( 12 ) United States Patent
`Tews
`
`( 10 ) Patent No . : US 10 , 118 , 138 B2
`( 45 ) Date of Patent :
`Nov . 6 , 2018
`
`US010118138B2
`
`( * ) Notice :
`
`( 54 ) FLOATING MANURE AGITATOR WITH
`MULTIDIRECTIONAL AGITATOR NOZZLES
`( 71 ) Applicant : James Timothy Tews , Winona , MN
`( US )
`( 72 ) Inventor : James Timothy Tews , Winona , MN
`( US )
`Subject to any disclaimer , the term of this
`patent is extended or adjusted under 35
`U . S . C . 154 ( b ) by 222 days .
`( 21 ) Appl . No . : 14 / 740 , 611
`( 22 ) Filed :
`Jun . 16 , 2015
`Prior Publication Data
`( 65 )
`US 2015 / 0367297 A1 Dec . 24 , 2015
`Related U . S . Application Data
`( 60 ) Provisional application No . 62 / 014 , 958 , filed on Jun .
`20 , 2014 .
`Int . Ci .
`( 2006 . 01 )
`B01F 5 / 02
`B01F 5 / 10
`( 2006 . 01 )
`( 2006 . 01 )
`B01F 13 / 00
`B01F 15 / 00
`( 2006 . 01 )
`U . S . CI .
`CPC . . . . . . . . . . . . B01F 5 / 0225 ( 2013 . 01 ) ; B01F 57025
`( 2013 . 01 ) ; B01F 5 / 0218 ( 2013 . 01 ) ; B01F
`5 / 0243 ( 2013 . 01 ) ; B01F 5 / 10 ( 2013 . 01 ) ; B01F
`13 / 0049 ( 2013 . 01 ) ; B01F 15 / 00305 ( 2013 . 01 ) ;
`B01F 2215 / 0001 ( 2013 . 01 )
`( 58 ) Field of Classification Search
`CPC . . . . . . . . B01F 5 / 0225 ; B01F 5 / 0243 ; B01F 5 / 10 ;
`BO1F 13 / 0049 ; BO1F 15 / 00305 ; B01F
`5 / 0218 ; BO1F 5 / 025 ; B01F 2215 / 0001
`See application file for complete search history .
`
`( 51 )
`
`( 52 )
`
`( 56 )
`
`References Cited
`U . S . PATENT DOCUMENTS
`2 , 599 , 993 A *
`6 / 1952 Hill . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . AQ1B 63 / 22
`280 / 405 . 1
`2 , 983 , 508 A *
`5 / 1961 Modine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B63B 17 / 00
`261 / 120
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`*
`6 / 1964 Dane . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A01M 770082
`239 / 725
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`64 Muller
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`1 / 1969 Oberg . . . . . . . . . . . B60F 3 / 0007
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`8 / 1971 Davidson . . . . . . . . . .
`A62C 27 / 00
`169 / 24
`( Continued )
`Primary Examiner — Tony G Soohoo
`( 74 ) Attorney , Agent , or Firm — Schroeder & Siegfried ,
`P . A .
`
`( 57 )
`ABSTRACT
`An aquatic floating manure agitator vessel including a
`plurality of remotely controlled above - surface agitator
`nozzles which are visibly positioned on the vessel and
`hydraulically movable about multiple axes to facilitate
`effective pond agitation and directional control of the float
`ing agitator . The floating agitator includes a vertically
`adjustable hydraulic undercarriage and hitch mechanism to
`facilitate ease of maneuverability during launching and
`removal of the floating agitator , and for probing the pond
`bottom for excess sludge build - up . The floating agitator also
`includes hydraulically folding side wings or pontoons
`mounted on each side of the vessel to further enhance ease
`of maneuverability and storage of the vessel .
`
`19 Claims , 7 Drawing Sheets
`
`27? 19
`
`Exhibit 1093
`Bazooka v. Nuhn - IPR2024-00098
`Page 1 of 14
`
`

`

`US 10 , 118 , 138 B2
`Page 2
`
`( 56 )
`
`References Cited
`U . S . PATENT DOCUMENTS
`3 , 755 , 835 A *
`9 / 1973 Boersig . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B63C 13 / 00
`114 / 344
`3 , 800 , 950 A *
`4 / 1974 Hess . . . . . . . . . . . .
