lateral play to spaced apart scarifying points of respective ones of those teeth.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 1991
    Date of Patent: November 30, 1993
    Inventor: Norman L. Scott
  • Patent number: 5211247
    Abstract: A device (10) for working soil is disclosed in the preferred form including a grading portion (12) and a raking portion (32) of generally C-shapes. Specifically, the grading and raking portions (12, 32) are formed from planar, central sections (14, 34) and first and second, planar wing sections (16, 18, 36, 38) extending from the opposite ends thereof. The grading portion (12) includes a plurality of spaced, parallel blades (24) secured to the bottom surface of the body portion formed from a tubular beam (20) and a grading plate (22) and arranged at a nonparallel angle to the movement direction to serrate the soil. The blades (24) have elongated lengths greater than the thickness of the body portion and are spaced generally equal to their widths. The raking portion (32) includes a plurality of spaced, parallel, straight teeth (44) securred to a plate (40) and tilted at a forward angle to the movement direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 1991
    Date of Patent: May 18, 1993
    Assignee: Insty Corporation
    Inventor: Bryan Johnsen
  • Patent number: 5074061
    Abstract: An earth moving machine is adapted to be pulled behind a tractor or other powered vehicle. The earth moving machine comprises a hitch at a forward end thereof adapted to be connected to the tractor and an axle assembly at a rearward end thereof. A trough-shaped scoop is pivoted on a frame of the earth moving machine at a point intermediate the forward and rearward ends thereof. A first hydraulic cylinder assembly is operable to control the height of the axle assembly relative to the frame, while a second hydraulic cylinder assembly is operable to pivot the trough-shaped scoop relative to the frame. By controlling the fluid pressure supplied to the first and second hydraulic cylinder assemblies, the scoop on the earth moving machine can be used to effect scraping, levelling, digging, carrying, and dumping of dirt. When the scoop is pivoted to its scraping position, a blade provided on the scoop for selectively cutting into the ground surface is located at a position rearward of the pivot point of the scoop.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 1991
    Date of Patent: December 24, 1991
    Inventor: Warren H. Thompson
  • Patent number: 5024280
    Abstract: An improved soil leveling apparatus (10) includes a frame (12), connecting hitch means (14), and adjustable lost motion linkage (48) secured to the top connection point (52) of the hitch, and an optional scarifier assembly (16) which is supported on a connector (66) pivoted between the legs (36, 40) of the hitch. The scraper member (18) of the frame (12) is of generally inverted J-shaped cross section, and tine subassemblies (90) can be substituted for the teeth (78) on the scarifier assembly (12).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 1989
    Date of Patent: June 18, 1991
    Inventor: Orlan H. Mork
  • Patent number: 4967850
    Abstract: Blade assemblies having a plurality of teeth extending therefrom are useful for working soil and/or for removing objects buried under the surface of the ground. However, having a plurality of teeth extending below the blade assembly can be detrimental since ground clearance is reduced or if the blade assembly inadvertently lowers during movement of the vehicle from one job site to another. In the subject arrangement, a blade assembly is provided having a plurality of teeth extending therefrom. The plurality of teeth are retractable in response to movement of a mechanism within the blade assembly. Upon raising the blade assembly to its carry position with subsequent retraction of the plurality of teeth, a mounting bar assembly which is associated with the plurality of teeth is moved into a recessed pocket of a latching flange. The latching flange is attached to a vehicle by a frame assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 1989
    Date of Patent: November 6, 1990
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Brent C. Bargfrede, Robert J. Purcell
  • Patent number: 4924945
    Abstract: An improved soil leveling apparatus consisting of a scraper member with an edge and a plurality of ground engaging members with surfaces, the above connected by a pair of longitudinal side members, hitch structure attached, an optional lost motion linkage on the top portion of the hitch, an optional scarifier assembly, and a horizontal plate attached to the scraper member with vertical adjustment structure on the plate to change the scraper member from an edge to a flat surface and vice versa.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 1988
    Date of Patent: May 15, 1990
    Inventor: Orlan H. Mork
  • Patent number: 4869326
