`US 20140112093Al
`
`c19) United States
`c12) Patent Application Publication
`PUCK
`
`c10) Pub. No.: US 2014/0112093 Al
`Apr. 24, 2014
`(43) Pub. Date:
`
`(54) FLOATING MANURE AGITATOR
`
`(76)
`
`Inventor: BENNY D. PUCK, Manning, IA (US)
`
`(21) Appl. No.: 13/323,020
`
`(22) Filed:
`
`Dec. 12, 2011
`
`Publication Classification
`
`(51)
`
`Int. Cl.
`A0JC 3102
`
`(2006.01)
`
`(52) U.S. Cl.
`CPC ...................................... A0JC 31026 (2013.01)
`USPC ....................................................... 366/182.2
`ABSTRACT
`(57)
`A floating manure agitator that floats on the surface of a
`manure lagoon and that may be remotely controlled to agitate
`manure supernatant into a slurry with sludge settling on the
`bottom of the lagoon. The agitator is provided with a plurality
`of fluid outputs, the direction of which may be controlled to
`motivate and steer the agitator. The outputs are angled to
`develop vortices of supernatant into the sludge to further mix
`the materials into a slurry.
`
`Exhibit 1014
`Bazooka v. Nuhn - IPR2024-00098
`Page 1 of 14
`
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`P a t e n t A p p l i c a t i o n P u b l i c a t i o n
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`Bazooka v. Nuhn - IPR2024-00098
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`US 2014/0112093 Al
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`Apr. 24, 2014
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`1
`
`FLOATING MANURE AGITATOR
`
`TECHNICAL FIELD
`
`[0001] The present invention relates in general to a manure
`agitator and, more particularly, to a floating manure agitator
`for use in association with a manure lagoon.
`
`BACKGROUND
`
`[0002] Livestock produce a large amount of manure. The
`high nitrogen content of the manure makes it useful as a
`fertilizer on agricultural fields. While manure is continually
`produced, it is only needed as fertilizer during certain times of
`the year. During the times it is being produced and not yet
`needed, it must be stored. It is also desirable to break down the
`manure prior to application as a fertilizer. One method of
`storing and breaking down livestock manure is a manure
`lagoon. Manure lagoons are sloped, fluid impermeable pits
`fifteen to thirty-five feet deep and may be several hundred feet
`across.
`[0003] Manure from a livestock operation is pumped into a
`lagoon where anaerobic bacteria digest, liquefy, and convert
`a portion of the manure to carbon dioxide, methane, ammonia
`and hydrogen sulfide. The resulting supernatant contains
`nitrogen and calcium. The resulting solids form a sludge that
`rests on the bottom of the manure lagoon. The sludge is made
`up of several biodegradable organic solids, including lignin
`and cellulose. The sludge also contains high concentrations of
`phosphorous. After anaerobic bacteria breaks down the
`manure, the manure is pumped from the lagoon to a tank for
`transport and then applied to an agricultural field.
`[0004] To prevent an undesirable buildup of sludge at the
`bottom of the lagoon, it is known in the art to place an agitator
`within the lagoon to create a slurry by moving solids in sludge
`into suspension within the supernatant. Prior art methods of
`agitating the manure include attaching a shaft with a propeller
`or auger to the power takeoff of a tractor or other farm vehicle
`resting on the shore. The rotating propeller or auger forces the
`supernatant down into the sludge, causing the solids within
`the sludge to move upward into suspension within the super(cid:173)
`natant. While this method does place some solids into sus(cid:173)
`pension, the method has several drawbacks. One drawback is
`that the propeller or auger forces sludge up from the bottom of
`the lagoon in only a narrow area. While the propeller or auger
`may be moved to provide a more even distribution of solids
`within the supernatant, moving the propeller or auger is time
`consuming.