`E02B 15 / 041
`210 / 242 . 4
`3 , 840 , 457 A * 10 / 1974 Wilson . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
`A01C 3 / 00
`210 / 197
`3 , 852 , 378 A * 12 / 1974 Guida . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B01F 3 / 0473
`210 / 242 . 2
`3 , 862 , 904 A *
`1 / 1975 Weatherford . . . . . . . . . E02B 15 / 046
`210 / 242 . 3
`3 , 885 , 331 A *
`5 / 1975 Mathieu
`. . . . . E02F 5 / 287
`114 / 151
`3 , 942 , 457 A *
`3 / 1976 Keyes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A01C 7 / 004
`111 / 200
`4 , 176 , 726 A
`12 / 1979 Schaeff
`*
`3 / 1980 Shuck . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B01F 3 / 04765
`4 , 191 , 479 A
`114 / 264
`4 , 268 , 398 A *
`5 / 1981 Shuck . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B01F 3 / 04765
`111 / 101
`4 , 482 , 510 A
`* 11 / 1984 Khudenko . . . . . . . . . . B01F 3 / 04773
`210 / 242 . 2
`4 , 485 , 013 A * 11 / 1984 Cockman . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B01D 33 / 04
`210 / 242 . 2
`4 , 519 , 714 A
`5 / 1985 Johnson et al .
`4 , 551 , 244 A
`* 11 / 1985 Inoue . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . E02B 15 / 046
`210 / 198 . 1
`4 , 587 , 064 A *
`5 / 1986 Blum . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
`B63B 35 / 00
`210 / 242 . 2
`4 , 594 , 006 A
`6 / 1986 Depeault
`CO2F 1 / 66
`*
`4 , 747 , 958 A
`5 / 1988 Eberhardt .
`210 / 198 . 1
`4 , 798 , 020 A *
`1 / 1989 George . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A01K 80 / 00
`209 / 935
`4 , 806 , 251 A *
`2 / 1989 Durda . . . . . . . . . . . . . B01F 3 / 04539
`210 / 170 . 05
`4 , 817 , 978 A
`*
`4 / 1989 James . . . . . . . . . . . . .
`B60D 1 / 586
`267 / 138
`4 , 818 , 416 A *
`4 / 1989 Eberhardt
`CO2F 1 / 66
`210 / 198 . 1
`4 , 877 , 524 A *
`10 / 1989 Eberhardt . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . CO2F 1 / 66
`144 / 264
`5 , 040 , 918 A *
`8 / 1991 Taricco . . . . . . . . . . . . E02B 15 / 08
`156 / 78
`5 , 064 , 392 A * 11 / 1991 Wonders . . . . . . . . . . . A62C 29 / 00
`169 / 62
`5 , 089 , 120 A *
`2 / 1992 Eberhardt
`CO2F 1 / 66
`. . . . . . . . . . . . .
`114 / 124
`5 , 185 , 085 A *
`2 / 1993 Borgren . . .
`B63B 35 / 32
`210 / 170 . 05
`5 , 256 , 263 A * 10 / 1993 Kanai . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
`CO2F 1 / 463
`204 / 242
`5 , 257 , 797 A * 11 / 1993 Johnson . . . . . . . . . . . . B6OD 1 / 465
`172 / 248
`5 . 262 . 048 A * 11 / 1993 Zimmerman . . . . .
`CO2F 1 / 681
`210 / 232
`5 , 264 , 127 A * 11 / 1993 Ngo . . . . . . . . . . . . .
`CO2F 3 / 06
`210 / 151
`5 , 301 , 756 A *
`4 / 1994 Relyea . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A62C 27 / 00
`169 / 24
`5 , 377 , 913 A *
`1 / 1995 Van Der Woude
`B05B 13 / 0431
`165 / 95
`
`5 , 702 , 614 A * 12 / 1997 Taylor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B01F 9 / 0007
`210 / 170 . 05
`5 , 788 , 158 A
`*
`8 / 1998 Relyea . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B05B 13 / 005
`169 / 24
`5 , 868 , 091 A *
`2 / 1999 Gross . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B63B 1 / 121
`114 / 61 . 1
`5 , 988 , 601 A * 11 / 1999 Burgess . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A01K 63 / 042
`119 / 263
`6 , 159 , 058 A
`* 12 / 2000 Matheson . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B63C 13 / 00
`114 / 344
`6 , 209 , 148 B1 *
`4 / 2001 Hoffman . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A47C 15 / 006
`4 / 487
`6 , 269 , 763 B1 *
`8 / 2001 Woodland
`A62C 29 / 00
`114 / 144 A
`6 , 857 , 583 B2 *
`2 / 2005 Attar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B08B 3 / 026
`239 / 124
`D502 , 983 S
`*
`3 / 2005 Mitjans
`D23 / 201
`. . . . . .
