Self-powered attachment

Abstract

A land preparation apparatus configured to selectively couple with a vehicle, the land preparation apparatus includes a rotatable tool, a housing coupled to the rotatable tool, a motor configured to drive rotation of the rotatable tool about its longitudinal axis relative to the housing, and a self-contained power assembly associated with the housing. The housing includes an electorally powered component. The self-contained power assembly includes a rechargeable battery that can electrically activate the electrically powered component while the motor drives rotation of the rotatable tool.

Description

SELF-POWERED ATTACHMENTBACKGROUND

[0001] The present disclosure relates to attachment apparatus, assemblies, systems and methods for land preparation, such as, for example, attachment assemblies for attachment to powered vehicles.

[0002] Land preparation and clearing machines and apparatus such as forestry machines and apparatus may be utilized for vegetation management, clearing land, creating paths, and otherwise removing debris, brush, trees, vegetation, soil, concrete, asphalt, rock, and / or other materials, making the land suitable for further development or use. To carry out these tasks, such machines may be fitted with land preparation attachments or apparatus operable to mulch, cut, shred, and / or grind vegetation, brush, trees, branches, stumps, soil, concrete, asphalt, rock, and other materials.

[0003] In particular, the machine or vehicle to which the apparatus is integrally or detachably attached may be a tractor, skid steer, excavator, or other vehicle to facilitate articulation and movement of the mowing apparatus with respect to vegetation. Often, the vehicle may be a multi-purpose vehicle having the capability to be fitted with any of a variety of attachments suitable for the desired tasks.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0004] The following detailed description of embodiments can be best understood when read in conjunction with the drawings enclosed herewith:

[0005] FIG. 1 is a side isometric view of a land preparation and clearing machine having an illustrative land preparation apparatus according to one or more embodiments;

[0006] FIG. 2 is an isometric view of the illustrative land preparation and clearing machine of FIG. 1;

[0007] FIG. 3 is a front elevational view of the illustrative land preparation apparatus of FIG. 1 with a view of an illustrative rotatable tool according to one or more embodiments;

[0008] FIG. 4 is a cutaway exploded view of an illustrative rotatable tool of FIG. 3 showing a coupling arrangement of a tool assembly to a rotatable tool drum according to one or more embodiments;

[0009] FIG. 5 is a top plan view of an illustrative alternative land preparation apparatus having a self-contained power assembly, with a motor housing cover omitted to show various internal components;

[0010] FIG. 6 is a top plan view of the self-contained power assembly of FIG. 5 operatively attached to a hydraulic motor and various electrically powered components of the land preparation apparatus of FIG. 5;

[0011] FIG. 7 is a top plan view of another illustrative alternative land preparation apparatus having a self-contained power assembly, with a motor housing cover omitted to show various internal components;

[0012] FIG. 8 is a sectional view of the land preparation apparatus of FIG. 7, taken along line 8-8 of FIG. 7;

[0013] FIG. 9 is a top plan view of the self-contained power assembly of FIG. 7 operatively attached to a hydraulic motor and various electrically powered components of the land preparation apparatus of FIG. 7;

[0014] FIG. 10 is a top plan view of an alternative self-contained power assembly operatively attached to a hydraulic motor and various electrically powered components of a land preparation apparatus;

[0015] FIG. 11 is a top plan view of an another illustrative alternative land preparation apparatus having a self-contained power assembly, where a battery of the self-contained power assembly is detached and an access panel is opened, with a portion of a motor housing cover omitted to show various internal components;

[0016] FIG. 12 is a top plan view of the land preparation apparatus of FIG. 11, where the battery of FIG. 11 is attached and the access panel of FIG. 11 is open, with a portion of the motor housing cover omitted to show various internal components;

[0017] FIG. 13 is a top plan view of the land preparation apparatus of FIG. 11, where the battery of FIG. 11 is attached and the access panel of FIG. 11 is closed, with a portion of the motor housing cover omitted to show various internal components;

[0018] FIG. 14 is a top plan view of an another illustrative alternative land preparation apparatus having a self-contained power assembly, with a portion of a motor housing cover omitted to show various internal component; and

[0019] FIG. 15 is a schematic view of the battery of FIG. 11 attached to an independent charging station.

[0020] The drawings are not intended to be limiting in any way, and it is contemplated that various embodiments of the technology may be carried out in a variety of other ways, including those not necessarily depicted in the drawings. The accompanying drawings incorporated in and forming a part of the specification illustrate several aspects of the present technology, and together with the description serve to explain the principles of the technology; it being understood, however, that this technology is not limited to the precise arrangements shown.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0021] The following description of certain examples of the technology should not be used to limit its scope. Other examples, features, aspects, embodiments, and advantages of the technology will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following description, which is by way of illustration, one of the best modes contemplated for carrying out the technology. As will be realized, the technology described herein is capable of other different and obvious aspects, all without departing from the technology. Accordingly, the drawings and descriptions should be regarded as illustrative in nature and not restrictive.

[0022] I. Illustrative Land Preparation Machine and Land Preparation Apparatus

[0023] The present disclosure is generally directed to vegetation management and land preparation and clearing machines (“land preparation machines”) and their corresponding implements that are generally designed to cut, grind, mulch, shred, clear, mill, and / or mix trees, brush, ground cover, vegetation, debris, asphalt, concrete, and / or soil. The land preparation machines and their corresponding implements may comprise a variety of vehicles and implements, including but not limited to skid steer vehicles, forestry machines and vehicles, PTO tractors, farm tractors, excavators, and / or any other known vehicles and their corresponding implements compatible with vegetation management and land preparation and clearing. Such land preparation machines may prepare the surface and subsurface of the earth. As used herein, the phrases “vegetation management,” “land preparation and clearing” and “land preparation” will mean any land preparation and clearing operations, including but not limited to forestry operations such as cutting, grinding, mulching, shredding, clearing, milling, and / or mixing trees, brush, ground cover, vegetation, debris, soil, rock, asphalt, concrete, and / or soil. As used herein, “feed material” describes trees, brush, ground cover, vegetation, debris, branches, stumps, soil, rock, asphalt, concrete, and / or soil produced from such land preparation and clearing operations, including but not limited to forestry operations such as clearing land, cutting and / or mulching trees, and / or preparing land surfaces (e.g., creating paths).

[0024] Referring to FIGS. 1-2, an illustrative embodiment of a land preparation machine 10 includes a vehicle 12 (e.g., a forestry vehicle) and a land preparation apparatus 14 connected to the vehicle 12. In this illustrative embodiment, the vehicle 12 is a skid steer vehicle suitable for off-road travel, and includes a driver station 16 as well as an all-terrain wheel assembly 18. The wheel assembly 18 may include tires 20. In addition, tires 20 may drive all-terrain tracks (not shown), which may provide traction for the vehicle 12 to move over a variety of terrains and in a variety of conditions. The all-terrain tracks may comprise metal or rubber-based tracks that wrap around tires 20 as known to one of ordinary skill in the art. In some embodiments, vehicle 12 may not include tires 20, but have a track drive system that includes only tracks that are driven by track drive wheels or sprockets. The vehicle 12 may also include a hydraulically operated vertical lift assembly 22 for vertically lifting the land preparation apparatus 14, and any other attachments that may be used with the vehicle. Vertical lift assembly 22 may include one or more lift arms 24. Controls (not shown) can be provided for controlling the operation of the vehicle 12, landpreparation apparatus 14, and / or hydraulic lift assembly 22, including the lift arms 24 as well as for controlling the power provided to the wheel assembly 18.

[0025] While the land preparation apparatus 14 is shown in this example connected to and powered by vehicle 12, which is a skid steer vehicle, other suitable all-terrain vehicles with capability for powering and utilizing a hydraulic motor attachment or tool (e.g, such as land preparation apparatus 14) could be provided, such as other forestry vehicles, mini-track loaders, excavators, backhoes, PTO tractors, farm tractors, excavators, and / or any other known vehicles and their corresponding implements compatible with land preparation and clearing. Further examples of suitable skid steer vehicles are shown and described in U.S. Patent Nos. 4,168,757 and 4,209,071, the entire disclosures of which are hereby incorporated by reference herein. In some embodiments, such vehicles 12 may include remote controlled vehicles, and preprogrammed vehicles.

[0026] In the illustrative embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the land preparation apparatus 14 is removably connectable to the vehicle 12. The connection between the land preparation apparatus 14 (or any other attachment) and the vehicle 12 can be accomplished in any of a variety of manners. For example, receptacles, such as flanges 26, may be provided on a rear portion of the land preparation apparatus 14 to facilitate a connection with vertical lift arms 24 from the vehicle 12. In particular, such flanges and / or other rear portions of the land preparation apparatus 14 may define one or more bolt holes for receiving connector bolts (not shown). Therefore, flanges 26 act as a coupling feature configured to allow land preparation apparatus 14 to removable connect with the vehicle 12. In certain embodiments, the land preparation apparatus 14 may include a hydraulic supply connection 70 for receiving an operating supply of hydraulic fluid from a pump 15 within the vehicle 12 to power the land preparation apparatus 14, and a hydraulic return connection 72 for returning hydraulic fluid to a tank within the vehicle 12. The hydraulic supply and return connections may comprise conventional quick-disconnect connections that may selectively couple to hydraulic coupling unit 45. In such embodiments, a hydraulic cooler may be provided to maintain the supply of hydraulic fluid at a desired temperature and viscosity. In such embodiments, the hydraulic cooler may be mounted to the vehicle 12.

