With Dispenser Of Fluent Material Patents (Class 56/16.8)
  • Patent number: 10617111
    Abstract: An apparatus for the spraying of an area of interest (S) of a high-pressure working fluid (V) wherein the apparatus is susceptible to move relatively to the ground (S) along a direction of reciprocal advancement (d) and it comprises at least one tank (2) for the working fluid (V), at least one outlet nozzle (41) and a fluid connecting line (4) extending from the tank (2) towards the outlet nozzle (41). The apparatus further comprises supply means (5) of the working fluid (V) that include a high-pressure pump and at least one spraying device (10) placed along the fluid connecting line (4) the former (5) upstream with respect to the latter (10). Furthermore, the spraying device (10) comprises a support structure (11) that comprises a first plate (12), motor means (35) acting upon the first plate (12) to promote the eccentric rotation thereof around a first axis (Z) and at least one manifold (42) placed on the first plate (12) to move integrally therewith.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2020
    Inventor: Erardo Mateo Mayer
  • Publication number: 20140360148
    Abstract: A harvesting machine for picking up crop includes a container with a closable filler neck used to accommodate a fluid that is fed by at least one supply system to crop picked up by the harvesting machine. The container has at least one further, closable opening, through which at least one additional container is inserted into the container. The additional container is fillable with a fluid and has contents that can be mixed with the fluid present in the container.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 19, 2014
    Publication date: December 11, 2014
    Applicant: Claas Selbsfahrende Erntemaschinen Gmbh
    Inventors: Lukas Grosse Wienker, Ludger Laumeier
  • Publication number: 20140260159
    Abstract: A rotary mower apparatus for applying liquid chemical to vegetation has a rotating drive shaft extending downward through the deck, and a plurality of blades extending horizontally from the drive shaft. A blade ring extends downward from a bottom surface of the mower deck and is configured such that a bottom edge of the blade ring is located above a path of a middle portion of the blades, and a plurality of sprayer nozzles extend downward from the bottom surface of the mower deck inside the blade ring. A chemical source is operative to deliver pressurized liquid chemical through the chemical conduits to each sprayer nozzle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: SCHULTE INDUSTRIES LTD.
    Inventor: Todd HOFMANN
  • Publication number: 20140260160
    Abstract: The present invention is a mulch plate assembly in a rotary lawnmower having a deck member featuring a discharge aperture wherein grass clippings and the like are discharged during use of the lawnmower, the mulch plate assembly comprising a rigid plate member, attachment means whereby the rigid plate is attached to the deck member in position to obstruct the discharge aperture, the attachment means capable of disengagement by a single unidirectional application of force by a user.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 17, 2014
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Inventor: BRIAN BAKER
  • Patent number: 8763929
    Abstract: A riding rotary pressure washer comprising of a four wheeled powered vehicle, a circular cover that houses a balance spray bar assembly, the circular cover is adjustably attached to the four wheeled vehicle and is positioned between the wheels of the vehicle, a first L-shaped hose guide, the first L-shaped hose guide is attached to the rear of the four wheeled vehicle, a hose, the hose is attached to the balance spray bar assembly and guided through the first L-shaped hose guide, and a remote pressure washer system, the remote pressure washer system attaches to the hose of the riding rotary pressure washer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2014
    Inventors: Jose Antonio Llopiz-Capote, Onier Llopiz
  • Publication number: 20140123615
    Abstract: A walk power mower has a mower deck that encloses a pair of rotary cutting blades with the grass clippings from the blades being discharged through a rearwardly extending grass discharge tunnel in a rear bagging mode of operation. The blades are powered by a timed drive system that is carried by a horizontal apron that is part of a cast aluminum engine mount. The engine mount and the apron are bolted to a stamped steel deck shell that forms the cutting chamber in which the blades rotate. The mower has a side discharge mode in which a side discharge chute is releasably mounted over a side discharge opening. The chute carries a flow cutoff baffle having an inwardly protruding inner end that sticks through the side discharge opening to intercept and direct the clippings out through the side discharge opening and through the chute in the side discharge mode.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 18, 2013