`[0005] Alternatively, the propeller or auger may be rotated
`at an increased speed to move more sludge to move into
`suspension. One drawback associated with increasing the
`speed of rotation of the propeller or auger is the increased risk
`to the bottom of the lagoon. If the speed of the rotation of the
`propeller or auger is increased too much, the bottom of the
`lagoon may be damaged, allowing the manure to leak into the
`ground water. Yet another drawback associated with the prior
`art is mixing sludge at the center of the lagoon. Prior art
`agitators are typically operated from shore. Even with long
`agitators it is difficult to mix sludge at the centerof the lagoon,
`which leads to a buildup of sludge at the center of the lagoon.
`It would, therefore, be desirable to provide deep agitation at
`the center of the lagoon, to more thoroughly suspend the
`sludge solids within the supernatant.
`[0006]
`It is also known in the art to provide a large vehicle
`that may be lowered into the lagoon. The vehicle may be
`
`equipped with a fluid intake, a pump and a fluid output to draw
`supernatant into the pump and force the supernatant at high
`speed downward toward the sludge. The vehicle is typically
`moved with cables by operators on the shore.
`[0007] One drawback associated with such devices is that
`these devices are not easily maneuverable. Another drawback
`associated with such prior art devices is the difficulty associ(cid:173)
`ated with controlling such devices. Often elaborate systems
`of wires and securement posts must be erected near the shores
`of the manure lagoon to provide a guide for the vehicle to
`move during the agitation process. As the vehicle typically
`makes several passes across the lagoon, several guide wires
`and posts must be set up to accommodate multiple passes.
`The devices can be difficult to steer during passes across the
`lagoon.
`[0008]
`It would, therefore, be desirable to provide a vehicle
`which floats on the manure pond and which is maneuverable.
`It would also be desirable to provide the vehicle with multiple
`outlet nozzles to direct the fluid downward into the lagoon a
`sufficient distance to agitate the solids in the bottom of the
`lagoon into suspension and create vortices within the lagoon
`to assist in carrying solids within the sludge into suspension in
`the supernatant. It would additionally be desirable to direct
`the nozzles to create vortices that mix the solids of the sludge
`into suspension with the supernatant, while minimizing the
`amount of unpleasant smelling hydrogen sulfide rising to the
`surface and escaping into the air.
`[0009]
`It would further be desirable to provide a floating
`vehicle for the mixing of sludge solids into suspension with
`the supernatant that may be quickly and readily transported to
`a manure lagoon, launched into the lagoon, used to suspend
`sludge solids into suspension with the supernatant, and
`removed from the lagoon onto a trailer. It would also be
`desirable to provide a floating vehicle configured to the stan(cid:173)
`dard, height, weight and width restrictions associated with
`highway travel. Additionally, it would be desirable to provide
`a floating manure agitation vehicle that may be remotely
`controlled and guided to specific portions of the lagoon to
`move solids of the sludge into suspension with the superna(cid:173)
`tant as desired.
`[0010] The difficulties encountered in the prior art dis(cid:173)
`cussed hereinabove are substantially eliminated by the
`present invention.
`
`SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSED SUBJECT
`MATTER
`
`[0011]
`In the preferred embodiment of this invention, a
`floating manure agitator is provided with a floating vessel and
`a power source. A slurry pump is coupled to the power source.
`A slurry intake and three slurry outputs are also coupled to the
`slurry pump. Two of the slurry outputs are directed outward
`from the floating vessel. The slurry intake is provided
`between the two rearward slurry outputs. An additional slurry
`output is provided closer to the bow of the floating vessel and
`is provided with a steering control to direct the slurry output
`to control the direction of the floating vessel. The two aft
`slurry outputs may be rotated more rearward to increase the
`speed of the floating vessel or rotated more stern to slow or
`reverse the speed of the floating vessel, or move downward to
`direct more of the supernatant into the sludge. A remote
`control device may be coupled to the slurry control to allow
`the floating vehicle to be steered from the shore.
