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Collector and separator apparatus for lawn and garden

  • US 20060277714A1
  • Filed: 06/15/2006
  • Published: 12/14/2006
  • Est. Priority Date: 11/09/2000
  • Status: Abandoned Application
First Claim
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1. An apparatus for collecting and reducing yard debris comprising:

  • a. a frame adapted for movement in a principal direction upon a surface;

    b. a converging duct mounted on said frame having an entrance and an exit;

    c. a collector rotor assembly comprising;

    i. a collector rotor body disposed at said entrance to said converging duct having a substantially horizontal axis of rotation generally normal to said principal direction, and ii. a plurality of impellers mounted on said collector rotor body comprising a plurality of flexible polymeric spikes mounted on said collector rotor body and projecting generally radially therefrom, said collector rotor assembly having an effective radius defined by rotation of the tips of said impellers about said horizontal axis, said collector rotor assembly being adapted to impel yard debris toward said entrance to said converging duct;

    d. two bearings mounted on said frame, said collector rotor assembly rotatably mounted therebetween;

    e. a pair of side plates, each mounted on said frame adjacent one of said bearings, the radial distance from its associated bearing to the periphery of the portion of each said side plate below and forward of its associated bearing not exceeding the effective radius of said collector rotor assembly by more than about 1 inch;

    f. a pivotable hood mounted on said frame disposed above said collector rotor assembly, wherein said hood is pivotable between a lower and an upward position;

    g. a second duct having an entrance and an exit, wherein said entrance of said second duct is in flow communication with said exit of said converging duct;

    h. a blower unit adapted to induce flow of yard debris through said converging duct and said second duct;

    i. a motor operatively connected to said blower unit and adapted to provide power to said blower unit;

    j. a drive operatively connected to said collector rotor assembly and adapted to provide power to said collector rotor assembly; and

    k. a wheel partially supporting said apparatus, forwardly mounted on said frame rearwardly of said collector rotor assembly, said frame and said collector rotor assembly being cantilevered forwardly thereof.

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