[0027] It is understood that, in certain embodiments, the land preparation apparatus 14 may be fixedly attached to the vehicle 12. However, it will be appreciated that in certain embodiments, a land preparation apparatus may be a stand-alone machine, such as a walk-behind land preparation apparatus. Also, it is understood that other hydraulically-operated rotary mowing or cutting attachments may be utilized with principles of one or more of the embodiments shown and described herein, integral with or detachable from vehicle 12, and / or separately from or in combination with the land preparation apparatus 14. Other configurations are also possible, such as, for example, where the fluid pump and tank are located at other locations. Connection, powering, and movement of the land preparation apparatus 14 can be accomplished with various configurations, such as those described in U.S. Patent Nos. 4,148,366, and 5,813,792, for example, which are hereby incorporated herein by reference.

[0028] Referring to FIGS. 1-4, for example, the land preparation apparatus 14 may include a housing 28 having a first end and a second end. In certain embodiments, the first and second ends may be right and left end caps 32, 34, respectively, but it will be appreciated that other types of first and second ends may be provided. The housing 28 may further include a framework 35, and as shown in FIG. 3, the framework may extend between and be connected to each of the first end cap 32 and the second end cap 34. The land preparation apparatus 14 may further include a movable tool (e.g., rotatable tool 36) movably (e.g., rotatably) connected to and between the right and left end caps 32, 34 within a chamber 30. In some embodiments, for example, in FIG. 3, right and left end caps 32, 34 may be integral with the housing 28. As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the rotatable tool 36 can define a longitudinal axis and may comprise a body. As shown, for example, in FIGS. 3 and 4, the body may be a rotatable tool drum 38. However, it will be appreciated that other suitable types of bodies may be provided, including non-cylindrical bodies. The rotatable tool may further comprise a plurality of tool assemblies 40, which may be disposed on an outer surface of the body (e.g., rotatable tool drum 38). In particular, the plurality of tool assemblies 40 can be spaced along and extend radially from the tool drum 38. For additional details regarding the arrangement of tool assemblies 40 on the rotatable tool drum 38, U.S. Publication No. 2009 / 0050341 Al has been incorporated by reference herein in its entirety. The housing 28 may further comprise a plurality of chains 41 held in place by a chain rod (not shown) extendingsubstantially across the width of the housing 28 from the right end cap 32 to left end cap 34, where the chain rod may be retained without welding or tapping.

[0029] In certain embodiments, rotatable tool 36 may also comprise an axle 42 extending longitudinally from each end of the tool drum 38. As shown in FIG. 4, for example, each axle 42 may be connected to the rotatable tool drum 38 by a plurality of securing bolts 62. A locking washer 64, locking pin, or other suitable mechanism may be used along with each of the one or more securing bolts 62 to ensure the firm securement of the axle 42 to the tool drum 38. Further, as shown in FIG. 3, each axle 42 in the current example rotatably couples tool drum 38 to a respective end cap 32, 34. Any suitable coupling means, such as bearings, may be used to rationally couple axles 42 to their respective end cap 32, 34. Therefore, tool drum 38 is capable of rotating about its own longitudinal axis relative to end caps 32, 34 via axles 42. It should be understood that each axle 42 extends away from tool drum 38 into a respective cap interior 33, 37 defined by end caps 32, 34.

[0030] For movement of the rotatable tool 36, a hydraulic motor 44, such as a hydraulic piston motor, provides rotation of a rotor (e.g., drive shaft 46) which drives the rotatable tool drum 38, which thereby causes rapid rotation of the plurality of tool assemblies 40, such as at speeds of between about 100 to about 3000 rpm. In the current example, a belt 48 couples drive shaft 46 with axle 42 associated with first end cap 32. Therefore, rotation of drive shaft 46 may drive movement of belt 48 and axle 42 to thereby rotate tool drum 38 in accordance with the description herein. As best shown in FIG. 3, drive shaft 46 and belt 48 are also housed within cap interior 33 of first end cap 32. Drive shaft 46 may be rotationally coupled to suitable components of housing 28 and / or first end cap 32 using any suitable means (e.g., suitable bearings) as would be apparent to one skilled in the art in view of the teachings herein. While belt 48 is used in the current example to couple drive shaft 46 with drive axle 42, drive axle 42 may be configured to be rotated by hydraulic motor 44 using any other suitable configuration as would be apparent to one skilled in the art in view of the teachings herein. For example, the drive shaft 46 may be directly connected to the drum 38 or axle 42.

[0031] In the current example, hydraulic motor 44 is in hydraulic communication with pump 15 of vehicle 12 via hydraulic supply connection 70, hydraulic return connection 72, andhydraulic coupling unit 45. Therefore, an operator of vehicle 12 may utilize the controls of vehicle 12 to control the supply of fluid to the hydraulic motor 44, to thereby control the rotation of tool drum 38 and tool assemblies 40 in accordance with the description herein. Motor 44 is housed within an interior defined by a motor housing compartment 43 of housing 28. In the current example, the interior of motor housing compartment 43 is segmented, compartmentalized, or otherwise partitioned from chamber 30 such that a portion of housing 28 is interposed between tool drum 38 and hydraulic motor 44. Similarly, cap interiors 33, 37 may also be segmented from chamber 30 such that a portion of housing 28 is interposed between tool drum 38 and components housed within cap interiors 33, 37. As will be described in greater detail below, in some instances, hydraulic motor 44 may include an electrically powered performance monitoring system that may measure and monitor various suitable parameters of hydraulic motor 44, analyze the measured parameters, and actively adjust the performance of hydraulic motor 44 (and therefore rotatable tool 36) in response to such measured parameters.

[0032] In one embodiment, the hydraulic lift arms 24 and / or other pistons or cylinders can raise, lower, and / or tilt the land preparation apparatus 14 via the controls to allow the plurality of tool assemblies 40 (e.g., the teeth or cutters of the tool assemblies 40 to come into contact with brush, trees, vegetation, or other objects to be mulched, cut, shredded or cleared. As also mentioned above, the controls may also control the supply of fluid to the hydraulic motor 44 to control (e.g., starting, stopping, adjusting, lifting, lowering, tilting, etc.) the rotation and orientation of the tool drum 38 and tool assemblies 40. The land preparation apparatus 14 may include any number of suitable components, cutters, grinders, mixers, and / or tools for providing a cutting, grinding, mulching, shredding, clearing, milling, and / or mixing function. Therefore, an operator of vehicle 12 may rotate tool assemblies 40 in accordance with the description herein, and also control the placement and / or orientation of the rotating tool assemblies 40 to come into contact with brush, trees, vegetation, or other object to be cut or shredded or cleared.

[0033] In addition, the land preparation apparatus 14 may comprise one or more safety mechanisms, such as a guard assembly 47, which is shown, for example, in FIGS. 1-3, extending upwardly from the framework 35 of the housing 28. In certain embodiments, the guard assembly 47 may include a gauge (not shown). In some embodiments, the gauge may facilitate visual measurements for widths of, for example, trees and other vegetation. For example, in oneembodiment, a center of the gauge may have a zero reading and distance markings may be provided in both directions extending laterally therefrom, where the values of such distance markings increase as the distance from the center of the gauge increases. By aligning, for example, trees or other vegetation with the center, a driver or operator of the land preparation machine 10 may be able to make a quick size estimation to facilitate a determination of whether to clear such trees or other vegetation. The gauge can be applied to the guard assembly 47 by any suitable manner, such as printing distance markings thereon or attaching a separately formed gauge thereto, such that the gauge can be viewable by the driver or operator of the land preparation machine 10.

[0034] In other embodiments, the hydraulic motor 44 may be controlled by a hydraulic brake (not shown) that can automatically slow the motor 44 when the flow of hydraulic fluid to the motor via the hydraulic supply line is discontinued. For additional detail on land preparation machinery (e.g., forestry machinery) or hydraulic components associated with land preparation machinery (e.g, forestry machinery), U.S. Publication No. 2006 / 0032222 has been incorporated by reference in its entirety herein.

[0035] Referring to the embodiment shown in FIG. 4, each of the plurality of tool assemblies 40 comprises a tool holder 50 and a land preparation tool 52. Suitable examples of land preparation tools 52 can include, but are not limited to, one or more of a cutter, blade, grinder, chipper, tooth, knife, hammer tool, milling tool, flailing tool or element, carbide tip, steel tip, composite tip, and any other tool for suitable for land surface preparation and clearing as described and defined above herein. Any of the plurality of tool assemblies 40, and any of their respective components, may be fabricated from a variety of metals, composites, plastics, or combinations thereof. Additional detail regarding tool assemblies is provided in U.S. Patent Nos. 4,223,441, U.S. Patent No. 4,222,418, and U.S. Patent No. 8,540,033, which are hereby incorporated by reference herein. Further, as will be described herein in view of the figures, the tool holder 50 can be a support structure for the land preparation tool 52. In certain embodiments, and as shown in FIG. 4, the land preparation tool 52 may be directly connected to the tool holder 50. In other embodiments, however, a land preparation tool may be connected to a tool holder via an intermediate connector (not shown). As used herein, “connected” may mean fixedly connected (e.g, by welding together the tool holder 50, the land preparation tool 52, and optionally an intermediate connector) or removably connected (f.g, by bolting, matingly coupling, adhering, ormagnetically coupling the tool holder 50, the land preparation tool 52, and optionally an intermediate connector). If removable, the land preparation tool 52 may comprise a replaceable tip that is designed to be replaced once worn due to use, thereby permitting the tool holder 50 to remain affixed to the tool drum 38 while the land preparation tool 52 is replaced.

