With Assembly Or Disassembly Feature Patents (Class 222/609)
  • Patent number: 10875760
    Abstract: A method for delivering heating oil to homes and commercial establishments comprises a two-mode combination of (a) using a conventional large-tank delivery truck and (b) using a portable, self-contained apparatus which is carried on a lighter weight truck as cargo. The portable apparatus comprises a tank having just under 119 gallons capacity, a pump for flowing oil through a meter subsystem which measures the quantity of oil, to a hose; all mounted on a skid for portability. The apparatus is capable of dispensing oil quantities of 1, 5, or 25 gallons while meeting regulators' weights and measures approval requirements. When the small tank is filled with heating oil, preferred apparatus weighs less than 1500 pounds and is removably carried on the bed of an un-placarded truck (one that does not have to meet hazardous material requirements), and that may be driven by a driver having an ordinary driver's license, compared to the requirements and associated costs attending the conventional truck.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 29, 2020
    Inventor: Jeffrey Hale Suntup
  • Patent number: 9974247
    Abstract: A pumping device for liquids is described which comprises a tank for liquids, from which a feeding pipe of a pump with a solar panel draws. The tank consists of a supporting frame with tubular uprights and upper and lower horizontal connection lengths, which supports and surrounds a flexible bag for containing liquids and has an upper connection crossbar of the upper horizontal lengths of the supporting frame, on which the pump with solar panel is mounted. The bag has a lower filling hole or mouth, in which the feeding pipe can be inserted and an overflow hole made in the upper of part of its side wall in position lower than said mouth.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2018
    Assignee: CLABER S.P.A.
    Inventors: Dario Spadotto, Gaetano Franchini
  • Patent number: 8651341
    Abstract: A divot repair cart for filling divot holes with a repair mixture. The cart has a self-supporting wheeled frame, a push handle for use at a standing height, a repair mix reservoir at a first height above the ground, and a rear-facing dispensing spout having a divot alignment position adjacent the ground in which the spout is visible from the push handle for aligning it with a divot hole. Repair mix is dispensed by tilting the cart. The spout may be movable relative to the cart, and further operable with a remote control such as a cable, to move the spout from the divot alignment position to a raised transport position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2014
    Inventor: Rick Luther
  • Publication number: 20110024459
    Abstract: An aerosol spray can agitator consists of a device for discharging the contents of an aerosol spray can onto a surface, wherein the device is capable of holding and agitating a spare aerosol spray can. A first aerosol spray can holder is disposed on a housing. An actuator mounted on the first aerosol spray can moves between discharging and non-discharging positions. The device further including a trigger actuator displaced from the aerosol spray can actuator capable of moving the aerosol spray can actuator between the discharging and non-discharging positions, which allows an operator to discharge the contents of the aerosol spray can onto a surface. The device also has at least one rotatable wheel disposed on the housing which rotates as the device is moved relative to the surface and a second spray can holder disposed on the wheel for holding a second aerosol spray can. The second spray can holder is adapted to hold spray cans with various types of bottom rim configurations.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 3, 2009
    Publication date: February 3, 2011
    Inventors: Thomas M. Smrt, John F. Smrt
  • Patent number: 7520411
    Abstract: The present invention concerns embodiments of a portable fluid-transporting system for mounting on a land-driven vehicle, such as a loader, and methods for their use. In an illustrated embodiment, a fluid-transporting device includes at least one fluid container, or tank, that is mountable to and completely removable from a vehicle. The container is configured to be carried by the vehicle such that at least a portion of the container is supported in front of the forward end of the vehicle. In particular embodiments, the container is generally U-shaped and includes a forward-container portion and first and second side-container portions extending from respective ends of the forward-container portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2009
    Inventor: Stephen P. Bieker
  • Patent number: 7503510
    Abstract: The improved sprayer system of the present invention utilizes a docking drogue and probe assembly to quickly and easily allow refilling of the sprayer tanks with a material from an enlarged nurse tank. The coupling of the drogue and probe allows for fluid communication, as well as electronic transmission of material data to a processor in the prime mover. This processor software also receives input regarding field data and crop data, as well as feedback data from the sprayer regarding the material application. A GPS system on the prime mover allows for tracking the spraying operation, while a time stamp in the processor software tracks the timing of the spraying operation. This system thus allows for accurate accountability and traceability for the use of materials during the spraying operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2009
