USOO8256692B2
`
`(12) United States Patent
`KnOWles
`
`(10) Patent No.:
`(45) Date of Patent:
`
`US 8.256,692 B2
`Sep. 4, 2012
`
`(54) POSITIONINGAPPARATUS FOR SLUDGE
`DISTRIBUTING HOSE
`
`DE
`
`FOREIGN PATENT DOCUMENTS
`25.30554. A * 4f1976
`
`(75) Inventor: James T. Knowles, Washington, IA (US)
`(73) Assignee: Bazooka Farmstar, Inc., Washington,
`IA (US)
`Subject to any disclaimer, the term of this
`patent is extended or adjusted under 35
`U.S.C. 154(b) by 315 days.
`
`(*) Notice:
`
`(21) Appl. No.: 12/582,888
`(22) Filed:
`Oct. 21, 2009
`(65)
`Prior Publication Data
`
`Apr. 21, 2011
`
`US 2011 FOO89269 A1
`(51) Int. Cl.
`(2006.01)
`B5B3/00
`(2006.01)
`B5B3/18
`(2006.01)
`B65H 75/00
`(52) U.S. Cl. ........................................ 239/195. 239/745
`(58) Field of Classification Search .................. 239/195,
`239/745. 56/188,212
`s
`s
`See application file for complete search history.
`References Cited
`
`(56)
`
`U.S. PATENT DOCUMENTS
`3.221,482 A * 12, 1965 Cowling ........................ 56,158
`6,116,275 A
`9/2000 George, Jr.
`6.427,612 B1
`8, 2002 Huffman
`7,509,977 B2
`3/2009 Huffman
`
`
`
`OTHER PUBLICATIONS
`Bazooka Farmstar Brochure, Mar. 1, 2009, 2 pages.
`* cited by examiner
`
`Primary Examiner — Christopher J. Novosad
`(74) Attorney, Agent, or Firm — Greer, Burns & Crain, Ltd.
`
`ABSTRACT
`(57)
`Apparatus for positioning and maneuvering a sludge, or
`manure, distributing hose used in fertilizing a field includes a
`first frame adapted for coupling to a three-point tractor hitch
`and a second frame pivotally coupled to an aft portion of the
`first frame. Attached to and disposed aft of the second frame
`is a horizontally oriented, rotatable wheel assembly adapted
`to engage, lift and position the hose and to provide for
`changes in the direction of the hose as it is pulled through a
`field during fertilizing. The wheel assembly is horizontally
`and vertically pivotable about the first frame for respectively
`facilitating maneuvering of the hose in a field and for raising
`the wheel assembly for transport. A locking mechanism is
`provided for engaging and preventing rotation of the wheel
`assembly when desired. Hydraulic cylinders connected to the
`tractor's hydraulic system allow for changing the configura
`tion of the apparatus.