[0036] Land preparation tool 52 may be attached to tool holder 50 via any suitable means as would be apparent to one skilled in the art in view of the teachings herein. In some instances, in order to further ensure that the tool holder 50 and the land preparation tool 52 are secured to each other, and as shown in FIG. 4, the rotatable tool 36 may utilize one or more securing bolts 62, which can include external threading to engage, for example, the internal threading of the channel 60. Thus, the one or more securing bolts 62 can extend through the channel 60 of the tool holder 50 and a portion of the land preparation tool 52, the mounting surface 56 of which may further include an opening (not shown) to a threaded channel (not shown), such that the respective channels (e.g, 60) of the tool holder 50 and land preparation tool 52 are aligned. A locking washer 64, locking pin, or other suitable mechanism may be used along with each of the one or more securing bolts 62, as shown in FIG. 4, to ensure the firm securement of the same within the channels of the tool holder 50 and land preparation tool 52.

[0037] Referring again to the embodiment of FIG. 4, the rotatable tool 36 may further comprise a plurality of depth control rings 68 that may be attached to and extend from the rotatable tool drum 38. In such embodiments, an inner diameter of the depth control ring 68 may be disposed about an outer surface of the rotatable tool drum 38. In certain embodiments, the depth control ring 68 can be fixedly coupled (e.g., welded, epoxied, screwed, bolted, braised, bonded, etc.) to the outer surface of the rotatable tool drum 38. In other embodiments, the depth control rings 68 may be detachably coupled to the outer surface of the rotatable tool drum 38 through conventional and / or yet-to-be developed mechanisms. In some embodiments, the tool holder 50 of each tool assembly 40 may be coupled to the depth control ring 68. In any case, the depth control ring 68 can extend radially from the outer surface of the rotatable tool drum 38. The extent to which to the depth control ring 68 can extend therefrom, or a depth height, may be varied to provide a desired distance between a maximum radial dimension of the land preparation tool 52 of the tool assembly 40 and a peripheral edge of the depth control ring 68 and / or the outer surface of the rotatable tool drum 38. In certain embodiments, the depth height of the depth control ring 68 canbe less than the overall height of the tool assembly 40. For example, in some embodiments, the depth height of the depth control ring 68 may be less than or equal to half of the overall height of the tool assembly 40 when installed. In certain embodiments, the depth height of the depth control ring 68 can be about 20% to about 80% of the overall height of the tool assembly 40 when installed. In certain embodiments, the depth height of the depth control ring 68 can be about 30% to about 60% of the overall height of the tool assembly 40 when installed. It will be appreciated, however, that a depth height of a depth control ring can be less than, greater than, or equal to any other partial height of a tool assembly when installed. For additional details regarding the depth control rings (e.g, 68) on a rotatable tool drum (e.g., 38), U.S. Publication No. 2017 / 0079219 Al has been incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

[0038] II Illustrative Land Preparation Apparatus with Self-Powered Electrically Activated Components

[0039] In some instances, it may be desirable to incorporate electrically powered components into land preparation apparatus 14. For example, as mentioned above, hydraulic motor 44 may include an electrically powered performance monitoring system. Of course, land preparation apparatus 14 may have any other suitable electrically powered components as would be apparent to one skilled in the art in view of the teachings herein. Previously, a power source of vehicle 12 would be directly wired to land preparation apparatus 14 and used to electrically power such components housed within land preparation apparatus 14. Therefore, an electrical power line extending from the power source of vehicle 12 would be routed along suitable portions of vehicle 12 into land preparation apparatus 14 to electrically power such components.

[0040] For various reasons as would be apparent to one skilled in the art in view of the teachings herein, it may be undesirable to have an electrical power line extending between the power source of vehicle 12 into and / or onto land preparation apparatus 14. As a first example, the power source of vehicle 12 may not be suitable for directly powering land preparation apparatus 14 during illustrative use in accordance with the description herein. As another example, such an external electrical power line may be undesirably exposed to the external environment, which may lead to damage and / or failure of the external electrical power line. Further, an external electrical power line may require additional length as compared to the distance between the power source ofvehicle 12 and land preparation apparatus in order to accommodate relative movement between the two during illustrative use. During illustrative use, an external electrical power line may risk being severed and / or damaged, thereby undesirably exposing electrical wires and / or disrupting power to land preparation apparatus 14. Additionally, or alternatively, an external electrical power line may risk failure / deterioration from weather exposure. Relative movement between land preparation apparatus 14 and the power source of vehicle 12 during illustrative use may wear out the external electrical power line (e.g., via cyclical fatigue of electrical power line), thereby requiring eventual replacement of such an external electrical power line.

[0041] Rather than electrically coupling land preparation apparatus 14 with a power source of vehicle 12, it may be desirable for land preparation apparatus 14 to self-power such electrically activated components, which may eliminate the need to have an additional power hamess / connection extending from vehicle 12 to land preparation apparatus 14. Having a land apparatus 14 with a self-contained electrical power assembly may provide various benefits as would be apparent to one skilled in the art in view of the teachings herein. For example, a self- contained electrical power assembly may simplify the installation of apparatus 14 onto vehicle 12. As another example, having a self-contained electrical power assembly may inhibit the risk of electrical systems within land preparation apparatus 14 from failing or otherwise being disrupted (e.g., severing external electrical power lines, weather exposure damage, cyclical fatigue, etc.). As another example, a self-contained electrical power assembly does not require directly drawing additional power output from the electrical power supply of vehicle 12 in order to suitably power electrical components of land preparation apparatus 14 during illustrative use in accordance with the description herein.

[0042] FIG. 5 shows an alternative land preparation apparatus 114 that may be used in replacement of land preparation apparatus 14 described above. Land preparation apparatus 114 is substantially similar to land preparation apparatus 14, with differences elaborated herein. Therefore, land preparation apparatus 114 may be readily attached to vehicle 12 such that vehicle 12 may suitably control land preparation apparatus 114 in accordance with the description herein. As will be described in greater detail below, land preparation apparatus 114 includes a self- contained power assembly 180 that is configured to (A) generate and store electrical power during illustrative use of land preparation apparatus 114, and (B) utilize the generated and / or storedelectrical power in order to electrically power various suitable electrical components of land preparation apparatus 114. It should be understood that while the current illustrative examples describe various types of electrical components that may be electrically powered by self-contained power assembly 180, land preparation apparatus 114 may include any suitable electrical components powered by self-contained power assembly 180 as would be apparent to one skilled in the art in view of the teachings herein.

[0043] Land preparation apparatus 114 includes a housing 128 having a framework 135, a chamber (not shown, but the same as or similar to, for example, chamber 30), end caps 132, 134, a rotatable tool (not shown, but the same as or similar to, for example, rotatable tool drum 38) and tool assemblies (not shown, but the same as or similar to, for example, tool assemblies 40), axles 142 (see FIG. 6), a hydraulic motor 144, a hydraulic coupling unit 145, and a drive shaft 146; which may be substantially similar to housing 28, framework 35, chamber 30, end caps 32, 34, rotatable tool 36, rotatable tool drum 38, tool assemblies 40, axles 42, hydraulic motor 44, hydraulic coupling unit 45, and drive shaft 46 described above, respectively, with differences elaborated herein.

[0044] Suitable portions of hydraulic motor 144 and hydraulic coupling unit 145 are operatively mounted to an interior defined by motor housing compartment 143 of housing 128. Other suitable components shown in FIG. 5 (e.g., rechargeable battery 182, control unit 190, etc.) are also housed and mounted within an interior defined by motor housing compartment 143 of housing 128. However, it should be understood that such components may be housed at other suitable locations of land preparation apparatus 114 as would be apparent to one skilled in the art in view of the teachings herein. For example, rechargeable battery 182 and / or control unit 190 may be housed within their own dedicated housing compartments, within the interiors defined by end caps 132, 134, etc.

[0045] Hydraulic coupling unit 145 is in fluid communication with hydraulic motor 144 via hydraulic supply line 170 and hydraulic return line 172. Hydraulic supply line 170 and hydraulic return line 172 are in fluid communication with external supply line 70 and external return line 72, respectively, via hydraulic coupling unit 145. Hydraulic motor 144 is configured to rotate drive shaft 146, which in turn is configured to rotate axles 142 (see FIG. 6) and rotatabletool (not shown). As such, hydraulic supply connection 70 and hydraulic return connection 72 may be operatively attached to hydraulic coupling unit 145 in order to allow an operator to drive rotation of tool drum (not shown) and tool assemblies (not shown) via controls and pump 15 of vehicle 12. Additionally, while driving rotation of tool drum (not shown) and tool assemblies (not shown), an operator may move land preparation apparatus 114 utilizing suitable components of vehicle 12 (e g., lifting arms 24) in order to control the placement of the rotating tool assemblies (not shown) to come into contact with brush, trees, branches, vegetation, or other object to be cut or shredded or cleared.