    Publication date: May 8, 2014
    Inventors: Chris A. Wadzinski, Ryan J. Volovsek, Larry W. Schmidt, Steven J. Svoboda, John O. Hurst
  • Patent number: 8667769
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods for harvesting a plurality of crop rows guide harvest residue and apply a liquid biodegrading agent thereto, while harvesting the crops.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2014
    Inventor: Douglas C. Pierson
  • Patent number: 8544178
    Abstract: The present invention relates generally to an apparatus that chops off a weed at or below ground level and applies a small shot of herbicide to the freshly cut weed base. More particularly the present invention is a rechargeable, battery operated, solenoid driven, and hand held device with a herbicide reservoir on the handle and a reciprocating cutter blade with a directed herbicide spray nozzle at the base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2013
    Inventor: Everett J. Smiley
  • Publication number: 20130145737
    Abstract: In one contemplated embodiment, the present invention is a liquid delivery device for attaching to a walk-behind lawn mower or other similar machine. The device includes at least one means for attaching the device to the machine, and preferably a pair of straps for releasably attaching the tank assembly to the handle-portion of the lawn mower. The device includes the tank body assembly having at least one vertical sidewall coupled to a closed bottom at an end opposite an open top to define an interior volume. A cap selectively seals the open top and includes a pressurizing assembly. A wand assembly is operationally coupled to the fluid storage tank assembly, the wand assembly includes a hose operationally coupled to the interior volume of the tank assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 13, 2011
    Publication date: June 13, 2013
    Inventor: Thomas Parham
  • Patent number: 8359820
    Abstract: A harvester has an operator cab, a motor, a carriage driven by the motor, a crop cutter and collector, a processing body, and an ultra-low flow agricultural forage preservative applicator system for applying a biological solution to forage during harvesting. The forage preservative applicator has a biological solution reservoir, a flush reservoir, a peristaltic pump, a valve operative to either couple the pump with the biological solution or the flush solution, and a dispensing tube, where the biological fluid containing pathways are of functionally like cross-section in the region between the biological solution reservoir outlet and the dispensing tube outlet. A flow detector which does not obstruct the fluid pathway is provided to monitor biological solution flow rate, and a moisture detector and harvest rate detector may be used for automatic control.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2013
    Inventor: Daniel R. Dohrmann
  • Patent number: 8312670
    Abstract: A horticultural applicator having a raft, at least one cable attached to the raft, a boom associated with the raft, and a conduit in communication with the raft. The raft includes a lower surface, first and second side surfaces extending upwardly and outwardly from the lower surface at opposite ends thereof, and first and second end surfaces extending generally perpendicular from opposite ends of the lower surface between the first and second side surfaces. The cable is used to drag the raft over a surface containing vegetation. The boom is adapted to apply a substance onto the vegetation traveling below the lower surface of the raft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2012
    Inventors: Timothy Dean Heckler, Adam Matthew Wake
  • Publication number: 20120124954
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for supply of treating fluid to a cutting apparatus directly to cut vegetation substantially simultaneously with the cutting of the vegetation. Treating fluid is delivered from the supply to an intermediate, sealed reservoir into which a desired volume of treating fluid is maintained and a rotary shaft seal is provided to seal the reservoir against entrance of debris. The treating fluid is then delivered from the sealed reservoir, via centrifugal force, through a channel to a passageway formed in the bolt connecting the cutting blade to a blade mount of the mower.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 24, 2010
    Publication date: May 24, 2012
    Applicant: Degelman Industries LTD.