`7 , 150 , 239 B2 * 12 / 2006 Blumenthal . . . . . . . . . . . . E02B 1 / 003
`114 / 40
`7 , 188 , 440 B2 *
`3 / 2007 Hofland . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . E02F 3 / 885
`37 / 313
`7 , 314 , 395 B2 *
`1 / 2008 Bryham . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B60F 3 / 0007
`114 / 344
`7 , 448 , 600 B1 * 11 / 2008 Boulter . . . .
`CO2F 1 / 048
`159 / 4 . 4
`7 , 611 , 075 B2 * 11 / 2009 Relyea . . . . . . . . . . .
`A62C 27 / 00
`169 / 24
`8 , 256 , 748 B1 *
`9 / 2012 Boulter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . CO2F 1 / 048
`159 / 4 . 4
`8 , 579 , 264 B1 * 11 / 2013 Fowles . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
`CO2F 1 / 008
`261 / 26
`9 , 462 , 741 B2 *
`10 / 2016 Puck
`A01C 3 / 026
`9 , 694 , 636 B2
`7 / 2017 Nuhn
`2003 / 0019949 A1 *
`1 / 2003 Solie . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A01C 23 / 047
`239 / 172
`2003 / 0030157 A1 *
`2 / 2003 Petrescu . . . . . . . . . . . . . B01F 3 / 04765
`261 / 92
`2006 / 0032797 A1 *
`2 / 2006 Tsai
`. . . . E04H 4 / 169
`210 / 150
`2006 / 0279006 Al * 12 / 2006 Tsai . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B01F 3 / 0473
`261 / 4
`2008 / 0047481 A1 *
`2 / 2008 Maarschalkerweerd . . . . . . . . .
`B60F 3 / 0069
`114 / 344
`2009 / 0014180 AI *
`1 / 2009 Collins . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A62C 27 / 00
`169 / 24
`2012 / 0319310 A1 * 12 / 2012 Sun . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B01F 7 / 00733
`261 / 30
`2013 / 0145980 A1 *
`6 / 2013 Puck
`. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
`. . . . . . . B63B 7 / 00
`114 / 354
`2013 / 0207282 Al *
`8 / 2013 Tsai . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B01F 3 / 04106
`261 / 5
`2014 / 0076820 A1 *
`3 / 2014 Caldwell
`CO2F 7 / 00
`210 / 696
`2014 / 0112093 A1 *
`4 / 2014 Puck . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A01C 3 / 026
`366 / 182 . 2
`2015 / 0216118 Al *
`8 / 2015 Swinney , II . . . . . . . . A01M 7 / 0042
`239 / 159
`2015 / 0367297 A1 * 12 / 2015 Tews
`B01F 5 / 0225
`366 / 182 . 2
`2017 / 0232809 A1 8 / 2017 Nuhn
`2 / 2018 Bearinger . . . . . . . . . . . . . B01F 5 / 0225
`2018 / 0036692 A1 *
`* cited by examiner
`
`Exhibit 1093
`Bazooka v. Nuhn - IPR2024-00098
`Page 2 of 14
`
`

`

`U . S . Patent
`
`Nov . 6 , 2018
`
`Sheet 1 of 7
`
`US 10 , 118 , 138 B2
`
`FIG . 1
`
`ROSE
`
`Exhibit 1093
`Bazooka v. Nuhn - IPR2024-00098
`Page 3 of 14
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`

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`U . S . Patent
`
`Nov . 6 , 2018
`
`Sheet 2 of 7
`
`US 10 , 118 , 138 B2
`
`- 15
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`Exhibit 1093
`Bazooka v. Nuhn - IPR2024-00098
`Page 4 of 14
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`atent
`
`Nov . 6 , 2018
`
`Sheet 3 of 7
`
`US 10 , 118 , 138 B2
`
`11
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`Exhibit 1093
`Bazooka v. Nuhn - IPR2024-00098
`Page 5 of 14
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`atent
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`Nov . 6 , 2018
`
`Sheet 4 of 7
`
`US 10 , 118 , 138 B2
`
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`Exhibit 1093
`Bazooka v. Nuhn - IPR2024-00098
`Page 6 of 14
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`

`atent
`
`Nov . 6 , 2018
`
`Sheet 5 of 7
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`US 10 , 118 , 138 B2
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`29
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`Exhibit 1093
`Bazooka v. Nuhn - IPR2024-00098
`Page 7 of 14
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`atent
`
`Nov . 6 , 2018
`
`Sheet 6 of 7
`
`US 10 , 118 , 138 B2
`
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`Exhibit 1093
`Bazooka v. Nuhn - IPR2024-00098
`Page 8 of 14
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`

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`atent
`
`Nov . 6 , 2018
`
`Sheet 7 of 7
`
