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Method and apparatus for creating visual effects on grass

  • US 8,935,091 B2
  • Filed: 05/25/2012
  • Issued: 01/13/2015
  • Est. Priority Date: 08/21/2007
  • Status: Active Grant
First Claim
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1. An apparatus for precise and consistent lawn and field patterning, comprising:

  • a global positioning system;

    a processor for generating a desired pattern, wherein said pattern is translated into patterning instructions;

    a patterning implement for generating detailed patterns and for imprinting said pattern into turf patterns on any of natural or artificial lawns and fields, covered areas, and landscapes, said patterning implement comprising;

    a plurality of independent printing mechanisms incorporated within said patterning implement, each of said independent printing mechanisms comprises;

    a ventilated load bearing roller having a plurality of apertures formed therethrough that allow air pressure to freely direct a lay of natural or artificial turf into a face of said roller without impedance and which, when rolled over turf, imparts stress on blades of the turf such that said blades lay down in a predetermined direction when rolled over by said load bearing roller;

    a pneumatic system comprising;

    a source of compressed air;

    a plenum for distributing compressed air from said source of compressed air to a linear orifice;

    a deflector positionable relative to said linear orifice by an actuator into an air flow path between a first position that lays the turf into the direction of the oncoming roller by directing the air flow to allow compression of the turf in an unnatural mode of lay, and a second position that lays the turf in an opposite direction of the oncoming roller by directing to the air flow into the oncoming turf to allow the roller to compress the turf in a natural mode of lay;

    wherein each of said independent printing mechanism is coupled to receive said patterning instructions from said processor and operate selectively in response thereto;

    a guide mechanism for guiding said patterning implement to position it along a desired path at least in part with information from said global positioning system; and

    a control mechanism for individually controlling each of said independent printing mechanisms incorporated within said patterning implement responsive to said patterning instructions and in coordination with positioning of said patterning implement along said desired path.

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