    Inventor: Victor Labar
  • Publication number: 20120090287
    Abstract: A riding lawn mower mounted drop spreader apparatus is used for spreading a granular material while mowing. The spreader includes a hopper for holding a quantity of a granular material to be dispensed with a control gate which controls the amount of material distributed while mowing. An auger located in the hopper has a drive motor which can also be controlled by an operator of the mower. The hopper has a mounting frame for mounting the hopper and agitator mechanism on a rear chassis region of the lawn mower. An operator can visually observe the amount of material distributed by observing the mowed path behind the mower during use.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 18, 2010
    Publication date: April 19, 2012
    Inventor: Harold O'Daniel
  • Publication number: 20120055130
    Abstract: A lawn mower and spreader system includes a deck, a hopper, and a spreading element. The deck supports an engine having a power takeoff and at least partially surrounds a blade coupled to the power takeoff. The hopper is configured to support granular fertilizer. Furthermore, the hopper has a discharge chute leading to an opening in the deck. The spreading element is coupled to the power takeoff of the engine and is positioned between the deck and the blade. The spreading element includes a hub and arms that extend laterally from hub. The arms are spaced apart from one another by open slots.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 31, 2011
    Publication date: March 8, 2012
    Inventors: Kenneth Au, Richard J. Gilpatrick, Steven C. Crouch
  • Publication number: 20120055129
    Abstract: A chemical applying apparatus for use on a rotary mower that includes a mower deck, a blade pan under the mower deck mounted to a driven shaft, and a plurality of blades attached to the blade pan. A slinger ring is attached to a top surface of the blade pan such that a center of the slinger ring substantially coincides with a rotational axis of the driven shaft, and a bottom edge of the slinger ring is sealed to the blade pan. The slinger ring slopes upward and inward from the bottom edge thereof to the top edge thereof. Discharge ports extend through the blade pan adjacent to and inside the slinger ring. A conduit is fixed to the mower deck and oriented to direct chemical onto the top surface of the blade pan inside the slinger ring, and a chemical source delivers chemical through the conduit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 10, 2011
    Publication date: March 8, 2012
    Applicant: HIGHLINE MANUFACTURING LTD.
    Inventor: Montgomerie Summach
  • Patent number: 8087221
    Abstract: A mower unit includes a mower deck mounting therein in parallel layout first, second and third rotary blades rotatably driven about vertical axes and a washing device. The mower deck includes a top wall, side walls and first, second and third auxiliary side walls for evacuation. The washing device includes a single water supplying unit disposed upwardly of the top wall for supplying washing water and first, second and third water discharging units disposed through the first, second and third auxiliary side walls for discharging water to the first, second and third rotary blades respectively. The washing device includes also a water supplying pipe unit interconnecting and communicating the water supplying unit to the first, second and third water discharging units. The water supplying pipe unit is disposed within a mower deck rear space delimited by outer faces of the first, second and third auxiliary side walls.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2012
    Assignee: Kubota Corporation
    Inventors: Akihito Sugio, Akira Minoura, Yoshikazu Togoshi, Eiji Satou, Takahiro Shiraga, Kazuo Koike, Motosumi Shiotsuki, Yusuke Shoji
  • Publication number: 20110232250
    Abstract: A mower unit is disclosed, including a mower deck mounting therein in parallel layout first, second and third rotary blades rotatably driven about vertical axes and a washing device. The mower deck includes a top wall, side walls and first, second and third auxiliary side walls for evacuation, the auxiliary side walls having shapes along at least a machine body rear portion of the rotary path of each rotary blade. The washing device includes a single water supplying unit disposed upwardly of the top wall for supplying washing water and first, second and third water discharging units disposed through the first, second and third auxiliary side walls for discharging water to the first, second and third rotary blades respectively. The washing device includes also a water supplying pipe unit interconnecting and communicating the water supplying unit to the first, second and third water discharging units.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 31, 2010
    Publication date: September 29, 2011
    Applicant: Kubota Corporation
    Inventors: Akihito Sugio, Akira Minoura, Yoshikazu Togoshi, Eiji Satou, Takahiro Shiraga, Kazuo Koike, Motosumi Shiotsuki, Yusuke Shoji
  • Patent number: 7900429
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for supply of treating fluid to a cutting apparatus directly to cut vegetation substantially simultaneously with the cutting of the vegetation. Treating fluid is delivered from the supply to an intermediate, sealed reservoir into which a desired volume of treating fluid is maintained and a rotary shaft seal is provided to seal the reservoir against entrance of debris. The treating fluid is then delivered from the sealed reservoir, via centrifugal force, through a channel to a passageway formed in the bolt connecting the cutting blade to a blade mount of the mower.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2011
    Assignee: Degelman Industries Ltd.
    Inventor: Victor Labar
  • Patent number: 7827772
    Abstract: A marking assembly for attachment to a vehicle for distributing a marking agent on a substantially grass-covered field to mark one or more lines in one or more predetermined areas thereof. The marking assembly includes a deck having a grass-cutting subassembly for mowing the grass and removing the cuttings thereof to provide freshly-mown grass in the predetermined area, the deck being attachable to the vehicle. The marking assembly also includes one or more nozzle subassemblies positionable downstream relative to the grass-cutting subassembly when the vehicle travels in a forward direction. The nozzle subassembly includes one or more nozzles for releasing the marking agent to mark the line on the predetermined area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2010
    Assignee: Simplistic Lines Inc.