`US 10 , 118 , 138 B2
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`Exhibit 1093
`Bazooka v. Nuhn - IPR2024-00098
`Page 9 of 14
`
`

`

`US 10 , 118 , 138 B2
`
`are generally not adjustable relative to the floating vessel .
`FLOATING MANURE AGITATOR WITH
`MULTIDIRECTIONAL AGITATOR NOZZLES
`Consequently , the floating vessel can bottom out and
`become hung up on the ramp , thus loosing valuable time and
`potentially causing significant damage to the hull of the
`TECHNICAL FIELD
`5 vessel ; this is particularly the case with steep ramps leading
`The present invention relates generally to the field of
`into the lagoon .
`floating vessels and , more particularly , to a remote - con -
`Another drawback is that , upon launching , removing or
`trolled floating aquatic manure agitator for use in a manure
`simply transporting a conventional floating vessel to or from
`earthen storage installation , such as a manure holding pond ,
`a manure pond , the operator ( s ) must manually make the
`lagoon , settling basin or other manure reservoir .
`10 connection of the vessel to a transport vehicle or trailer . Here
`again , the operator must continually get in and out of the
`BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
`transport vehicle to connect / disconnect the vessel , or have
`others available to help . This either requires increased
`The benefits of manure as a fertilizer for agricultural
`manpower or , at a minimum , adds time and inconvenience
`purposes are well known . Manure from livestock is an 15 to the overall operation .
`excellent source of fertilizer containing nitrogen , phospho -
`Still further , conventional floating vessels used in manure
`rous and other nutrients desirable for enrichment of soil .
`ponds and the like are often agitated during cold weather
`Manure is also an important source of organic matter which ,
`conditions , where ice build - up may occur on the pond . Other
`when added to soil , helps to improve soil composition ,
`than through movement of the slurry caused by the jet
`aeration , water infiltration and moisture - retention capability . 20 pumps , there is typically no means by which the vessel can
`As a necessary and inevitable by - product of the livestock
`break up large chunks of ice . Thus , the floating vessel can
`industry , manure is in constant supply and a means of
`become inhibited from free movement around the pond ,
`storage and preservation is therefore required . For this
`making it impossible to adequately agitate the full area of the
`reason , earthen storage installations in the nature of holding
`pond .
`ponds , lagoons and settling basins have been developed and 25
`Still another drawback of conventional floating agitators
`successfully utilized for the storage of large quantities of
`is that there is typically no means by which an operator ,
`manure . Since manure is a biologically active substance ,
`particularly remotely , can test to determine whether the jet
`during storage , it tends to break down and settle out into
`pumps are adequately stirring up and mixing the bottom
`fractions of liquids and solids that float , sink or remain
`sludge with the liquid portion of the pond . Particularly with
`suspended in the liquid . Over time , some of these solids tend 30 floating vessels having submerged output nozzles , it is
`to form a thick floating crust and other solids tend to settle
`difficult to determine where the nozzles are actually being
`to the bottom in the form of sludge . If the sludge layer is not
`aimed and whether additional sludge may have accumulated
`periodically agitated and removed , it will eventually
`on the bottom of a certain area of the pond . It is therefore
`decrease the available volume of the storage installation
`difficult to determine whether agitation of the pond has been
`area , thus leading to increased risk of overflows , economic 35 successfully completed , or where additional agitation would
`and environmental concerns , etc .