`
`17 Claims, 11 Drawing Sheets
`
`Exhibit 1086
`Bazooka v. Nuhn - IPR2024-00098
`Page 1 of 16
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`U.S. Patent
`
`Sep. 4, 2012
`Sep. 4, 2012
`
`Sheet 1 of 11
`Sheet 1 of 11
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`US 8.256,692 B2
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`Bazooka v. Nuhn - IPR2024-00098
`Page 2 of 16
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`U.S. Patent
`
`Sep. 4, 2012
`Sep. 4, 2012
`
`Sheet 2 of 11
`Sheet 2 of 11
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`US 8.256,692 B2
`US 8,256,692 B2
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`Exhibit 1086
`Bazooka v. Nuhn - IPR2024-00098
`Page 3 of 16
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`Exhibit 1086
`Bazooka v. Nuhn - IPR2024-00098
`Page 3 of 16
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`U.S. Patent
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`Sep. 4, 2012
`Sep. 4, 2012
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`U.S. Patent
`U.S. Patent
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`Sep. 4, 2012
`Sep. 4, 2012
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`Exhibit 1086
`Bazooka v. Nuhn - IPR2024-00098
`Page 5 of 16
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`Exhibit 1086
`Bazooka v. Nuhn - IPR2024-00098
`Page 5 of 16
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`U.S. Patent
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`Sep. 4, 2012
`Sep. 4, 2012
`
`Sheet 5 of 11
`Sheet 5 of 11
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`US 8.256,692 B2
`US 8,256,692 B2
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`Exhibit 1086
`Bazooka v. Nuhn - IPR2024-00098
`Page 6 of 16
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`Exhibit 1086
`Bazooka v. Nuhn - IPR2024-00098
`Page 6 of 16
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`U.S. Patent
`
`Sep. 4, 2012
`Sep. 4, 2012
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`Sheet 6 of 11
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`U.S. Patent
`U.S. Patent
`
`Sep. 4, 2012
`Sep. 4, 2012
`
`Sheet 7 of 11
`Sheet 7 of 11
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`US 8.256,692 B2
`US 8,256,692 B2
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`Exhibit 1086
`Bazooka v. Nuhn - IPR2024-00098
`Page 8 of 16
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`

`

`U.S. Patent
`U.S. Patent
`
`Sep. 4, 2012
`Sep. 4, 2012
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`Sheet 8 of 11
`Sheet 8 of 11
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`US 8.256,692 B2
`US 8,256,692 B2
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`Exhibit 1086
`Bazooka v. Nuhn - IPR2024-00098
`Page 9 of 16
`
`Exhibit 1086
`Bazooka v. Nuhn - IPR2024-00098
`Page 9 of 16
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`

`

`U.S. Patent
`U.S. Patent
`
`Sep. 4, 2012
`Sep. 4, 2012
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`Sheet 9 of 11
`Sheet 9 of 11
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`US 8.256,692 B2
`US 8,256,692 B2
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`Exhibit 1086
`Bazooka v. Nuhn - IPR2024-00098
`Page 10 of 16
`
`Exhibit 1086
`Bazooka v. Nuhn - IPR2024-00098
`Page 10 of 16
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`

`

`U.S. Patent
`U.S. Patent
`
`Sep. 4, 2012
`Sep. 4, 2012
`
`Sheet 10 of 11
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`Bazooka v. Nuhn - IPR2024-00098
`Page 11 of 16
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`U.S. Patent
`
`Sep. 4, 2012
`Sep. 4, 2012
`
`
`
`Sheet 11 of 11
`Sheet 11 of 11
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`FIG.12
`
`US 8.256,692 B2
`US 8,256,692 B2
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`Exhibit 1086
`Bazooka v. Nuhn - IPR2024-00098
`Page 12 of 16
`
`Exhibit 1086
`Bazooka v. Nuhn - IPR2024-00098
`Page 12 of 16
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`

`

`US 8,256,692 B2
`
`1.
`POSITONINGAPPARATUS FOR SLUDGE
`DISTRIBUTING HOSE
`
`FIELD OF THE INVENTION
`
`This invention relates generally to agricultural fertilizing
`and is particularly directed to tractor-towed apparatus for
`engaging and positioning a hose for use in spreading sludge,
`or manure, on a field.
`
`BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
`
`2
`from the line of travel of the tractor so that the displaced
`sludge hose lies outside of the tractor's footprint to avoid the
`tractor running over the sludge hose as it maneuvers the hose.
`The present invention contemplates an apparatus for
`engaging and positioning a sludge hose in spreading fertilizer
`on a field, the apparatus comprising a first frame member
`adapted for mounting to a vehicle; a second frame member
`pivotally coupled to said first frame member; a curvilinear
`rotatable member attached to the second frame member and
`adapted to engage the sludge hose; a first displacement
`mechanism coupled to the first and second frame members
`for raising the second frame member, the rotatable member,
`and the sludge hose above the field; and a second displace
`ment mechanism coupled to the second frame and to the
`rotatable member for laterally displacing the rotatable mem
`ber in repositioning the sludge hose.