[0046] As mentioned above, land preparation apparatus 114 includes self-contained power assembly 180. In the current example, self-contained power assembly 180 includes rechargeable battery 182 and a power generation unit 184 electrically coupled with each other via suitable electrical communication line 186. Rechargeable battery 182 and power generation unit 184 are also in electrical communication with suitable electrically powered components of land preparation apparatus 114 (e.g., hydraulic sensor assembly 150, motor performance control assembly 152, control unit 190, other suitable measurement sensors, etc.) via suitable electrical communication lines 186.

[0047] In the current example, power generation unit 184 is operatively attached to drive shaft 146 such that drive shaft 146 may actuate suitable portions of power generation unit 184 in response to motor 144 rotating drive shaft 146 in accordance with the description herein. Power generation unit 184 is configured to convert rotational movement of drive shaft 146 into electrical power. Therefore, when an operator drives rotation of tool drum (not shown) and tool assemblies (not shown) via controls and pump 15 of vehicle 12 in accordance with the description herein, suitable components of power generation unit 184 are actuated via drive shaft 146 to generate electrical power. Power generation unit 184 may include any suitable components as would be apparent to one skilled in the art in view of the teachings herein. For example, power generation unit 184 may be a generator, an alternator, etc.

[0048] As mentioned above, power generation unit 184 is in electrical communication with rechargeable battery 182 via electrical communication line 186; and in some instances, is in direct electrical communication with suitable electrically powered components of land preparationapparatus 114. Power generation unit 184 is configured to transmit generated electrical power to rechargeable battery 182; while rechargeable battery 182 is configured to receive and store the generated electrical power from power generation unit 184. Rechargeable battery 182 may include any suitable type of battery and / or components as would be apparent to one skilled in the art in view of the teachings herein. In some instances, rechargeable battery 182 may include suitable components to maximize battery life, charging capacity, battery power, power storage, etc. Such suitable components will be apparent to those skilled in the art in view of the teachings herein.

[0049] Rechargeable battery 182 is configured to utilize the stored electrical energy received from power generation unit 184 (or other suitable sources) in order to suitably power electrically powered components of land preparation apparatus 114 via electrical communication lines 186 extending therebetween. Therefore, self-contained power assembly 180 is configured to generate electrical power in response to illustrative use of land preparation apparatus 114 (e.g., motor 144 driving rotatable tool (not shown)), store the generated electrical power, and distribute the self-generated electrical power, as needed, to power electrically activated components of land preparation apparatus 114. In some instances, while entirely optional, power generation unit 184 may communicate generated electrical energy directly to electrically powered components of land preparation apparatus 14, effectively bypassing battery 182.

[0050] Rechargeable battery 182 and electrically powered components of land preparation apparatus 114 may be in suitable communication to determine when such electrically powered components require / demand electrical energy for suitable use in accordance with the description herein; and when such electrically powered components do not require / demand electrical energy. For example, electrically powered components may not require electrical energy when land preparation apparatus 114 is not being used in accordance with the description herein. In such instances, battery 182 may refrain from electrically powering such components.

[0051] As another example, battery 182 may electrically power electrical components while power generation unit 184 is actively generating power; and / or for a predefined period before and / or after power generation unit 184 is actively generating power. In some instances, electrically activated components may contain their own processing power, circuity, and / or self-contained power source (e.g., a smaller rechargeable battery) such that electrically activated components maycommunicate when there is a demand for electrical energy from battery 182. In such case, battery 182 may selectively charge and / or power such electrically activated components on demand of either electrically activated components communicating such a demand, or battery 182 selfdetermining that such a demand exists.

[0052] In some instances, land preparation apparatus 114 may have a switch that may be used to manually activate rechargeable battery 182 in order to electrical power suitable components of land preparation apparatus 114. In some instances, battery 182 may be configured to communicate to an operator the expected life remaining in battery 182, such that an operator may receive a message indicating that replacement of battery 182 may be required.

[0053] In some instances, rechargeable battery 182 may also be in electrical communication with a plug / socket configured to electrically couple with an external power source. In such instances, when land preparation apparatus 1 14 is in storage and / or not being used in accordance with the description herein, rechargeable battery 182 may be charged via an external power source. In some instances, rechargeable battery 182 may be selectively removable from the rest of land preparation apparatus 114 such that rechargeable battery 182 may be removed and charged at a suitable charging station.

[0054] FIG. 7 shows an alternative land preparation apparatus 114’ that is substantially similar to land preparation apparatus 114 described above, with differences elaborated herein. In particular, land preparation apparatus 114’ includes an alternative self-contained power assembly 280 in replacement of self-contained power assembly 180. In the current example, self-contained power assembly 280 includes rechargeable battery 282 and a power generation unit 284 electrically coupled with each other via suitable electrical communication line 186. Rechargeable battery 282 and power generation unit 284 are also in electrical communication with suitable electrically powered components of land preparation apparatus 114’ (e.g., hydraulic sensor assembly 150, motor performance control assembly 152, control unit 190, other measurement sensors, etc.) via suitable electrical communication lines 186.

[0055] In the current example, power generation unit 284 is coupled with second end cap 134. Power generation unit 284 may be coupled with second end cap 134 via any suitable means as would be apparent to one skilled in the art in view of the teachings herein. As best shown inFIGS. 8-9, power generation unit 284 is operatively coupled to axle 142 associated with second end cap 134 via a belt 286 and a sprocket 288. As mentioned above, axle 142 housed within second end cap 134 is also attached to rotatable tool drum (not shown); in substantially similar manner as axle 42 and tool drum 38 shown in FIG. 3. Therefore, motor 144 is configured to rotate axle 142, along with rotatable tool drum (not shown), in accordance with the teachings herein. Sprocket 288 is fixed to axle 142 such that rotation of axle 142 relative to end cap 134 also rotates sprocket 288 relative to end cap 134. Belt 286 is coupled to power generation unit 284 and sprocket 288 such that rotation of sprocket 288 in accordance with the description herein drives belt 286 along a predetermined path defined by sprocket 288 and power generation unit 284.

[0056] Power generation unit 284 is configured to convert movement of belt 286 along the predetermined path into electrical power. In some instances, movement of belt 286 along the predetermined path rotates suitably components of power generation unit 284 to generate electrical power. Therefore, when an operator drives rotation of tool drum (not shown) and tool assemblies (not shown) via controls and pump 15 of vehicle 12 in accordance with the description herein, suitable components of power generation unit 284 are actuated via movement of belt 286 to generate electrical power. Power generation unit 284 may include any suitable components as would be apparent to one skilled in the art in view of the teachings herein. For example, power generation unit 284 may be a generator, an alternator, etc.

[0057] As mentioned above, power generation unit 284 is in electrical communication with rechargeable battery 282 via electrical communication line 186; and in some instances, is in direct electrical communication with suitable electrically powered components of land preparation apparatus 114’. Power generation unit 284 is configured to transmit generated electrical power to rechargeable battery 282; while rechargeable battery 282 is configured to receive and store the generated electrical power from power generation unit 284.

[0058] Rechargeable battery 282 is substantially similar to rechargeable battery 182 described above. Therefore, rechargeable battery 282 is configured to utilize the stored electrical energy received from power generation unit 284 (or other suitable sources) in order to suitably power electrically powered components of land preparation apparatus 114’ via electrical communication lines 186 extending therebetween.

[0059] FIG. 10 shows an alternative self-contained power assembly 380 operatively coupled with hydraulic motor 144 and hydraulic coupling unit 145. Therefore, self-contained power assembly 380 may be readily incorporated into land preparation apparatus 114, 114’ in replacement of self-contained power assembly 180, 280 described above. In the current example, self-contained power assembly 380 includes rechargeable battery 382, a power generation unit 384 electrically coupled with battery 382 via suitable electrical communication line 186, and a hydraulic energy converting assembly in the form of a hydraulic valve turbine assembly 386. Rechargeable battery 382 and power generation unit 384 are also in electrical communication with suitable electrically powered components of land preparation apparatus 114, 114’ (e.g., hydraulic sensor assembly 150, motor performance control assembly 152, control unit 190, other measurement sensors etc.) via suitable electrical communication lines 186.

[0060] In the current example, rather than having hydraulic supply line 170 provide fluid communication between hydraulic coupling unit 145 and hydraulic motor 144; a modified hydraulic supply line 370 extends between hydraulic coupling unit 145 and motor 144. Hydraulic valve and turbine assembly 386 is interposed between a first hydraulic supply line 370A and a second hydraulic supply line 370B, such that hydraulic fluid travels from hydraulic coupling unit 145, through first supply line 370A, past or through valve and turbine assembly 386, and through second supply line 370B, in order to drive hydraulic motor 144 in accordance with the description herein. Hydraulic fluid then exits motor 144 via return line 172.