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventors: Michael T. Vickers, Steve A. Junge
  • Patent number: 7455246
    Abstract: A wheeled handcart is provided having a rechargeable, battery-powered, low pressure pump and spray apparatus for applying chemical cleaning solutions to sanitize commercial restroom facilitates and for filling hand applicators with diluted chemical solutions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2008
    Inventors: Blake H. Roth, Jeff Hower, Joseph Kauth, Rocky Massin, Craig Snider, William Randall Roth, Jeff Haag, Darrin Swagel, Jim Decker
  • Patent number: 6851588
    Abstract: According to a disclosed embodiment of the invention, an apparatus for converting the load compartment of a vehicle into a tank for carrying liquids comprises a removable cover assembly configured to cover an upper opening of the load compartment. A pump, which can be mounted to the cover assembly, is provided for pumping liquid from the load compartment. The outlet of the pump may be fluidly connected to a discharge conduit, which may be coupled to the cover assembly. The discharge conduit desirably extends at least partially inside the cover assembly. An opening may be defined in the cover assembly for introducing liquid into the load compartment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2005
    Inventor: Steve Bieker
  • Patent number: 6817495
    Abstract: A portable tool box, including a container, an electrically operated air compressor, a vent for providing an ample supply of air, a pneumatic tool for dispensing dense materials, a pneumatic hose, and an electrical connection box.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2004
    Assignee: Mi-Ok Pty Ltd.
    Inventor: Robin William Luck
  • Patent number: 6786368
    Abstract: A baton suitable for use in self-defense includes a body adapted to receive a canister of spray therein, a nozzle securable to the body and adapted to receive spray therethrough, and a trigger mounted on the body. The trigger mounts on the body in a location that permits grasping of the body underhanded with the thumb positioned over the trigger to permit movement of the trigger from an unfired position to a fired position that facilitates ejection of spray from the canister through the nozzle. The trigger includes an actuator and a lock coupled therewith. One motion performed with the thumb releases the lock and moves the actuator from the unfired position of the trigger to the fired position of the trigger.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2004
    Assignee: Lightstick Partners, LLC
    Inventors: Vito Cellini, Richard W. Martin
  • Patent number: 6695181
    Abstract: A generally wedge-shaped mud box with a bottom wall has a mud outlet orifice through which mud will flow. An edge of the wedge-shaped box has a rectangularly shaped cover rotatably attached so as to be rotatable between an filling position and an operating position. A releasable biasing structure biases the cover toward a bottom wall of the box so as to force mud contained in the box toward the outlet orifice. A mud gun, including a hollow body with an inlet and an outlet orifice, is releasable attached to the outlet orifice of the box. When air under pressure is introduced into an air inlet of the gun, mud entering through the inlet orifice is forced out through the outlet orifice of the gun. A nozzle chassis is affixed to the gun with a plurality of different nozzles movably attached thereto, and each nozzle is movable between a stored and an aligned position so that only one nozzle of the plurality of nozzles is aligned with the outlet orifice of the gun at a time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2004
    Inventors: David F. Kreitzer, Dan B. Pool, Toby Edwards
  • Patent number: 6240862
    Abstract: A hopper and lid system for an implement includes a hopper having a bottom and a plurality of walls forming an internal volume with a first opening through which the internal volume is filled and a second opening through which the internal volume is emptied, a lid configured to cover the opening, a first hook coupled to the lid and configured to engage one of the plurality of walls to support the lid relative to the hopper with the opening uncovered and a second hook coupled to the lid and configured to engage one of the plurality of walls to support the lid relative to the hopper with the opening uncovered. The second hook extends obliquely to the first hook. Preferably, the second hook extends perpendicular to the first hook to enable the lid to be coupled to perpendicular walls of the hopper. The hopper and lid system further includes a flexible tether having a first end coupled to the hopper and a second end coupled to the lid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2001
    Assignee: Case Corporation
    Inventors: Lisle J. Dunham, Alexander B. Ekrut
  • Patent number: 6065410