`
`BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
`
`The appended claims set forth the novel features which
`characterize the invention. However, the invention itself, as
`well as further objects and advantages thereof, is best under
`stood with reference to the following detailed description of a
`preferred embodiment taken in conjunction with the accom
`panying drawings, where like reference characters identified
`like elements throughout the various figures, in which:
`FIGS. 1-4 illustrate uses of the sludge distributing hose
`positioning apparatus of the present invention in fertilizing a
`farm field in accordance with the present invention;
`FIG. 5 is a top plan view of a positioning apparatus for a
`sludge distributing hose in accordance with the principles of
`the present invention;
`FIG. 6 is a top plan view of the inventive sludge distributing
`hose positioning apparatus show in FIG. 5, where the hose
`engaging wheel assembly has been moved so as to assume
`nonlinear alignment with the Support/attachment frame of the
`apparatus;
`FIG. 7 is an upper perspective view of an aft portion of the
`inventive sludge distributing hose positioning apparatus;
`FIG. 8 is an aft perspective view of a conventional tractor
`illustrating details of its three-point hitch arrangement for
`coupling to the inventive sludge distributing hose positioning
`apparatus;
`FIG. 9 is an upper, partial perspective view of a front
`portion of the inventive sludge distributing hose positioning
`apparatus illustrating details of its hose-engaging, rotatable
`wheel assembly:
`FIG.10 is an upper perspective view of a rear portion of the
`inventive sludge distributing hose positioning hose appara
`tus; and
`FIGS. 11 and 12 are side elevation views of the inventive
`sludge distributing hose positioning apparatus respectively
`illustrating the positioning apparatus in the operating position
`and in the up raised, transport position.
`
`DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED
`EMBODIMENTS
`
`Referring to FIGS. 1-4, there are shown illustrations of a
`farm field and the manner in which the sludge distributing
`hose positioning apparatus of the present invention is used in
`fertilizing a farm field. Referring to FIG. 1, there is shown a
`farm field 13 forming the upper right corner quadrant of a
`larger farm field 11 as shown in a lower portion of the figure.
`A tractor towing a sludge distributing hose (neither of which
`are shown in FIG. 1 for simplicity) traverses a path illustrated
`by dotted line 15 in depositing sludge fertilizer on the field 13.
`
`Animals are raised on farms for various reasons. In many
`cases, a primary reason is for the manure that they produce.
`The manure is a valuable, sometimes an essential, fertilizing
`agent in the growing of crops. The manure is collected over
`time and is stored for later application on crop-yielding fields.
`The manure is typically stored in a pit, or lagoon, located
`typically close to, and in Some cases may be under, the facility
`in which the animals are housed. The size of the storage pit
`depends primarily on the number and types of animals which
`are housed, and may be large enough to hold millions of
`gallons of manure.
`The manure is typically held in a storage pit for several
`months and is applied in the spring and fall in many farming
`regions. During fertilizing, the manure is pumped out of the
`manure pit and is provided via long lengths of hose to various
`locations on a farm. A tractor is used to pull the manure-laden
`hose in a back and forth pattern over the fields in spreading the
`manure on the fields. To access remote locations, a length of
`hose exceeding one mile may be required. The hose, when
`filled with sludge, is very heavy and is, thus, difficult to
`maneuver and position. Spreading the manure involves the
`towing tractor traversing the entire field, and positioning of
`the hose to accommodate natural barriers such as water,
`woods and Surface contour. Proper positioning of the sludge
`hose places great demand not only on the service provider, but
`also on the equipment involved in manipulating the sludge
`hose.
`The present invention is intended to address the aforemen
`tioned problems encountered in the prior art by providing
`positioning apparatus for a sludge distributing hose which is
`adapted for secure attachment to the three-point hitch of a
`tractor, is capable of engaging, maneuvering and lifting the
`sludge hose, as necessary, and can be raised to a non-use
`position to facilitate transport to and from the fields to be
`fertilized.