`
`Exhibit 1014
`Bazooka v. Nuhn - IPR2024-00098
`Page 11 of 14
`
`
`
`US 2014/0112093 Al
`
`Apr. 24, 2014
`
`2
`
`BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
`
`[0012] The present invention will now be described, by way
`of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings in
`which:
`[0013] FIG. 1 illustrates a side perspective view of the
`floating manure agitator of the present invention;
`[0014] FIG. 2 illustrates a front perspective view of the
`floating manure agitator of FIG. 1, being retrieved from a
`manure lagoon;
`[0015] FIG. 3 illustrates a top perspective view of the
`modular dock sections and connector pin;
`[0016] FIG. 4 illustrates a side elevation of the floating
`manure agitator of FIG. 1 on a manure lagoon;
`[0017] FIG. 5 illustrates a front perspective view of the
`floating manure agitator of FIG. 1;
`[0018] FIG. 6 illustrates a front perspective view of the
`floating manure agitator of FIG. 1;
`[0019] FIG. 7 illustrates a block diagram in partial cutaway
`of the control panel and portable computer;
`[0020] FIG. 8 illustrates a side perspective view of the
`floating manure agitator of FIG. 1 being transported; and
`[0021] FIG. 9 illustrates a side perspective view of the
`floating manure agitator of FIG. 1 being retrieved from a
`manure lagoon.
`
`DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
`
`[0022] A floating fluid agitator is shown generally as (10) in
`FIG. 1. A vessel (12) is provided having a frame (14) prefer(cid:173)
`ably constructed of welded tubular steel pipes (16). The ves(cid:173)
`sel (12) may alternatively be constructed of any suitable
`material or may be constructed with a more standard hull,
`such as those known in the art. The frame (14) is constructed
`with an angled bow (18) and a vertical stern (20). The angled
`bow (18) facilitates the launch and retrieval of the agitator
`(10) from a manure lagoon (22). (FIGS. 1-2). The frame (14)
`defines a plurality of receiver slots (24) into which are pro(cid:173)
`vided modular dock sections (26), such as those known in the
`art. In the preferred embodiment, the dock sections (26) are
`1000 series dock components manufactured by Connect-A(cid:173)
`Dock, Inc. of Atlantic, Iowa.
`[0023] The modular dock sections (26) are provided with
`connector slots (28) to fit into interlocking mating engage(cid:173)
`ment with connector pins (3 0). The connector pins (3 0) allow
`the modular dock sections (26) to connect to additional dock
`sections (32) in a manner such as that known in the art. (FIGS.
`1 and 3). The use ofinterlocking additional dock sections (32)
`allows for the buoyancy of the vessel (12) to be increased and
`allows the additional dock sections (32) to be removed to
`reduce the overall width of the agitator (10) for transport and
`storage. If desired, pontoons, inflatable components or any
`other type of buoyant material may be used in place of, or in
`addition to, the modular dock sections (26) and additional
`dock sections (32). Preferably, the vessel (12) has ten to fifty
`inches of draw, more preferably between fifteen and thirty
`inches of draw, and most preferably about twenty-six inches
`of draw.
`[0024] The vessel (12) is provided with a deck (34) and a
`power source (36). (FIG.1). While the power source (36) may
`be any suitable power source, in the preferred embodiment
`the power source (36) is a John Deere Tier 3 diesel engine.
`Depending on the desired size and efficiency of the agitator
`(10), the power source (36) is preferably between twenty and
`two-thousand horsepower, more preferably between fifty and
`
`five hundred horsepower, and most preferably between one
`hundred fifty and two hundred fifty horsepower.
`[0025] Coupled to the power source (36) is a liquid manure
`pump such as a slurry pump (38). In the preferred embodi(cid:173)
`ment, the slurry pump (38) is a Cornell Redi-Prime centrifu(cid:173)
`gal pump capable of handling both solid and liquid material.
`The slurry pump (38) is preferably designed to move between
`one thousand and twenty-four thousand liters of material per
`minute, more preferably between eight thousand and twenty
`thousand liters of material per minute, and most preferably
`about sixteen thousand liters of material per minute.