[0061] Valve, rotator, and / or turbine assembly 386 is also configured to redirect a suitable volumetric flowrate of hydraulic fluid originating from first supply line 370A toward a suitable rotor of valve and turbine assembly 386. Such a rotor may be rotationally coupled to other components of valve and turbine assembly 386, such as a suitable housing. Hydraulic valve and turbine assembly 386 is configured to convert the movement of the redirected hydraulic fluid into rotational movement of the rotor of valve and turbine assembly 386. Further, the rotor of valve and turbine assembly 386 is suitably coupled with power generation unit 384 such that power generation unit 384 is configured to covert rotational movement of the rotor into electrical power. Such redirected hydraulic fluid would then subsequently enter second supply line 370B. Power generation unit 384 may include any suitable components as would be apparent to one skilled in the art in view of the teachings herein.

[0062] In such instances, valve and turbine assembly 386 may also allow a suitable volumetric flowrate of hydraulic fluid to travel directly from first supply line 370A toward second supply line 370B without traveling past and through the rotor of valve and turbine assembly 386. In other words, valve and turbine assembly 386 may have two separate fluidic paths, one which defines a path for hydraulic fluid to suitably rotate rotor of valve and turbine assembly 386, and the other which defines a path for hydraulic fluid to bypass rotor and travel directly from first supply line 370A toward second supply line 370B; thereby creating a parallel fluidic circuit.

[0063] In some instances where valve and turbine assembly 386 creates a parallel fluidic circuit, valve and turbine assembly 386 may include a valve located upstream from the parallel fluidic circuit that is configured to selectively redirect hydraulic fluid along each fluidic path. For example, such a valve may be configured to selectively redirect a suitable amount of fluid towards the path for hydraulic fluid to suitably rotate rotor. Therefore, valve and turbine assembly 386 may be able to selectively create a parallel fluid circuit where a desired amount of hydraulic fluid travels along the path to suitably rotate rotor. Additionally, valve and turbine assembly 386 may be configured to selectively create a direct fluid circuit where all hydraulic fluid travels along one of the fluidic paths, such as from first supply line 370A directly toward second supply line 370B, effectively bypassing the fluid path configured to suitably rotate rotor. Therefore, in instances where motor 144 requires maximum performance (or at least in instances where it is desirable to inhibit a reduction in performance), valve and turbine assembly 386 may close in order to inhibit fluid traveling toward rotor. Additionally, in instances where more electrical power is needed and / or required, valve and turbine assembly 386 may open to redirect fluid toward rotor, thereby allowing power generation unit 384 to create electrical power in accordance with the teachings herein. In some instances, the valve may direct all hydraulic fluid toward rotor.

[0064] Valve and turbine assembly 386 may be configured to selectively open and close using any suitable means as would be apparent to one skilled in the art in view of the teachings herein. For instance, valve and assembly 386 may be in operative communication with control unit 190. Control unit 190 may generate instructions for valve and turbine assembly 386 to open or close based on information received from sensor assembly 150 during illustrative use, information received from performance control assembly 152 during illustrative use, or any othersuitable information. Valve and turbine assembly 386 may be configured to open and close based on information received from rechargeable battery 382.

[0065] In some instances, valve and turbine assembly 386 may define a single fluid path, rather than a parallel fluidic circuit, such that all the hydraulic fluid is pumped past or through rotor of valve and turbine assembly 386. In other words, the single fluid path defined by valve and turbine assembly 386 directs pumped hydraulic fluid to suitably rotate rotor of valve and turbine assembly 386. It should be understood that in some illustrative examples, valve and turbine assembly 386 may not require an upstream valve to direct hydraulic fluid between multiple fluidic paths. Therefore, in some illustrative examples, an upstream valve may be omitted.

[0066] While in the current example, supply line 370 is modified with valve and turbine assembly 386 and power generation unit 384, this is merely optional. For example, return line 172 may be modified in substantially similar manner to supply line 370 described herein such that valve and turbine assembly 386, as well as power generation unit 384 are interposed between sections of return line 172. This power generation design lends itself to properly functioning and generating power, whether valve and turbine assembly 386 and power generation unit 384 are located on hydraulic supply side 370 or hydraulic return side 172.

[0067] While in the current example valve and turbine assembly 386 is used to convert hydraulic energy into a form of kinetic energy used by power energy unit 384 to generate electricity, any other suitable hydraulic energy converting assembly may be utilized as would be apparent to one skilled in the art in view of the teachings herein.

[0068] As mentioned above, power generation unit 384 is in electrical communication with rechargeable battery 382 via electrical communication line 186; and in some instances, is in direct electrical communication with suitable electrically powered components of land preparation apparatus 114, 114’. Power generation unit 384 is configured to transmit generated electrical power to rechargeable battery 382. Additionally, rechargeable battery 382 is configured to receive and store the generated electrical power from power generation unit 384.

[0069] Rechargeable battery 382 is substantially similar to rechargeable battery 182, 282 described above. Therefore, rechargeable battery 382 is configured to utilize the stored electricalenergy received from power generation unit 384 (or other suitable sources) in order to suitably power electrically powered components of land preparation apparatus 114, 114’ via electrical communication lines 186 extending therebetween.

[0070] As mentioned above, self-contained power assemblies 180, 280, 380 are configured to (A) generate and / or store electrical power during illustrative use of land preparation apparatus 114, 114’, and (B) utilize the generated and / or stored electrical power in order to electrically power various suitable electrical components of land preparation apparatus 114, 114’ . As also mentioned above, rechargeable battery 182, 282, 383 may be selectively removable from the rest of land preparation apparatus 114, 114’ such that rechargeable battery 182, 282, 382 may be removed and charged at a suitable charging station. In such examples, a charged battery 182, 282, 382 may be utilized to power electrical components of land preparation apparatus 114, 114’ during illustrative use in accordance with the description herein. Additionally, such a battery 182, 282, 382 may be charged at a location other than within land preparation apparatus 114, 144’ during illustrative use.

[0071] In some instances, it may be desirable for self-contained power assembly 180, 280, 380 to utilize stored electrical power of rechargeable battery 182, 282, 382 to electrically power suitable components of land preparation apparatus 114, 114’; while also not necessarily requiring self-contained power assembly 180, 280, 380 to convert kinetic energy of land preparation apparatus 114, 114’ into electrical power during illustrative use.

[0072] FIGS. 11-13 show an illustrative alternative land preparation apparatus 114” that is substantially similar to land preparation apparatus 114, 114’ described above, with differences elaborated herein. In particular, land preparation apparatus 114” includes an alternative self- contained power assembly 480 in replacement of self-contained power assembly 180, 280, 380 described above. As will be described in greater detail below, self-contained power assembly 480 is configured to electrically power suitable components of land preparation apparatus 114” without necessarily converting kinetic energy of land preparation apparatus 114” into electrical power during illustrative use.

[0073] In the current example, self-contained power assembly 480 includes at least one rechargeable battery 482 and a corresponding docking station 484. Rechargeable battery 482 may be the same as or substantially similair to rechargeable battery 182, 282, 382 described above, withdifferences elaborated below. Rechargeable battery 182, 282, 382, 482 may comprise any number of conventional rechargeable battery technologies, including but not limited to, lithium-ion batteries. Therefore, while rechargeable battery 482 is operatively coupled to docking station 484 in accordance with the description herein, rechargeable battery 482 may operate in a substantially similar manner to rechargeable battery 182, 282, 382 described above, with differences elaborated herein. Rechargeable battery 482 is configured to store electrical energy and selectively distribute the electrical power to suitable electrical components of land preparation apparatus 114”. As will also be described in greater detail below, rechargeable battery 482 may be suitably recharged via a separate charging station 500 (see FIG. 15) when detached from docking station 484. Therefore, self-contained power assembly 480 is configured to electrically power suitable components of land preparation apparatus 114” by storing electrical energy supplied from a charging station that is independent of land preparation apparatus 114”.

[0074] Docking station 484 is configured to selectively receive rechargeable battery 482 such that rechargeable battery 482 may (A) mechanically attach / detach to / from docking station 484 (and therefore mechanically attach / detach to / from land preparation apparatus 114”), and (B) electrically couple to suitable electrically powered components of land preparation apparatus 114” via docking station 484.

[0075] Docking station 484 is suitably attached to an interior of motor housing compartment 143 of housing 128. Housing 128 includes an access panel 147 that may be opened in order to provide access to docking station 484, thereby allowing a user to selectively couple / decouple rechargeable battery 482 from docking station 484 in accordance with the description herein. Additionally, access panel 147 may be closed during illustrative use in order to inhibit debris, rain, moisture, and / or other external elements from entering the housing compartment 143 storing docking station 484. Of course, housing 128 may define a separate compartment dedicated to housing docking station(s) 484.

[0076] As one example, docking station 484 may be mounted to the interior of motor housing compartment 143. As another example, docking station 484 may be slidably attached to the interior of motor housing compartment 143, thereby allowing a user to control the placement of docking station 484 within housing 128. Docking station 484 is in electrical communicationwith suitable electrically powered components of land preparation apparatus 114” (e.g., hydraulic sensor assembly 150, motor performance control assembly 152, control unit 190, other measurement sensors, etc.) via suitable electrical communication lines 186. Docking station 484 includes electrical contacts configured to electrically couple with complementary electrical contacts of rechargeable battery 482 when battery 482 is attached to docking station 484, thereby allowing rechargeable battery 482 to electrically power suitable components of land preparation apparatus 114” during illustrative use in accordance with the description herein.