`
`10
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`15
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`25
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`30
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`35
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`40
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`45
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`OBJECTS AND SUMMARY OF THE
`INVENTION
`
`Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to
`facilitate the application of sludge fertilizer to a field.
`It is another object of the present invention to provide
`apparatus adapted for mounting to the three-point hitch of a
`tractor and which is capable of engaging, lifting and position
`ing a sludge-filled hose for applying fertilizer to a field.
`Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a
`sludge hose maneuvering apparatus capable of precisely
`positioning the sludge on-the-go during field fertilizing, is
`easily attached to and removed from a tractor, can be precisely
`controlled by the tractor operator while driving the tractor,
`and can be used as either a pulley in passing the hose or as a
`fixed curvilinear surface in positioning the hose in the field.
`A further object of the present invention is to provide the
`capability to the operator of a tractor maneuvering a sludge
`applicator hose in a field to laterally displace the sludge hose
`
`50
`
`55
`
`60
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`65
`
`Exhibit 1086
`Bazooka v. Nuhn - IPR2024-00098
`Page 13 of 16
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`

`

`3
`In the illustrated example, the tractor enters the lower left
`hand corner of the field 13 and traverses the field to its upper
`right hand corner while towing the hose as sludge is dis
`charged from the hose onto the field. When the tractor reaches
`the upper right hand corner of the field 13, it executes a 180°
`turn and returns to the lower left hand corner of the field. This
`pattern is repeated until the lower right hand portion of the
`field 13 is fertilized and the tractor travels to the upper right
`hand portion of the field for completing the application of the
`sludge fertilizer to the field.
`One example of the use of a sludge distributing hose posi
`tioning apparatus 21 in accordance with the present invention
`is illustrated in FIG. 2. In this example, a tractor (not show for
`simplicity) towing an end of sludge distributing hose 21 has
`diagonally traversed field 13 from its lower left corner to its
`upper right corner and has applied sludge fertilizer to the
`lower right hand portion of the field. As shown in FIG. 2, the
`sludge distributing hose 17 is being moved in a rightward
`direction by the hose positioning apparatus 21 which is being
`pushed in the direction of arrow 55 by tractor 19. This opera
`tion involves moving the sludge distributing hose 17 onto the
`portion of the field 13 which has been fertilized to allow the
`tractor towing the sludge distributing hose to apply sludge
`fertilizer to the upper left hand portion of the field without
`damaging the sludge hose by driving over it. This also elimi
`nates excessive maneuvering by the hose-towing vehicle in
`removing the sludge hose from the portion of the field to be
`fertilized which saves time, fuel and results in reduced com
`paction of the soil by the vehicle during planting.
`FIG. 2 also shows a portion of the hose positioning appa
`ratus 21 at an offset angle to the line of travel of tractor 19
`which is in the direction of arrow 55. The manner in which the
`hose positioning apparatus 21 of the present invention posi
`tions the sludge distributing hose 17 in a laterally offset
`manner from the tractor's path is described in detail below. In
`a preferred embodiment, the maximum angle formed
`between the hose engaging portion of the hose positioning
`apparatus 21 and the tractor's path is on the order of 55°
`giving rise to a lateral offset from the tractor's path on the
`order of 188 inches, or 15 feet 8 inches. This distance exceeds
`one-half the maximum width of a tractor having a dual tire
`drive arrangement. By maintaining the sludge distributing
`hose in an offset position to the path of travel of the tractor 19,
`the tractor can more quickly and efficiently move the sludge
`distributing hose 17 to a desired location by maintaining the
`hose positioning apparatus 21 in continuous contact with the
`sludge distributing hose as the hose positioning apparatus
`moves along a desired track. This eliminates the current prac
`tice wherein the tractor and hose positioning apparatus
`repeatedly engage and displace adjacent portions of the
`sludge distributing hose in a sequential manner in reposition
`ing extended lengths of the hose.