    Abstract: A hopper and lid system for an implement includes a hopper having a bottom and a plurality of walls forming an internal volume with a first opening through which the internal volume is filled and a second opening through which the internal volume is emptied, a lid configured to cover the opening, a first hook coupled to the lid and configured to engage one of the plurality of walls to support the lid relative to the hopper with the opening uncovered and a second hook coupled to the lid and configured to engage one of the plurality of walls to support the lid relative to the hopper with the opening uncovered. The second hook extends obliquely to the first hook. Preferably, the second hook extends perpendicular to the first hook to enable the lid to be coupled to perpendicular walls of the hopper. The hopper and lid system further includes a flexible tether having a first end coupled to the hopper and a second end coupled to the lid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2000
    Assignee: Case Corporation
    Inventors: Lisle J. Dunham, Alexander B. Ekrut
  • Patent number: 6047866
    Abstract: A portable liquid dispenser apparatus has an insulated liquid container having a plurality of flexible dispensing tubes extending from the container. Each of the plurality of flexible dispensing tubes has a nozzle and valve on the end thereof for selectively dispensing liquid from the container. A wheeled container cart has two container supports thereon and has the liquid container removably mounted in a raised position for gravity dispensing of the liquid from the container to one or more individuals through each of the flexible tubes. The wheeled container cart can include a pair supporting surfaces for supporting two liquid containers. The insulated liquid container can have a generally rigid manifold attached to the outside of the container and connected to the inside of the container for receiving the liquid from the inside of the container and dispensing the liquid from the plurality of flexible tubes connected to the manifold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2000
    Inventor: Jack C. Brown
  • Patent number: 5878925
    Abstract: A portable drywall joint compound pump workstation supplies joint compound to a workstation outlet that is conveniently located. The workstation includes a joint compound supply reservoir having an open top, a pump that pumps joint compound from the supply reservoir, a portable cart that supports the supply reservoir and the pump, and a removable transport tube that feeds joint compound from the pump to the workstation outlet. With the transport tube in place the workstation outlet is held in a relatively stable position in the vicinity of the open top of the supply reservoir. The pump is located below the joint compound supply reservoir, and is a gravity-fed, pneumatic diaphragm pump. The pump inlet is connected to the bottom of the supply reservoir and the pump outlet is located beneath the pump inlet. The pump is thus self-draining. A compressed air manifold assembly including a plurality of compressed air supply ports is provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 9, 1999
    Assignee: Apla-Tech, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey L. Denkins, Steven J. Mondlock
  • Patent number: 5860566
    Abstract: An apparatus for dispensing granular material onto a surface including a hand-operated spreader. The spreader includes a hopper for containing the granular material with a feed opening through which the granular material is dispensed from the hopper. The apparatus further includes a storage bin for containing a quantity of the granular material. The storage bin is removably connected to the hopper so that the granular material is readily transferable between the hopper and the storage bin. A method for transferring and dispensing granular material is also disclosed where the spreader is inverted and connected to the top end of the storage bin. The assembly is then inverted for use. Thereafter, the assembly is inverted again and the spreader is disconnected from the storage bin. A separate lid covers the storage bin until it is further needed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 1997
    Date of Patent: January 19, 1999
    Inventor: David Lucs
  • Patent number: 5842648
    Abstract: A broadcast spreader constructed from two separate and rotationally molded parts; one molded part integrates the handle and hopper assemblies while the other molded part forms the base assembly that supports the wheels for the spreader. A pair of dovetail-like connection between the molded parts assures a strong and tight fit and proper alignment therebetween. Also provided are a self-aligning bearing for the rotor shaft and a single control for simultaneously operating a deflector plate and an auxiliary dispensing member for the spreader.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 1996
    Date of Patent: December 1, 1998
    Assignee: Republic Tool & Mfg. Corp.
    Inventors: Paul M. Havlovitz, Aaron D. Delaby, Albert C. Martinez
  • Patent number: 5833096
    Abstract: A water dispenser for dispensing bottled water with the water bottle installed into the bottom portion of a dispenser cabinet with the water bottle's open end up, thereby eliminating the need to lift the water bottle to the top of the cabinet and the need to invert the bottle so that its open end points down.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 10, 1998
    Assignee: Dasan C&I Co. Ltd.