`[0026] The slurry pump (38) is coupled to a liquid manure
`intake, such as a slurry intake, which is a downwardly
`directed intake pipe (40) in the preferred embodiment and is
`capable ofhandling manure crust, supernatant, sludge and the
`combined slurry. (FIGS. 1 and 4). If desired, the intake pipe
`(40) may be extensible to adjust the depth of the intake pipe
`(40). The intake pipe (40) is constructed to extend about
`twenty-four inches below the surface of the lagoon (22), but
`may be extended or retracted to any desired depth, including
`the entire depth of the lagoon (22).
`[0027] Coupled to the slurry pump (38) by a transport pipe
`( 42) is a first slurry output ( 44). (FIG. 5). The first slurry
`output ( 44) is an angled pipe ( 46) pivotably coupled to the
`transport pipe (42). Releasably coupled to the angled pipe
`( 46) is a tapered liquid manure nozzle ( 48) to increase the
`velocity of slurry (50) passing through the nozzle ( 48). (FIGS.
`4-5). If desired, different sizes and configurations of nozzles
`( 48) may be coupled to the angled pipe ( 46) to adjust the
`direction and velocity of slurry (50) exiting through the first
`slurry output ( 44). Coupled between the angled pipe ( 46) and
`the frame (14) is a steering control hydraulic cylinder (52).
`The hydraulic cylinder (52) is coupled to a hydraulic pump
`(54) that, in turn, is coupled to a 12-volt battery (56). (FIGS.
`1 and 5).
`[0028] As shown in FIG. 6, journaled to the rear outlet of
`the transport pipe ( 42) is a pivot pipe (58). The pivot pipe (58)
`is also journaled to a bearing (60) secured to the frame (14).
`(FIG. 6). Depending from the pivot pipe (58) are a second
`slurry output (62) and a third slurry output (64). Preferably
`the slurry outputs (62) and (64) are angled outward from the
`centerline of the vessel (12), along which the intake pipe ( 40)
`is located. (FIGS. 4 and 6).
`[0029] Releasably coupled to the second slurry output (62)
`and third slurry output (64) are a pairofnozzles (66) and (68)
`pivotably coupled to the vessel (12). The second slurry output
`(62) and third slurry output (64) are oriented and configured
`to direct the slurry (50) as desired and to increase the velocity
`with which the slurry (50) exits the nozzles (66) and (68). The
`second slurry output (62) is preferably directed between five
`and eighty degrees port, more preferably directed between ten
`and sixty degrees port and, most preferably, between fifteen
`and forty-five degrees port. The third slurry output (64) is
`preferably directed between five and eighty degrees star(cid:173)
`board, more preferably between ten and sixty degrees star(cid:173)
`board and, most preferably, between fifteen and forty-five
`degrees starboard. The intake pipe (40) is preferably posi(cid:173)
`tioned between the first slurry output (44) and the second
`slurry output (62).
`[0030] Coupled between the pivot pipe (58) and the frame
`(14) is a hydraulic cylinder (70) that rotates the pivot pipe (58)
`to direct the second slurry output (62) and third slurry output
`(64) preferably between 90 degrees aft and 90 degrees stern
`from a downward position, more preferably between 60
`
`Exhibit 1014
`Bazooka v. Nuhn - IPR2024-00098
`Page 12 of 14
`
`
`
`US 2014/0112093 Al
`
`Apr. 24, 2014
`
`3
`
`degrees aft and 60 degrees stem, and most preferably at least
`about 45 degrees aft and 45 degrees stern.
`[0031] The hydraulic cylinder (70) is coupled to the
`hydraulic pump (54). The hydraulic pump (54) is coupled to
`a control manifold (72) that is electronically coupled to a
`control panel (7 4) provided with a central processing unit (76)
`and a global positioning system (78). (FIGS. 1 and 7). Also
`coupled to the control panel (74) are a wireless receiver (80)
`and wireless transmitter (82 ), that allow the control panel (7 4)
`to operate as a wireless remote control, actuated by a remote
`control system (84). (FIGS. 1 and 5). The remote control
`system (84) may be a portable computer (not shown) or
`simply a handset (86) provided with a battery (88), wireless
`transmitter (90) and a wireless receiver (92). The remote
`control system (84) may be provided with one or more joy(cid:173)
`sticks, touchscreens, keyboards or other input devices known
`in the art (not shown), to allow the remote control system (84)
`to accept commands. In the preferred embodiment, the
`remote control system (84) is provided with a plurality of
`buttons (94) as shown in FIG. 7. The remote control system
`(84) is provided with a pump prime button (96). The prime
`pump button (96) signals the control panel (74) to circulate
`fluid within the slurry pump (38) to prime the pump (38) prior
`to use.