`Referring to FIG. 3, there is shown another use of the
`sludge hose positioning apparatus 35 of the present invention
`in engaging and moving a sludge distributing hose 31. FIG.3
`shows a farm field 23a bordered on the lower portion thereof
`by a terrace 23b which is used for water run off. Sludge
`distributing hose 31 has been dragged over the upper portion
`of farm field 23a by a tractor (not shown) in fertilizing the
`upper portion of the field. Field 23a slopes downward in the
`direction of arrows 53 toward terrace 23b. A vertical field tile,
`or standpipe, 29 is located in a lower portion of field 23a
`adjacent terrace 23b to facilitate draining of the field under
`wet conditions. This type of vertical field tile 29 typically
`extends on the order of three feet above the soil. The inventive
`hose positioning apparatus 35 attached to tractor 33 and has
`engaged and lifted a portion of the sludge hose 31 over ver
`
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`US 8,256,692 B2
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`4
`tical field tile 29 and located the hose at, or adjacent to, the
`boundary between the farm field 23a and terrace 23b. This
`allows the sludge hose towing tractor to fertilize the lower
`portion of field 23a adjacent terrace 23b without damaging
`field tile 29, running over and damaging sludge distributing
`hose 31 or undergoing excessive maneuvering to avoid the
`field tile while still being able to access the lower limits of the
`field.
`Referring to FIG.4, there is shown another example of the
`use of the inventive hose positioning apparatus 48 during
`fertilization of a farm field 37. In the example of FIG. 4, farm
`field 37 is bordered on its upper portion by woods and
`includes an upwardly extending notch portion which extends
`into the woods. A tractor (not shown) towing sludge fertilizer
`hose 43 has traversed the path 41 shown in dotted line form
`for fertilizing the upward extending notch of field 37. The
`tractor then exits the areas shown in FIG. 4 via path 41a and
`first and second hose positioning apparatus 47 and 48 respec
`tively connected to first and second tractors 45 and 46 are used
`to reposition the sludge distributing hose 43 to permit the
`sludge hose towing tractor to traverse the lower portion of
`field 37 shown in FIG. 4. The first hose positioning apparatus
`47 is shown being pushed upwardly in the direction of arrow
`57 for locating the sludge distributing hose on fertilized
`ground and clearing the unfertilized portion of field 37 to
`allow the towing tractor to cover the unfertilized portion.
`Similarly, the second tractor 46 is displacing the second hose
`positioning apparatus 48 in the direction of arrow 59 to relo
`cate the sludge distributing hose 43 on treated soil and clear
`untreated ground in perpetration for applying fertilizer to the
`untreated soil.
`Referring now to FIGS.5 and 6, atop plan view of the hose
`positioning apparatus 10 of the present invention is shown
`and includes a mounting frame 12, a wheel Support frame 14,
`a support arm 16, and a wheel assembly 18. With additional
`reference to FIG. 8, mounting frame 12 is used to connect the
`hose positioning apparatus 10 to a tractor 38. In the illustrated
`exemplary embodiment, the mounting frame 12 includes a
`forward beam 20a, an aft beam 20b, a first side beam 22a, and
`a second side beam 22ball of which are rigidly secured to one
`another to provide a generally rectangular frame. A center
`beam 24 is rigidly secured to and extends between the for
`ward and aft beams 20a, 20b to provide additional structural
`Support to the mounting frame 12. Exemplary manners of
`rigidly securing the beams to one another include welding,
`unitarily forming, fastening, etc. In other exemplary embodi
`ments, mounting frame 12 may include other quantities of
`beams rigidly secured to one another to form other frame
`shapes such as, for example, triangular, polygonal, etc.