    Inventor: H. B. Ohu
  • Patent number: 5785214
    Abstract: A device for discharging the contents of an aerosol container onto a surface, wherein the device is capable of holding and agitating a spare aerosol container is provided. The device comprises a first aerosol container holder disposed on a housing. The first aerosol container having an actuator mounted on the container that moves between discharging and non-discharging positions. The device further including an actuator which effects movement of the aerosol container actuator between the discharging and non-discharging positions and a trigger for controlling the, actuator which allows an operator to discharge the contents of the aerosol container onto the surface. The device also having at least one rotatable wheel disposed on the housing which rotates as the device is moved relative to the surface and a second container holder disposed on the wheel for holding a second aerosol container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 28, 1998
    Inventor: Thomas J. Smrt
  • Patent number: 5695094
    Abstract: A readily disassemblable cabinet for a liquid dispensing system includes a supporting frame assembly having a base plate and a shelf, and further includes readily removable front, rear, and side panels and a separately removable top support and top panel. Readily removable metal rods are provided to secure individual base, shelf and top support components to the frame assembly. Such rods permit the quick removal of the system components and thus facilitate routine maintenance of the liquid dispensing system while minimizing the number of tools required to service the unit. The upper surface of the shelf supports a readily removable reservoir and the underside of the shelf is formed with brackets for receiving cross pins which removably support a hot tank for pivotal and translational movement toward and away from a valved waterway suspended below the reservoir.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 9, 1997
    Assignee: Elkay Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: Lowell C. Burnham, Robin R. Saar, Knute Alstad, David W. Wendt, Edward H. Donselman
  • Patent number: 5597092
    Abstract: A collapsible drop spreader having a hopper for supporting a wheel axle bearing member, an upper U-shaped frame pivotally connected to a pair of parallel leg members supported on the hopper for use as a handle for the spreader, the hopper further having wheel track alignment guide arrows indexed thereon, a series of material exit apertures extending the length thereof, a two-part rotary agitator bar disposed above the material exit apertures of the hopper, a spring washer for biasing the separate members of the agitator bar apart to effect a sealing relationship with the wheel axle bearing supports, a light weight fiber reinforced shut-off bar disposed adjacent the material exit apertures and rotatable about splines on the wheel axle bearing members, and a flexible cable having one end connected to the rotatably journaled shut-off bar and the other end thereof connected to a control lever located on the upper frame for rotating the shut-off bar from a closed position to an open position with respect to the ma
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 1995
    Date of Patent: January 28, 1997
    Assignee: Republic Tool & Mfg. Corp.
    Inventor: Paul M. Havlovitz
  • Patent number: 5590819
    Abstract: A water tank assembly for mounting between a motor vehicle frame member and the lower portion of a body panel along a side of the vehicle. The assembly includes, typically, a plastic cylindrical tank and at least two straps having an adjustable length and J-bolts at the ends for securing the tank to the typically channel section frame member. Saddle members are provided to fill the space between the tank and frame member. Preferably, shallow strap-receiving grooves are provided around the tank to hold the straps in position. A valved fill/dispense tube is provided near the lower tank side through which the tank is filled and which dispenses water as needed. An overflow device, typically a sprinkler system "bubbler" is provided at the top of the tank. The tank fill/dispense tube is readily accessible just below the vehicle body side while the tank is out of sight behind the side panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 1995
    Date of Patent: January 7, 1997
    Inventor: Robert C. Armstrong
  • Patent number: 5570814
    Abstract: A collapsible broadcast spreader having a lower frame for supporting a wheel axle, an upper frame pivotally connected to the lower frame for use as a handle for the spreader when the upper frame and lower frame are in an extended position, a hopper also supported by the lower frame and having a materials exit aperture in the hopper, a slide integral with a bottom wall of the hopper, a shut-off plate disposed within the slide, a flexible cable having one end pivotally connected to the shut-off plate and the other end thereof connected to a control lever located on the upper frame for moving the shut-off plate from a closed position to an open position with respect to the aperture, wherein the control cable and the shut-off plate are in-line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 1994
    Date of Patent: November 5, 1996
    Assignee: Republic Tool & Mfg. Corp.