`[0032] The remote control system (64) also includes an
`engine stop button (98), start button (100), a throttle down
`button (102) and throttle up button (104). To steer the agitator
`(10) the remote control system (84) is provided with a bow
`left button (106) and bow right button (108). The bow left
`button (106) causes the steering control hydraulic cylinder
`(52) to extend, thereby directing the nozzle ( 48) to starboard
`and driving the agitator (10) port. The remote control system
`(84) is also provided with a bow right button (108) to retract
`the hydraulic cylinder (52) and steer the agitator (10) star(cid:173)
`board. The remote control system (84) is provided with a
`reverse button (110) which causes the hydraulic cylinder (70)
`to extend, thereby forcing the pivot pipe (58) to direct the
`slurry outputs (62) and (64) toward the bow (18) of the agi(cid:173)
`tator (10), thereby driving the vessel (12) rearward. Similarly,
`a forward button (112) causes the hydraulic cylinder (70) to
`retract and drive the agitator (10) forward.
`If desired, the remote control system (84) may be
`[0033]
`provided with a first gate close button (114) that closes a valve
`(115) on the transport pipe (42) positioned between the fluid
`intake pipe ( 40) and forward nozzle ( 48). A gate open button
`(116) is also provided to open the valve (150). Similarly, a
`close gate button (118) and open gate button (120) are pro(cid:173)
`vided to open and close a valve (152) provided between the
`fluid intake pipe (40) and the nozzles (66) and (68). The gate
`buttons (114), (116), (118) and (120) allow a user to selec(cid:173)
`tively supply fluid through one, two or three of the nozzles
`(48), (66) and (68) as is desired to appropriately agitate the
`fluid (128) within which the agitator (10) is floating. The
`remote control system (84) is also provided with a button
`(122) to actuate lights (154) provided on the agitator (10) if it
`is desired to use the agitator (10) in circumstances where
`additional lighting is desired. The remote control system (84)
`may be configured to receive feedback from the control panel
`(74), such as system status, latitude, longitude and height
`coordinates.
`[0034] When it is desired to use the agitator (10) to agitate
`manure (124), that has separated into crust (126), supernatant
`(128) and sludge (130), into a slurry (50), the agitator (10) is
`preferably transported to the manure lagoon (22) using a
`
`trailer (132) and pulling vehicle (134). (FIGS. 4 and 8). Once
`at the manure lagoon (22), the additional dock sections (32)
`are placed into mating engagement with the modular dock
`sections (26) and the trailer is backed toward the lagoon (22).
`(FIGS. 1, 4, 8 and 9). Depending upon the angle of the trailer
`(132), the agitator (10) may roll off the trailer (132) by the
`force of gravity or may be manually pushed from the trailer
`(132) into the lagoon (22). If desired, the trailer (132) may be
`fitted with a plurality of rollers (136) to facilitate the removal
`of the agitator (10) from the trailer (132).
`
`[0035] Once the agitator (10) is floating in the lagoon (22),
`the remote control system (84) is used to activate the power
`source (36) to cause the slurry pump (38) to draw supernatant
`(128) into the intake pipe (40) and out the outputs (44), (62)
`and (64). The remote control system (84) is used to direct the
`pivot pipe (58) to angle the slurry outputs (62) and (64) aft to
`drive the agitator (10) forward. The remote control system
`(84) then actuates the control panel (7 4) to direct the hydrau(cid:173)
`lic cylinder (52) to angle the first slurry output ( 44) to turn the
`agitator (10) port or starboard as desired. The remote control
`system (84) is thereafter used to direct the volume of super(cid:173)
`natant (128) drawn into the intake pipe ( 40) and the direction
`at which the supernatant (128) is expelled from the slurry
`outputs (44), (62) and (64). By manipulating the direction of
`the slurry outputs (44), (62) and (64) with the remote control
`system (84), a user may direct the agitator (10) to any desired
`portion of the lagoon.