    Inventor: Brent Baker
  • Publication number: 20100115905
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for supply of treating fluid to a cutting apparatus directly to cut vegetation substantially simultaneously with the cutting of the vegetation. Treating fluid is delivered from the supply to an intermediate, sealed reservoir into which a desired volume of treating fluid is maintained and a rotary shaft seal is provided to seal the reservoir against entrance of debris. The treating fluid is then delivered from the sealed reservoir, via centrifugal force, through a channel to a passageway formed in the bolt connecting the cutting blade to a blade mount of the mower.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 22, 2010
    Publication date: May 13, 2010
    Applicant: Degelman Industries LTD.
    Inventor: Victor Labar
  • Patent number: 7703236
    Abstract: An apparatus and a method are provided for killing insects on vegetation using an insecticide, where the insecticide does not contact the vegetation. In one embodiment, an absorbent material is placed on an upper surface of a disc mower. The absorbent material is soaked with insecticide, and as a tractor moves the mower through a field of hay, insects land on the insecticide-laden material and die from the toxic effect of the insecticide. In another embodiment, an L-shaped blade outfitted with an insecticide-laden mat is mounted transverse to the front of an all-terrain vehicle or a tractor, which is driven through a field. The blade, or alternatively a feeder bar attached to the blade, brushes the tips of vegetation in the field, causing bugs and insects to fly, fall or jump from the vegetation onto the insecticide-laden mat, where the insecticide kills some, most or all of the bugs and insects.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2010
    Inventor: Darrell Allen Palm
  • Patent number: 7681385
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for supply of treating fluid to a cutting apparatus directly to cut vegetation substantially simultaneously with the cutting of the vegetation. Treating fluid is delivered from the supply to an intermediate, sealed reservoir into which a desired volume of treating fluid is maintained. The treating fluid is then delivered from the sealed reservoir, via centrifugal force, through a channel to a passageway formed in the bolt connecting the cutting blade to a blade mount of the mower. The treating fluid is ejected from the bolt passage directly onto the exposed undersurface of the cutting blade and directly to the vegetation at the same time that it is cut so that the treatment fluid, herbicide or other chemical is absorbed directly into the translocation system of the cut vegetation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2010
    Assignee: Degelman Industries Ltd.
    Inventors: Victor Labar, Robert Degelman, Donald Stevenson, Keith Boras
  • Patent number: 7628003
    Abstract: A device for applying a fluid to the underside of a mowing deck includes a hollow body, a plurality of outlet apertures, and a magnetic mounting assembly. The device may include at least one brush attached to a cutting blade. The device may also include a detachable and flexible fan assembly that cleans cutting debris from the topside of a mowing deck while cooling the cutting engine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 8, 2009
    Inventor: Joseph P. Iannello
  • Publication number: 20090199531
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for supply of treating fluid to a cutting apparatus directly to cut vegetation substantially simultaneously with the cutting of the vegetation. Treating fluid is delivered from the supply to an intermediate, sealed reservoir into which a desired volume of treating fluid is maintained. The treating fluid is then delivered from the sealed reservoir, via centrifugal force, through a channel to a passageway formed in the bolt connecting the cutting blade to a blade mount of the mower. The treating fluid is ejected from the bolt passage directly onto the exposed undersurface of the cutting blade and directly to the vegetation at the same time that it is cut so that the treatment fluid, herbicide or other chemical is absorbed directly into the translocation system of the cut vegetation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 7, 2008
    Publication date: August 13, 2009
    Inventors: Victor Labar, Robert Degelman, Donald Stevenson
  • Publication number: 20090077940
    Abstract: A mobile harvesting apparatus and method utilizes a stream of liquid, propelled under hitch pressure through at least one nozzle, to harvest produce. Preferably, a plurality of nozzles is provided. Additionally, it is preferred that, for each nozzle provided, there is an associated diverter plate. With this configuration, a stream of liquid exiting a nozzle will, after harvesting all item of produce, strike its associated diverter plate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 20, 2007