`As particularly shown in the aft upper perspective view of
`FIG.7. mounting frame 12 also includes an upright structural
`member 34 rigidly secured to and extending upward from the
`forward beam 20b, and a pair of braces 36a and 36b rigidly
`secured to and extending between the upright structural mem
`ber 34 and the center beam 24.
`The mounting frame 12 further includes a hitchattachment
`arrangement 26 for connecting the mounting frame 12 to a
`hitch 40 on the tractor 38. In the illustrated exemplary
`embodiment, the hitch attachment arrangement is a three
`point hitch attachment arrangement 26 for connecting to a
`complementarily configured three-point hitch 40 on the trac
`tor 38 as shown in FIG. 8. In other exemplary embodiments,
`the hitchattachment arrangement 26 may have other configu
`rations for connecting to tractor hitches 40 having other con
`figurations.
`The three-point hitch attachment arrangement 26 includes
`a first connector 28, a second connector 30, and a third con
`
`Exhibit 1086
`Bazooka v. Nuhn - IPR2024-00098
`Page 14 of 16
`
`

`

`US 8,256,692 B2
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`10
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`15
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`5
`nector 32, and the three-point tractor hitch 40 includes three
`complementary connection points to which the first, second,
`and third connectors may be removably connected. In the
`illustrated exemplary embodiment, the first connector 28 is
`located near a top of the upright structural member 34, the
`second connector 30 is located near the intersection of the aft
`beam 20b and the first side beam 22a, and the third connector
`32 is located near the intersection of the aft beam and the
`second side beam 22b. Alternatively, the connectors 28, 30.
`32 may be located at different locations on the mounting
`frame 12 as long as the connectors 28, 30, 32 are appropri
`ately located to connect to the tractor hitch 40.
`Referring additionally to FIGS. 9-12, wheel support frame
`14 extends from and is rotatably connected to mounting frame
`12 via pivot connections 84a and 84b. Although the illustrated
`exemplary embodiment shows two pivot connections 84a.
`84b, the present invention is not limited to this number of
`connections. Wheel Support frame 14 has a generally trian
`gular shape that reduces in width in proceeding away from
`mounting frame 12. Support arm 16 is rotatably connected to
`wheel support frame 14 at a first end of the support arm via
`pivot connection 86 and is rotatably connected to wheel
`assembly 18 at a second, opposed end.
`Wheel assembly 18 includes an upper circular rim 50, a
`lower circular rim 52, an inner ring member 54, a hub 58, and
`a wheel mounting member 60. Plural upper radially extend
`ing members 50a extend between the upper circular rim 50
`and hub 58, and plural lower radially extending members 52a
`extend between lower circular rim 52 and hub 58 to provide
`structural rigidity to the wheel assembly 18. Hub 58 is rotat
`ably secured to wheel mounting member 60, which is rigidly
`secured to support arm 16 to facilitate rotation of the wheel
`assembly 18 in both clockwise and counterclockwise direc
`tions relative to the Support arm. Inner ring member 54 pro
`vides a Surface against which a hose 56 may abut as the hose
`positioning apparatus 10 is utilized to position the hose.
`Upper and lower circular rims 50, 52 provide vertical restraint
`for hose 56 to inhibit the hose from disengaging the wheel
`assembly 18 during operation.
`Hose positioning apparatus 10 further includes a locking
`40
`assembly 61 for selectively preventing or enabling rotation of
`wheel assembly 18. Locking assembly 61 includes an actua
`tor or hydraulic cylinder 62, a mounting arm 64 for connect
`ing hydraulic cylinder 62 to Support arm 16, and a latch arm
`66 connected to the hydraulic cylinder. Latch arm 66 is mov
`45
`able by the hydraulic cylinder 62 between a locking position
`(see FIGS. 11 and 12), in which the latch arm is disposed in
`the path of the upper radially extending members 50a of the
`upper circular rim 50 to prevent rotation of the wheel assem
`bly 18, and an unlocked position (see FIG. 9), in which the
`latch arm is moved out of the path of the upper radially
`extending members to allow the wheel assembly to freely
`rotate. Locking assembly 61 also includes hydraulic hoses 68
`to provide the necessary pressurized hydraulic fluid to
`hydraulic cylinder 62 for operation. In other exemplary
`embodiments, locking assembly 61 may have other configu
`rations and operate in other manners in order to selectively
`prevent and enable rotation of the wheel assembly 18.