[0077] Docking station 484 may include any other suitable components as would be apparent to one skilled in the art in view of the teachings herein. For example, docking station 484 may define a chamber and include latches, which are dimensioned to selectively receive rechargeable battery 482; thereby allowing a user to easily couple / decouple battery 482 to / from docking station 484. In some instances, battery 482 may include latches that allow battery 482 to selectively mechanically couple with docking station 484. Of course, any other suitable coupling structures associated with battery 482 and / or docking station 484 may be utilized in in order selectively couple battery 482 to docking station 484 as would be apparent to one skilled in the art in view of the teachings herein. In some instances, docking station 484 may include its own cover to protect electrical contacts from coming into incidental contact with undesirable elements, thereby inhibiting potential short circuiting of electrical contacts and / or other electrical components.

[0078] Rechargeable battery 482 of the current example may include a base 486, a top 488, and a display 490 associated with the top 488. Base 486 is configured to be received with docking station 484 while top 488 may rest on top off docking station 484 in order to allow a user to grasp battery 482 in order to couple / decouple battery 482 with docking station 484 in accordance with the description herein. Base 486 and top 488 may have any suitable shape and / or components as would be apparent to one skilled in the art in view of the teachings herein.

[0079] Rechargeable battery 482, while electrically coupled to suitable components of land preparation apparatus 114” via docking station 484, is configured to electrically power such components during illustrative use of land preparation apparatus 114” in accordance with the description herein. Therefore, while land preparation apparatus 114” is being used in accordancewith the description herein, electrical components of land preparation apparatus 114” are electrically powered by rechargeable battery 482.

[0080] Battery 482 may include any suitable circuitry, components, and / or features as would be apparent to one skilled in the art in view of the teachings herein. As one example, display 490 of battery 482 may be configured to display the expected charge and / or life of battery 482. Therefore, display 490 may allow a user to readily view how long battery 482 may power suitable components of land preparation apparatus 114” during illustrative use. Additionally, display 490 may allow a user to view the charging progress as battery 482 is suitably coupled to an independent charging station 500 (see FIG. 15) in accordance with the description herein.

[0081] In some instances, battery 482 or other suitable components of land preparation apparatus 114” may include circuitry that alters the performance of battery 482 based on the charge and / or life expectancy of battery 482. For example, if the charge of battery 482 is below a certain threshold value, battery 482 may only power certain electrically powered component of land preparation apparatus 114”, while refraining from powering other, less important, electrically powered components of land preparation apparatus 114”. In some instances, battery 482 or other suitable components of land preparation apparatus 114” may be configured to generate and communicate an alert signal indicating to a user that battery 482 needs to be replaced and / or charged. Of course, battery 482 and / or other suitable components of land preparation apparatus 114” may be configured to generate and communicate an alter signal for any other suitable indicator as would be apparent to one skilled in the art in view of the teachings herein.

[0082] FIGS. 11-13 show an illustrative coupling of rechargeable battery 482 to docking station 484. First, as shown in FIG. 11, a user may open access panel 147 in order to provide access to docking station 484. With access panel 147 open, as shown in FIG. 12, the user may insert battery 482 within the interior of motor housing compartment 143 in order to suitably attach battery 482 to docking station 484. With battery 482 suitably attached, as shown in FIG. 13, the user may close access panel 147, and then use land preparation apparatus 114” in accordance with the description herein. With battery 482 suitably attached to docking station 484, battery 482 may electrically power suitable components of land preparation apparatus 114” during illustrative use. If battery 482 requires charging, a user may open access panel 147, decouple battery 482 fromdocking station 484, and replace the low / dead battery 482 with a charged battery 482. The user may also charge the dead battery 482 and recouple the newly charged battery 482 to docking station 484 in accordance with the description herein.

[0083] As mentioned above, and as illustrated in FIG. 15, rechargeable battery 482 may be suitably recharged via a separate charging station 500. Charging station 500 is configured to receive and suitably charge battery 482. Charging station 500 may be configured to suitably charge any number of batteries 482 as would be apparent to one skilled in the art in view of the teaching herein, such as 1 battery, 2 batteries, 3 batteries, etc. In some instances, rechargeable battery 482, docketing station 484, and charging station 500 may be the same as or similar to conventional rechargeable batteries, docketing stations, and charging stations used in conventional powered hand and yard tools.

[0084] Independent charging station 500 may be disposed remote to vehicle 12 and land preparation apparatus 14. In other embodiments, independent charging station 50 is located on the vehicle 12 (e.g., in the cab). Independent charging station 500 is configured to receive electrical power from an external power source 502 via an electrical power line 504. Any suitable power source 502 may be utilized as would be apparent to one skilled in the art in view of the teachings herein. For example, if charging station 500 is located on vehicle 12, then charging station 500 may receive electrical power from the power source of vehicle 12. In such instances, a user may charge a first battery 482 via charging station 500 while using land preparation apparatus 114” with a second battery 482 installed thereon to power electrical components of apparatus 114”. Once the second battery 482 loses a sufficient amount of charge, the user may replace the second battery 482 with the charged, first, battery 482 and connect second battery 482 onto charging station 500 to recharge it in accordance with the teachings herein. If charging station 500 is remote, it may receive electrical power from a remote source such as AC power from an AC power outlet.

[0085] Rechargeable battery 482 and electrically powered components of land preparation apparatus 114” may be in suitable communication to determine when such electrically powered components require / demand electrical energy for suitable use in accordance with the description herein; and when such electrically powered components do not require / demand electrical energy.For example, electrically powered components may not require electrical energy when land preparation apparatus 114” is not being used in accordance with the description herein. In such instances, battery 482 may refrain from electrically powering such components.

[0086] As another example, battery 482 may electrically power electrical components for a predefined period before and / or after illustrative use of land preparation apparatus 114”. In some instances, electrically activated components may contain their own processing power, circuity, and / or self-contained power source (e.g., a smaller rechargeable battery) such that electrically activated components may communicate when there is a demand for electrical energy from battery 482. In such case, battery 482 may selectively charge and / or power such electrically activated components on demand of either electrically activated components communicating such a demand, or battery 482 self-determining that such a demand exists.

[0087] In some instances, land preparation apparatus 1 14” may have a switch that may be used to manually activate rechargeable battery 482 in order to electrical power suitable components of land preparation apparatus 114”. In some instances, battery 482 may be configured to communicate to an operator the expected life remaining in battery 482, such that an operator may receive a message indicating that replacement of battery 482 may be required.

[0088] In some instances, as shown in FIG. 14, more than one battery 482 and corresponding docking station 484 may be utilized. FIG. 14 shows another alternative land preparation apparatus 114”’ that is substantially similar to land preparation apparatus 114” described above, except that land preparation apparatus 114”’ includes an alternative self- contained power assembly 480’. Self-contained power assembly 480’ is substantially similar to power assembly 480 described herein, except that power assembly 480’ shown in FIG.14 includes three rechargeable batteries 482, each having a corresponding docking station 484. While three rechargeable batteries 482 and three docking stations 484 are shown in the current example, any suitable number of batteries 482 and docking stations 484 may be utilized as would be apparent to one skilled in the art in view of the teachings herein. In some instances, there may be more docking stations 484 than batteries 482. In some instances, one or more batteries 482 may have different characteristics compared to one or more other batteries 482. In some instances, one or more docking stations 484 may have different characteristics than the other one or more docking stations484. In some instances, one or more docking stations 484 may be configured to only receive a selective type of battery 482, while the other one or more docking stations 484 may be configured to only receive another type of battery 482.

[0089] In some instances, each rechargeable battery 482 and their corresponding docking station 484 are configured to provide electrical power to dedicated electrically powered components of land preparation apparatus 114”’. For example a first rechargeable battery 482 may be configured to electrically power sensors, while a second rechargeable battery 482 may be configured to electrically power a motor performance assembly.

[0090] In some instances, more than one rechargeable batteries 482 may be used to simultaneously power one or more of the same electrically powered components of land preparation apparatus 114”’. For example, all three batteries 482 may be used to simultaneously power all electrically powered components of land preparation apparatus 1 14’”.

[0091] In some instances, rechargeable batteries 482 may be used to power electrically powered components of land preparation apparats 114’” sequentially. For example, one or more batteries 482 may be used to power suitable components of land preparation apparatus 114’”. Once those one or more batteries 482 fail to carry a suitable charge, a subsequent one or more batteries 482 takes over and starts to power suitable components of land preparation apparatus 114’”. In other words, the subsequent one or more batteries 482 may act as a backup power source that starts electrically powering land preparation apparatus 114’” once the one or more primary batteries 482 fail to carry a sufficient charge.

[0092] In some instances, an illustrative method of powering one or more electrical components and / or systems on one or more of the land preparation apparatuses 114, 114’, 114”, 114’” herein includes one or more of the following: providing a conventional rechargeable battery, connecting the battery to a docketing station 484 on the land preparation apparatus 114, 114’, 114”, 114”’, powering one or more electrical components and / or systems with the battery, removing the battery from the docketing station 484, and connecting the battery to a charging station 500.