    Publication date: March 26, 2009
    Inventors: Frank J. Maconachy, David Offerdahl
  • Patent number: 7370462
    Abstract: A steam injection manifold assembly is mounted to a crop pick-up assembly and is provided with an elongate manifold disposed lengthwise of the pick-up assembly. A plurality of steam injection tubes are releasably mounted to the manifold to receive steam exiting through respective steam outlet openings provided in the manifold. In one embodiment the injection tubes are shaped similarly to tine stripper bands of the pick-up, and in another embodiment the injection tubes define the stripper bands of the pick-up.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2008
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventors: Timothy James Kraus, Randal Alan Cufr, Daniel James Meyer
  • Patent number: 7293399
    Abstract: A system for performing several functions in caring for crops such as vines grown in rows uses a high pressure water jet to selectively prune, thin shoots and remove leaves from growing crops. Water jet size, pressure, movement and position relative to the crops are controlled to obtain desired functions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2007
    Inventor: Phillip Ray Scott
  • Patent number: 7281364
    Abstract: A mobile harvesting apparatus and method utilizes a stream of liquid, propelled under high pressure through at least one nozzle, to harvest produce. Preferably, a plurality of nozzles is provided. Additionally, it is preferred that, for each nozzle provided, there is an associated diverter plate. With this configuration, a stream of liquid exiting a nozzle will, after harvesting an item of produce, strike its associated diverter plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2007
    Inventors: Frank J. Maconachy, David Offerdahl
  • Patent number: 7043890
    Abstract: Novel lawn mowers and tree shredders or “chippers” designed to prevent the spread of agricultural pathogens, such as citrus canker, for example, are described and claimed herein. Exemplary embodiments of the mower comprise a storage tank containing chemical agent useful in eradicating agricultural pathogen, the tank connected to a series of nozzles arranged on the mower such that the mowing blades, lower frame of the mower, and housing guard, for example, are sprayed with the chemical agent. Embodiments of the “chipper” include one or more nozzles arranged within the hopper and/or the exit chute through which chemical agent may be sprayed onto foliage entering into the chipper and processed foliage exiting the chipper, respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2006
    Inventor: Travis Lofton
  • Patent number: 6990770
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is an apparatus preferably coupled to a boom on a truck which can simultaneously trim and chemically treat trees or other vegetation with a herbicide. The apparatus, in addition to have a standard saw blade assembly with limb clamping jaws, includes a sprayer assembly. The sprayer assembly includes nozzles which administer herbicides or other chemical treatments adjacent to the saw blades, allowing herbicide to be precisely administered to the tree limbs as they are cut.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2006
    Assignee: Steven J. Terrell & Associates, Inc.
    Inventor: Steven J. Terrell
  • Patent number: 6928800
    Abstract: Apparatus for applying a biocide liquid composition to billets formed from sugar cane stalks. In one embodiment of the invention, the apparatus is comprised of a container for containing the liquid composition, a conduit in fluid communication with the container, and one or more nozzles in fluid communication with the conduit, the apparatus being sized and configured for connection to a billet-type sugar cane harvester so that the nozzles are disposed to direct the liquid composition onto the billets either before or as they are received by a hopper configured to receive the billets dispensed from the harvester during operation of the harvester. Related improvements to harvesters and methods of inhibiting microbial degradation of sugar cane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2005
    Inventor: Jim T. Huff, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6912834
    Abstract: A water nozzle is attached to the mower deck of vegetation mower that extends into the interior of the mower deck housing. Water is channeled into the water nozzle and is diverted laterally out through an end of the nozzle toward the mower blade in the housing deck for use in cleaning the interior sides of the mower deck housing. The water may contact the mower blade to be propelled to the sides of the mower deck housing. The nozzle may be rotatably attached with respect to the deck to use in manually turning the nozzle cleaning the entire periphery of the interior of the mower deck housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2005
    Assignee: MTD Products Inc.