    Inventor: Paul M. Havlovitz
  • Patent number: 5325994
    Abstract: The present invention is an apparatus for dispensing flowable material which comprises a holding vessel for holding a supply of flowable material, a dispensing device for releasing an amount of flowable material from the holding vessel, a first heating element for heating the flowable material in the holding vessel, a second heating element, in operative association with the first heating element for heating the dispensing device such that the latter can be activated by the former, a unified control system for sensing the condition of the second heating element and of the flowable material in the holding vessel, and coordinating the operation of the first and second heating elements such that the second heating element intermittently activates the first heating element in response to a preselected sensed condition of the flowable composition, and such that the first and second heating element are disabled in response to a preselected sensed condition of the second heating element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 1992
    Date of Patent: July 5, 1994
    Inventors: Peter Mizialko, Anthony Dispoto
  • Patent number: 5251790
    Abstract: A two-piece mobile bar which may house a beverage cooling and dispensing system for dispensing cold beverages through a multi-valved gun operated by a bartender stationed behind the bar. The first piece is a base unit defined by vertical end walls bridged by upper and lower sections, the upper section being joined to the end walls at corresponding positions below the upper edges of the end walls. The space between the upper and lower sections is divided into open cells which receive beverage and other containers. The upper section is provided with a sink in which a cold plate is seated, the cold plate having coils embedded therein in heat exchange relationship with ice covering the plate. The coil inputs are coupled to the containers and the outputs to the gun, whereby beverages passing through the coils are cooled before being dispensed. Coupling is effected by a network of hoses which extend through a shallow region contiguous with the front side of the unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 1992
    Date of Patent: October 12, 1993
    Inventors: Robert J. Cohn, Albert Kolvites
  • Patent number: 5201442
    Abstract: A remotely actuated apparatus is provided for delivering a liquid to a desired location, particularly for use with a bicycle. The invention includes a reservoir, a pump adapted to receive liquid from the reservoir regardless of the orientation of the reservoir, a delivery tube for delivering liquid from the pump to a desired location, and a remote actuator for remotely actuating the pump. Also included in a preferred embodiment is a manifold which receives liquid from the pump. The manifold has a plurality of outlet ports to facilitate attachment of the delivery tube thereto regardless of the orientation of the apparatus. The actuator is disposed remotely from the reservoir and sends a signal which is received by a receiver means which actuates the pump to dispense refreshment liquid through the manifold to a delivery tube and then to a dispensing tube which is in close proximity to the mouth of the bicycle rider.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 1991
    Date of Patent: April 13, 1993
    Inventor: Aram Bakalian
  • Patent number: 5108038
    Abstract: An elongated particulate material spreader hopper is provided for detachable mounting on the back end of a conventional sand/salt hopper truck to allow its use in summer for spreading of gravel and other particulate material in road building and resurfacing applications. Hydraulically powered screw conveyors are provided to distribute the material evenly across the full width of the spreader approximating a driving lane on a major highway. Doors or gates are provided to control the amount and width of the discharge of particulate material to the highway surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 1990
    Date of Patent: April 28, 1992
    Inventors: John M. Palladino, Wesley A. Rosenberg
  • Patent number: 5035352
    Abstract: This invention discloses an adjustable apparatus for spreading mortar onto bricks or blocks. The apparatus utilizes augers and is readily adjusted to extrude beads of mortar onto the proper portions of bricks/blocks having different widths. A trowel member is provided on the extrusion ports to smooth the beads of mortar. The apparatus includes a lid member that contains water for wetting the mortar. The weight of the lid member containing water also helps urge the mortar out of the hopper through the extrusion ports. Mortar gate plate members to regulate flow of mortar through the extrusion ports are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 1989
    Date of Patent: July 30, 1991
    Inventor: Frank Mania
  • Patent number: 5009344
    Abstract: A bulk material handling apparatus comprising a spreader and a double sealed rigid container for dusty solid materials wherein the first seal may be removed from the container and the container may be inverted and lowered into and fixed in the top of the spreader after which the second seal may be removed to release materials from the container into the bottom of the spreader without creating a dust cloud.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 1989
    Date of Patent: April 23, 1991
    Inventor: Edwin L. Cooley
  • Patent number: 4928858
    Abstract: A metering device for seed having a housing (7), a rotary metering member (27) that is rotatably mounted on a shaft 32 in open slots (25, 26) in a pair of side walls (8, 9) of the housing with the axis of rotation of the shaft extending transversely to the side walls. The rotary metering member and shaft are removable from the housing through the slots in a direction extending laterally of the axis of rotation and a closure member (36) is provided which is pivotally connected to the housing so as to extend across and close the ends of the slots (25, 26), thus retaining the rotary metering member (27) in position. Removal of the rotary metering member is therefore simply achieved by releasing the closure member pivotting it away from the housing and withdrawing the metering member and shaft laterally through the now open ends of the slots.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 1988
    Date of Patent: May 29, 1990
    Assignee: Massey-Ferguson Services N.V.