`Support arm 16 and wheel assembly 18 may be rotated
`about pivot connection 86 relative to wheel support frame 14
`via an actuator or hydraulic cylinder 25. Hydraulic hoses 27
`provide the necessary pressurized hydraulic fluid to hydraulic
`cylinder 25 for operation. Hydraulic cylinder 25 is connected
`to Support arm 16 and is capable of moving the Support arm
`and wheel assembly 18 through a continuous range of posi
`tions between a straight position (see FIG. 5) and an angularly
`displaced position (see FIG. 6). Alternatively, the combina
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`tion of support arm 16 and wheel assembly 18 may be rota
`tionally displaced relative to wheel support frame 14 in other
`manners and may have their positioning limits other than
`those illustrated in FIGS. 5 and 6. For example, support arm
`16 and wheel assembly 18 may be rotated from its straight
`position in a direction opposite to the position shown in FIG.
`6. In such an instance, rotational displacement limits of Sup
`port arm 16 and wheel assembly 18 may be the fully-angled
`position shown in FIG. 6 and a fully-angled position disposed
`on the other side of the straight position as shown in FIG. 5. It
`should be further understood that support arm 16 and wheel
`assembly 18 may be rotated to any position relative to the
`wheel support frame 14 and still be within the intended spirit
`and scope of the present invention. The capability to pivotally
`displace wheel assembly 18 relative to the rest of the hose
`positioning apparatus 10 provides the operator with Substan
`tially greater flexibility in locating and positioning the sludge
`hose with respect to the tractor.
`In the illustrated embodiment, an actuator or hydraulic
`cylinder 80 rotates the wheel support frame 14, support arm
`16, and wheel assembly 18 relative to the mounting frame 12
`about the pivot connections 84, although the present inven
`tion is not limited to this means of rotational displacement.
`Hydraulic hoses 82 provide the necessary pressurized
`hydraulic fluid to the hydraulic cylinder 80 for operation.
`Hydraulic cylinder 80 is connected at a first end to mounting
`frame 12 and at a second, opposed end to wheel Support frame
`14. Depending on the direction of its movement, hydraulic
`cylinder 80 pushes or pulls wheel support frame 14, support
`arm 16, and wheel assembly 18 between a substantially hori
`Zontal, operating position (see FIG. 11) and an upraised,
`travel position (see FIG. 12). Alternatively, wheel support
`frame 14, support arm 16, and wheel assembly 18 may be
`rotated between the operating and travel positions in other
`manners all of which are intended to be within the spirit and
`Scope of the present invention. During transport of the hose
`positioning apparatus 10, it is desirable to maintain the wheel
`support frame 14, support arm 16, and wheel assembly 18 in
`the upraised, travel position.
`A brace member 90 is used to maintain the wheel support
`frame 14, support arm 16, and wheel assembly 18 in the
`upraised position for transport. When in use, brace member
`90 is secured at a first end to a first mounting bracket 96 via a
`first coupling pin 100 and at a second end to a second mount
`ing bracket 98 via a second coupling pin 102. First mounting
`bracket 96 is positioned on upright structural member 34 and
`second mounting bracket 98 is positioned on an upper Surface
`of support arm 16. Alternatively, the brace member 90 may
`have other configurations, may be connected to the hose
`positioning apparatus 10 in other manners, and may be con
`nected to the hose positioning apparatus 10 in different loca
`tions and be within the intended spirit and scope of the present
`invention.