`be beneficial .
`Conventionally , the most common and economical way in
`Therefore , it is evident there is a substantial and unsatis
`which to maintain the manure stored in such an earthen
`fied need in the agricultural industry for a reliable and
`storage installation is through the use of agitation and
`cost - effective solution to the many drawbacks associated
`pumping equipment . Remote - controlled floating vessels 40 with conventional floating manure agitators . Accordingly ,
`with power take - off ( PTO ) , low pressure , high - volume pres -
`for optimum agitation and directional control , it would be
`sure pumps are typically used as agitators for manure ponds
`desirable to provide a floating agitator with high pressure jet
`and lagoons . These pumps generally include one or more
`nozzles that are fully visible and capable of movement in
`high pressure nozzles that extend into the manure pond and
`multiple directions . It would be further desirable for the
`agitate the liquid / solid mixture by using the force of moving 45 floating vessel to include an adjustable wheel carriage for
`water to dislodge and mix the bottom sludge with other
`ease in launching and removing the vessel from a pond , and
`floating matter . This creates a slurry mixture that is capable
`an automated means for connecting the same to a transport
`of being pumped from the manure pond into tank wagons for
`vehicle . It would also provide added benefit to include a
`transport and dispersion in the agricultural fields .
`cost - effective and efficient means on the floating vessel for
`While conventional floating agitators work reasonably 50 breaking ice remotely and for determining potential remain
`ing areas of sludge build - up in the manure pond which
`well for their intended purpose , there are drawbacks . For
`instance , most floating agitators use the high pressure
`require break - up .
`nozzles or jets not only for purposes of agitation , but also for
`It is with the above difficulties of the prior art in mind that
`directional control of the vessel . However , with many float -
`has caused me to develop the present invention , which
`ing agitators , one or more of the agitator nozzles often point 55 substantially eliminates the aforementioned drawbacks of
`directly downward from underneath the vessel , out of sight
`conventional floating manure agitators and provides new
`of the operator . Other agitators include above - surface
`and additional benefits , as will be described in more detail
`nozzles , but such nozzles are limited in movement only in
`hereafter .
`the vertical direction . This limited visibility and versatility
`makes directional control of the vessel extremely difficult , 60
`BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
`particularly when being operated remotely .
`Maneuvering a floating agitator in and out of a manure
`To overcome the problems known in the prior art and
`pond or lagoon can also pose a significant challenge . One
`achieve the desired goals set forth herein , one aspect of the
`drawback of conventional floating agitators is that they
`present invention includes a floating aquatic manure agitator
`typically must be pulled out of the lagoon and loaded onto 65 vessel having a plurality of above - surface remotely control
`a separate trailer for hauling by a transport vehicle , such as
`lable agitator nozzles strategically positioned and visible on
`a tractor . Some agitators do include wheels , but such wheels
`the floating vessel to facilitate effective pond agitation and
`
`Exhibit 1093
`Bazooka v. Nuhn - IPR2024-00098
`Page 10 of 14
`
`

`

`US 10 , 118 , 138 B2
`
`10
`
`Consequently , there is no guesswork involved as to where
`the nozzles are pointed for agitation and directional control
`purposes .
`
`directional control of the floating vessel . In a preferred
`embodiment , two nozzles are positioned on the stern or
`aft - most portion of the vessel , with one additional nozzle
`positioned toward the bow . For maximum versatility and
`BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
`reach , each pressure nozzle is constructed for multi - axis 5
`rotational movement , capable of substantially 180 degree
`These and other objects and advantages of the invention
`rotation about a generally vertical axis and vertical pivotal
`will more fully appear from the following description , made
`movement of more than 90 degrees about a horizontal axis .
