Dennis J Deets

US Patent:

7716773, May 18, 2010

Filed:

Jul 28, 2005

Appl. No.:

11/191778

Inventors:

Gaylord M. Pahl - Excelsior MN, US
Jack R. Gust - Northfield MN, US
Miguel A. Pizano - Eden Prairie MN, US
Dennis J. Deets - Medford MN, US

Assignee:

The Toro Company - Bloomington MN

International Classification:

E01H 1/04

US Classification:

15 83, 15 82, 56344

Abstract:

A debris sweeper has a powered rotary brush for sweeping debris, such as aerator cores, from a turf surface into a debris collecting hopper. The brush and hopper are carried on a wheeled tow frame. The hopper is pivotally supported on a pivotal lift frame that moves the hopper between a lower, debris collecting position and an upper, debris dumping position. The lift frame pivots on the tow frame behind an axis of a pair of wheels while the hopper pivots on the lift frame in front of the wheel axis. This ensures that positive weight is kept on the tongue of the tow frame at all times.

US Patent:

6533198, Mar 18, 2003

Filed:

Nov 16, 2000

Appl. No.:

09/714057

Inventors:

Dean A. Podevels - Chanhassen MN
Randel J. McCrackin - Paola KS
Dennis J. Deets - Medford MN
Bruce A. Granger - Prior Lake MN

Assignee:

The Toro Company - Bloomington MN

International Classification:

A01C 1900

US Classification:

239676, 237657, 237672, 237681, 237684, 237685, 237668

Abstract:

A top dresser for distributing particulate matter on a variety of terrain. The top dresser may includes a towable frame which is operatively connected to a pair of wheel assemblies. Each wheel assembly is rotatingly attached to the frame of the top dresser in such a fashion as to enable the wheels of the wheel assembly to follow the contours and undulations in the terrain over which it traverses. Each wheel assembly is operatively connected to a hydraulic pump which is in turn operatively connected to a hydraulic circuit which is used to control and power various elements of the top dresser. The top dresser includes a hopper with gate assembly and a conveyor to distribute particulate matter at predetermined rates to the terrain. The gate assembly is adjustable and includes a biased gate which deflects in response to contact with large nonconformities such as rocks. The conveyor belt is a pre-manufactured substantially continuous loop of material which has a patterned or otherwise roughened surface.