`When the brace member 90 is not in use, it is located in a
`storage position by attaching it to mounting frame 12. When
`stored, a first end of the brace member 90 is connected to the
`aft beam 20b with a first positioning pin 92 and a second end
`of the brace member is connected to the second side beam 22b
`with a second positioning pin 94. Alternatively, the brace
`member 90 may be connected to the hose positioning appa
`ratus 10 in other manners and in other locations in order to
`position the brace member 90 in a storage position.
`The foregoing description has been presented for purposes
`of illustration and description, and is not intended to be
`exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise form dis
`closed. The descriptions were selected to explain the prin
`ciples of the invention and their practical application to
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`Exhibit 1086
`Bazooka v. Nuhn - IPR2024-00098
`Page 15 of 16
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`7
`enable others skilled in the art to utilize the invention in
`various embodiments and various modifications as are Suited
`to the particular use contemplated. Although particular con
`structions of the present invention have been shown and
`described, other alternative constructions will be apparent to
`those skilled in the art and are within the intended scope of the
`present invention as recited in the following claims.
`I claim:
`1. Apparatus for engaging and positioning a sludge hose in
`spreading fertilizer on a field, said apparatus comprising:
`a first frame member adapted for mounting to a vehicle,
`wherein said first frame member includes three connect
`ing elements for attachment to a three-point tractor
`hitch;
`a second frame member pivotally coupled to said first
`frame member;
`a curvilinear rotatable member attached to an intermediate
`portion of said second frame member and adapted to
`rotate in the plane of said second frame member and to
`engage the sludge hose;
`a first displacement mechanism coupled to said first and
`second frame members for raising said second frame
`member, said curvilinear rotatable member and the
`sludge hose above the field; and
`a second displacement mechanism coupled to said second
`frame member and to said rotatable member for laterally
`displacing said curvilinear rotatable member for reposi
`tioning the sludge hose.
`2. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising at least one
`first pivot connection coupling said first and second frame
`members.
`3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said first displacement
`mechanism is a first hydraulic cylinder.
`4. The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising a second
`pivot connection coupling said second frame member and
`said curvilinear rotatable member.
`5. The apparatus of claim 4 further comprising an elon
`gated structural member coupling said curvilinear rotatable
`member to said second frame member via said second pivot
`connection.
`6. The apparatus of claim 5 further comprising a third
`pivoting connection coupling said curvilinear rotatable mem
`ber to said elongated structural member.
`7. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said curvilinear rotat
`able member is generally circular in shape.
`8. The apparatus of claim 7, wherein said curvilinear rotat
`able member includes an upper circular member and a lower
`circular member connected by means of a central hub.
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`US 8,256,692 B2
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`9. The apparatus of claim8, wherein said curvilinear rotat
`able member further includes an inner ring member disposed
`between and attached to said upper and lower circular mem
`bers and positioned between said central hub and outer
`peripheries of said upper and lower circular members.
`10. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein a portion of a sludge
`hose engaged by said curvilinear rotatable member is posi
`tioned between said upper and lower circular members and in
`contact with a portion of said inner ring member.
`11. The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising a movable
`stop member adapted for engaging said curvilinear rotatable
`member and preventing rotation thereof.
`12. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein each of said upper
`and lower circular members includes respective plural spaced
`radial members extending outwardly from said central hub to
`an outer periphery of said upper and lower circular members,
`and wherein said movable stop member is positioned between
`adjacent radial members of at least one of said upper and
`lower circular members to prevent rotation of said curvilinear
`rotatable member.
`13. The apparatus of claim 12 further comprising an elon
`gated structural member pivotally coupling said curvilinear
`rotatable member to said second frame member, wherein said
`movable stop member is attached to said elongated structural
`member.
`14. The apparatus of claim 13, wherein said moveable stop
`member includes a latch arm pivotably attached to said elon
`gated structural member and a hydraulic cylinder connected
`to said latch arm for moving said latch arm between a locked
`position, wherein said latch arm engages an upper or lowe