`in connection with the accompanying drawing , wherein :
`The vessel is equipped with a low pressure , high - volume
`FIG . 1 is
`a side elevation view of a floating manure
`PTO pressure pump which draws effluent from the pond to
`agitator vessel constructed in accordance with the present
`feed the high pressure agitator nozzles . By way of example ,
`invention ;
`in a preferred embodiment , the use of an 8 " Houle vertical
`FIG . 2 is a side elevation view of one of the multi - axis
`super pump manufactured by GEA Farm Technologies ( with
`above - surface agitator nozzles utilized for pond agitation
`a 26 % reducing gearbox ) is contemplated for use in feeding
`15 and directional control of the floating agitator vessel ;
`the agitator pressure nozzles . While any suitable motor is
`FIG . 3 is a close - up perspective view of the rear agitator
`contemplated for powering the effluent pump for its desired
`nozzles mounted on the stern portion of the floating agitator
`purpose , in a preferred embodiment , the pump is preferably
`vessel ;
`powered by a 240 HP CNH drive motor , or equivalent , with
`FIG . 4 is a side elevation view showing the hydraulically
`a 2 : 1 gear reducing gearbox . It is also contemplated that the
`PTO drive shaft for the pump be configured with shear pins 20 adjustable undercarriage which raises the stern of the float
`to prevent damage to the pump in the event of a jam .
`ing vessel to facilitate launching and removal of the vessel
`According to another aspect of the present invention , the
`from a manure pond ;
`floating agitator includes a hydraulically powered undercar -
`FIG . 5 is a close - up side elevation view showing the
`riage which is vertically adjustable to facilitate ease of
`operation of the hydraulic hitch of the floating manure
`maneuvering the vessel in and out of the manure pit . When 25 vessel , which facilitates ease of connecting the floating
`launching or removing the vessel from a manure pond or
`vessel to a transport vehicle ;
`lagoon , the undercarriage may be vertically adjusted via
`FIG . 6 is a close - up top plan view of the hand - held joy
`remote control to effectively raise the floating vessel off the
`stick controller used to control operation of the floating
`ground , thereby avoiding any potential damage to the vessel
`manure agitator vessel ; and
`from steep ramps or rough terrain . As the undercarriage 30
`FIG . 7 is diagrammatic view showing the manner in
`which an operator may control the manure agitator vessel
`lowers , the undercarriage wheels engage the ground surface ,
`WI
`remotely using the hand - held joy stick controller shown in
`thus lifting the vessel well off the ground for clearance and
`safe transport .
`FIG . 6 .
`To further facilitate maneuverability and transportation of
`DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE
`the floating agitator , another aspect of the present invention 35
`includes a remotely controllable hydraulic hitch which is
`INVENTION
`vertically pivotal to allow an operator to connect and dis
`With reference to FIG . 1 , a floating aquatic manure
`connect the floating vessel from a transport vehicle without
`agitator vessel 1 is shown constructed in accordance with the
`the need for manual manipulation . The operator may simply
`align the transport vehicle adjacent the vessel hitch and 40 present invention . As shown , the main body or deck 3 of the
`lower the hitch via remote control to connect the vessel to
`vessel is flanked on each side by a large wing 5 which
`the transport vehicle . Similarly , upon launching the vessel ,
`functions to maintain the vessel 1 afloat in the manure pond
`the hitch may be easily disconnected remotely by simply
`upon launching same . Each wing 5 of the vessel extends
`raising the adjustable hitch to disengage the hitch from the
`substantially the entire length of the vessel 1 and is prefer
`transport vehicle . No need for manual manipulation of the 45 ably comprised of a pair of integrally connected laterally
`hitch is required ; therefore , the operator spends less time
`juxtaposed pontoons . As will be described in more detail
`climbing in and out of the transport vehicle , with less
`hereafter , each wing 5 is pivotally adjustable upwardly and
`opportunity for operator injury .
`downwardly to facilitate ease of transporting the manure
`Still another aspect of the present invention includes
`agitator vessel 1 . The deck 3 further includes an undercar
`folding wings or pontoons mounted on opposite sides of the 50 riage system 7 with wheels to facilitate launching and
`floating agitator vessel . These wings are also hydraulically
`removal of the vessel from the manure pond , as well as
`operated , and can be raised and lowered via remote control .
`transportability and storage of the vessel .
`Consequently , for storage and travel , the wings can be
`Mounted atop of the deck 3 of the vessel 1 is a low
`hydraulically lifted to an upright position , thereby signifi -
`pressure , high - volume PTO pressure pump 9 which draws
`cantly reducing the width of the vessel for ease in road travel 55 effluent from the pond to feed a plurality of above - surface
`and passage through tight areas , such as gates , etc . For
`high pressure agitator nozzles 11 . As shown generally in
`launching the vessel , the wings are simply lowered for
`FIG . 1 and described hereafter , all agitator nozzles 11 are
`mounted atop the vessel deck 3 and constructed and
`floatation .