    Inventors: Joe Kasanic, Peter D. Sadosky
  • Patent number: 6910320
    Abstract: A washing device is provided for removing debris from an underside of a mower having a multi-chamber cutting deck. The device includes a mounting apparatus allowing the device to be attached to a flange of the deck. Connected to the mounting apparatus is an assembly for dispersing liquid such as water and delivering the water to all portions of the underside of the deck. To accomplish this delivery, the assembly includes first and second liquid dispersion plates attached with each other and also connecting with the mounting apparatus to allow the delivery of water therethrough. Provided in one of the plates is a channel having divided end portions which elevate water upon contact so as to lift the water over an included cutting blade. Coupled with this plate is yet another plate enabling connection of the dispersion assembly to the deck and also providing a vent between the two plates. Creation of this vent then allows an emission of water reaching across the width of each of the included chambers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2005
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventors: Christopher Scott Thorman, Ronald Paul Holland
  • Publication number: 20040045166
    Abstract: A chamber is formed in the upper end of a brush saw cutting head housing. The brush saw cutting element drive spindle's upper end projects into the chamber. The drive spindle's lower end projects beneath the housing and is drivingly couplable to the cutting element. A disc is mounted against the underside of the cutting element. A cavity is formed in the disc. At least one channel extends through the disc, between the cavity and the disc's external rim. An aperture extends through the drive spindle, between the chamber and the cavity. Herbicide supplied to the chamber flows from the chamber, through the drive spindle aperture, into the cavity. The drive spindle rotates the disc. Centrifugal force imposed on herbicide within the cavity forces the herbicide through the channel(s) onto the underside of the cutting element, for transfer onto the stumps of material cut by the element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 13, 2003
    Publication date: March 11, 2004
    Inventors: Bryan Marc Hobday, Peter Williams
  • Patent number: 6651414
    Abstract: A grass and leaf collection sled for riding lawn mowers. The sled vastly increases the total volume of grass, leaves, and other lawn residue that can be picked up and transported to a disposal site. The sled is easily assembled, simple to load and unload, and is easily stored after use. The sled enables collection of a large volume of lawn refuse without relying upon additional mechanical devices to complicate the operation of the lawnmower.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2003
    Inventor: Mark Sowers
  • Patent number: 6600981
    Abstract: The invention is a multifunctional, mobile appliance capable of performing a variety of tasks safely, quietly, without pollution, and out of sight of its owner. Such tasks might include lawn mowing, fertilizing, and edging, floor vacuuming, waxing, and polishing, or rug shampooing. In its preferred implementation, the mobile unit 1 would obtain precise real time and position information using the Real Time Kinematic Global Positioning System. The user initially guides the appliance around the work-area perimeters. The device then uses this information to determine the full working area. Proximity detectors and impact sensors help the appliance avoid unexpected obstacles. The device is quiet enough to perform its task in the middle of the night while its owner is asleep, but can be programmed to work continuously or during any user-specified time interval. The small turning radius of the appliance allows it to follow intricate perimeters.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2003
    Inventor: Bryan John Ruffner
  • Publication number: 20030101702
    Abstract: A mower deck cleaning device for a rotary mower for removing clippings from the inside of the mower blade housing. A tubular conduit is mounted on the mower so as to extend through the deck of the mower. A garden hose may be attached to the conduit to flow water through the conduit. A rotor mounted on the conduit receives the water from the hose and projects a rotating pattern of pressurized fluid for cleaning the inside of the housing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 30, 2001
    Publication date: June 5, 2003
    Inventor: Kenneth E. Hall
  • Patent number: 6497088
    Abstract: A rotary mower has a cutting blade and, spaced above it, a fan blade mounted to be rotated on the same axis of rotation as the cutting blade. It has at least one nozzle fixed with respect to the fan and cutting blades, and positioned to spray liquid in a direction substantially parallel to the planes of rotation of the cutting and fan blades, and between those planes of rotation. The nozzle is positioned behind a member with a slot in it, the nozzle projecting spray through the slot and being shielded by the member from damage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 24, 2002
    Inventor: Larry R. Holley
  • Patent number: 6484486
    Abstract: A mower unit of grass cutting machine has at least two blades. The left blade is rotatable clockwise, while the right blade is rotatable counterclockwise. A grass discharge passage is formed between the two blades. An endless rotational belt for transmitting drive to the two blades is offset forwardly in a region between the blades, thereby forming, between the blades, a space without the endless rotational belt. The grass discharge passage has an upper surface inclined rearwardly and upwardly to extend from a position forwardly of a pair of pulleys corresponding to the two blades.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2002
    Assignee: Kubota Corporation
    Inventors: Hiroki Nagai, Nobuyuki Yamashita, Mikio Yuki, Hiroshi Oshima, Masatake Murakawa, Hiroshi Kawabata
  • Patent number: 6481193
    Abstract: There is provided a mower having a high pressure fluid pump powered by a mower engine and communicated to a fluid jet assembly. The pump receives associated fluid from a mower reservoir. An output fluid stream is discharged from a fluid jet under sufficient pressure to sever associated vegetation and impact upon a mower diffusing device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2002
    Assignee: MTD Products Inc.