[0093] III. Illustrative Electrically Activated Components of Land Preparation Apparatus

[0094] As mentioned above, in some instances, electrically activated components of land preparation apparatus 114, 114’ may include an electrically powered performance monitoring system. Land preparation apparatus 114, 114’ of the one or more examples herein includes a hydraulic sensor assembly 150, a motor performance control assembly 152, and a control unit 190; each of which may contain suitable electrically powered components that are electrically powered by self-contained power assembly 180, 280, 380 via electrical communication lines 186.

[0095] Control unit 190 is in operative communication with hydraulic sensor assembly 150 and motor performance control assembly 152. In the one or more examples, control unit 190 includes a display 192, a processing unit 194, and a wireless transmitter 196; each in operative communication with each other. Display 192 is configured to display suitable information, as would be apparent to one skilled in the art in view of the teachings herein. Display 192 may be an LED display, a touchscreen display, or any other suitable display as would be apparent to one skilled in the art in view of the teachings herein.

[0096] Processing unit 194 is configured to receive suitable information obtained by hydraulic sensor assembly 150 (such as various measured parameters described herein). Processing unit 194 is further configured to utilize data obtained from hydraulic sensor assembly 150 (and / or other suitable sources of data) in order to generate and communicate a set of optimization instructions for motor performance control assembly 152. As will be described in greater detail below, motor performance control assembly 152 may utilize the set of optimization instructions received from processing unit 194 in order to modify the performance of hydraulic motor 144. Further, processing unit 194 may be configured to store such information and / or generated instructions for suitable use later on as would be apparent to one skilled in the art in view of the teachings herein. Processing unit 194 may include any suitable components as would be apparent to one skilled in the art in view of the teachings herein. For example, processing unit 194 may include a processor, memory, hard drive storage, etc.

[0097] Wireless transmitter 196, while entirely optional, may be utilized to establish communication between control unit 190 and an outside device, such as a cell phone, tablet,computer, etc. Wireless transmitter may communicate data generated during illustrate use of land preparation apparatus 114 to such an outside device for various suitable purposes, such as diagnostics, performance analysis, etc. Further, wireless transmitter 196 may receive data from an outside device, thereby allowing control unit 190 to receive software updates, etc. Wireless transmitter 196 may include any suitable components as would be apparent to one skilled in the art in view of the teaching herein.

[0098] Hydraulic sensor assembly 150 is configured to measure suitable parameters associated with the hydraulic fluid line running through motor 144. For example, hydraulic sensor assembly 150 is configured to measure the hydraulic flow and pressure within the hydraulic fluid line in fluid communication with motor 144. Therefore, hydraulic sensor assembly 150 may be configured to measure the hydraulic flow and / or hydraulic pressure generated by pump 15 of vehicle 12 and communicated to motor 144. In some instances, hydraulic sensor assembly 150 may be also configured to measure other suitable parameters (e.g., temperature, speed, etc.) associated with the operation of hydraulic motor 144 as would be apparent to one skilled in the art in view of the teachings herein. Hydraulic sensor assembly 150 may include any suitable components as would be apparent to one skilled in the art in view of the teachings herein. Such measurements may be obtained while motor 144 is actively rotating tool drum and tool assemblies (not shown) in accordance with the description herein. It should be understood such rotation of tool drum and tool assemblies (not shown) may occur while rotating tool assemblies are in contact with objects to cut, shred, mulch, or clear; and may occur while rotating tool assemblies are not in contact with objects to cut, shred, or clear.

[0099] Motor performance control assembly 152 is configured to alter the performance of hydraulic motor 144. Motor performance control assembly 152 may be configured to alter the speed-to-torque ratio output of motor 144 during illustrative use in accordance with the decision herein. Further, motor performance control assembly 152 may be configured to alter any other suitable motor parameter 144 as would be apparent to one skilled in the art in view of the teaching herein.

[0100] As mentioned above, motor performance control assembly 152 is in communication with processing unit 194. Additionally, processing unit 194 may generateinstructions for motor performance control assembly 152. Such instruction generated by processing unit 194 may be in response to data obtained by sensor assembly 150, or any other suitable data provided to processing unit 194 as would be apparent to one skilled in the art in view of teachings herein such as, for example, data acquired from an outside computing device (e.g., smart phone, tablet, laptop, etc.).

[0101] Instructions generated by processing unit 194, and received by motor performance control assembly 152, may optimize the performance of hydraulic motor 144 based on specific operating conditions. Such operating conditions may be constant or variable. An example of a constant operating condition may include the performance characteristics / type of pump 15 used to power motor 144 or any other suitable monitored operating conditions that may remain substantially constant during illustrative use as would be apparent to one skilled in the art in view of the teachings herein. An example of a variable operating condition may include the reactionary force (or lack thereof) imparted on a rotating tool drum / tool assembly while engaged with objects to cut, shred, mulch, or clear; or any other suitable monitored operating conditions that may vary during illustrative use as would be apparent to one skilled in the art in view of the teachings herein.

[0102] Therefore, processing unit 194 may utilize data provided by sensor assembly 150 while hydraulic motor 144 is operatively coupled with pump 15 in order to instruct motor performance control assembly 152 to fine tune the performance of hydraulic motor 144 based on the qualities of the specific pump 15. Additionally, or alternatively, processing unit 194 may utilize data provided by sensor assembly 150 while hydraulic motor 144 is rotating tool drum and tool assemblies (not shown) are engaged with objects to be cut, shredded, or cleared in accordance with the description herein, in order to instruct motor performance control assembly 152 to actively adjust the speed-to-torque ratio of motor 144 for optimum performance. Therefore, motor performance control assembly 152 may be utilized to fine tune performance of hydraulic motor 144 for constant and variable operating conditions.

[0103] IV. Illustrative Combinations

[0104] The following examples relate to various non-exhaustive ways in which the teachings herein may be combined or applied. It should be understood that the following examples are not intended to restrict the coverage of any claims that may be presented at any time in thisapplication or in subsequent filings of this application. No disclaimer is intended. The following examples are being provided for nothing more than merely illustrative purposes. It is contemplated that the various teachings herein may be arranged and applied in numerous other ways. It is also contemplated that some variations may omit certain features referred to in the below examples. Therefore, none of the aspects or features referred to below should be deemed critical unless otherwise explicitly indicated as such at a later date by the inventors or by a successor in interest to the inventors. If any claims are presented in this application or in subsequent filings related to this application that include additional features beyond those referred to below, those additional features shall not be presumed to have been added for any reason relating to patentability.

[0105] Example 1

[0106] A land preparation apparatus comprising: a rotatable tool having a longitudinal axis and comprising a body and a plurality of tool assemblies, wherein the plurality of tool assemblies are disposed on an outer surface of the body; a housing configured to selectively couple the land preparation apparatus to a vehicle, the housing comprising: a first end; a second end disposed opposite the first end, wherein the rotatable tool is rotatably connected to the first end and the second end; and a framework extending between and connected to each of the first end and the second end, an electrically powered component housed within the framework, a motor configured to drive rotation of the rotatable tool about its longitudinal axis relative to the housing; and a self- contained power assembly associated with the housing, wherein the self-contained power assembly comprises: a rechargeable battery configured to establish electrical communication with the electrically powered component, wherein the rechargeable battery, while in electoral communication with the electrically powered component, is configured to electrically activate the electrically powered component while the motor drives rotation of the rotatable tool.

[0107] Example 2

[0108] The land preparation apparatus of Example 1, wherein the self-contained power assembly further comprises a power generation unit configured to charge the rechargeable battery.

[0109] Example 3

[0110] The land preparation apparatus of Example 2, further comprising a drive shaft interposed between the motor and the rotatable tool in order to enable the motor to drive rotation of the rotatable tool about its longitudinal axis.

[0111] Example 4

[0112] The land preparation apparatus of Example 3, wherein the power generation unit comprises a generator configured to generate electrical power in response to rotation of the drive shaft.

[0113] Example, 5

[0114] The land preparation apparatus of Example 3, wherein the power generation unit comprises an alternator.

[0115] Example 6

[0116] The land preparation apparatus of any one or more of Examplesl through 5, wherein the motor comprises a hydraulic motor.

[0117] Example 7

[0118] The land preparation apparatus of Example 6, wherein the power generation unit comprises a hydraulic turbine in fluid communication with the hydraulic motor.

[0119] Example 8

[0120] The land preparation apparatus of Example 7, wherein the hydraulic turbine is located along a hydraulic supply line that is in fluid communication with the hydraulic motor.

[0121] Example 9

[0122] The land preparation apparatus of Example 7, wherein the hydraulic turbine is located along a hydraulic return line that is in fluid communication with the hydraulic motor.

[0123] Example 10

[0124] The land preparation apparatus of any one or more of Examples 1 through 9, wherein the rechargeable battery is configured to be selectively removed and attached to the housing.

[0125] Example 11

[0126] The land preparation apparatus of Example 10, wherein the self-contained power assembly comprises a docking station attached to the housing.

[0127] Example 12

[0128] The land preparation apparatus of Example 11, wherein the rechargeable battery is configured to be selectively removed and attached to the housing via the docking station.