`As noted previously , in a preferred embodiment , all
`arranged for multi - axis pivotal movement . This facilitates
`hydraulic applications , including operation of the multi - axis 60 maximum versatility and reach for agitating the pond slurry ,
`pressure nozzles , and the hydraulic undercarriage , hitch and
`and for maintaining directional control of the vessel 1 . In a
`side wings , are remotely controllable through the use of a
`preferred embodiment , the use of an 8 " Houle vertical super
`user - friendly handheld control unit . For ease of operating the
`pump manufactured by GEA Farm Technologies ( with a
`multi - axis rotating pressure nozzles , the control unit incor -
`26 % reducing gearbox ) is contemplated for use in feeding
`porates separate joystick controls for each , such that the 65 the agitator pressure nozzles 11 . While any suitable motor 13
`operator can easily maneuver each of the nozzles at will with
`is contemplated for powering the effluent pump 9 for its
`full view of the positioning of the nozzles at all time .
`desired purpose , in a preferred embodiment , the pump 9 is
`
`Exhibit 1093
`Bazooka v. Nuhn - IPR2024-00098
`Page 11 of 14
`
`

`

`US 10 , 118 , 138 B2
`
`5
`As shown best in FIG . 4 , the floating agitator vessel 1
`preferably powered by a 240 HP CNH drive motor , or
`includes a hydraulically powered undercarriage system 7
`equivalent , with a 2 : 1 gear reducing gearbox . Although not
`which is vertically adjustable to facilitate ease of maneu
`shown in the drawings , the PTO drive shaft extending from
`vering the vessel 1 in and out of a manure pit . As shown , the
`the 2 : 1 reducing gearbox to the pump 9 is preferably
`5 wheels of the undercarriage system 7 are position near the
`configured with shear pins to prevent damage to the pump 9
`stern of the vessel 1 , with the supporting undercarriage
`in the event of a jam .
`frame being cantilevered to the vessel deck 3 more toward
`As noted above and shown throughout the drawings , each
`the center of the vessel 1 . During operation of the agitator 1
`of the agitator nozzles 11 that are fed by pump 9 is an
`in a manure pond , the undercarriage is usually retracted , as
`above - surface nozzle , i . e . , mounted atop the vessel deck 3 so
`10 shown in FIG . 1 . However , when launching or removing the
`as to be readily visible by the vessel operator at all times .
`vessel from a manure pond or lagoon , it is beneficial to lower
`Each nozzle 11 is comprised essentially of a tubular pipe
`the undercarriage 7 to raise the stern of the vessel 1 , thus
`member 19 connected to pump 9 via a piping system 21 . The
`avoiding potential damage to the vessel 1 resulting from
`pipe member 19 of each nozzle 11 is rotationally connected
`loading ramps having steep grades or rough terrain . Upon
`to the piping system 21 at joint 23 , where it is permitted to
`rotate substantially 180 degrees about a generally vertical 15 actuation of the system hydraulics , the frame of the under
`axis . From Joint 23 , pipe member 19 extends upwardly and
`carriage 7 will pivot downwardly from the vessel deck 3 ,
`then elbows 90 degrees outward toward a nozzle terminal
`thereby causing the undercarriage wheels to engage the
`end portion 25 . Linkage 27 provides flexibility between pipe
`ground and raise the stern of the vessel 1 upwardly , as shown
`member 19 and the terminal end portion 25 of each nozzle
`in FIG . 4 . Consequently , the aft end of the vessel 1 will be
`11 , allowing the terminal end portion 25 to move upward 20 elevated well off the ground for clearance and safe transport
`and downward relative to a horizontal axis through a range
`of the vessel .
`During operation of the manure agitator in a manure pond ,
`of motion exceeding 90 degrees .