    Inventor: Anthony J. Williams
  • Patent number: 6446420
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for simultaneously cutting and directing fluid into the stem of a tabacco plant, the apparatus including having a liquid delivery blade, a source of fluid communicating with to the underside of the blade, an associated power source for rotating the liquid delivery blade at a sufficiently high speed “top” tobacco plants.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2002
    Assignee: Burch Company
    Inventors: Arch Douglas Worsham, Thomas B. Burch
  • Publication number: 20020083694
    Abstract: A mower unit of a grass cutting machine has at least two blades. The left blade is rotatable clockwise, while the right blade is rotatable counterclockwise. A grass discharge passage is formed between the two blades. An endless rotational belt for transmitting drive to the two blades is offset forwardly in a region between the blades, thereby forming, between the blades, a space without the endless rotational. The grass discharge passage has an upper surface inclined rearwardly and upwardly to extend from a position forwardly of a pair of pulleys corresponding to the two blades.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 29, 2001
    Publication date: July 4, 2002
    Applicant: KUBOTA CORPORATION
    Inventors: Hiroki Nagai, Nobuyuki Yamashita, Mikio Yuki, Hiroshi Oshima, Masatake Murakawa, Hiroshi Kawabata
  • Publication number: 20020069630
    Abstract: There is provided a mower having a high pressure fluid pump powered by a mower engine and communicated to a fluid jet assembly. The pump receives associated fluid from a mower reservoir. An output fluid stream is discharged from a fluid jet under sufficient pressure to sever associated vegetation and impact upon a mower diffusing means.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 8, 2000
    Publication date: June 13, 2002
    Inventor: Anthony J. Williams
  • Patent number: 6374586
    Abstract: A method for cutting vegetation and simultaneously treating the remaining stems of the cut vegetation with a treatment fluid. In a mower having a cutting blade assembly rotatably mounted on a blade carrier, a treatment fluid in a removable fluid container cells is pumped to the cutting blade. The method includes the steps of cutting vegetation with at least one cutting blade, and delivering a treatment fluid to the underside of the at least one cutting blade in a continuous stream so that the treatment fluid is continuously available to the remaining stems of the cut vegetation. Metering the amount of treatment fluid that is pumped to the cutting blade assembly is precisely controlled at a very low, but effective, rate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2002
    Inventor: Thomas B. Burch
  • Patent number: 6370855
    Abstract: Grass blower for use with lawn mower, comprising rotating blade assembly in housing. Housing receives grass cuttings discharged from deck of lawn mower. Rotating blade assembly blows grass cuttings in housing into entrance of discharge chute.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2002
    Assignee: Magic Circle Corporation
    Inventors: Arthur Leon Evans, Brad E. Church, David L. Shafer, Duane R. Summerlot
  • Patent number: 6260340
    Abstract: Apparatus (20) for cleaning a lawn mower (10) after its use in mowing a lawn. The mower has a deck (14a, 14b) beneath which are mounted grass cutting blades (B). When cutting grass, grass clippings and other debris accumulate on the underside of the deck. The apparatus comprises a flexible tubing (24, 54) routed over an outer surface of the deck. Ends of the hose attach to a coupling (28) which, in turn, is attached to a source of water through a shut-off valve (30) for water to circulate through the hose. A plurality of fittings (32, 60) are installed in the hose at locations along its length. The fittings extend through a sidewall (40, 56) of the tubing and through the mower deck. Each fitting has a bore (38, 66) extending through the fitting for water circulating through the tubing to be drawn through the fitting and sprayed on the underside of the mower deck. The water flushes away the accumulated grass clippings and other debris.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2001
    Inventor: Walter Sanner
  • Patent number: 6233840
    Abstract: The device that has been invented, sprays water into and around a windrow of hay evenly adding moisture to dry alfalfa to allow for baling at moistures above 14% and below 18%, reducing the losses of leaves due to shatter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2001
    Assignee: Harvest Tec, Inc.
    Inventor: Denzel R. Finney