`
`[0036] As the agitator (10) moves across the lagoon (22),
`the agitator (10) breaks up the crust (126) as it draws super(cid:173)
`natant (128) into the intake pipe (40). The agitator (10) then
`draws the supernatant (128) downward into the lagoon (22)
`with sufficient force to cause the sludge (130) at the bottom
`(138) of the lagoon (22) to mix with the supernatant (128) and
`to form the slurry (50). The angle of the slurry outputs (62)
`and (64) causes the supernatant (128) to generate vortices
`(140) near the bottom (138) of the lagoon (22) to cause
`additional mixing between the supernatant (128) and sludge
`(130).
`
`[0037] The remote control system (84) may be used to
`cause the slurry pump (38) to expel slurry (50) more slowly
`from the slurry outputs (44), (62) and (64) as the agitator (10)
`is near the shore (142) of the lagoon (22) so as not to penetrate
`the lining (144) of the lagoon (22) thereby allowing the slurry
`(50) to escape. As the agitator (10) moves towards the center
`of the lagoon (22) which may range from five to forty feet
`deep, or more, the remote control system (84) can be used to
`increase the speed at which the supernatant (128) is passed
`from the slurry outputs (44), (62) and (64) to adequately mix
`the sludge (130) at the deepest portions of the lagoon (22).
`The remote control system (84) is used to direct the agitator
`(10) to all desired portions of the lagoon until the crust (126)
`and supernatant (128) is adequately mixed with the sludge
`(130).
`
`[0038] Once the slurry (50) is adequately mixed, the remote
`control system (84) is used to guide the agitator (10) to the
`shore (142), where the agitator (10) may be coupled to a cable
`(146) and winch (148) provided on the trailer (132). The
`winch (148) is activated to draw the agitator (10) on to the
`trailer (132). Preferably during this procedure a hose or simi(cid:173)
`lar system is used to clean the slurry (50) from the agitator
`(10) as the agitator (10) is drawn on to the trailer (132). Once
`the agitator (10) has been cleaned and placed on the trailer
`
`Exhibit 1014
`Bazooka v. Nuhn - IPR2024-00098
`Page 13 of 14
`
`
`
`US 2014/0112093 Al
`
`Apr. 24, 2014
`
`4
`
`(132), the additional dock sections (32) are removed from the
`modular dock sections (26) and placed upon the vessel (134)
`and secured for transport.
`[0039] As shown in FIG. 6, the agitator (10) may be pro(cid:173)
`vided with a railing system (156) constructed of steel to allow
`a user to inspect the agitator (10). (FIG. 2). If desired, the
`agitator (10) may also be provided with a power antenna
`system (158) such as those known in the art to increase GPS
`and wireless reception.
`[0040] As shown in FIG. 2, the air intake system (160) is
`preferably placed above the power source (36) to reduce the
`likelihood of slurry (50) blocking the air intake system (160).
`Similarly, the exhaust system (162) is located above the
`power source (36) to reduce the likelihood of the exhaust
`system (162) becoming blocked with slurry (50).
`[0041] As shown, the fuel reservoir (164) is provided at
`least partially below the deck (34) of the vessel (12) to allow
`access to the fuel reservoir (164), while still providing the
`agitator (10) with a low center of gravity to increase the
`stability of the agitator (10).
`[0042] Although the invention has been described with
`respect to a preferred embodiment thereof, it is to be under(cid:173)
`stood that it is not to be so limited since changes and modi(cid:173)
`fications can be made therein which are within the full,
`intended scope of this invention as defined by the appended
`claims.
