The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Mar. 28, 2000
Filed:
Sep. 04, 1998
Earl R Smith, Mt. Pleasant, MI (US);
Other;
Abstract
A rock picker having a frame supported by rear support wheels and a tongue that is adapted to be attached to a tractor draw bar. A basket assembly having gathering tines and separation bars is carried by the frame. The gathering tines gather rocks and hold the rocks while allowing soil to pass between adjacent tines. The basket assembly is pivotally attached to short links. The short links are pivotally attached to the frame. Hydraulic cylinders are attached to the frame and to the basket assembly. When the basket assembly is filled with rocks, the hydraulic cylinders are extended. Initially, the short links pivot forward, lowering and extending the forward ends of the gathering tines and placing a downward force on the gathering tines. Continuing extension of the hydraulic cylinder raises the gathering tines and causes rocks to slide down the separation bars and into a rock hopper. Dirt passes between the separation bars and to the ground. The cylinders are retracted to return the basket assembly to a rock gathering position. The rock hopper is dumped in a rock storage area when it is filled.