`As shown best in FIGS . 2 and 3 , for optimum mobility ,
`it is also possible for the operator to use the undercarriage
`each nozzle 11 is equipped with separate hydraulic actuator
`system
`7 as a tool to help determine whether there is
`mechanisms 15 and 17 to cause movement about multiple 25 accumulated sludge at the bottom of the manure pit that
`axes . Hydraulic actuator 15 is connected between pipe
`requires agitation and mixture with the remaining pond
`member 19 and linkage 27 of the nozzle 11 , and extends and
`liquids . By lowering the undercarriage 7 within the manure
`retracts to cause pivotal movement of the terminal end
`pond , the wheels extend downward , thus probing the bottom
`portion 25 of nozzle 11 generally in the vertical direction .
`of the pit to determine the existence of undue sludge
`Hydraulic actuator 17 , on the other hand , is connected 30 accumulation in the immediate area of the floating vessel 1 .
`adjacent the rotatable joint 23 of pipe member 19 , and is
`If significant accumulation exists , the aft end of the vessel 1
`configured to cause rotational movement of each nozzle 11
`will rise due to the undercarriage 7 engaging the floor of the
`substantially 180 degrees about a generally vertical axis . By
`manure pit , thereby signaling the operator of the need to
`way of example , in FIG . 3 , the agitator nozzles 11 are shown
`agitate that area of the pit more aggressively .
`with hydraulic actuators 15 retracted , so the terminal end 35
`As shown best in FIG . 5 , to further facilitate maneuver
`portions 25 thereof will point downward into the manure
`ability and transportation of the floating agitator , a remote
`pond . In FIG . 4 , however , the nozzles 11 are depicted with
`controlled hydraulically pivotal hitch 29 is also provided to
`the hydraulic actuators 15 fully extended , such that the
`allow an operator to connect and disconnect the floating
`terminal end portions 25 thereof point generally upward and
`vessel 1 from a transport vehicle ( not shown ) without the
`outward to an elevated position above horizontal . In FIG . 4 , 40 need for manual manipulation . Significant time is lost when
`the rotational actuator 17 on each stern nozzle 11 is also
`an operator must continually climb in and out of a transport
`shown in a position rotating the stern nozzles 11 outwardly
`vehicle to hitch and unhitch the floating vessel 1 . As part of
`away from and beyond the outer confines of the vessel 1 to
`the present invention , the hitch 29 is pivotally connected via
`cause the pond effluent to be pump toward the sides of the
`a pivotal coupling 31 to the deck 3 of the floating vessel 1 .
`45 One end 35 of a hydraulic operating cylinder 33 is pivotally
`vessel .
`As best shown in FIGS . 1 and 4 , multiple above - surface
`connected to a bracket 37 mounted adjacent the center of
`nozzles 11 are strategically positioned and highly visible on
`hitch 29 , with the opposite end 39 being pivotally connected
`the top surface of deck 3 of the floating vessel 1 to facilitate
`to an upper portion of the vessel deck 3 .
`effective pond agitation and directional control of the vessel .
`Consequently , upon actuation of hydraulic cylinder 33 ,
`In a preferred embodiment , two nozzles 11 are positioned on 50 the hitch 29 is configured to pivot up and down about a
`the stern or aft - most portion of the vessel 1 , with one
`horizontal axis extending through the pivotal coupling 31 . In
`additional nozzle 11 positioned toward the bow . The stern
`this manner , the terminal end 41 of the hitch 29 may be
`nozzles 11 are preferably positioned one each adjacent each
`moved up and down for coupling with the corresponding
`rear corner of the vessel 1 , with the nozzle at the bow being
`connector ( e . g . , ball hitch ) of the transport vehicle . The
`centrally located between the opposing front corners thereof . 55 operator may simply align the transport vehicle adjacent the
`As noted above , for maximum versatility and reach , each
`vessel hitch 29 and lower the hitch via remote control to
`pressure nozzle is constructed for multi - axis pivotal move -
`connect the vessel 1 to the transport vehicle . Similarly , upon
`ment , capable of substantially 180 degree rotation about a
`launching the vessel 1 , the hitch 29 may be easily discon
`vertical axis and vertically pivotal more than 90 degrees
`nected remotely by simply actuating hydraulic cylinder 33 ,
`about a horizontal axis . Consequently , with the enhanced 60 thereby raising the adjustable hitch to disengage the hitch 29
`mobility of nozzles 11 , a vessel operator may effectively
`from the transport vehicle . No need for manual manipulation
`agitate