    Inventor: Raymond C. Tite
  • Patent number: 4862210
    Abstract: A replaceable seal assembly (10) for a used Canon brand developer station (100) having a peripheral recess (106) created by the removal of the original toner reservoir seal; wherein, the seal assembly (10) having a seal unit (11) including a generally rigid seal member (13) having a generally flexible seal member (14); and, a bracket unit (12) which is adapted to frictionally engage the generally rigid seal member (13) relative to the peripheral recess (106); whereby, the seal unit (11) may be inserted and removed from said peripheral recess (106) in the course of recharging the developer station (100) with fresh toner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 1988
    Date of Patent: August 29, 1989
    Assignee: Access Computer Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Lee G. Woolley
  • Patent number: 4815635
    Abstract: A water supply apparatus is utilized in conjunction with a bicycle to enable a rider to receive either a spray of cooling water or a stream for drinking purposes. A diaphragm-type pump supplies the water. Plural reservoirs enable a plurality of liquids to be transported and utilized, such as water for cooling the rider and a sucrose solution for energy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 1987
    Date of Patent: March 28, 1989
    Inventor: Willie E. Porter
  • Patent number: 4715515
    Abstract: Hopper and meter support structure for easy removal of hopper and metering mechanisms to facilitate converting a complete grain drill or similar implement from one row spacing to another. A molded plastic hopper rests on transversely extending beam members of the grain drill main frame and includes lower flanges supported on two lower tubular beam members. The metering mechanism includes flanges which are sandwiched between the tubular beams and the hopper flanges, and these components are held in position by angles which are removeably attached to the lower beams. By simply removing the angles, the entire hopper and meter support structure may be lifted from the beam members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 1986
    Date of Patent: December 29, 1987
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventor: Ronald M. Steilen
  • Patent number: 4541750
    Abstract: An apparatus for accommodating and avoiding the interference of a column in line with an end of a spreader which applies particulate material to the surface of freshly-poured concrete. The apparatus includes an assembly for attachment to the column for supporting an end of the surface spreader. The column assembly has a horizontal shelf and a device to affix the shelf to the column at a predetermined elevation in registration with the end of the surface spreader. A ski is mounted at the end of the surface spreader and is shaped to engage the shelf and support the end of the surface spreader on the shelf. The ski is maintained at approximately the same elevation as the shelf to readily permit the ski to be moved onto the shelf for support of the end of the surface spreader.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 1981
    Date of Patent: September 17, 1985
    Assignee: Master Consolidated Corporation
    Inventor: Joe M. Owens
  • Patent number: 4540312
    Abstract: A material spreader system is designed to dispense a topping material onto the surface of a plastic substance lying within an area having a length, width and opposing sides. The material spreader system also includes features which enable it to dispense topping material within an area including a vertically extending obstruction positioned adjacent one of the sides of the area and extending a predetermined distance into the area. The obstruction defines a reduced width section of the area. The material spreader system includes a spreader for storing a supply of topping material and for dispensing a layer of the topping material as the spreader is translated along a path. An adjustable bridge provides an elevated path to permit widthwise translation of the spreader across the area. The normal bridge span has a length equal to or greater than the full width of the area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 1981
    Date of Patent: September 10, 1985
    Assignee: Allen Engineering Corporation
    Inventor: J. Dewayne Allen
  • Patent number: 4508243
    Abstract: A meter assembly for a grain drill or seeder or similar implement. The meter assembly is hinged at one end to the implement and held in place by over center latches. To inspect and service the meter assembly and to empty the material containers, the latches are released allowing the meter assembly to swing down. The meter is driven by a pair of gears which automatically disengage when the meter assembly swings away from the latched working position and engage when the assembly is swung back to the working position. Removal and replacement of chains and bolts are eliminated to increase serviceability of the meter assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 1983