    Abstract: A box blade attachment for tractors and like vehicles comprises a box frame which supports, for pivotal movement, a pair of moldboards, horizontally spaced from each other for scraping a surface in either a forward or backward path. Each of the moldboards moves independently of the other between a first position depending vertically between the sidewalls of the frame, and a second position pivoted inwardly and upwardly to lie in a plane substantially parallel to the surface being scraped. Hydraulic moldboard controls in the preferred embodiment synchronize the movement such that the moldboards move, alternatively and relative to each other, between the first and second positions. Thus arranged the box blade can be used in a conventional manner when the vehicle is moving in either direction by raising the appropriate moldboard and lowering the other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 1988
    Date of Patent: September 26, 1989
    Assignees: David L. Hutchins, Lynn E. Mounce, John S. Martin
    Inventors: David L. Hutchins, Lynn E. Mounce
  • Patent number: 4836295
    Abstract: An apparatus for leveling and conditioning baseball infields and the like includes a scarifier, pulverizer, drag, and roller, all mounted on a common frame. The frame and at least some of the implements may be adjusted to adjust or disable the scarifier, pulverizer, and drag individually. The apparatus may be pulled by a small garden tractor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 1987
    Date of Patent: June 6, 1989
    Inventor: Rodger E. Estes
  • Patent number: 4821810
    Abstract: The utility blade assembly for use on tractors having a three-point hitch connection. The blade assembly includes an elongated boom having a turntable mounted on the rear end thereof. The turntable carries a utility blade. Hydraulic piston and cylinder subassemblies are provided for rotating the blade on the turntable. At its forward end, the boom extends through a sleeve in which it is free to rotate about its axis. The sleeve carries aligned laterally projecting elements which function to support the sleeve and boom for rotation about a transversely extending horizontal axis. A piston and cylinder subassembly is provided for pivoting the boom and sleeve about this horizontal axis so that the rear end of the boom carrying the turntable and utility blade can be lifted upwardly. A boom rotating piston and cylinder subassembly is provided for rotating the boom about its longitudinal axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 1988
    Date of Patent: April 18, 1989
    Inventor: Vernon R. Buchanan
  • Patent number: 4726129
    Abstract: The invention relates to a snow tiller for mounting on the rear of a track maintenance vehicle. The snow tiller comprises a tiller shaft and a tiller frame of at least triangular cross-section extending over the width of the snow tiller and having end plates for supporting the tiller shaft bolted to its lateral ends.In order to facilitate the maintenance of the snow tiller, the lateral ends of the tiller frame are provided with bars secured thereto in a V-shaped configuration. Secured to each end plate at its side facing towards the tiller frame is a pair of undercut bars in a V-shaped configuration for overlapping engagement with the bars on the tiller frame in the mounted state of the end plates. The undercut bars cooperate with a fixing bolt engaging the tiller frame to form an interlock clamp mounting arrangement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 1986
    Date of Patent: February 23, 1988
    Assignee: Karl Kassbohrer Fahrzeugwerke GmbH
    Inventor: Walter Haug
  • Patent number: 4616581
    Abstract: Apparatus for seeding includes a first plurality of shovels disposed in a rank at uniform intervals and a second plurality of shovels disposed in a second rank at uniform intervals. The first and second ranks are disposed in generally parallel relationship with the track of the shovels in the second rank disposed intermediate the tracks of the shovels in the first rank. A plurality of press wheels are mounted for rotation. Each of the press wheels is disposed in aligned relationship with the track of one of the shovels. A chain is fixed to each of the plurality of first shovels in the first rank. A cylinder is fixed to each of the chains at the end thereof remote from the first rank. Each cylinder extends close to the press wheel which is aligned with the shovel disposed in the first rank on which the associated chain is mounted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 1985
    Date of Patent: October 14, 1986
    Inventor: Glen E. Brothers
  • Patent number: 4585075
    Abstract: An improved soil leveling apparatus (10) includes a frame (12), connecting hitch means (14), and adjustable lost motion linkage (48) secured to the top connection point (52) of the hitch, and an optional scarifier assembly (16) which is supported on a connector (66) pivoted between the legs (36,40) of the hitch. The scraper member (18) of the frame (12) is of generally inverted J-shaped cross section, and tine subassemblies (90) can be substituted for the teeth (78) on the scarifier assembly (12).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 1984