[0129] Example 13

[0130] The land preparation apparatus of Examples 11 or 12, wherein the docking station is in electrical communication with the electrically powered component.

[0131] Example 14

[0132] The land preparation apparatus of any one or more of Examples 1 through 13, wherein the electrically powered component comprises a motor performance controller.

[0133] Example 15

[0134] The land preparation apparatus of any one or more of Examples 1 through 14, wherein the electrically powered component comprises a hydraulic sensor.

[0135] Example 16

[0136] The land preparation apparatus of Example 15, wherein the electrically powered component further comprises a control unit configured to receive information from the hydraulic sensor.

[0137] Example 17

[0138] A land preparation apparatus comprising: a rotatable tool having a longitudinal axis and comprising a body and a plurality of tool assemblies, wherein the plurality of tool assemblies are disposed on an outer surface of the body; a housing comprising: a first end; a second end disposed opposite the first end, wherein the rotatable tool is rotatably connected to the first end and the second end; and a framework extending between and connected to each of the first end and the second end, an electrically powered component housed within the framework, a motor configured to drive rotation of the rotatable tool about its longitudinal axis relative to the housing; and a self-contained power assembly associated with the housing, wherein the self-contained power assembly is configured to utilize the motor to generate electrical power to thereby electrically activate the electrically powered component.

[0139] Example 18

[0140] The land preparation apparatus of Example 17, wherein the self-contained power assembly comprises one of the following: a hydraulic turbine, a generator, or an alternator.

[0141] Example 19

[0142] A land preparation apparatus comprising: a rotatable tool having a longitudinal axis and comprising a body and a plurality of tool assemblies, wherein the plurality of tool assemblies are disposed on an outer surface of the body; a housing comprising: a first end; a second end disposed opposite the first end, wherein the rotatable tool is rotatably connected to the first end and the second end; and a framework extending between and connected to each of the first end and the second end, an electrically powered component housed within the framework, a motor configured to drive rotation of the rotatable tool about its longitudinal axis relative to the housing; and a power assembly associated with the housing, wherein the power assembly comprises: a docking station fixed to the housing and in electrical communication with the electrically powered component, and a removable battery configured to selectively attach to the docking station, wherein the removable battery is configured to electrically activate the electrically powered component while attached to the docking station.

[0143] Example 20

[0144] The land preparation apparatus of Example 19, wherein the removable battery is configured to be rechargeable.

[0145] V. Miscellaneous

[0146] It is noted that terms like “specifically,” “preferably,” “commonly,” and “typically” are not utilized herein to limit the scope of the claimed invention or to imply that certain features are critical, essential, or even important to the structure or function of the claimed invention. Rather, these terms are merely intended to highlight alternative or additional features that may or may not be utilized in a particular embodiment of the present invention. It is also noted that terms like “substantially” and “about” are utilized herein to represent the inherent degree of uncertainty that may be attributed to any quantitative comparison, value, measurement, or other representation.

[0147] Having described in detail and by reference to specific embodiments thereof, it will be apparent that modifications and variations are possible without departing from the scope of the invention defined in the appended claims. More specifically, although some aspects of the present invention are identified herein as preferred or particularly advantageous, it is contemplated that the present invention is not necessarily limited to these preferred aspects of the invention.

[0148] It should also be understood that any one or more of the teachings, expressions, embodiments, examples, etc. described herein may be combined with any one or more of the other teachings, expressions, embodiments, examples, etc. that are described herein. The abovedescribed teachings, expressions, embodiments, examples, etc. should therefore not be viewed in isolation relative to each other. Various suitable ways in which the teachings herein may be combined will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art in view of the teachings herein. Such modifications and variations are intended to be included within the scope of the claims.

[0149] It should be appreciated that any patent, publication, or other disclosure material, in whole or in part, that is said to be incorporated by reference herein is incorporated herein only to the extent that the incorporated material does not conflict with existing definitions, statements, or other disclosure material set forth in this disclosure. As such, and to the extent necessary, the disclosure as explicitly set forth herein supersedes any conflicting material incorporated herein byreference. Any material, or portion thereof, that is said to be incorporated by reference herein, but which conflicts with existing definitions, statements, or other disclosure material set forth herein will only be incorporated to the extent that no conflict arises between that incorporated material and the existing disclosure material.

[0150] Having shown and described various embodiments of the present invention, further adaptations of the methods and systems described herein may be accomplished by appropriate modifications by one of ordinary skill in the art without departing from the scope of the present invention. Several of such potential modifications have been mentioned, and others will be apparent to those skilled in the art. For instance, the examples, embodiments, geometries, materials, dimensions, ratios, steps, and the like discussed above are illustrative and are not required. Accordingly, the scope of the present invention should be considered in terms of the following claims and is understood not to be limited to the details of structure and operation shown and described in the specification and drawings.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A land preparation apparatus comprising: a rotatable tool having a longitudinal axis and comprising a body and a plurality of tool assemblies, wherein the plurality of tool assemblies are disposed on an outer surface of the body; a housing configured to selectively couple the land preparation apparatus to a vehicle, the housing comprising: a first end; a second end disposed opposite the first end, wherein the rotatable tool is rotatably connected to the first end and the second end; and a framework extending between and connected to each of the first end and the second end, an electrically powered component housed within the framework, a motor configured to drive rotation of the rotatable tool about its longitudinal axis relative to the housing; and a self-contained power assembly associated with the housing, wherein the self-contained power assembly comprises: a rechargeable battery configured to establish electrical communication with the electrically powered component, wherein the rechargeable battery, while in electoral communication with the electrically powered component, is configured to electrically activate the electrically powered component while the motor drives rotation of the rotatable tool.

2. The land preparation apparatus of claim 1, wherein the self-contained power assembly further comprises a power generation unit configured to charge the rechargeable battery.

3. The land preparation apparatus of claim 2, further comprising a drive shaft interposed between the motor and the rotatable tool in order to enable the motor to drive rotation of the rotatable tool about its longitudinal axis.

4. The land preparation apparatus of claim 3, wherein the power generation unit comprises a generator configured to generate electrical power in response to rotation of the drive shaft.

5. The land preparation apparatus of claim 3, wherein the power generation unit comprises an alternator.

6. The land preparation apparatus of claim 2, wherein the motor comprises a hydraulic motor.

7. The land preparation apparatus of claim 6, wherein the power generation unit comprises a hydraulic turbine in fluid communication with the hydraulic motor.

8. The land preparation apparatus of claim 7, wherein the hydraulic turbine is located along a hydraulic supply line that is in fluid communication with the hydraulic motor.

9. The land preparation apparatus of claim 7, wherein the hydraulic turbine is located along a hydraulic return line that is in fluid communication with the hydraulic motor.

10. The land preparation apparatus of claim 1, wherein the rechargeable battery is configured to be selectively removed and attached to the housing.

11. The land preparation apparatus of claim 10, wherein the self-contained power assembly comprises a docking station attached to the housing.

12. The land preparation apparatus of claim 11, wherein the rechargeable battery is configured to be selectively removed and attached to the housing via the docking station.

13. The land preparation apparatus of claim 11, wherein the docking station is in electrical communication with the electrically powered component.

14. The land preparation apparatus of claim 1, wherein the electrically powered component comprises a motor performance controller.

15. The land preparation apparatus of claim 1, wherein the electrically powered component comprises a hydraulic sensor.

16. The land preparation apparatus of claim 15, wherein the electrically powered component further comprises a control unit configured to receive information from the hydraulic sensor.

17. A land preparation apparatus comprising: a rotatable tool having a longitudinal axis and comprising a body and a plurality of tool assemblies, wherein the plurality of tool assemblies are disposed on an outer surface of the body; a housing configured to selectively attach the land preparation apparatus to a vehicle, the housing comprising: a first end; a second end disposed opposite the first end, wherein the rotatable tool is rotatably connected to the first end and the second end; and a framework extending between and connected to each of the first end and the second end, an electrically powered component housed within the framework, a motor configured to drive rotation of the rotatable tool about its longitudinal axis relative to the housing; and a self-contained power assembly associated with the housing, wherein the self-contained power assembly is configured to utilize the motor to generate electrical power to thereby electrically activate the electrically powered component.

18. The land preparation apparatus of claim 17, wherein the self-contained power assembly comprises one of the following: a hydraulic turbine, a generator, or an alternator.

19. A land preparation apparatus comprising: a rotatable tool having a longitudinal axis and comprising a body and a plurality of tool assemblies, wherein the plurality of tool assemblies are disposed on an outer surface of the body; a housing configured to selectively attach the land preparation apparatus to a vehicle, the housing comprising: a first end; a second end disposed opposite the first end, wherein the rotatable tool is rotatably connected to the first end and the second end; and a framework extending between and connected to each of the first end and the second end, an electrically powered component housed within the framework, a motor configured to drive rotation of the rotatable tool about its longitudinal axis relative to the housing; and a power assembly associated with the housing, wherein the power assembly comprises: a docking station fixed to the housing and in electrical communication with the electrically powered component, and a removable battery configured to selectively attach to the docking station, wherein the removable battery is configured to electrically activate the electrically powered component while attached to the docking station.

20. The land preparation apparatus of claim 19, wherein the removable battery is configured to be rechargeable.

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