    Date of Patent: April 2, 1985
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventors: Timothy A. Deutsch, Howard C. Hadley
  • Patent number: 4491275
    Abstract: A dispenser is disclosed detachably secured to the front or rear of a vehicle to enable spreading of road salt or other granular material.In a first embodiment the dispenser is detachably mounted to the upper edge of a snow plow blade. A slidable damper plate regulates the flow of material from a hopper onto a multi-speed spreader rotor, which causes an even dispersion of the material by directing it outwardly and against the forward surface of the snow plow blade.The damper plate is positioned by a cable system causing sliding of the plate by tilting of the snow plow blade, with a visual indicator enabling viewing of the plate position within the vehicle cab.In a second embodiment, the dispenser is detachably mounted to the rear bumper of a motor vehicle and the damper plate is actuated by means of an electro-mechanical actuator. A deflector shield is positioned across the rear of the vehicle to deflect the dispensed material directed thereagainst by the spreader rotor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 1982
    Date of Patent: January 1, 1985
    Inventor: Herbert Holsworth
  • Patent number: 4485939
    Abstract: An agricultural planter (12) is provided with a hopper (37 or 137) which is adapted to receive a transverse partition wall (71 or 171) for dividing seed and chemical compartments (72, 73 or 205, 207). The chemical compartment (73 or 207) can be further divided into cells (74, 76 or 174', 176') by a longitudinal partition wall (77 or 177) whereby seed and two chemicals, such as a herbicide and an insecticide, can be dispensed from a single hopper (37 or 137) during a planting operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 1982
    Date of Patent: December 4, 1984
    Assignee: Allis-Chalmers Corp.
    Inventors: Alexander T. Gafford, David L. Murray
  • Patent number: 4332336
    Abstract: A spreading apparatus comprising a large hopper disposed above a series of integral mini-hoppers. Each mini-hopper includes positive metering discharge means for uniformly distributing granular materials containing ingredients of mixed densities such as blended fertilizers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 1980
    Date of Patent: June 1, 1982
    Assignee: International Minerals & Chemical Corp.
    Inventor: Edward P. Novacek
  • Patent number: 4262821
    Abstract: A marking apparatus includes a wheel-equipped base and a handle for pushing the base. A can holder is adjustably mounted on the handle for holding a can of marking material. The can holder includes a stop plate which engages the actuator of the can and through which the marking material is sprayed. A trigger rod is movably mounted on the handle for pushing the can toward the stop plate for opening the valve of the can.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 1979
    Date of Patent: April 21, 1981
    Inventor: Thomas J. Smrt
  • Patent number: 4234109
    Abstract: A material-distributing implement which is mountable to the flat bed of a truck for distributing dry material in one configuration and liquid in a second configuration. The disclosed embodiment includes a frame, a hopper, three auger sections mechanically coupled in line with each other and an arrangement of mechanical components and features for converting the implement from the dry material configuration to the liquid configuration and back to the dry configuration. A first auger section driven by the truck's power take-off is supported between the front and rear walls of the hopper. Dry material in the hopper is transferred through an aperture in the rear wall to a second auger section which is also mounted to the bed of the truck. The final auger section receives the dry material from the second section and transfers this material to a remote location, beyond the rear of the truck, for distribution.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 1977
    Date of Patent: November 18, 1980
    Inventor: Robert D. Goodhart
  • Patent number: 4218015
    Abstract: A garden roller capable of storing and dispensing a large volume of liquid without immobilizing the roller, includes a hollow drum, preferably made of plastic and having a handle pivotally connected thereto for rolling the drum. A flexible conduit passes outwardly from the interior of the drum through a flow aperture in an end wall of the drum and a seal is provided to prevent escape of liquid through the aperture. Liquid can be dispensed through the conduit via a pump connected to the conduit outside the drum or by pressurizing the interior of the drum. The flexible conduit is weighted at its open end such that it remains adjacent the bottom of the drum enabling the entire contents therein to be dispensed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 1978