`What is claimed is:
`1. A floating slurry agitator comprising:
`(a) a floating vessel;
`(b) a power source provided on the vessel;
`( c) a slurry pump coupled to the power source;
`(d) a slurry intake coupled to the slurry pump;
`(e) a first slurry output coupled to the slurry pump;
`(f) a second slurry output coupled to the slurry pump; and
`(g) a steering control coupled to the first slurry output.
`2. The floating slurry agitator of claim 1, further compris(cid:173)
`ing a wireless remote control coupled to the steering control.
`3. The floating slurry agitator of claim 2, wherein the
`steering control comprises a hydraulic cylinder coupled
`between the vessel and the first slurry output.
`4. The floating slurry agitator of claim 3, wherein the
`second slurry output is pivotably coupled to the vessel.
`5. The floating slurry agitator of claim 1, further compris(cid:173)
`ing a third slurry output coupled to the slurry pump.
`6. The floating slurry agitator of claim 5, wherein the
`second slurry output is directed port, and wherein the third
`slurry output is directed starboard.
`7. The floating slurry agitator of claim 6, wherein the slurry
`intake is positioned between the first slurry output and the
`second slurry output.
`8. The floating slurry agitator of claim 7, wherein the
`second slurry output and the third slurry output are pivotably
`coupled to the vessel.
`9. The floating slurry agitator of claim 8, further compris(cid:173)
`ing a wireless remote control coupled to the steering wheel.
`10. The floating slurry agitator of claim 1, wherein the
`pump has a throughput capacity of at least four thousand liters
`per minute.
`
`11. The floating slurry agitator of claim 1, wherein the
`pump has a throughput capacity of at least eight thousand
`liters per minute.
`12. The floating slurry agitator of claim 1, wherein the
`floating vessel is provided on a manure lagoon.
`13. The floating slurry agitator of claim 1, wherein the
`power source is a diesel engine.
`14. A liquid manure agitator comprising:
`(a) a floating vessel;
`(b) a power source provided on the vessel;
`( c) a liquid manure pump coupled to the power source;
`( d) a liquid manure intake coupled to the liquid manure
`pump;
`( e) a first liquid manure nozzle coupled to the liquid
`manure pump;
`(f) a second liquid manure nozzle coupled to the liquid
`manure pump; and
`(g) a steering control coupled to the first liquid manure
`nozzle.
`15. The liquid manure agitator of claim 14, further com(cid:173)
`prising a wireless remote control coupled to the steering
`control.
`16. The liquid manure agitator of claim 14, wherein the
`second liquid manure nozzle is directed toward the liquid
`manure intake.
`17. The liquid manure agitator of claim 14, further com(cid:173)
`prising a third liquid manure nozzle coupled to the liquid
`manure pump.
`18. The liquid manure agitator of claim 17, wherein the
`second liquid manure nozzle is directed port and wherein the
`third liquid manure nozzle is directed starboard.
`19. The liquid manure agitator of claim 18, wherein the
`liquid manure intake is positioned between the first liquid
`manure nozzle and the second liquid manure nozzle.
`20. A liquid manure agitator comprising:
`(a) a frame;
`(b) a floatation device coupled to the frame;
`( c) a power source coupled to the frame;
`( d) a liquid manure pump coupled to the power source;
`( e) a liquid manure intake coupled to the liquid manure
`pump;
`(f) a first liquid manure nozzle coupled to the liquid manure
`pump and positioned stem of the liquid manure intake;
`(g) a steering control coupled to the first liquid manure
`nozzle;
`(h) a second liquid manure nozzle coupled to the liquid
`manure pump and positioned aft of the first liquid
`manure nozzle wherein the second manure nozzle is
`directed port;
`(i) a third liquid manure nozzle coupled to the liquid
`manure pump and positioned aft of the first liquid
`manure nozzle wherein the third manure nozzle is
`directed starboard; and
`(j) a wireless remote control coupled to the steering con(cid:173)
`trol.
`
`* * * * *
`
`Exhibit 1014
`Bazooka v. Nuhn - IPR2024-00098
`Page 14 of 14
`
`