    Date of Patent: April 29, 1986
    Inventor: Orlan H. Mork
  • Patent number: 4553608
    Abstract: A scraper machine for ground levelling and earth planing having a scraper unit and a ripper assembly for scarifying and loosening in advance of levelling and planing and with the ripper assembly being carried by a raised front end member of the scraper unit, vertically adjustable with respect to the scraper unit, and pulled through a ripper tongue that is pivotally connected to a main tongue of the scraper unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 1984
    Date of Patent: November 19, 1985
    Inventor: Richard B. Miskin
  • Patent number: 4524532
    Abstract: A box blade assembly for attachment to earth moving vehicles has a rotatable semi-cylindrical closure blade. The box blade includes a pair of spaced parallel side walls, an open front, top, and bottom, and a rear wall having a depending scraper blade attached to the bottom edge thereof. A semi-cylindrical, transversely-extending, closure blade is rotatably mounted on the side walls of the box blade. A fluid-operated cylinder rotates the closure blade from an open position, with the bottom of the box blade open, to a closed position abutting the rear wall and scraper blade enclosing the bottom of the box blade. A vehicle pulls the box blade along the surface of the ground with the scraper blade scraping dirt and confining it within the side and rear walls. The closure blade when rotated to the closed position extends underneath the collected dirt so that it can be lifted with the box blade for transporting to another location.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 1984
    Date of Patent: June 25, 1985
    Inventor: James E. Browning
  • Patent number: 4450916
    Abstract: An earth clod pulverizing and earth smoothing implement (10) has rows of heavy, cast-iron, pointed teeth (14a-v) which are wedge-shaped in cross section with the cutting edges (42) of the wedges defining substantially vertical lines facing the forwardly direction. The implement further includes downwardly directed channel irons (16a-d) after each row of teeth, with each successive channel iron being mounted slightly lower than the one in front of it. The front leg (54) of each channel iron is shorter than the back leg (56). The implement (10) also includes downwardly directed side walls (18a and b), an upwardly flared front member (20) and a downwardly flared rear, smoothing, member (22). A channel iron (16e) having equal sides is mounted on the downwardly flared smoothing member (22). The teeth are spaced two feet apart in the rows, and the rows of teeth are spaced 14 inches apart.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 1982
    Date of Patent: May 29, 1984
    Inventor: Thomas E. Francis
  • Patent number: 4448258
    Abstract: A soil leveling apparatus (10) is disclosed which includes a frame (11) having ground-engaging members (12a, 12b, 12c, 13) disposed transverse to the direction of motion, side rail members (14, 15) in which the ends of the ground-engaging members are secured, and upstanding connecting means (20) for operatively attaching the apparatus (10) to the draft vehicle. A scarifying means (50) for breaking up and loosening the soil prior to the leveling operation can be mounted near the forwardmost area of the apparatus (10). The scarifying means (50) includes a cross-shaft (51), connector arms (52) for pivotally connecting the cross-shaft (51) to the frame (11), scarifiers (55) extending downwardly from the cross-shaft (51) and a hydraulic cylinder (61) for lowering and raising the scarifying means (50) into and out of the soil.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 1981
    Date of Patent: May 15, 1984
    Inventor: Orlan H. Mork
  • Patent number: RE39889
    Abstract: An implement for preparing seedbeds and lawns includes a main frame member upon which are mounted scarifying teeth to penetrate the soil and tines which work the soil and prepare the final grade after the soil has been scarified. A subframe is pivotally mounted on the main frame and carries a grading blade ahead of the scarifying teeth when the implement is move in the forward direction. The blade is allowed to float relative to the main frame on the subframe to thereby knock down vegetation, remove rocks and lightly grade the soil. The subframe can be moved relative the main frame to a position lifting the scarifying teeth and the tines off of the ground and allowing the blade to provide a deeper grading of the soil or the subframe may be moved to a position lifting the blade off of the soil so that the sold is contacted only by the scarifying teeth and the tines.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2007
    Assignee: Absolute Innovations, Inc.
    Inventor: Kevin V. Keigley