    Date of Patent: August 19, 1980
    Inventor: Thomas Dean
  • Patent number: 4202474
    Abstract: A machine for spreading fertilizer and seed in which the width of the machine with respect to its working direction of travel is greater than its length with respect to the working direction of travel. The machine comprises at least two individual machine units having lateral and transverse sides which units are assembled together in a lateral relationship to each other by means of laterally located hitch elements on each unit. Each unit has a chassis borne at three support points by swivel wheels and is provided with additional hitch elements on the transverse side towards the working direction. On each unit at least one swivel wheel is lockable in both a working direction of travel and in a transport direction of travel which directions are at right angles to each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 1976
    Date of Patent: May 13, 1980
    Assignee: Amazonen-Werke
    Inventor: Heinz Dreyer
  • Patent number: 4090490
    Abstract: A portable barbeque grill having a coal-receiving member hingedly connected to a cover member rotatably mounted between a pair of inverted U-shaped side frame members. The hinge means between the cover member and the coal-receiving member mounts the coal-receiving member and cover member off center between the juncture of the rear legs and the bight portion of the inverted U-shaped frame members so that the coal-receiving member can rotate under its own weight to a position wherein coals and ashes can be readily removed from its interior. The coal-receiving member can be locked in a substantially horizontal position by retaining pins received through the juncture of the front legs and bight portions of the inverted U-shaped frame members and inserted into the coal-receiving member to preclude it from rotating.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 1977
    Date of Patent: May 23, 1978
    Assignee: James Ross Riley
    Inventors: James R. Riley, Sarah M. Riley
  • Patent number: 4089446
    Abstract: A portable water supply and dispensing unit comprises a hydraulic pump having a low-voltage electric motor for operating the pump, both of which are mountable atop a water container, the electric motor being capable of being operated by a storage battery, particularly of the type of battery used in motor vehicles, the water container being provided with a pair of wheels fixed to the underside of the water container which also supports the pump and motor, for manually moving the unit about an area by means of a suitable handle member, the unit has many uses and is especially adapted to the washing of motor vehicles which are out of reach of the general water supply, such as vehicles parked in parking lots of high-rise apartment houses and the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 1976
    Date of Patent: May 16, 1978
    Inventors: James H. Logan, II, Richard J. Logan, Jr.
  • Patent number: 4027782
    Abstract: A method and sequence of operating a pump and vent on a hot asphalt transport tank to avoid release of noxious fumes to the atmosphere during discharge of asphalt from the tank, and a quick-acting vent characterized by a toggle release, for carrying out that method.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 1976
    Date of Patent: June 7, 1977
    Inventor: Adason Morey Miller
  • Patent number: 4026441
    Abstract: This invention relates to a roof-gravel removal apparatus including a trailer-mounted foldable frame which cooperates with the trailer on which it is mounted to define a drive-through archway when fully unfolded, said archway supporting a hopper or the like in position to deposit the contents thereof into the bed of a truck waiting therebeneath. Vertically adjustable stanchions disposed at the rear end of the trailer behind its wheels cooperate with the front section of the frame to produce the front legs of the arch when the latter is fully unfolded. The vacuuming apparatus and associated equipment are located on the trailer bed so as to cooperate therewith and counterbalance the foldable frame and hopper subassembly supported thereon. The midsection of the frame carrying the hopper is hingedly connected to the front section in offset relation such that a gap is left therebetween in folded position sized to receive and house the rear section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 1976
    Date of Patent: May 31, 1977
    Inventor: Richard C. Jones